Every week we aim to gather a summary of rugby across the whole club. The enthusiasm of our thriving Mini & Junior teams is well represented, however our Senior section is in need of support. If you'd like to cover the agony and ecstasy of Eccles Mens & Ladies Rugby with an occassional or regular match report please drop us an email volunteer@ecclesrfc.org.uk
SATURDAY 29 JANUARY 2022
2XV
Liverpool University Vets 7-12 Eccles
Awaiting match report.
HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022
LADIES
Eccles v Crewe & Nantwich
Awaiting match report.
SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022
SENIOR COLTS
Eccles 14-22 Rossendale
Awaiting match report.
SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022
U16s
Eccles 56-24 Littleborough
Eccles took on visitors Littleborough, looking to return to winning ways after consecutive defeats and with a few players sidelined, it looked like a tough challenge for the injury hit squad.
Eccles kicked off but the ball didn’t travel the required distance giving the away side some early possession, however some good defence from Eccles and a turnover from Josh meant Eccles quickly regained the ball with Jack C making early in roads until another error handed the ball back to Littleborough who looked to kick early. Although Matt H got a hand to the kick Eccles were caught ball watching allowing the visitors to kick through from the half way line all along the ground and eventually dive on the ball to open the scoring and give themselves an early 0-7 lead with a few minutes played.
Joe restarted the game and a short kick saw Scott ghost past the defence but failing to gather the ball meaning Littleborough had the chance to start in their own half but when the line out was deemed to not be straight Eccles had the chance to equalize, and should have done so when a pin point kick from Sam D caught the defence napping but Scott narrowly misjudged his chase and knocked on with the try line begging.
Littleborough dropped the ball out under their posts straight to Matt G who returned powerfully and although Cael set the next phase well, a poor pass from the ruck resulted in a knock on and a Littleborough scrum on their 40 metre line. Harry P was his usual tigerish self and won the ball in the breakdown but more lose passing gave possession away and with the away side looking to kick it meant Finn had another chance to show his pace, although Eccles kicked out on the full from the next phase.
Littleborough won the next line out and some expansive play got the visitors into the Eccles 10 but more good home defence won the penalty for not releasing, giving Eccles the chance to clear the ball. Eccles kicked down field from the lineout and a crunching tackle from the ever aggressive Sam D on the opposition's second row dislodged the ball. Disaster struck when from the resulting scrum a heavy pass hit Lucas in the chest, giving Littleborough a walk in try to move the score to 0-12 and presenting Eccles with an uphill task early in the game.
Abe gathered the restart and powered forwards whilst Matt G and Lucas made breaks downfield but a double movement from Joe let the visitors off the hook, more errors from both sides followed but Eccles got a foothold in the game when more tenacious Harry P defence from a Littleborough kick knocked the ball loose and Matt G was on hand to get a try back for Eccles; Matt H missed the extra points to leave the game 5-12.
Littleborough restarted the game with a kick to the try scorer and Matt made his way across the pitch and found Sam who threw an outrageous dummy to free up space on the nearside touchline and then drew the fullback and found Finn in support who flew in under the posts from the halfway line allowing Matt H to open his kicking account to make the game 12-12.
Lucas took the restart and made good yards to then win the penalty for offside and more strong running from Cael and Harry P allowed Joe the time to kick through with seconds of the first half remaining but the ball went dead to leave the game level at 12-12 at half time.
Littleborough got the second half underway and Sam D gathered the bouncing ball then cleared his lines, with the visitors kicking the ball dead. The referee awarded a penalty to Eccles for offside , Eccles took the scrum on their own 40 metre mark and a great break by Jack C with Matt in close support, found Finn again in support to romp home and give Eccles the lead for the first time and with Matt H relishing in his new role the score moved to 19-12.
Eccles were on the front foot now and more strong running from Matt G and Matt H kept the visitors honest in defence although a dropped ball gave Littleborough posession and when they kicked downfield it was Eccles who were penalised for offside following Finn’s kick and the away side took the quick tap to dive in with an easy conversion to follow tying the score up once again at 19-19.
