Sun 1 Mar 2026, 14:00
In the reverse fixture in December Eccles were unlucky to lose 17-22 after a last minute try from Tyldesley snatched the win. With the benefit of a break Eccles were up for this match, believing it was a winnable game if we focused and played like we did against Tarleton a few weeks ago and attacked from the start. However late arrivals and some tired looking players manifested itself in a subdued, quiet warm up which transferred into the opening first few minutes where Eccles conceded a try after Tyldesley 13 bounced his way through our defence. 7-0
That seemed to wake Eccles up and what followed was a solid performance, especially in discipline and defencewhere we matched Tyldesley in strength and at times, we were actually stronger, especially in the scrums. Our determination was rewarded with a try from Elijah just on half time.
HT 7-5.
The second half didn’t relent and the pressure we put on Tyldesley's back line was impressive. But credit to Tyldesley's dogged defence, Eccles were unable to threaten the try line anywhere near as much as we should have. But thanks to Eccles own defence Tyldesley only had one more realistic chance of scoring but pushed the ball out over the dead ball line. The game remained a close contest with no change in the score.
FT 7-5
Understandably there was frustration in the post-match team talk, some with unnecessary finger pointing which was addressed by the Coaches, but this shows heart and that the result matters to the lads. There are always areas for improvement – a slow start with a soft try conceded, some handling and kicking errors, missed tackles and not recognising attacking opportunities. However there were also significant positives – only conceding one try compared to four (previously) against the top of the league team, persevering to the end and not giving up, keeping our discipline and receiving NO cards compared to two cards for Tyldesley (and earning much praise from the referee).
A number of notable performances today: Tyldesley’s parents chose Josh as their TREDS player of the match – “worked hard and made good ground with strong carries”
For the Eccles Coaches: Tobi, Ellis, Kyle and Fin again fought like Trojans and Dicko and Al made some strong carries and were a menace to TYD’s defence. However Elijah’s work rate and presence was significant today and he thoroughly deserved his try and Coach’s player of the match.
Next week is the Lancashire Cup Quarter Finals which is sure to be a tough game with Rochdale two pools above us, it’s one for the ‘under dogs’ and Eccles have a big bite!
