Report by Doug Thorpe

New Brighton 8 Northwich 6

Jim Yarranton stood tall as he calmly split the uprights to register a penalty goal in the 79th minute which determined the outcome of this highly charged encounter, a win for the Blues by 8 points to 6. Although deserving the win, New Brighton were relieved to take the points, an achievement due as much to determination as panache. Their iconic captain and No8, Kati, had been dismissed with a red card just past the half hour and then down to a six forwards in the second half with the loss of lock Paul Campbell to a yellow card the battling Blues held their ground.

 

This game was by no means a classic and referee Sandy Flakelar of the London Society will not have found this the easiest afternoon of his career as he dished out a red card and four yellows, plus innumerable penalties, too many reversed for dissent or retaliation.  The Blues despite being numerically underpowered defended their 5 point to 3 half time lead doggedly in the second half and after falling into arrears to a Stacy Husking penalty on the 75th minute still had the steel and self belief for the fight back and claim the winning score.

 

 From the kick off discipline on both sides came under question, penalties were incurred at regular short intervals and in the first 15 minutes two of those had been reversed for one reason or another and Steve Campbell for Northwich was yellow carded for mouth. Although ragged, the Blues were getting the best of the exchanges and a break by Mike Gallimore set up a move which saw Joe Bowen stopped just short, quick ball from the base of the scrum seconds later, this time by Alan Hesketh, was moved wide by Chris Dale and Guy Stringer to give Martyn Canham on the opposite wing the chance to show his pace, round his opposite number and put New Brighton ahead with a try, unconverted, on 18 minutes. Northwich hit back 5 minutes later with a Stacey Huskings penalty goal.

 

A Mike Gallimore break initiated a flowing attack with the ball moving via Kati to Josh Bates and Jim Yarrington to Chris Dale tackled just short of the line.  Quick ball was denied to the Blues, Kati tried to rake out the offending player, which the referee deemed to be dangerous, and got himself a red card.  This was a fine passage of play and it was unfortunate that it ended with the departure of the Blues’ captain rather than the try it deserved.

 

With a narrow lead of 5 – 3 at half time New Brighton started the second half with fourteen men and were to lose Paul Campbell for 10 minutes in the sin bin on 49 minutes to reduce that to thirteen and only six of them forwards. The Blues dug deep and continued to impress their support with some cracking defence and some sniping attacks, both wings Martyn Canham and Joe Bowmer coming close, but it was the boot of Stacey Husking which appeared to have the last word to put Northwich into a 6 points to 5 lead with a well struck penalty goal.

 

With only minutes to go to the final whistle the Blues raised their game and forced the penalty inside the Northwich 22.  For Jim Yarranton the pressure was mounting while he waited for an injured Northwich player was receiving attention and then, to rousing cheer, he calmly claimed the points and the victory.

 

Final Score: New Brighton 8 – 6 Northwich

 

 

This was a good win for New Brighton. When things are not going too well it is character which carries the day. The Blues demonstrated some of that on Saturday. Well done

 

Report by Doug Thorpe
 

ROCHDALE 24 – NEW BRIGHTON 24

It was never expected that the Blues first visit to Rochdale’s pleasant Bamford ground was to be an easy ride and the match lived up to all the predictions. With the score balanced at 24 points all with 15 minutes to go the game could easily have gone either way as each side strived frenetically to grab the winning score.

 

By kick off the rain showers which had bedeviled the morning had eased but a wind blowing diagonally across the pitch favoured the home side in the first half. New Brighton absorbed the initial onslaught and the forwards led by Paul Campbell, Wayne Clayton and Kati stormed back to claim a position in the Rochdale half. A quick ball from a ruck and Mike Gallimore saw the opening to wriggle his way through the defence and cross near the posts. Martyn Canham added the extras to put the Blues with an early 7 point lead.

 

Mike Gallimore was a constant worry to the defence during this period with his crouching style run which makes him so difficult to nail, Alan Hesketh was bringing the ball forward from

full back and with the Blues happy to move the ball Chris Dale came close extending the lead but was tackled just short of the line. The score, when it did come, was to Rochdale on the 14th minute when, from a melee some 25 metres from the Blues line, Captain and No 7 Lee Riddle appeared with the ball to cross almost unopposed and for Mike Bradwell to bring the game level with the conversion.

 

Mark Thomas opened up a lead for the home team, adding the finishing touches to a move set up by fullback R. Blackburn who recovered a poor pass in the centre to turn a potential problem into an advantage. On 27 minutes Rochdale were 12 points to 7 in the lead but New Brighton forwards were playing well. Ryan Stead and Paul Campbell were bossing the lineout and the pack generally was driving well. Chris Dale was stopped short of the line, the ball was recycled and drive was set up which panicked the defence into an offence which cost them a penalty try.  Martyn Canham popped the ball over the bar and on the half hour the Blues were back 2 points in the lead at 14 points to 12.