Raff returned a deep kick off now playing for Littleborough as they were losing players, but Eccles forced the knock on in the next play to hand possession back and Matt G cut through the defence and only a last play knock on denied Eccles the next score although this wasn’t for long as Matt H won the ball back and then Joe dummied his way over to move the score to 26-19.
Jake took the restart and ploughed forwards and with both sides exchanging penalties and Sam D using his physicality to put big shots on the opposition whilst Josh was taking no prisoners with his destructive running another try looked on the cards but when Eccles lost the ball Littleborough moved it wide from the scrum and poor cover defence let the away side in for a score, but too wide for the conversion with the game finely balanced at 26-24.
Eccles were galvansied into action. Another Joe kick off caused problems and Scott jumped high to gather the ball and with the defenders not set Sam D side-stepped his way over without anyone laying a hand on him under the posts moving the score to 33-24.
Eccles scored back to back tries for the second time with Sam D taking the restart and a booming pass across the pitch found its way to Joe who turned the defenders inside out to gallop over from 40 metres out again giving Matt the easiest of kicks to make the score 40-24.
A scrappy kick off was fumbled by Eccles which gave the visitors the ball on the Eccles 10 but a tiring Littleborough side knocked the ball forwards which gave Harry P more possession and when Cael supported the ball and set it back the ball moved to Jack C who broke clear then found Sam D who fed Matt G to score outside , Matt was in fine form to move the score to 47-24.
The final score came when Harry P found Abe and Harry G in support and slick handling from Jack C to Scott found Matt G in space but Eccles were penalised for not releasing but when Littleborough dropped the ball from the lineout Matt G gratefully accepted the ball and strolled in to complete his hat trick - final score was 54-24.
Once Eccles cut out the handling errors and remained disciplined they were a real threat with pace to burn and some strong midfield running. Eccles can’t afford to give teams a two try head start every week though and a full 70 minute performance shouldn’t be far away.
Report - Andy Curran. Photos - Alison Dixon
A hard fought victory against a resilient opponent. The game remained a close contest until the lads finally got firing in the last third to finish strong. The players demonstrated good sportsmanship throughout - full credit to Abe, Harry G, Blake, Evan and Raff who played with commitment for Littleborough when called upon to keep things competitive. The performance showed good character, teamwork and discipline to recover from a poor start. With a run of tough fixtures ahead, a collective change in attitude to match preparation will be required if the U16s want to fulfil their potential and enjoy more wining rugby. MOTM is a difficult descison this week as there were several notable performances but i think Finn's and Mo's determined try scoring and the Captain's accurate kicking all deserve a special mention as they set the platform for the team to play with more confidence and composure. - CG.
HIGHLIGHTS
15' 0-12 Littleborough Try (5)
20' 5-12 Eccles try (Matt G) (5)
30' 12-12 Eccles try (Finn) (5) (Matt H) conv (2)
HT 12-12
40' 19-12 Eccles Try (Finn) (5) (Matt H) conv (2)
45' 19-19 Littleborough Try (5) conv (2)
50' 26-19 Eccles Try (Joe) (5) conv (Matt H) (2)
55' 26-24 Littleborough Try (5) no conv
60' 33-24 Eccles Try (Sam) (5) (Matt H) conv (2)
65' 40-24 Eccles Try (Joe) (5) (Matt H) conv (2)
67' 47-24 Eccles Try (Matt G) (5) (Matt H) conv (2)
70' 56-24 Eccles Try (Matt G) (5) (Matt H) conv (2)
U16 FORM: WWWLWWWWWWLWWLLW
SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022
U14s
Rossendale 25-27 Eccles
Eccles u14 boys made the trip to Rossendale this Sunday and came away with a hard earned 27-25 victory. The boys, as usual, made their life hard, starting the game like they were still asleep in bed wasn’t helped by playing up the uphill in the first half and after 15 minutes the boys had a 10 point deficit to make up.
