Match Reports

Thirds 54 v 22 Linley 2nds

Longton 3rds travelled to Bathpool Park to take on the Linley & Kidsgrove 2nd XV in a normally hard fought local derby, but an eight try victory showed the difference in class between the two sides.

The game kicked off a few minutes late and after being found guilty of hands in the ruck Longton were 3-0 down as Linley slotted over the penalty. This kick started the Longton effort, after about 20mins Longton won a line out on the half way line, hooker Ben Shutt came round with the ball, straightened up and headed towards the Linley line, the three opponents in his way did little to stop him as he trundled over the line for the first try, with scrum half Tom Machin drop kicking the conversion 7-3. Linley pressed forward forcing Gaz Barlett to kick down field from the Longton 20m, the Linley full back then knocked on allowing winger Andy Quimby to pick up from the half way, stepping inside and scoring under the posts, Tom Machin again drop kicking the conversion 14-3.

After 25 mins, a penalty kick to touch was missed but again a Linley knock on allowed Shutty to pick up and drive for the line, held up short winger Chris Pike picked up to score under the posts, Tom Machin converting 21-3, unfortunately Linley pressed from the kick off and gained a scrum 20m out, after three missed tackles Linley scored their first try, unconverted 21-8. Very quickly Longton were on the attack again, Shutty kicked on, off his shin, flanker Julian Morris putting the Linley backs under pressure, picked up and scored under the posts, scrum half Tom converted to take the score to 28-8. Just before half time, Linley kicked behind the Longton forwards, catching the ball in his own half, winger Andy Quimby ghosted through 4 desperate tackles until he was held up short on the line, Shutty was as ever on hand to pick up and stroll over for his second try, Tom converted for Longton to lead 35-8 at half time.

A few changes at half time to make sure everyone had a game, Paul Housley moved to full back to give Criag Browne a rest for next weeks Vets game, new signing Mark Hughes replacing Paul in the centre, Gaz Humphries replaced Sarge in the second row and Spikey came on for Pikey on the wing. 

The second half kicked off and Longton were soon on the ascendancy again, after three ruck and drives by the rampant forwards Shutty was on hand to score his 3rd try - and first jug of the season. Gaz took over the drop kick conversions to make it 42-15. After 10 mins the juggernaut forwards were again putting the Linley backs under pressure, Julian and Ben Walker prominent in making ground, scrum half Tom Machin passed to Gaz Barlett who spun a cut out pass to put Mark Hughes in the clear to score his first try for Longton. Gaz converted 49-15.

With 15 mins to go Linley managed to get another try after a few missed tackles 49-22, but this was short lived, soon after Gaz tried another cut out pass but hit big Paul Housley in the stomach, he gratefully accepted it, drove through hapless tackles to score the last try and push Longton over the 50 point mark for the first time this season, with the conversion missed - 54-22.

This was followed by the stand out moment of the game, the Linley scrum half made a break and had a one on one with full back Housley, only going to be one winner, the scrum half attempted to go through Paul H. but found himself on the deck, he tried a few times to get up but had to take a full 5 mins to recover.

The game ended a few mins early due to a serious injury to 18yo loose head Ben Evans, probably with a broken ankle, hope he gets well soon.

Altogether a great performance from the Longton 3rd team, stand out performances from Shutty, Walker, Hously, Morris and Quimby bode well for the future as Longton lead the Merit table.

NP