|
 |
|
|
 |
| |
news
| |
|
 |
| Date: |
07.02.2010 - 13:14 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
| Links: |
n/a |
|
|
|
Wilmslow 58:3 Aspatria
The game lasted 80 minutes and 75 of those were played in the Aspatria half. Aspatria defended almost from first to last whistle. It took Wilmslow 18 minutes to score their first try but from this point the pressure was relentless and the result never in doubt. The visitors conceded a further two tries in the first half and turned round facing a deficit of 27:3. Aspatria’s only points coming from a long range Steven Stoddart penalty.
Wilmslow added a further 4 tries in the second period to close out a comfortable win of 58:3. Throughout the game Aspatria stuck to their guns but lacked both organisation and confidence. Against a well drilled Wilmslow side heart was never going to be enough.
Other stats
- Jack Clegg was concussed on 30 minutes. He played on to half time but was then replaced.
- Steven Stoddart was sin binned on 65 minutes for preventing Wilmslow from taking a quick penalty.
-  Jacques Rowe was sin binned on 70 minutes for an illegal tackle. |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Date: |
02.02.2010 - 11:25 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
| Links: |
n/a |
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Date: |
31.01.2010 - 16:59 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
| Links: |
n/a |
|
|
|
Yet another fixture was yesterday lost to the weather. The cold snap on Friday night surprised us all. A slight frost was predicted but in the event the temprature at Bower Park fell to -6c.
A pitch inspection was held on Saturday morning and at 9.30 am the ground was clearly unplayable. However, tempratures were rising and it was decided that Leigh should be informed of this and given the choice of wether to travel or not. In fairness to them they took the positive decision to make the long journey North.
Unfortunately, the gradual thaw did not come fast enough to allow the game to proceed and prospects of a game were abandoned at 1.30 pm.
We are now 4 fixtures behind. We will catch 1 up next Saturday with the re-arranged visit to Wilmslow. The other 3 dates are yet to be confirmed but it looks certain that one from either Broughton Park or Leigh will be visiting Bower Park on Easter Saturday [3rd April]. The League Secretary will have a hard job to keep everyone happy. If more fixtures are lost to the weather, his task will be nigh impossible. |
|
| |
|
| • NORTH 1 WEST - RUGBY ROUND UP |
|
|
|
|
| Date: |
28.01.2010 - 11:11 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
| Links: |
n/a |
|
|
|
Games on Saturday January 23rd 2010
Lymm beat Tyldesley with some ease and second placed Northwich also ran out comfortable winners over Wilmslow. With Broughton Park, AK, LSH and Sandbach all winning the situation remains tight for runners up position with just 2 points covering the 5 teams beneath Lymm.
Of the teams trying to stay up, Vale of Lune lost, but only by an 8 point margin away at LSH. Aspatria had a better day at Burnage but still lost.
Broughton Park 43-12 Blackburn
Park restarted their season with an emphatic win over Blackburn. They scored three free running tries early on but then drew back a little according to reports from their camp and allowed Blackburn to come back. A strong finish however enabled them to restore a better look to the scoreboard. For Blackburn it was another difficult day made worse by the resignation of club coach dave Muckalt post-match.
Burnage 22-7 Aspatria: Full match report in preceding articles
Leigh 11-28 Altrincham Kersal
Altrincham Kersal took an early lead through a Chris Stewart penalty, only to lose when Leigh's Terry Knapman equalised it after 15 mins. Another Srewart penalty made it 6 - 3 for the visitors but, once again, Leigh equalised. This time it was a well-taken drop goal by Leigh's captain David Wood. Both sides were creating chances, with the Leigh backs looking verry sharp but neither side was able to get over the other's line. Then, just about on half time, Kersal's captain Dan Smith, cut away from a scrum, made yards through mid-field and gave the scoring pass to Peter Kilburn. Stewart converted, to bring half time and a Kersal lead of 13 points to 6. Kersal were first to score in the second halfafter Paul Edwards made a scorching run from inside his own half to touch down for a try and another Stewart conversion. Leigh's cause hadn't been helped, first by having a forward yellow carded in the first period and then a red card given to a forward well into the second. They still fought hard though and were able to notch up a 5-pointer when David Wood touched down after they drove from a 5 metre line out. But another Stewart penalty increased the gap between the scores. And when Dylan O'Grady crashed over for a try from a line out, that sealed the victory for Kersal and kept them in third place in the league.
Liverpool St Helens 29-21 Vale of Lune
Liverpool St Helens restarted their North One West campaign with two hard earned points against a competitive Vale of Lune.
