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| Date: |
12.03.2010 - 09:02 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
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Games on Saturday March 6th 2010
League leaders Lymm established a virtually unassailable lead in the table with a ruthless demolition of Blackburn. Lymm deserve their success as they have been far and away the most consistent side in North 1 West this season. We understand that Rugby World have voted Lymm the February team of the month. Congratulations to them.
Altrincham Kersal beat Northwich in a close match at Stelfox 17-14 after a see saw match. In the other promotion match, Liverpool St Helens ran out 11-3 winners against Broughton Park.
Blackburn and Aspatria are relegated unless there is a swathe of points deductions elsewhere. Aspatria lost to New Brighton in an evening kick-off. Tyldesley were unfortunate to go down in a tight match against Wilmslow and look set to drop down a level as well.
Vale of Lune continued their resurgent run with an impressive away win at Sandbach while Burnage and Leigh shared the spoils in an 11-11 draw at Leigh.
Lymm 74-0 Blackburn
Lymm turned the screw on the league title with a dominating disposal of relegated Blackburn. In beautiful conditions, suited to running rugby, Lymm notched 12 tries and may have had many more. The afternoon started in sombre mood with an impeccable minute’s silence for club stalwart, Keith Etherington. Keith, ever the rugby purist, would have enjoyed the win but not the one sided game itself. Lymm recalled captain Fletcher to 13 in place of the unavailable Williamson. Miksys, recently converted to front row started and classy back rower Cullinane returned from absence. Deadline day signing Tim Oakes benched and all eyes were on scrum half Stringer who was playing his last game before jetting off to top class US rugby with the Chicago Griffins. Looking back at the score it’s difficult to understand how it took Lymm 12 mins to trouble the scorer. A Johnstone fumble should have broken the deadlock on 4 mins but it wasn’t until Tom Hughes scampered over after 5 phases of patient attack. Andy Roberts went over 7 mins later with a barrelling run, aggressively slamming through 3 tacklers. Lymm were dominating the left flank and used their pace to perfection on 23 when Johnstone notched his first of 4 tries. Lovely hands from Pickles, pace from Knowles and finally a lovely pass to the pacey winger.
Stringer scored a popular try on 26 with an interception and 50 metre sprint before Cullinane finished off a lovely move with Fletcher and prop Bates exchanging passes. The half finished with Scott Harrison latching on to another Pickles orientated thrust. Knowles ,the league’s top kicker managed 4 of the 6 conversions. Half Time 38-0
Kinsey replaced the impressive Harrison with new boy Oakes and gave Tom Darbyshire a well earned opportunity by taking off veteran warhorse Sutton at half time. Blackburn were facing a potential cricket score at this stage and despite 2 early tries from Johnstone again tormenting his opposite wing ,they kept their discipline and started to force Lymm at contact. Indeed Lymm showed real signs of frustration and there was an audible sigh of relief when Knowles finally took a chance on 70 mins. The visiting defence finally capitulated and Johnstone went over for his 4th. Oakes created a popular score for new tight head Miksys and then Cullinane finished it off for his second at the whistle. Lymm’s home average score is for 34, against 8. With 4 home games remaining from 6 it is hard to see any team dislodging the champions in waiting. Indeed Rugby World have judged Lymm to be the team of the month for February.
Report Courtecy Lymm Web Site
Altrincham Kersal 17-14 Northwich
Northwich travelled to Altrincham in hope of putting AK out of the running for second place in the league but instead found themselves in 4th place after this tight encounter at Stelfox. Player coach for Northwich Muntean sustained a burn injury during the week and took a place on the subs bench allowing Steve Campbell to take the number 10 jersey. Campbell equipped himself well and for most of the first half the 'Black's' were just about on top. They scored first when Chris Heywood supported a Chris James charge to score after ten minutes of frantic play. Richard Dale converted but five minutes later Chris Stewart converted the first a AK's four penalties. The visitors responded positively but an ill judged kick ahead and two slack tackles gifted AK winger J P Singleton an opportunist try near to the 'Black's posts. Stewart fluffed what should have been an easy conversion and then five minutes later knocked himself cold as he tried to stop a bulldozing Graham Robinson from scoring in the corner. Richard Dale converted from the touchline to give Northwich an 8-14 advantage. There were no further tries to come but the visitors conceded a string of penalties and Steve Davidson converted two of them to level the scores on the 35 minute mark. Muntean decided that enough was enough and put himself on only to be immediately yellow carded for diving into the side of a ruck. HT 14-14
Midway through the second half Davidson slotted over his third penalty to put AK ahead but these were the only second half points registered. Northwich were chasing the gaqme from then on but the AK defence held firm. In the last minute of the game the 'Black's drove to within two metres of the AK line but yet another misdemeanour resulted in a yellow card for Heywood and a kick into touch to conclude the match. Northwich infringed too often and AK took their kicks well and defended stoutly. The visitors seemingly lacked direction and need to sharpen up their act top stand any chance of promotion. AK looked more disciplined and with a better fixture list than either Northwich or LSH, look the better bet to secure second spot.
