Sun 13 Oct 2019, 14:00
REPORT
NW Colts League Senior D
The Eccles Senior Colts last faced Makos in April's Lancashire County U18 Colts Trophy Final, the outcome of which was determined by an uncharacteristic sluggish Eccles start and an aggresive first-half attacking performance from the strong combined team of the Manchester and Stockport Rugby clubs. Earlier in the season, in a September League fixture, Makos had arrived at Gorton Street with a full bench of 22 to face 14 Eccles players, determined to make the best of their numbers. The advantage of replacement fresh legs saw Makos claim a 22-41 victory that day, and it would be a few more weeks of toil and gritted teeth before Eccles would find the winning form that would lead ultimately to a successful season with silverware.
And so, with the same belief and a very familiar set of circumstances, the bare 15 Senior Colts of Eccles (11 of whom are U17s) took on the 23 of Makos on Sunday and did their club, their parents and themselves proud.
Eccles were well prepared for an early assault on their lines and soaked up the pressure for the opening 5 minutes with an excellent defensive set, preventing any penetration from the big Makos forwards through their lines. The game had kicked off in drizzle and the handling of both teams was effected by the slippery conditions with Eccles taking a little more care of the ball and faring slightly better in the knock-on count.
Precision kicking from Alex and Joe advanced the game into the opposition 22 where it remained for the next 5 minutes. At 7 minutes, Eccles were awarded a Penalty 30m out on the right which narrowly misses the left post. Eccles continue to apply the pressure and a big hit in midfield from the captain kept play in the right area. Makos loose possession and their discipline and the ref marches them back 10m. Eccles seize the opportunity and the forwards build phases. A PnG from James disrupts the Makos defence and sets up an effective drive and lunge over the line for centre Dan to score the first points of the game; converted by Alex. 7-0.
Eccles continue to attack and dominate possession, with Makos struggling to escape their own territory. The industry of Kai in the back row is impressive as is his sportsmanship when apologising for an unavoidable high tackle when a Makos back slips low under him. Eccles earn but fail to score a second Penalty, this one from the left, but momentum remains with the home team. As we approached half time, an excellent passage of attacking play from Eccles sees the ball moved rapidly from a ruck across the field, Ollie transferring under pressure of a tackle, to Max who displays deft handling (for a Flanker) onto fullback Tallis to finish bravely in the left corner. Try; not converted 12-0. Really GREAT rugby to see from a group of lads beginning to click as a team. A very good first half for Eccles.
HT 12-0
Makos bring on 7 or 8 replacements at the break and look to respond immediately to the score line but Eccles once again withstand the predicted initial barrage with resolute defending. As the second half progresses Eccles continue to compete and take the game to the opposition. For 18 minutes there is no change in score and the game remains mostly in midfield. John suffers a back injury taking the ball into contact but is able to solider on. Eccles enjoy decent possession, success at the line out, a great turnover count and show good discipline. The Tom, Joe, Alex, Dan axis is working well. Tallis and Cameron are identifying the space and the danger. Peter new to Rugby Union, and Anton making a great comeback are making solid contributions. At 55 minutes, sustained pressure from Eccles high up the pitch leads to James superbly intercepting a pass and he charges for the corner. The Eccles work rate has been exceptional but a lack of arriving support at the breakdown is the first evidence of Eccles fatigue, as they loose the opportunity to consolidate their authority. A few minutes later, still inside the Makos 22, Eccles have another chance to increase their score. A lack of composure and clinical passing in attack, when it mattered most, lets Makos off the ropes and they exit with speed up the left wing. It’s a harsh lesson to learn. Within a few seconds a 10m line out at the other end results in an unstoppable driving maul and Makos score their first points in the corner. 12-5.
Eccles are tired, Makos smell blood. Straight from the restart they regain possession and score again! 12-12. Eccles fail to win possession again from the restart and with an attack up the left wing Makos score again in the corner. 12-17! Incredibly, after 60 minutes of play with Makos chasing the game, suddenly within 6 minutes they’ve scored 3 tries and are ahead, to the joy of their large travelling support on the balcony. Such is rugby.
The Eccles colts dig deep to find a response to from inside themselves. With great drive and belief they battle back, emptying the tanks with their commitment to attack. It’s a very exciting end to the game with Peter, Ollie and James all giving their all in an attempt to break through the Makos defence before number 8 Ryley powers through in the left corner to level the score, with 3 minutes left on the clock. 17-17.
It would appear the Eccles colts, for the second week running, have found a strong finish to earn themselves a share of the points, against the odds. However a Makos Penalty awarded in the final seconds gives them a 'last play' opportunity to steal the victory. The kick strikes the post, they catch the ball, drive to the corner, and brave defending can not prevent the score as the bodies fly in. Whistle.
FT 17-22
Another hard to swallow defeat for the Colts but a performance to be proud of.
Understandably the visitors were delighted with their late last gasp victory, but our lads to their credit, took the kick to the bollocks with admirable fortitude. Our thanks to the Referee Mr Trickett for his management of the game and clear explanations to the players. Considering it was a very competitive close contest, the match was played in a good spirit, with discipline of both teams good throughout.
The new team continues to improve with each game and the coaches could not be happier with the positivity, creativity and leadership displayed on the field. If we continue to play with that level of belief and commitment the wins WILL come. With this kind of grit, determination and resolve, just imagine how good we could be if we actually trained, turned up on time and had a few subs!
We hope the lads who appear to have lost interest regain their appetite and return to enjoy the unique 'character-building’ experience that is Eccles Colts! Training with the Seniors is Tuesdays and Thursdays 7pm and we continue to look to recruit for the squad.
Our priority at Eccles is that lads play rugby. Development of our Home-grown talent and cultivation of resilient young leaders is at the very heart of our club. As a club we adopt the ‘Game On’ principle and make every attempt to compete, get games played and complete every colts fixture, regardless of a shortage of players. Crying off is not the Eccles way.
Next week, Kendal at Home.
HIGHLIGHTS
07’ PENALTY ECCLES (missed)
13’ 7-0 TRY ECCLES (Dan Delaney); Converted (Alex Speakman)
30’ PENALTY ECCLES (missed)
34’ 12-0 TRY ECCLES (Tallis Keeler)
HT 12-0
58’ 12-5 TRY MAKOS
61’ 12-12 TRY MAKOS; converted.
64’ 12-17 TRY MAKOS
67’ 17-17 TRY ECCLES (Ryley Thornton)
70’ 17-22 TRY MAKOS
FT 17-22
TEAM
1 John Saunders, 2 Anthony Davis, 3 James Hooker, 4 Oliver White, 5 Peter Adinnu, 6 Kai Sumner, 7 Max Mulligan, 8 Ryley Thornton. 9 Tom Bates, 10 Joseph Malloy, 11 Cameron MacDonald, 12 Alex Speakman, 13 Daniel Delaney, 14 Anton Stewart, 15 Tallis Keeler.
Words Chris. Photos Rob.
