Match Reports

Thirds 47 v 3 Cannock 2nds

After losing the last 5 games against Cannock, the Longton 3rd XV ran in seven tries to demolish Cannock 2nd XV and climb the Merit League table.

The Longton pack were as usual dominate in the tight, with the front row ruling the scrums and Wayne Longshaw and Julian Morris winning most lineouts, opposition throwins included, to give the rampant backs more ball than usual to run at the opposition.

All the tries came from open play, flanker Dave Wilson was first to touch down after 20mins, taking the ball at pace to score close to the posts, followed soon after by scrum half Joe Hall with the second try, Joe concerted both tries to leave the half time score as 14-0.

A few changes at half time, with Kyle Protheroe and Chris Pike taking the field, there was no let up for Cannock, five further tries followed at regular intervals through the second half, second row Wayne Longshaw found himself in the backline, taking the ball from Christian Wainright to score, centre Ben Shutt stormed over for the next, followed by Winger Chris Pike, burning down the wing to outpace the Cannock defence to score under the posts. Full back Kyle Protheroe glided through a number of desperate tackles to score, then the final try by burly centre Andy Green bulldozing the Cannock line. Joe Hall converted 4 out of 5 second half tries. Final score 47-3.

Cannock never stopped tackling, and their back row were always driving forward but Longton had too much in their armoury to give Cannock any opportunities. Next week Longton travel to Featherstone Prison for a friendly game against the inmates!

NP