Sun 6 Oct 2019
Eccles Ladies v Manchester Ladies
REPORT
The 2nd game of the season started in the same way as the 1st with great Eccles pressure on the ball and fantastic line speed led by captain Siobhan with thumping tackles. However, Eccles’ enthusiasm in the rucks was deemed illegal resulting in a Manchester penalty which was kicked over the posts. The Eccles quick line speed continued with Kathy and Mikayla making superb tackles and pushing Manchester back. Great passes and strong running of ¾ of the pitch length from Mikayla to score under the posts led to the 1sttry of the day (con.). good running from Sara, Mikayla and Moly W meant good ground was made. When Manchester made a counterattack, a great covering tackle from Jess W stopped a potential try scoring opportunity, and the forwards hard work in defence was rewarded with the ball held up over the line. However, the constant pressure from Manchester ended with their 1sttry of the game after finding space out wide (conv.). Good attack from both teams towards the end of the 1st half meant everything was to play for in the 2nd half.
HT 7-10.
The 2nd half started slowly for Eccles and multiple missed tackles led to gained ground for the opposition and resulted in a Manchester try (conv. missed). Shortly after another Manchester try followed (conv.). However, Eccles fought back, with fantastic running from Leah, and precise passes from Siobhan and Mikayla. Multiple phases of play were constructed, with great running from Sara and Jess W interspersed with small and short balls from the forwards led by Sarah. This play continued to build after a few short Manchester attacks, and a quick succession of pick and go’s from the forwards culminated with Kathy going over the line to score Eccles’ 2nd try. It was then Manchester’s turn to have a period of attack and although smashing tackles from Mollie L and Mikayla held back the attack for a short while, Manchester pushed through, but was luckily held up on the line. Due to a period of multiple penalties against Eccles, a yellow card for Molly W was presented and a penalty try awarded to Manchester. The advantage in numbers for Manchester showed, and after a few missed tackles and good ground made form the opposition backs, another try was conceded (conv.). Although fatigue seemed to hit Eccles, they never gave in, and a smashing tackle from Jess W resulted in an Eccles penalty. With a base to work from, good handling from Leah, Siobhan and Karen allowed Eccles to gain ground up the pitch. However, a turnover from the opposition back row, and good handling from them allowed a break from their centres. Unfortunately, even a yellow card for Manchester couldn’t slow them and the 2nd half ended with them scoring their 6th try of the game, being ran the full length of the pitch (conv.)
FT 14-43.
A hard game for Eccles Ladies but a lot of positives to take from this game in to the next one.
Forward of the Match: Sarah Daly
Back of the Match: Jess W