Sandbach 7-24 Vale of Lune
Sandbach failed to get back to winning ways this Saturday when they went down 24-7 to a resurgent Vale of Lune side who have gone from strength to strength throughout the second half of the season. Two mistakes by the Bradwall Road side were punished harshly with two converted tries which meant the home side went in 14-0 down at half time. Sandbach's defence continued to hold strong, however they failed to make their possession count until midway through the second half when Will Stockdale crashed over for his fifth try of the season, converted by Will Cargill. Vale of Lune responded with a penalty and another converted try. Sandbach will be heartened by the spirit the side displayed throughout the game, but desperately need to recapture that early season form when they travel to Altrincham Kersal this weekend.
Vale have recruited well and, if they keep this side together, will be a match for any side in the league next season.
Liverpool St Helens 11-3 Broughton Park
As expected, with just one point separating these two teams in North One West, this was a closely fought, low scoring affair. The decisive moment came in the 66th minute with the score locked on 3-3 and both defences standing firm. From an innocuous scrum just inside the Broughton Park half, the ever alert Martin Gambles intercepted a short pass and sprinted all the way to the visitor’s line for the game’s only try. Now leading 8-3, LSH, with skipper Phil Kearns in fine form, cleverly bossed the game to the finish with Gambles securing the points one minute from time with a penalty.
Earlier a Simon Worsley penalty was cancelled out by one from Park’s Ronan O’Brien in a first half full of endeavour from both sides which also saw O’Brien miss two penalty opportunities. LSH created a number of scoring chances through Paul Bamber, Steve Ormesher and Gareth Tudor whilst Park winger Adi Titloye was stopped three times when looking dangerous down the right wing. Liverpool St Helens have a poor run-in compared to the other promotion contenders with mostly away games to play. They do have the side to reach that second spot and, as a team in form, they may yet get there. A good pack, defensively strong, with a cutting edge in the centres and fast finishers. If they can travel with more confidence and keep their discipline then they are certainly good enough.
New Brighton 25-15 Aspatria
A late start at New Brighton thanks to a break down by Aspatria on the M6. Good news for the New Brighton bar who did a roaring trade waiting for their opponents. As for the teams, well they either had cramp from sitting on a bus for 5 or 6 hours or had suffered the doubtful pleasure of a 4 hour pre-match warm up.
The dire first half possibly reflected these problems but Borthwick kicked a penalty for Aspatria and then Luke Thomson for N. Brighton replied with a couple of kicks to earn the blues a 6-3 half time lead and Aspatria looking anything but demotion candidates. A much better second half and Birley scored after tidying up after Sean Ellis had gone close. Mafi Simione ran through thje Aspatria defense to score and the conversion was good. 18-3 to the seasders. Back came the Cumbrians and after an hour Stephen Moss for the visitors crossed the line after a neat interchange with Cloete. Kati restored the home lead with a try and Thompson converted. 25-8. Aspatria scored the final try and finished strongly with South African  Jacques Rowe crossing and Jack Clegg converting from wide out.
Aspatria are therefore relegated with Blackburn while New Brighton look to be safe now.
Tyldesley 17-21 Wilmslow
Tyldesley were the architects of their own defeat according to reports from the respective camps after going down narrowly to Wilmslow. Tyldesley managed to kick only one of the 3 early penalties awarded to them Crampton finally getting one to go over. 3 minutes later Wilmslow levelled through a MacCullam penalty and then the visitors started to play some great flowing rugby to draw away to a 16-3 HT leade. Kennedy scored and then Scofic who was a clear contender for man-of-the match. MacCullam kicked a further penalty.
The second half could not have been more different as Wilmslow paid for throwing the ball about and missed tackles. Tyldesley scored through Tom Barer and Crampton converted. There follwed a number of Wilmslow errors before Bishop finished off a rolling maul move with a try and Crampton put the home side ahead with the conversion. A couple of minutes to play and Tyldesley made a fatal error. A 22 drop-out went out on the full and from the resulting scrum, Mulchrone put Kennedy in the clear to clinch the points for the visitors.
