Match Reports

Longton 1st XV 17 v 17 Stockport (friendly)

It was a good competitive workout with Longton playing into a stiff breeze in the first half. Longton defended well and managed to repel a number of attacks from the Stockport XV. This was aided as Longton seemed to have an upper hand in the set piece and they used this advantage to work there way up the field on a number of occasions. However Longton gave away far too many penalties having worked their way up the field and the reliable Northwich convert Bebbington kept pinging penalties deep into the Longton 22. From this platform Stockport managed two tries and a pen in the half, the first try coming from a chip over the top that was not dealt with and the second from a slick first phase backs move that left the Longton backs as mere onlookers. Something to be addressed. Also in the half was a yellow card for Longton tighthead 'Chunk' who was alleged to have thrown an elbow in a maul (harsh), and an impressive penalty into the wind from new fly half Chris Buck. 17-3 HT.

The second half saw Longton manage the territory and the ball with real maturity, impressive, as it was the seventeen year old scrum half Robson pulling all the strings. It also saw the return of influential Longton original Rich Kelly. With the added impetus provided by Rich, Longton played the majority of the rugby in Stockports half and an impressive pack display was rewarded with a try for 'Growky' off the back of a 5 metre scrum and a try for new recruit 'Bullet' after good forward pressure. Both tries were converted by the impressive Buck. With the scores at 17-17 Longton could have clinched the tie had an amazing solo effort from Robson had not been ruled out for a knock on when the ball had clearly come off his knee. No quarms with the offical however who had a good game. The only downside to the fixture was the loss of player coach Craig Wilson with torn ankle ligaments. We hope Craig will be fit for SL away.

Post match, the good start to the season continued, and the efforts put in by the players in pre season were rewarded with a BBQ hosted by Jezz and sponsored by the senior committee (Great thanks). The BBQ saw some unusual off field antics including 2 pint funnels for players of the game Grocott and Robson and an interesting intitiation ceremony for new captain Hughes. Lets hope the good attitude and improving play will standLongton in good stead come the cup and first league game.