 

Probably the defining moment was a converted try by No 6 Ron Hartley just on the half time whistle. Rochdale attacked from a line out after a penalty kick had been put into touch inside the Blues 22. Paul Campbell was clearly struggling with a knee injury and New Brighton were on the defensive.  Rochdale were putting on the pressure, recycling the ball well and capitalising on the Blue’s errors to force the opening. The break was signalled with the half time score at Rochdale 19 New Brighton 14.

 

A bright start to the second half and with the wind advantage New Brighton engineered a series of scoring chances which foundered on ill advised chip kicks or passes deemed forward.  An old fashioned driving maul eventually produced the goods, credited to Kati, on 52 minutes to bring the scores level again at 19 – 19. A state of affairs which lasted little more than a minute as a New Brighton’s failure to control the ball on the restart was exploited by Rochdale for Mark Thomas to grab his second try of the afternoon to restore the home lead to 5 points at 24 - 19.

 

New Brighton defended well to deny any further scores but despite setting up scoring positions of their own they were unable to turn position into the points that were there to be taken.  Joe Bowmer's try on 65 minutes was the exception. The ball was moved wide to the wing who still had a lot to do but he does have pace which carried him round the outside of the cover and enabled him to squeeze in at the corner. Classic wing three quarter play, we can expect to see a lot more from him.

 

For the last 15 minutes the play moved up and down the field, a lot of energy was expended but the score line stayed stubbornly unchanged.

 

Final Score: Rochdale 24 – New Brighton 24.

Report by Wyn Williams

 

 

 

 Replacements:  S Ellis,  A Baird, A Child

 

On a very cold night, the Blues supporters were concerned how their pack would stand up to the Park juggernaut pack, which included New Brighton old boys ‘Cheeky’ Tchakoute, Chris (CJ) Jones and Jon Sewell.  CJ had scored 16 tries, mainly from rolling mauls, in their last eight games, a brilliant strike record for a hooker.  Although the home pack showed occasionally how potent their maul could be, in the first half the Blues defended magnificently and showed that they too could maul very effectively.  Their backs, with limited ball, looked by far the most dangerous outfit with Chris Dale, especially, impressing with his pace and power.  Park scorned several attempts at goal to attempt their drives from close range lineouts but the Blues were up to the task. 

 

The referee was sticking closely to the letter of the law, mainly at the visitors’ expense and ill-discipline was to be to be the Blues downfall.  Josh Bates spent 10 minutes in the bin for an offside offence.  Nonetheless, New Brighton now really started to assert their authority and were unlucky on several occasions with Joe Bowmer coming closest of all to crossing the home line.  Near the end of the half, a certain lead of three points was spurned when a quick free kick was taken with no success.  A 0 – 0 score at half time suggest a dour contest but it was anything but.  Great commitment and drive was shown by both teams, worthy of the long history of confrontational battles between these old and proud clubs.

 

Half Time :  Birkenhead Park 0 – 0 New Brighton

 

The second half started as the first had finished with some huge hits coming in from both sides.  Kati and Cheeky, in particular, were both intent on serious damage as they homed in on each other like scud missiles.  New Brighton were still giving as good as they got at this stage and looked well capable of denying Park access to the Cup Final, despite an early penalty for the home team from Hall.  This was to change at about 55 minutes when young Josh Bates, who had played so well, committed and enthusiastic as only a teenager can be, once again fell on the wrong side of referee Jim Morrell’s line to earn a second yellow card and was banished from the field. A 14-man defence against the strong park pack, with Clarke particularly difficult to hold, would inevitably take its toll.  Also with ‘Biff’ Handley now on the pitch, the home backs started to find a cutting edge where there was previously none, so the defence creaked with the inevitable results.  Tries for CJ (who else?) and Hall with the latter adding one conversion took Park to lead of 15 – 0, meant that the Blues’ gargantuan efforts were given scant reward.  They still managed a series of concerted attacks on the home line and got very close on several occasions.  The final kick in the teeth came when another misdemeanour allowed Handley a comfortable penalty to take the final score to 18 – 0, a poor reflection on a magnificent night’s effort.

 

Final Score :   Birkenhead Park 18 – 0 New Brighton

 

Despite the loss, this was an encouraging night for the Blues.  Lewis Mullen performed creditably in the unfamiliar position of flanker and Lazer worked his socks off all night long.  Beefy and Lee M^cCourt were both prominent ball carriers and the scrum was generally sound.  The lineout was good early on but deteriorated considerably towards the end.  Kati’s commitment was as good as ever and young Galli is always a thorn in the opposition’s side.  Good to see some real pace on the wings. 

