Sun 15 Mar 2020, 14:00
LANCASHIRE COLTS U18 TROPHY SEMI FINAL
HIGHLIGHTS
04’ 0- 3 PEN ALDWINIANS
17’ 0-10 TRY ALDWINIANS
25’ 0-17 TRY ALDWINIANS
27’ 0-24 TRY ALDWINIANS
30’ 0-29 TRY ALDWINIANS
33’ 0-34 TRY ALDWINIANS
HT 0-34
50’ 7-34 TRY ECCLES (Speakman) Conv (Speakman)
60’ 7-41 TRY ALDWINIANS
68’ 14-41 TRY ECCLES (Mulligan) Conv (Speakman)
FT 14-41
TEAM
- John Saunders, 2. Cammy Smollett, 3. Callum Fryer, 4. James Hooker, 5. Callum Brady, 6. Peter, 7. Max Mulligan, 8. Ryley Thorton, 9. Tom Bates, 10. Alex Speakman, 11. Cameron MacDonald, 12 Joe Malloy, 13. Dan Delaney, 14. Josh Masters, 15. Josh Stafford. Replacements 16. Fergus
REPORT
The colts have only succeeded in fielding a full team of 15 and a starting front row on only a handful of occassions this season and began the game in a positve frame of mind. The opening quarter of an hour of play was competitive, with Eccles holding their own agaisnt a very strong opponant from a division above who offered a big powerful pack of forwards and real speed in their backs.
Eccles worked hard to gain ground but were careless in possession and Aldwinans seized the first opportunituity gifted to them to counter attack and score on 17 minutes. Once the Eccles defence was breached, the flood gates opened, with blame eroding any belief in a convincing response. Full back Josh Stafford left the pitch injured and Eccles struggled to cope with the pace on the flanks, In the next 15 minutes Aldwinians ran in 4 tries in rapid succession - the first three all down the left wing and under the sticks, directly from poor restarts. With a few minutes to the break, Eccles made a determined effort to attack and reduce the deficit. However, the ball was spilled 5m from the visitor's line and a big boot out of defence, heading for touch, incredibly bounced inside the field, a 40m kick and chase ensued, and an unlikely score for Aldwininians at the other end just before the whislte.
With everything seamingly going against them in the first period, the break gave Eccles an opportunity to regroup for a much improved second half performance. With regained confidence the lads responded with committed tackling and sustained attacking threat. Good rugby was played by both teams during the opening exhanges wih Eccles havng the upper hand in posession and terriorty. At 50 mins fly-half Alex Speakman , evetnually unlocked the resilient Aldwinians defence with a beautiful running chip over the top which he collected without breaking step and rode the tackle to dive between the posts, converting his try. Eccles continued to apply the pressure for 10 miuntes and pinned Aldwinains into ther own half but were unable to turn momentumn into points. Aldwinians scored at 60 mins, against the run of play, with their big prop smashing through at close range following a breakout again down their left wing. Eccles were punished in the first half from poor restarts and made a better job of this one, regaining posssion and the game remained inside the visitor's half for the remaining 10 minutes, with Flanker Max Mulligan scoring a well desreved try at 68 mins to the right of the posts, converted by the trusty boot of Alex Speakman.
As the scoring sequence illustrates, Eccles responded to dominate the second half but the damage was done in a disaterous 15 minute spell in the 1st half with the visitors amassing an unasailable lead. Referee Mr Blackburn had an excellent performance and, considering the imporntance of the tie and the runaway scoring of the first half, both teams displayed good discipline throughout. Last season, the colts were defeated Finalists in this compettion and though it was disapointing not to have a consecutive opportunity to lift the county silverwear, Aldwinians fully deserved their victory and we wish them well in the Final.
Words Chris Gaffey, Photos Rob MacDonald / Chris Gaffey
Post script: Sadly, due to the COVID-19 panademic and Government restrictions, this was to be the last game of rugby played at Gorton Street in the 2019/2020 season. Acitvity at Eccles RFC was suspended on March 16th, League fixtures were curtailed by the RFU on March 20th and all cup competions, both senior and junior were cancelled. Colts End of Season report is now posted here HERE
