Sun 13 Oct 2019
Eccles Ladies v Crewe & Nantwich Ladies
REPORT
Eccles pressured the line, with Mikayla forcing a turnover, and Hannah using her footwork to gain ground against the opposition. With ball in hand, Crewe looked hungry in attack and their 1sttry was scored (conv.). Powerful tackles from Emily and Leah put pressure on the opposition and caused a knock on. From the Eccles scrum good passing from scrum half Lowri and LJ out wide to Mikayla resulted in a try (conv. missed). Pressure built from Crewe, and although good line speed from Karen, an opposition try was scored. Good running from Mikayla, LJ and Emily meant Eccles were in touching distance of Crewe. However, though good line speed and pressure from Eccles Ladies and the borrowed Crewe players, 4 more Crewe and Nantwich tries were scored in quick succession. Even though Sara launched a counter ruck, the ball was eventually turned over and though fantastic tackles from Eccles with Leah and Hannah leading the way, 2 more Crewe tries were scored just before the end of the 1sthalf.
HT 5-44.
Down to 13 in the 2ndhalf due to an injury, Eccles struggled against a 15 strong side, with Crewe running on the outside to score a try. Crewe’s relentless attack was temporarily paused with a great period of play from Eccles, with Karen, Hannah Lean and Siobhan building the phases in the forwards. However, another Crewe try followed shortly. It was very clear the advantage of more players as the Crewe attack continued. The ball was held up on the line through incredible defence from Eccles, but through a 5m scrum the ball was passed out to the Crewe winger and as play came back to the centre of the field a try under the posts was scored (conv.), shortly followed by another. An excellent push in defence by Eccles resulted in a turnover from Siobhan, and multiple penalties conceded by Crewe led to the ball going over the line albeit held up. From the scrum the ball was passed out wide from Lowri organising the backs, to the borrowed Crewe winger who crossed the line to score Eccles’ 2ndtry of the game. Towards the end of the game, Eccles slowed down the oncoming Crewe and had time to play, with an amazing line break from Hannah followed by good footwork and running by Leah, to allow the game to come to an end with the ball in Eccles hands.
FT 10-86.
Although the score line doesn’t reflect it, the Eccles Ladies that made the journey put in an incredible performance that they should be very proud of.
Forward of the match: Karen
Back of the Match: Lowri