 

New Brighton lose Cheshire Cup Semi-final

 

New Brighton, with a much weakened team, took on old rivals Birkenhead Park at Upper Park.  This match should have been played at a neutral venue but both clubs had wisely decided that time and travel would be saved if they played on the Wirral.  Unfortunately for the Blues, Park won the toss and entertained us at their much revamped ground.  Amazingly, as we discovered from the programme, Park last won the Cup in 1881, also against New Brighton, in Liverpool, of all places.

Team:  15. R Hopkin,  14. Bowmer, 13 G Stringer,  12. C Dale,  11. A. Hesketh,  10.  Dean.  9.  M Gallimore,  1. L M^cCourt,  2. P Buckley,  3. J Brotherton,  4. B Lazenby,  5.R Stead, 6. L Mullen,  7. J Bates,  8. Kati Tuipulotu

 

 

Report by Doug Thorpe

 

New Brighton Performance Lightens A Gloomy November Afternoon Saturday 24th November 2007

 

New Brighton 41 – 8 Winnington Park

 

 

LOA TUPOU was fortunate indeed to don a Blues jersey once again on the day that the team produced arguably the best performance seen at the old club since he left it some three seasons or so ago to play for the Wirral rivals Caldy. He is an excellent ball carrier and his physical presence makes him a formidable opponent.  We can look forward with some anticipation to his partnership with Kati when the great man is back in harness next Saturday for the game against Broughton Park.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ubiquitous Alan Hesketh was deservedly voted Man of the Match, having been involved in almost everything that went on in the game.

 

New Brighton playing against the stiff rain laden breeze took a grip of the game from the kick off.  Concerted attacks with forwards driving up the middle and quality ball released to the backs rocked the visitors who found themselves five points down when Man of the Match, Alan Hesketh, having himself handled the ball twice during the build up, crashed over in the corner with just three minutes on the clock. 

 

The pattern was set and although some uncharacteristically sloppy tackling allowed Winnington Park to get a foothold in the Blues half and for fly half Benjamin Elliot to get some points on the board on 14 minutes with a penalty goal it would have been a brave bookmaker to put any odds on the Blues losing this game. The handling was remarkable under the conditions, Steve Dean, Guy Stringer and Chris Dale moving the ball confidently to create chances,  Rick Hopkin was bringing the ball up from deep, Danny Jones and Paul Campbell were in full control in the line out and Wayne Clayton, Captain for the day, leading by example.  Quick ball from a ruck and Mike Gallimore found the gap on the side to break the defence for a try under the post for Steve Dean to claim the extras to push the score board along to 12 points to 3 on twenty two minutes.

 

Mike Gallimore was again on hand 10 minutes later from a position in the Winnington Park 22, set up by a well controlled rolling maul had moved play over thirty metres. A panicking defence was no match for his speed of action and his second try of the game was a formality which brought the half time score to 17 points to 3.

 

If the home crowd expected that, being 14 points adrift going into the second half against the elements, Winnington Park would accept the inevitable and drop their heads they had to think again.  Seconds before the half time whistle Paul Campbell had been sent to cool his heels in the sin bin and so for the first ten minutes of the second half the Blues, numerically disadvantaged, found themselves under pressure.  Winnington Park had their best period during that early part of the third quarter and only some effective defence in which flankers Wayne Clayton and Lewis Mullen featured as much as anybody kept the situation under control, but from a break by lock Carl Patterson a maul was set up driving the Blues pack back to the line and prop William Burgess pealed off to cross and reduce the New Brighton advantage to 12 points at 17 – 8 on 55 minutes.  That was the wake up call for New Brighton.

 

A rushed clearance to touch and a smart throw in by quick thinking Alan Hesketh started the move from left to right which gave Joe Bowmer the space to round his opposite number to cross in the corner only two minutes later. There was no conversion but that really was the end of the contest.  New Brighton continued to run in tries over the last 10 minutes first by Guy Stringer, converted by Steve Dean, and then Ali Child, who ran in with his first touch of the ball.  Chris Dale rounding off the proceedings on the final whistle by taking a neat offload from Stringer to score under the post. Steve Dean again claiming the extras.

 

 

Full Time Score: New Brighton 41 – 8 Winnington Park
 

Miller Homes League Divn. 1

 

Depleted New Brighton 2's Lose Away at Blackburn.

Blackburn 2 XV  45 - 21 New Brighton 2 XV

No detail report available, but due to injuries and other unavailabilities New Brighton were well under strength but put up a determined effort.
 

