Sun 22 Dec 2019, 14:00
HIGHLIGHTS
12’ 0-0 Penalty awarded to Eccles, kick missed.
21’ 0-5 TRY Bury, in the corner, from scrum penalty; conversion missed.
HT 0-5
48’ 0-10 TRY Bury, from Scrum penalty; conversion missed.
59’ 5-10 TRY ECCLES, (Kai) in the corner; conversion missed.
68’ 5-15 TRY Bury in the corner; conversion missed.
FT 5-15
REPORT
As the scoring sequence suggests, this was a close competitive contest, with 1 try being the difference between two evenly matched teams for majority of the game and Eccles doing most of the defending.
With three colts making a welcome return to rejoin the squad from their respective colleges (Joe Borret at Wayne State, Nebraska, USA; Jay Christey at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire and Dan Reed at Myerscough, Lancashire) Eccles were able to name a starting team with a full front row and a replacement for the first time this season! However, injuries during the game prevented this triple bonus from having an influence on the result.
Eccles started the game positively and created a great platform inside the Bury 22 to open the scoring in the opening minutes, but squandered the opportunity through a failure to support with mumbers at the next breakdown (a recuring and familar trait this season). The next 10 mins was spent in the middle of the park with the vistors enjoying possession and probing for gaps. Eccles were awarded a penalty at 12 minutes, but the opportunity to break the deadlock was not taken. The Eccles scrum was strong and the tackling in defense was determined - but it had to be because a general lethargy in play, poor line speed, careless handling, innaccurate kicking and overall lack of urgency to the breakdown from Eccles meant that Bury were reguarly able to turn over possession and keep Eccles in their own half for most of the first half. With 20 mins played Bury were awarded a scrum penalty inside the 22 and went on to score in the corner through their winger. Eccles were fortunate not to be two trys down a few minutes later when Bury's passing let them down on the same right flank when they had worked a 3v1 overlap.
The effort and industry of Hooker Cammy Smollet was noteworthy, but unfortnatuely for him and the team, a neck injury with 30 mins played prevented him from continuing further, resulting in uncontested scrums, and it has to said, a loss of drive to the pack. Prop Joe Borret also sustained a foot injury reducing his impact and participation. Despite the performance, Eccles limped into the half time break just one try down. 0-5.
Eccles began he second half resolved to increase work rate and reduce their error count. Bury were able to make full use of their larger travelling squad, introducing fresh legs and within 10 minutes were awarded a scrum penalty inside the Eccles 22 when an attempt by the isolated Eccles winger to escape with the ball was swarmed and the resulting maul was held up due to lack of support. The Bury scrum half slips down the side of the (uncontensted) scrum, and weaving to evade two tackles he crosses the goal line unopposed. 0-10
Eccles responded and for the next 10 minutes play remained in the Bury Half. The collective work rate of the Eccles Back Row (Ollie, Jay, Kai) during this preriod was execeptional. Spotting an opportunity on the left flank, Kai showed great endeavor and spirit to cover the width of the pitch to support the attack and finished a terrifc drive in the corner with a fine try - a stand out highlight for Eccles. 5-10.
Remarkably, with 10 mins to go, Eccles are still in the fight and still able to get something from this fixture despite being far from their best- all they need to do is keep the ball. However, possession is again coughed up far too easily through poor kicking and poor support of promising attacking breaks from Josh, Tallis and Ollie. Bury retain the ball better and (aided by some weak tackling from Eccles who are tiring having spent 60% of the game defending) the visitors score their thrid and descisive try in the left corner, 2 minutes from full time.
Bury deservedly take the points.
A dispointing perfomance from Eccles , fairly reflective of the season so far, with the efforts of a few individuals standing out, but in the main, the team lacking alertness, fitness and familiarity. The colts defensive resiliance is comendable but let down by absence of attacking creativity, precision and commitment to support. Progress can be made and results can improve with a renewed New Year commitment to training.
Words Chris Gaffey, Photos Rob Macdonald.
Next fixutre is Quarter Final Lancashire U18 Colts Trophy 12th January.