After the long absence it was if both sides needed the first half to warm up. 9-6 at half time all through penalties, the game exploded into action in the second half with five tries, two conversions, two penalties and four yellow cards. Greg Smith landed three out of four attempts for LSH and James Hodder replied with two out of three for Vale in a first half which saw LSH dominate possession and territory but fail to make it count. Then, three minutes into the second half, LSH, inspired by stand-off Simon Worsley all afternoon, swung the ball along the backs for young full back John Pape to score in the corner. Vale replied immediately with a try from Fraser Spavin running through from a lineout before LSH centre Dave Cunliffe crashed over from 15 metres in the 54th minute. Smith and Hodder then slotted a penalty each to make it 24-14 after 65 minutes followed by a frenetic twenty minute spell in which both sides had two men sin-binned. Amazingly, the sides were back up to a full complement during the lengthy time added on in which both sides scored again. LSH winger Ian Stanley notched his 17th of the season and Vale’s Marc Kellett grabbed a try with the final play.
Lymm 41-0 Tyldesley
Lymm continued their fine home form. They have now notched 19 consecutive wins, stretching back to Oct 2008. Impressively by “nilling” the visitors Lymm now record the best home defence of any team in the top 6 tiers of English rugby with a paltry 48 points conceded. The league leaders were able to give a debut to new scrum half, Luke Stringer. Having had spells at Macclesfield, Sedgley Park and Waterloo his experience and quality will be a massive boost to Lymm as they look to secure their first league championship for years.
In an unusual game Lymm started and ended brightly but, frankly, lost the territorial battle in the middle part of the game. The visitors, struggling at the wrong end of the season, will find it hard to believe that they have failed to score a single point against Lymm this season though they dominated possession in both games. With no games for a fortnight it was important Lymm started well. They did. Williamson notched a hat trick in 17 mins. The first in only 35 seconds, charging down a defensive clearance. When Stringer went over for his first, but may I suggest not his last, try on 24 mins a cricket score looked on the cards. Injury to hooker Harrison on 25 mins seemed to mark a change in impetus. Tydlesley stepped up and began to create some threat but failed to pierce the impressive Lymm defence. 24-0
Indeed this was the pattern for the restart and only when coach Kinsey finally called up replacements Fletcher and Millachip did Lymm regain some momentum. Jack Johnstone flew over on 71 minutes after a superb break from fly half Hughes and Fletcher. A 20 metre from old timer Millachip released Knowles on 77 mins and then Johnstone stormed over again after an awesome pass from second rower Pickles. Knowles was a little off colour with his kicking, notching a mere 3 conversions.
Coach Steve Rule reflected. “to score 41 points without reply when we had less than 50% of the ball shows how dangerous we are in possession and how strong we are in defence” Kinsey mirrored this view “considering the 2 week break we looked sharp in attack but we must be aware of the factors that deny us possession. It will be tough next week against a team who, apparently, are trying to buy their way out of relegation”’
Debutant Stringer seemed impressed “We started really well, generating quick ball and moving them about, which our outside backs enjoyed, scoring some good tries. However we let our foot off the gas in the middle part and let them back in. I though the scoreline was just and we deserved the points. The lads have welcomed me with open arms and I have settled in really quickly and I am enjoying rugby again". 41-0
New Brighton 15-21 Sandbach
General opinion on the terraces took the view that Sandbach, being the more imaginative side on the day, deserved their victory but they were well assisted by the problems New Brighton have in turning possession and territory into points. It is not that the Blues lack talent in the side. Birley has played at three levels higher than the club’s current position, Mafi has power and pace to force his way through a gap and Sean Ellis is no slouch either. Gareth Simpson and Andy Signal on the wings are both capable of making a considerable contribution but feature too rarely in the game.
A great start by the Blues some great driving play by the forwards and fluid movement involving both backs and forwards in the open pushed the game into the Sandbach half from the kick off. For the whole of the first quarter Sandbach were almost totally pinned in their own half but the Blues failed to find the way to unlock the determined defence and had also failed to convert an eminently kickable penalty. Sandbach, having defended their line successfully made the break out, putting the pressure on the New Brighton defence and completing a move which saw flyhalf Cargill steaming through a gap to score on 25 minutes. A conversion by the same player put New Brighton 7 points in arrears when conceivably they should, by that time, have been 10 points in the lead.