 

Miller Homes League Divn. 5W

 

New Brighton 3's Continue to Develop though losing In close game to Birchfield

 

New Brighton 3 XV 15 - 22 Birchfield 2 XV

 

New Brighton 3rd has been newly formed this season and is providing an essential lead in to the senior game for the lads coming through from the juniors. They cannot be disappointed with their progress to date, having won 5, lost 5 and drawn 1.

 

A try by Kevin Wier converted by Joe Cardus and a penalty by Joe Cardus still left the Blues adrift by 10 points to 15 at half time.

 

A try by Dickie Devall could have levelled the scores in the second half but Birchfield put the game out of reach with a converted try.

HESKETH SHINES AS BLUES SPARKLE

Utility back Alan Hesketh shone as New Brighton rose to a sparkling performance running in 7 tries in a 41 –  8 league win over Winnington Park on a windswept Hartsfield on Saturday

Playing into a stiff breeze the Blues sized the initiative with a series of flowing moves forcing Park into a desperate defensive effort right from the outset.

In sparkling form New Brighton’s backs and forwards combined to sustain fierce early pressure. cutting a deft angle from the left wing Hesketh tormented the defence running across the face of the goal, his ell timed pass launched a forwards onslaught as the Blues big men took turns in a series of driving ssaults on the line.

Livewire scrum half Galimore fired play further onto the right flank before cleverly switching the attack incisively left. Park scrambled to cover the switch nut their best efforts were unable to match the pace of the Blues attack. When Hesketh popped up wide out on the wing there was nothing the visitors would do to stop him crashing over for a spectacular opening score just 3 minutes into the game.

 
The pattern set. New Brighton took the game to their visitors with moves flowing in Cavalier style. Only robust defence form the Park denied the Blues further scores.  Uncharacteristically sloppy tackling on 14 minutes gave Winnington a foothold in the Blues half to earn a penalty gratefully taken by fly half Benjamin Elliot to reduce the deficit 7-3 on 14 minutes

In difficult conditions the Blues handling was remarkable, Steve Dean, Guy Stringer and Chris Dale moving the ball well with Rick Hopkin carried from deep with confidence.  Big men Campbell and Jones controlled the line out and close exchanges as New Brighton continued to sparkle.

Captain for the day Wayne Clayton lead by example inspiring quick ball from ruck and maul well suiting live wire scrum half Mike Gallimore. Time after time the flamboyant Gallimore found the gaps to tormenting an overworked Park defence.  It was only a matter of time before the resistance broke and the score came. Steve Dean claiming the extras 12 - 3 on 22 mins.

Gallimore was again on hand 10 minutes later when a well controlled maul powered 30 meters into the Winnington 22 before the ball was released and Gallimore sped in for his second of the day. 17-3 0n 32 mins.  A skirmish just before the break saw the influential Paul Campel shown the yellow card for an uncharacteristic retaliation.

Half time 17 - 3.
 
Park rallied from the resumption putting pressure on the 14 man Blues defense. For the first time in the game a 14 man New Brighton were seen to struggle. Only determined tackling from flankers Wayne Clayton and Lewis Mullen succeeded in holding the line. Feeding on their success Park fired up powering into the Blues 22 allowing William Burgess to peal off a ruck close in to score an unconverted try 17 – 8 on 55 minutes.

It was a wake up call for New Brighton. With Campbell now back in the fray the Blues raised their game storming onto attack. A rushed clearance to touch and a smart throw in by quick thinking Hesketh started the move from left to right wing which Park could not parry. Joe Bowmer was given space to fly round his opposite number to cross in the corner. The conversion failed in the wind but the score effectively ended the contest.

Now rampant, New Brighton displayed grit, defiance and style to light up a windy wet day. Scores in the last 10 minutes from Guy Stringer, Ali Child, and Chris Dale defined New Brighton’s control of theis game with a final flourish seeing Stringer score under the post. Steve Dean claimed the extras and the smile were once again beaming on the Hartsfield faithful as The Blues ran in 41- 8 winners

A decisive margin of victory for a rejuvenated Blues, but more encouraging was the manner of their victory. The forwards controlled the game with well prepared sound set piece power and discipline supported by fast ruck ball that launched repeated fierce driving mauls. Winnington Park could not match the power, consistency and pace of the New Brighton game.  Abundant possession allowed half backs Gallimore and Dean to launch incisive attacks that brought the appreciative crowd to their feet.  Playing out of position on the wing Man of the Match Alan Hesketh was inspirational and could well seal his selection out wide for the season.

A good day at the office for coaches Dorrington and Kennedy as New Brighton move within one point of league leaders Stockport begging the question, ‘Is this to be another Championship year for a resurgent Blues?