Sun 29 Sep 2019, 14:00
REPORT
Lancashire U18 Senior Colts Cup, Round 1.
The relentless rain set the tone for a miserable afternoon for the colts, although not one totally without highlights.
Eccles had managed to assemble a scratch 15 and for the first time this season were able to compete with contested scrums. The visiting team, from a division above, who looked to be a predominantly older squad, well drilled and fired up who put Eccles under attacking pressure right from the kick off adopting a aggressive attitude to score their opening try in the left corner after just 3 minutes of play.
Eccles responded from the restart with a rare foray into opposition territory pinning the visitors to their goal line in the corner. A penalty was awarded 10m out and the decision to go for the line out, not tap, was to be costly as Eccles squandered an opportuity to quickly draw level. As the game progressed Southport were to dominate possession and territory whilst Eccles struggled to escape their own half and hold onto the ball. The colts defence was determined and resilient for long periods keeping them in the game, but their care of the ball (in wet conditions) and decision making was to be costly. Eventially after 26 minutes of defiance, the Southport winger collected an exit kick that failed to find touch and the supporting fullback ran the ball into the exposed left corner to put them 0-12 ahead. (HT 0-12)
Eccles were reinvigorated after the break and found some attacking success by kicking deep. For 10 minutes or so Southport soaked up the pressure as Eccles played the game in their territory, but were unable to trouble the try line. During the midfield wrestle, the Eccles number 8 sustained an ankle injury in a tackle, which prevented him from continuing and Eccles played remaining 15 mins of the game with 14 men. Momentum switched back to Southport. With one way traffic and Eccles struggling to retain what little possession they enjoyed, Southport were able to score twice more to take the tie out of reach. 0-24.
Congratulations to Southport who were better in every department and deserving winners on the day. A tough day in the office for our new Senior Colts team who are still finding their feet and showed great spirit and character to the end. We can improve with better numbers and better commitment to training. If we continue to work hard for each and play with belief victories are not far away. We go again next week, away at Bury in the League.
HIGHLIGHTS
03’ 0-5 TRY Southport
26’ 0-12 TRY Southport; converted
35’ HT 0-12
55’ 0-17 TRY Southport
65’ 0-24 TRY Southport; converted
70’ FT 0-24
TEAM
1 John, 2 Brad, 3 Ellis, 4 Ollie, 5 James, 6 Kai, 7 Max, 8 Ryley, 9 Tom, 10 Alex, 11 Cameron, 12 Joe, 13 Dan, 14 Antony, 15 Tallis