As always, under adversity, they dug in and from their first foray into the home team’s 22, Ben’s pick and go round the corner ending up in him crossing the whitewash for Eccles first score. 10-5 soon became 10-10 with Eccles scoring their second try on the 20 minute mark. After some strong ruck play, Dom broke through, running the hard line, support play was excellent and after passing through several pairs of hands Dom got his hands on the ball again to cross in the corner.
Tails now up the Eccles boys kept their foot on the gas and quick thinking from Mikey from a penalty seem him cross the whitewash to take the lead. 15-10 up the Eccles boys dipped again and fair play to the home team they took advantage and themselves crossed in the corner at the stroke of half time to bring the scores level 15-15 on the half time whistle.
After some frank and honest discussions it was the Eccles boys who were putting things right at the start of the second half and after some excellent play through the phases, stand off and captain Mikey through an outrageous dummy and twisted his way across the line for his second try of the match. Eccles were back in the lead 20-15.
Again Eccles upped the ante and in a dominant phase of the game, hard work from the pack going through the phases gave Eccles field position. Then from the base of a scrum on the opponents 22 metre line, number eight Max picked up and burst through the opponents defence to cross under the posts and give Fin a chance to make the first conversion of the game. 27 -15 lead to Eccles going into the last 15.
Again fair play to the hosts who came back at Eccles again and put the boys under immense pressure which as a hole they handed admirably. Again the boys small squad took its toll and despite their best efforts and admirable defence, the home team crossed the Eccles line twice but crucially did not make a conversion leaving the Eccles boys 27-25 up with 5 minutes to play. Straight from the kick off the Eccles boys camped themselves deep in the opposition 22 and Adam was unlucky to have a try disallowed in the final minute when the referee blew for a knock on. This turned out to be the final play of a Topsy turfy nail biting game. Well done boys.
Report - Mark Thorpe
SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022
U12s
Eccles v Leigh & Tyldesley
It was a tough day at the office for Eccles U12's against Leigh and Tyldesley in this leg of the Waterfall Cup. We were under no illusion the boys knew they had a big day in front of them, Leigh are a great side and Tyldesley always give us a good game.
We had 11 lads so agreed with the other teams to play 10 a side to allow us 1 rolling sub. Jamie B kindly offered to sit out for the 1st stint.
Leigh started as they meant to go on, skillful passes and hard runs. They got the 1st try of the game after just 1 minute.
We were hesitant in some of the rucks and the ones we weren't, Leigh were good at jackalling for the ball and gaining possession. Scrums saw just 3 from each team due to the reduced numbers. Leigh were good at hooking the ball out and their passing was in point, forcing our boys to chase the ball, then quick passes back across the field saw them make the most of the space amd getting a few more tries. Just before half time Fin hit Leigh hard after a chaee from their own half, knocking their player into touch just before the try line. Top effort after a tough 1st half.
The second half saw much the same as the first although we were much betting the rucks. Bill, Owen and George were keen to clear out and were successful giving Eccles the chance to get the ball out. A few more tries from Leigh had the Eccles lads beat and i think they knew it. Heads were down which had the parents shouting to keep at it.
Leigh pushed hard and had us defending hard on the line. As they attacked they broke through but Fin managed to grip hold and held their player up of the ground to deny them another try. Well done to the Leigh boys. We can't win them all
Game ended 10 - 0 to Leigh.
The break in the games gave coach Chris chance to gear the boys up for the next game against Tyldesley (he was reffing Heaton Moor v Tyldesley so missed the Leigh game)
The boys knew where they had dropped off so went into the second game more fired up. Defence was much better and Owen did exactly what Fin did only with a bit more oomph.
Tyldesley's big lad broke through and smashed Owen hard to the ground but Owen managed to grab him and bring him down, staying underneath him long enough to hold him up and the ref called for a no try. George kept the pressure on which forced Tyldesley to attack hard but to be fair, Eccles defended hard. Jamie B almost buried one of the Tyldesley players allowing Jamie F to get the ball and make a good run. We had some good chances in the first half, first with Jamie's run, George almost got us on the score vards only to be stopped 10 yards off the line but Fin was successful after a run from our own half.
Half time saw it 4 - 1 to Tyldesley.
