In what was testing and very wet conditions, Broughton Park edged out victory with better game management. Preparation appeared to be good with help from Luke Cox, as the warm up was well drilled and organised. We spoke about starting strongly, not wanting to wait until 20 mins had passed before starting to play. Unfortunately, we didn't listen to our own words, with Broughton playing with more intensity, and also taking advantage of our poor discipline. We struggled to stop Broughton on the gain line, and couldn't wrestle momentum our way. This eventually resulted in a quick tap penalty taken by a Broughton player who ran through to score 7-0. More of the same continued, with Broughton continually making yards in attack. With slow line speed and weaker tackling, it was inevitable that we'd concede another try. After this we finally worked things out, running harder and with more intensity. Now we had territory, the pick and go was working well, and finally we managed to get over the try line with Chris Ward burrowing his way over the line. Definitely still in the game at half time.
The second half started with worsening weather conditions, and Broughton Park came back out clearly wanting to play the territory game, as they kept kicking the ball deep into our territory. It was clear they had the better tactics, and with us failing to clear our lines, Broughton managed to score another try through some weak tackling. It was only really now we started to play, with the driving maul making yards. The pressure finally told, with Jamie Kingdon powering over from short range. More Trafford go forward from the kick off gave us another attacking lineout. The forwards almost scored from the driving maul, and as the ball went wide, Joe Walls grabbed the final score of the game.
Final score 25-19, with 3 tries each. Two kicked penalties gave Broughton the final result. On reflection, we didn't play the referee very well in the first half. This allowed Broughton so much territory and inevitably they took advantage of this. Broughton also played the better tactics, with a much better territorial kicking game. On a positive note, we didn't give up, and continued to play to the final whistle.
Tries: Chris Ward, Jamie Kingdon, Joe Walls Conv Aaron Booth 2/3.
We play Broughton Park away again on Oct 4th.
Dates for the Diary
Monday - Social Touch Rugby 7.00pm - New Players Welcome speak to Squidge for info or message Wilf
Tuesday / Thursday - Senior Men's / Senior Women's Rugby Training
Wednesday - Walking Rugby for Over 50's and newcomers to the game - 6.30pm - New Players welcome. Contact wilfdooley@virginmedia.com
Saturday - Social Touch Rugby 9.00am - New Players aged 12 years and above welcome Contact Wilf Dooley 07771 913994
November 7th - Bonfire and Fireworks Night