Although Loa Tupou reduced deficit to two points when forced over the line by a well organised drive soon after, the Blues still struggled to get onto the front foot. Sandbach restored their lead at the end of the half after a sustained attack created an opportunity for Cargill to again ghost through, though, on this occasion his boot let him down and he failed to claim the extras. Half Time Score New Brighton 5 – 12 Sandbach
A penalty goal bringing the score to 5 – 15 on 46 minutes added to the problems which were exacerbated as New Brighton were again forced back to within 10 metres of their line immediately from the restart. Remarkably, the line remained intact and it was much against the run of play that Paul Roberts got on the score sheet as he was bundled over the whitewash after a quickly taken tap penalty some 8 metres out. Mafi, substituting at flyhalf for the injured Birley, supported by Sean Ellis had made the break to set up the position and Paul Lewis, taking over the kicking duties, popped over the conversion to reduce the arrears to 3 points. It was now game on.
Lewis for New Brighton and Cargill for Sandbach exchanged penalties but a further penalty goal on the 70th minute pushed the Sandbach lead to 6 points. With Sandbach second row Stockdale in the sin bin for the final minutes of the game the Blues had the opportunity to grab a victory but as at the start of the game the visitors defence prevailed.
Northwich 25-7 Wilmslow
A comprehensive win for Northwich at Moss Farm with 3 tries against a penalty try for Wilmslow. Sweet revenge for Northwich who had lost away at Pownall Park last October. Tries from Brotherton and one each for Richard & Chris Dale saw the "blacks" home comfortably with a good demonstration of running rugby. The sending off of home skipper Richard Smith early on after an initial exchange of "handbags" that got out of hand seemed only to spur the blacks on. Wilmslow defended stoutly but this was not their day. Bob McCallum kicked the penalty-try conversion. Good games for Northwich in the pack from Robinson and Brotherton and the Dale brothers were a handful in the backs.
Games on Saturday January 2nd 2010
Not much happening on the rugby field over the Xmas period and possibly another blank week-end coming up this Saturday with widespread snow across the region expected.
The one re-arranged match that did, somehow, take place was New Brighton’s home match with our leaders Lymm. Sleet and rain did not prevent Lymm from taking the points back down the M53 to assert an 8 point lead in the league.
New Brighton 7-20 Lymm
A covering of slush was cleared from some parts of the pitch at the referees request before the match finally got under way. With the inevitable unavailabilities at Christmas/New year affecting both sides, a disjointed performance might have been expected from both sides. It was the Lymm pack that asserted itself first
and thus creating a platform for attacking play from the backs. Knowles and Williamson interacted well to see Knowles score. A missed conversion and a further penalty sent wide suggested that the full back might have an off day with the boot. However, a further try and conversion by Knowles reassured the visiting supporters after Griffiths and Williamson had been involved. HT 0-12
New Brighton started the second half in determined mood on a day when fingers must have been frozen and handling difficult. The home side took hold of the game during a hot 15 minute spell and were rewarded with a stunning try. Stand-off Birley cross kicked for winger Gareth Simpson to collect and run in from a try converted by Birley. 7-12. A further penalty was awarded to New Brighton following the restart but the usually reliable Birley was unable to reduce the deficit.
Lymm re-established forward dominance and the home sides purple patch was just a memory as tiredness became an issue. The final quarter belonged to the visitors and with Mahon for NB sent to the sin bin Lymm kicked the penalty and followed up with a well-worked try by blind side Oliver Higginson. FT 7-20
Lymm will be happy to get the points in the bag while others can not get onto the pitch. They are due to entertain Northwich this Saturday and will be favourites to reverse their only blemish with a win. At this stage a postponement looks the most likely outcome as the cold weather continues.
|
|
| |
|
| • SPORTSMAN'S DINNER LINE-UP ANNOUNCED |
|
|
|
|
| Date: |
28.01.2010 - 09:04 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
| Links: |
n/a |
|
|
|
ANNUAL SPORTSMAN’S DINNER ~ ~ FRIDAY 14th MAY ~ AN EVENING OF RUGBY MAYHEM
PRESIDED OVER BY THE FINEST PRODUCT TO COME OUT OF MARYPORT SINCE THE FISH PACKING PLANT CLOSED ~ ~ MR HOWARD NICHOLSON
YOU WILL BE REGALED WITH TALES OF DARING DEEDS BY A MAN THAT YOU PROBABLY THOUGHT WAS DEAD ~ ~ MR RAY FRENCH
YOU WILL BE FASCINATED BY THE FLASHING WIT AND INSIDE KNOWLEDGE OF A MAN WHO CLAIMS TO KNOW NOTHING ~ ~ MR STEVE HANLEY
YOU WILL BE FED BY A CATERING COMPANY WHERE THE BOSS THINKS A MICHELIN STAR IS AWARDED FOR CYCLING PROFICIENCY
TICKETS £25 PER HEAD WITH TABLES AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO DON’T WANT TO EAT ON THEIR KNEE’S
LATE BAR AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO CRAWL HOME ON THEIR KNEE’S
TICKET SALES ARE BEING HANDLED BY A MAN WHO WOULD ONLY RECORD DETAILS ON THE BACK OF A FAG PACKET IF HE HADN’T GOT A BUS TICKET AVAILABLE ~ ~ MR MEL HANLEY
TELEPHONE: 07739199531 or 01697320328
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Date: |
26.01.2010 - 13:40 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
| Links: |
n/a |
|
|
|
I thought the following article published by the RFU would be timely reminder for those organising the 'Annual Club Golf Challenge'
RFU panel orders charity fund-raising for students club. Three players receive 30 weeks playing suspension. De Montfort University RFC from Leicester have been ordered to raise £2,500 for charity by a RFU disciplinary panel. Officers of the students’ club admitted two offences of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the u n i o n and/or game contrary to Rule 5.12 of the Rugby Football u n i o n 2009-2010.