Harrison must have been listening at the break, he came back on and hit Tyldesley with everything he had. His rucking over and tackling kept Eccles alive.
Tyldesley had a lad who must have spread butter on himslef, he was slipping around almost untouched. If it wasn't for Eagle eyed Ste (Edward's dad) spotting he went into touch amd quickly raising his arm to let the ref know, he could have got Tyldesley another try.
The highlight of the game was George's kick from our try line over the top of the opposition. Fin chased and managed to pick the ball up, pass to Owen who added some yards.
A quick pop of the ball to Fin after being tackled allowed Fin to get us a try. Top effort by all three. Harry gave us hope with his determination and drive. He was strong in the rucks and although didn't win every loose ball, he was committed everytime and forced Tyldesley to drop off the pace. Fin got another try amd George got us one just before the final whistle. A much better effort and a good game to watch.
The game finished 7 - 4 to Tyldesley.
Well done to Harry who was awarded Coaches Player for his effort and to Owen who was awarded Player's player.
Report- U12s Coach Paul
SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022
U11s
Eccles v Preston Grasshoppers
The u11’s played a very competitive Preston squad that were very well drilled and had a great skill set. Preston had two teams and the first team provided us with a challenge that we had not faced before. The u11’s rules include tactical kicking. Preston kicked the ball throughout the first 10 minutes and it proved a good tactic to stop our flow. We couldn’t seem to find the answers to combat this style of play. We eventually lost this game.
In the second game it was a different Preston team who hardly kicked the ball but demonstrated great rucking technique and good passing style. These lads were big, strong and had a great tower of power in the ruck. The game was much more even as Eccles were used to physical games where they could unleash their aggressive style of play. The score over the two games was 9 -4 in favour of Preston. The boys did very well considering the Preston squad had been together since u5’s.
Report - U11 Coach Pietro
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SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022
U10s
Eccles v Preston Grasshoppers
U10 UNDEFEATED RUN CONTINUES
The u10s today made the trip to Lightfoot Green to play Preston Grasshoppers, who we opened our season to at home in October. In unusual Eccles fashion, we started red hot with 6 unanswered tries before the first half time, showing our brand of physical rugby and silky skills.
Preston began to get more rallied as the morning progressed, boasting around 25 players as opposed to our 11. This however didn’t matter, as we showed heart and commitment to push through and win both games, 8-5 and 8-6.
Player of the match was Kai today for his barnstorming runs and physical presence in both attack and defence.
We look towards next week now, where we make the journey to Burnley, and after that, it’s a return to Gorton Street for our highly anticipated match against Tydesley.
Report - U10s Coach Dan
SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022
U8s
Eccles v Preston Grasshoppers
Eccles U8’s travelled to to Preston Grasshoppers for a great morning of rugby.
Despite depleted squad numbers of 12 our Eccles Mighty U8’s split into two teams and played three lively matches.
Great sportsmanship, teamwork, passing, runs and of course try scoring made for an exciting time for both parents and coaches.
Our kids really enjoyed their trip up the M61 and the pulled pork barms afterwards.
Congrats to Rhodri our Eccles player of the week🏆 and to Ellis who also received a special mention from the Preston coach.
We look forward to travelling to Burnley next week.
As ever the coaches want to commend all our kids and parents who attend each week and help make Eccles a community club both Home and Away.
Report - Carmel U8s Manager
SUNDAY 30 JANUARY 2022
U7s
Eccles v Preston Grasshoppers
Our mighty u7's travelled to Preston Grasshoppers this week. Our three teams - Eccles Sausages, Eccles Predators and Eccles Dream Team - faced four Preston teams and each match couldn't have been more different!
A lot was learned by our little ones, who experienced some rather challenging behaviour from a couple of the Hoppers' sides. Our fantastic boys and girls showed such resilience though and fought on to take lots of tags and score tries a plenty. It was great to see the ball being passed around by the teams and the speed and fancy footwork being developed already by these youngsters.
Tons of Teamwork, Respect, Discipline and Sportsmanship on display by our Eccles teams, making managers, coaches and parents super proud! Well done boys and girls!
Report - Sarah U7s Manager
