Sun 31 Aug 2025, 14:00
Pre-Season Friendly
The team had played Tarleton, as Juniors, a number of times over the years and although initially Eccles had the edge, in the two most recent games Tarleton had claimed 31-6 and 42-10 victories. Sunday’s pre-season friendly fixture saw both teams' field combined Junior/Senior colts teams which made for a promising contest, played in a format of four quarters (20mins) to allow for increased coaching opportunity.
With Eccles having an excellent turn out of 26 players, the visitors were able to experiment with positions. The game got underway in dry but blustery conditions, at a frantic pace whilst everyone settled in. Tarleton scored a well worked try (unconverted) and a penalty kick in the first quarter to take the lead 8-0. Tarleton were spreading the ball well and Eccles were giving away a number of fouls for basic mistakes. In the second quarter the weather turned and heavy rain made ball handling very difficult, leading to a number of errors for both teams. At the interval the score was still 8-0 to Tarleton with Eccles begining to gell as a team, commiting less penalities, with improved passing and running backing up some great tackling.
HT 8-0
Eccles were much stronger in the last two quarters, with strong running from Jenson, Alex, Dan and Josh finally rewarded with a try from Dom, leaping like a salmon over the line and duly converted by Josh to make it 8-7. Eccles looked to be on the brink of another try when Tarleton took advantage of a miscommunication between our defence and the ball was spilled, allowing Tarleton's full back to score in the final few minutes, ending the closely fought and well-spirited match.
FT 13-7
Overall, a great first game for the new Eccles team with a positive performance and plenty of areas for the players and coaches to work on.
Highlights
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Solid debut from Bart in his first ever game of rugby
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Junior Colts did not look out of place, stepping up to soak up the physicality.
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Great line outs and lifting with multiple steals from Tarleton’s throw in by Joe and Dicko.
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Genuine positivity and support from the Seniors towards the Juniors, with mature insightful feedback from players like (Alfie) Mason and Dom in the post-match team talk.
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Massive thanks to Dennis for taking the time to capture the footage in such miserable weather and to the parents who travelled to support. YOU TUBE MATCH VIDEO: Tarleton v Eccles Senior Colts 31/08/25
Thanks to the Coaches for successfully managing game time for a 26-player travelling squad (players please update your match availability in advance to help with advance planning) Our next game is AWAY, Sunday 7th September against Preston Fireflys in our first Colts League fixture of the season.