Difficult to see Tyldesley recovering from the threat of relegation now but they were good value for at least a point on the day.
Leigh 11-11 Burnage
Not much available about this match between mid table sides at the time of writing.
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| • MEL'S BUYING ON SATURDAY |
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| Date: |
08.03.2010 - 16:01 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
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Message from Mel Hanley
I and the Coaching Team would like to thank the lads who have made 4 long journeys during the past 5 weeks. These coming about due to postponements in December and January.
Some players have made all those trips and can’t be thanked enough. Even 3 out of 4 is a big ask, so well done to all the lads who have given their time to keep the Black Red bandwagon rolling.
The latest journey and our longest to New Brighton was a 5.5 hour nightmare; involving a 2 hour delay on the M6 hard shoulder awaiting a puncture repair. Thanks should also go to an unknown Polish juggernaut driver, who with great skill avoid Norman Reilly and I as we slowed our vehicle down to assist the stranded Reay’s coach.
Despite the hardships of the journey we put in one of our best performances of the season.
May I also confirm that the rearranged Broughton Park date is 3/4/10 and Leigh on 24/4/10. Hopefully, two sunny days when we can get the barbeque started and look forward to some long, hot summer days.
It is now looking more likely that our Cumbria Cup tie with Workington will be on the original date of 17th April; however before booking your hotel please await confirmation.
Mel
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| • NEW BRIGHTON: A JUNCTION TO FAR |
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| Date: |
08.03.2010 - 09:20 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
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New Brighton 25 : 15 Aspatria
The Black Reds endured a nightmare journey to the Wirral. The trip took near 6 hours to complete following a breakdown on the M6. The game finally kicked off at 4.30 pm, under the New Brighton lights.
The exhausting journey did not appear to have a major impact on Aspatria who started brightly. Steve Moss at fullback had two darting runs in the first few minutes to signal an attacking intent. New Brighton had the first opportunity to open the scoring on 8 minutes. Aspatria conceded a penalty near enough in front of their own posts. Instead of taking an easy 3 points the New Brighton pack opted to try and muscle the ball over the line. The Black Red defence held and after holding off some ferocious attacks an opportunity arose to clear the ball up field.
As the half progressed, Aspatria were every bit a match for the home side. Both missed long range penalty attempts as they clawed for some advantage. A full half hour had passed before Aspatria opened the scoring through a Kristian Borthwick penalty. The penalty was awarded as New Brighton desperately tried to slow down a Black Red assault and in the process their influential captain Kati Tuipulotu was sin binned.
Aspatria’s numerical advantage would be brief. With minutes left to half time two Aspatria men walked to the bin. First up was centre, Heinie Jonker for illegal entry to the ruck and a minute later he was followed by Steve Moss for a late challenge. New Brighton punished both offences with successful penalties to take a 6:3 lead into the second half.
The second period started with New Brighton at full strength facing the 13 men of Aspatria. They were on the attack immediately and were quick to take advantage. On 4 minutes the home forwards mauled to near the Aspatria line and after sucking in the defence released the ball to the back line for an unopposed run to the line. The gap opened to 11:3.
Even back to 15 men, Aspatria were finding it difficult to hold New Brighton and they fell further behind on 12 minutes when again the home back line out paced a stuttering defence. The grounding of the ball looked dubious but the referee did not agree and the score moved out to 18:3 with New Brighton looking comfortable. It was a comfort that did not last long as Aspatria came roaring back into the game with a score of rare quality. On 25 minutes the impressive Moss fielded the ball close to the Aspatria try line. The full back shaped to kick but this was a simple ruse to wrong foot the approaching New Brighton chasers. He then set off on a trade mark gallop that took him past six missed tackles and well into New Brighton territory. The ball was off loaded to centre, Steven Douglas who made ground and chipped ahead. Enter fellow centre, Jonker who plucked the ball from the turf and charged 15 meters for the score of the season.
With the deficit now 18:8 Aspatria were back in the game but simply could not get the score that might have given them hope. As the game moved into the final 10 minutes further controversy ensued. New Brighton mauled the ball over the Aspatria line; no doubt about that. Aspatria felt the ball was held up but for a second time the referee did not agree and awarded the score. At 25:8 the game was finished but not Aspatria. With one last effort the magnificent Black Red pack, with second row Norman Reilly prominent bludgeoned the ball into the home 22 and earned a penalty. No time for an attempt at goal so the ball was sent to the corner for an Aspatria line out. The pack secured the ball and moved towards the New Brighton line to allow back rower, Jacques Rowe to crash over. Jack Clegg converted from the touchline to bring the score back to 25:15.