De Montfort must raise the money, which will be donated to the Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People at Loughborough by December 31. The money must be raised by fund-raising efforts and not from existing funds and the rugby club must be accountable to the chairman of the Leicestershire RFU disciplinary committee.
James Mills, De Montfort University RFC chairman, secretary Ian Jones and player Joseph Forrisalman, who all admitted the two offences of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game or u n i o n, were each suspended from playing for 30 weeks. The suspension will run from January 26 to August 23.
The first charge was that senior players and officers of the club conducted an initiation ceremony during which new players were expected to, and did, each of the following:
(i) appear naked and blindfolded on a playing field in sight of persons in the vicinity;
(ii) get pelted with eggs and flour;
(iii) drink what was described as a "dirty pint" of milk, containing substances such as sauces and chilli powder;
(iv) slide along a sheet of plastic greased with foul-smelling substances;
(v) eat from tins containing baked beans and spaghetti hoops; and
(vi) jump into a paddling pool containing liquid.
The charge was amended and references to eating dog food or jumping into a paddling pool containing liquid including urine were removed.
The second charge was that senior players and officers of the club conducted an initiation ceremony during which new players were placed in a position whereby they were made to travel back to campus wearing shorts and shoes only.
The initiation ceremony took place on November 18 last year.
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Date: |
24.01.2010 - 10:19 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
| Links: |
n/a |
|
|
|
Burnage 22:7 Aspatria
Both sides cast off the cloak of winter gloom to produce a game of quality and high intensity. Neither team had played since mid December but this lack of rugby was not evident as this crackerjack of a game progressed.
Aspatria started with yet another new half back pairing; Jack Clegg returned to the scrum half berth to partner Kristian Borthwick in his first outing at No 10. The Black Reds also gave a debut on the wing to Steve Moss. Moss is an experienced player who has been out of the local game this year as he pursues his university studies.
Burnage started on fire and immediately took the game to Aspatria; an early score looked inevitable as the Black Red defence was hammered from every side. The defence was magnificent with each and every player putting in heavy tackles. Newcomer, Moss impressed early with a crushing double tackle when he was the last line of defence and it was he who would lead the breakout. On 10 minutes, Burnage attempted a speculative kick over the Aspatria defence; Moss fielded the ball in his own 22 and began a mazy run that ended well into home territory. This was the first of several impressive darts by Moss.
After the initial fury of the Burnage offensive the game began to level out. Stoddart consistently pegged back the home side with a series of strong clearing kicks out of defence and it was he who had Aspatria’s first chance for points after 15 minutes. Unfortunately, his 35 meter penalty attempt faded wide.
The Burnage back line were a constant threat sparked by live wire scrum half, Jonny Scholes. On 20 minutes, Scholes showed his class. From an attack on the Aspatria 22, he beat an on rushing defence to open up the line and off load to full back, Mike Filson who charged over to score. Filson converted the try with his only successful kick of the day.
Aspatria responded well and engineered several good plays as the half petered out. The Clegg/Borthwick partnership was operating well and centres Steven Douglas and Heinie Jonker troubled the home defence. There was ample evidence that a half time deficit of 7 points could be over turned.
The second period started much as the first with Burnage pressing hard. Within 8 minutes of the restart they had crossed the Aspatria line twice in the form of centre, Adam Blaney and scrum half, Scholes to increase the lead to 17:0. Aspatria might have been aggrieved by at least one of the scores, which seemed to be the result of a refereeing error. This set back earlier in the season might have signalled an avalanche of points but not this day. Perhaps it was the injustice of the situation that spurred the Black Reds on. It was now all Aspatria. The visiting pack controlled possession for long periods and this was the cornerstone for a try on 20 minutes. After 10 phases of recycled ball, the forwards trundled to the Burnage line. A penalty was awarded and quick thinking Jonker simply tapped and placed the ball over the home line. Stoddart converted to give Aspatria hope.
