Sat 17 Sep 2022, 15:00
Lancashire & Cheshire Counties 2
Eccles First XV bounced back into form this weekend with a tremendous victory over League leaders De La Salle at Lancaster Road, where Eccles last recorded a win 11 years ago.
In anticipation of a tough encounter our selection committee picked as big as was available and their decision was proved correct as De La Salle threw everything into the encounter. The Eccles forwards were often put under pressure, by the pick and go tactics employed by the physical Della pack, however, the Eccles defence was well organised with a steely resilience. Adam Christie stood out, with his tackle and jackle technique earning him three turnovers during the no quarter given, contest up front.
Our backs re-discovered their accuracy in distribution and their execution of the chances they created, was admirable. Indeed, from the off, they caught Della cold with a stunning second-minute try in the corner, courtesy of centre Jack Flanagan. (0-5). Della hit back almost immediately with a penalty (3-5).
From the restart Gavin Ackers-Johnson regained possession, chasing up the kick off and beating his opponents to the ball. Setting up the ruck, there followed a swift passing interchange between the combative Tom Coe and Steve "rolling back the years" Lillie, gaining good ground for Eccles who were now dominating the first half. Scrum Half Sam Long distributed the ball with aplomb and his half-back partner James Wright was selecting long miss passes to his fleet of foot wingers and short passes to his rampaging centres. It was only a matter of time before Eccles scored again as the Della defence creaked under persistent pressure. It was winger Tim Balogun, enjoying a fine run of top form with his mix of pure pace and tricky feet making him a joy to watch, who was to score to increase the Eccles scoreline (3-10). Soon after Della kicked another penalty (6-10) and approaching half time Eccles continued to apply further pressure with Harry Candland almost getting away, followed closely by a powerful burst from second row Frosty, who was proving to be a handful in the loose.
HT 6-10
A couple of changes were made up front as Javi Mazanares took a well-deserved rest as did Harry Candland in the centre. For their part, Della decided that they would try to change the dynamic of the game to break the rhythm that Eccles were finding. They became more aggressive in their approach, trying to dominate the set piece with some bad tempered tactics. To the credit of the Eccles lads, our forwards responded, fighting fire with fire, where necessary and setting up possession from some tidy line out work, in particular. Intense pressure on the De La Salle line saw the first yellow card shown to a defender. (Later in the match this would be followed by a red card for the hosts). Eccles took the re-start quickly and sent the ball wide to Jack, who scored his second try of the game. James Wright slotted his first conversion to put Eccles further ahead (6-17).
Once the arm wrestle began to subside, it was time for the Eccles back line to shine again. Accurate inter-passing and blistering pace saw, first Tim Balogun go close, before Gav, who sold a cracking dummy to score between the posts (6-24). Will Parkinson collected a loose ball in his own half. His strong acceleration down the middle totally bemused his opposite number, as he showed the entire Della backline a clean pair of heels, going 50 metres to score between the posts. (6-31). The fullback position seems to suit Will, giving him more options and a little more time on the ball than when on the wing and this position will form one of many discussions in selection next week as players compete for a place.
Della score (13-31) but Eccles responded and Aussie centre Rayden Brice was next to show his ability, as he produced a strong barrelling burst in the midfield, scattering his opposition like nine pins in his wake, before scoring between the uprights. JW added the conversion (13-38). The hosts recorded the final try of the day but their two late scores were of no consequence to the result.
FT 18-38 to an impressive Eccles outfit.
Report D N
HIGHLIGHTS
0-5 TRY ECCLES (Flanagan)
3-5 PEN DE LA SALLE
3-10 TRY ECCLES (Balogun)
6-10 PEN DE LA SALLE
HT 6-10
6-17 TRY ECCLES (Flanagan) Converted (Wright)
6-24 TRY ECCLES (Gav Ackers-Johnson) Conv (Wright)
6-31 TRY ECCLES (W Parkinson)
13-31 TRY DE LA SALLE
13-38 TRY Eccles (Brice) Conv (Wright)
18-38 TRY DE LA SALLE
FT 18-38