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| Date: |
28.02.2010 - 13:37 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
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Blackburn 15 : 10 Aspatria
This battle for the league’s wooden spoon was no less committed than if the championship itself was at stake. Unfortunately, the desperation both sides clearly felt resulted in a game of low quality, providing damming evidence as to why the combatives are well adrift at the foot of the table.
In the first half Aspatria had the advantage of a stiff breeze blowing straight down the pitch. In the early stages of the game they used the conditions well both in attack and defence. First blood came on 8 minutes. Blackburn had defended a succession of attacks but their solid defence was unpicked by an accurate chip kick into the home dead ball area by scrum half, Jack Clegg, there seem no immediate danger but the home full back allowed the ball to bounce away from him and Aspatria back row, Jacques Rowe was first to react, diving on the ball to score. Steven Stoddart converted from wide out to give the Black Reds a deserved 7 point lead.
On 11 minutes it was Stoddart who increased the visitor’s advantage with a drop goal from 30 meters. At this stage Aspatria were clearly dominant and they would later regret not turning a clear superiority into points.
As the half progressed, Blackburn urged on by a sizeable crowd gradually clawed their way back into contention. Several times Aspatria would be glad of the breeze in their favour as Stoddart cleared hard pressed defensive lines with some towering kicks. It was perhaps justice that Blackburn broke through as a result of such a kick. On 21 minutes Stoddart cleared the ball from the Aspatria try line to near half way. The Aspatria chase was not good allowing Blackburn a quick throw in. The home backline quickly reformed to take advantage of this possession and move the ball across the pitch. The Aspatria defence simply did not react allowing the Blackburn wing man to finish a well executed move in the corner. Against the breeze the touchline conversion was missed.
The home side continued to press but for the most part the Aspatria defence was comfortable. Blackburn’s only reward for constant pressure was a penalty on 32 minutes, bringing the score back to 8-10 where it remained until half time.
The first half had been littered with handling and technical errors. Both teams seemed to have a determination to mess up any possession that came their way. There was nothing wrong with the commitment of either team; this was a full bloodied affair but the catalogue of errors was hard to watch. Regrettably, this pattern was about to continue for the next 40 minutes.
Blackburn now had the advantage of the breeze and used it to pen Aspatria back in their own half for long periods. Over the 40 minutes Blackburn had the lion’s share of possession but looked unable to string more than 3 or 4 phases of play together and constantly let the visitors off the hook when scores looked likely. Aspatria struggled to get hold of the ball and when they did they invariably had little shape or ambition to trouble their hosts. Blackburn, achieved one moment of quality on 20 minutes. From a penalty close to the Aspatria line a scrum was called and the ball moved quickly wide. This looked a well rehearsed move with the home standoff running an excellent line back towards the Aspatria pack. Tackles were missed and the try scored. Aspatria might have pointed to a line out minutes earlier from which Blackburn obtained their field position. The referee awarded the home side a penalty that most observers felt should have gone the other way. This proved to be the only score of the half allowing Blackburn to emerge with their first victory of the season 15-10.
Mark Bowe was adjudged Aspatria’s man of the match for his tackling stint and go forward attitude
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| Date: |
25.02.2010 - 18:37 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
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| Date: |
23.02.2010 - 10:06 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
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The club's search for a Cricket Captain is over following the appointment of Colin Noble. The club will be preparing a match strip in early May and hope to play a series of friendly 15/15 games against local opponents. As usual the games will be followed by a family BBQ and where possible timed to coincide with televised sporting events eg World Cup, England Tour Down Under.
Coldog is looking to maintain a list of all those who fancy a game and may even organise a practice session. His powers should not be under estimated; who else could get club captain Jasper to give him a lift to the changing rooms after a particularly heavy training session. Clearly, Jasper is angling for the opening bat position.
If anyone out there has a pub team, a works team or just 11 mates please get in touch to arrange a fixture. |
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| Date: |
02.02.2010 - 11:25 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
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| • SPORTSMAN'S DINNER LINE-UP ANNOUNCED |
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| Date: |
28.01.2010 - 09:04 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
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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
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| Date: |
22.01.2010 - 11:17 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
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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. |
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| • CUMBRIA CUP QUARTER FINAL DRAW |
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| Date: |
21.01.2010 - 13:31 |
| Author: |
EagleEye |
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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.
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