Aspatria continued to work hard against a stubborn defence and might have got deserved reward on 26 minutes. Moss set off on a run that looked likely to end in a score but was ended by some over desperate defence giving Stoddart a routine penalty kick for 3 points. Again the ball faded wide and with it perhaps Aspatria’s last opportunity to get something from the game.
As the minutes ticked by, Burnage would finish the stronger of the two sides. Aspatria were chasing the game and gaps were opening up as a result for Burnage to exploit. The home side should have scored on 30 minutes but the ball was mishandled with the line at their mercy. Some reward did come Burnage’s way with the very last move of the game when Filson went over in the corner to produce a final score of 22:7.
After the game, Coach Richardson pronounced himself satisfied with the performance. Aspatria face improbable odds to escape from relegation but now know they can finish a hard campaign with pride intact. |
|
| |
|
| • Davidson scores a Hattrick |
|
|
|
|
| Date: |
22.01.2010 - 11:29 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
| Links: |
n/a |
|
|
|
Normally, news of a pregnant woman would not make headlines but this is an exception. The air down in Altrincham has clearly done Steve Davidson a power of good. The website has just learned that his very pregnant wife ~ Rebecca ~ is expecting triplets. The babies are due in June so better start saving now Steve!!
All at Aspatria wish Steve and Rebecca the very best and hope that all goes well. |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Date: |
22.01.2010 - 11:17 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
| Links: |
n/a |
|
|
|
CUMBRIA RFU COMPETITIONS
DRAWS FOR SEASON 2009/10 - Held at Carlisle RUFC Tuesday 19th Jan. 2010.
The Eagles have a tough draw in the quarter final of the Vase Competition but one that they will look forward to. Kirkby Lonsdale A team currently ply their trade in Miller Homes Division 3 North where they are mid table with a playing records of 5 wins from 13 games.
Kendal A are probably strong favourites to lift the vase but they are struggling this season. The team plays in the Bateman BMW Premier league which is the top competition in the North West for reserve teams. However, they are currently anchored to the bottom of that league with a single win from 13 outings.
KIRKBY LONSDALE A V ASPATRIA EAGLES
WORKINGTON STEELERS V UPPER EDEN A
CARLISLE CRUSADERS V PENRITH A
WIGTON WANDERERS V KENDAL A
Contact person; John Hutton. 01539 33152
All first round games to be played on or before 17th April. Second round fixtures on or before 24th April. Finals to be played on the 1st of May.
MESSAGE FROM THE COMPETITIONS COMMITTEE: Please think positively. We all experienced the rough time this winter and have got behind with fixtures. We must stick to our dates, so please think about night games or could we use this match as a double-header. We often used to play two games a week when students / cadets etc. Get in touch with who you have been drawn against and make the arrangements. These dates can be met. |
|
| |
|
| • CUMBRIA CUP QUARTER FINAL DRAW |
|
|
|
|
| Date: |
21.01.2010 - 13:31 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
| Links: |
n/a |
|
|
|
The Black Reds have drawn an away tie with Workington Zebras in the Cumbria Cup.
The date for the fixture is 17th April. However,with both teams having a backlog in the League and with these games taking precedent over cup fixtures this date is only provisional.
The others Ties are
Penrith v Wigton
Carlisle v Kirkby Lonsdale
We understand that when the 3 winners are known a further draw will take place to determine a semi-final and promoting the 3rd team straight to the final.
The draw is interesting, given that it has thrown Wigton, Workington and Kirkby Lonsdale, 3 of this seasons form teams in the North Lancs/Cumbria league, into direct collision with teams from higher leagues. Wigton are almost certain to be promoted and both Workington and Kirkby Lonsdale retain ambitions to join them via the play off's. In contrast, both Carlisle and Aspatria are struggling at North 1 level and this gives Kirkby Lonsdale and Workington an opportunity to show what they can do should promotion be achieved.
Cup holders Penrith are going well in National 3 but will face a stern test in the quarter finals of this year’s competition. The Winters Park side have ground advantage but Mally's lads are enjoying a hugely successful season with only one defeat as they sweep all before them in the North Lancs Cumbria League. If nothing else, Penrith will know they have been in a game.
Unusually there are only 6 teams in the quarter final. Kendal have withdrawn from the competition due to league committments. Keswick and St. Benedict’s have failed to complete last season’s Plate final and this action has barred both from entry. Harsh but perhaps this will send a message that Cumbria RFU are not prepared to be messed about.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
