New Brighton 22 – Wilmslow 17

 

Report by Stephen Owen

 

Team: 15. Tom Cubbin, 14. Andy Signal, 13. Vinnie Dutton, 12. Mafi Simione, 11. Gaz Simpson, 10. Steve Dean, 9. Luke Thompson, 1. John Williams, 2. Phil Buckley (Capt), 3. Joe Cardus, 4. Jez Lamb, 5. Paul Roberts, 6. Peae Liku, 7. Kenny Boyd, 8. Kati Tuipulotu

Replacements: 16. Aaron Jones, 17. Stuart Gratton, 18. Alan Hesketh

 

President Ben Basterfield’s pre-match notes set the scene for this rearranged encounter with a Wilmslow side sitting a number of places above New Brighton in the North West One league. Described as an enigma, George Probert’s men stood up to the test, ignited on the day and recorded a narrow 22 point to 17 win, just failing to secure a four try bonus point.

 

New Brighton left their faithful supporters with their hearts in their mouths as Wilmslow added twelve points in the last few minutes courtesy of a converted penalty try and a further try right at the end.

 

The first half began ominously for New Brighton as pressure exerted by the solid Wilmslow forwards resulted in an unconverted try to give the visitors a 0 – 5 lead. Shortly afterwards Steve Dean reduced the arrears with a penalty to bring New Brighton up to 3 -5. With strongman Paea Liku punching holes around the fringes the New Brighton forwards began to create a platform from which the backs were able to run at their opponents. However, New Brighton were unable to convert possession and pressure into points as three penalty kicks were missed to leave the score unchanged at half time.

 

Half time score: New Brighton 3 – Wilmslow 5

 

The second half began with New Brighton continuing to work hard and the results of the halftime team talk began to bear fruit. Growing in confidence and influence, New Brighton’s forwards with Paea and Kati to the fore put in some heavy duty hits and continued to win possession with second rows Jez Lamb and Paul Roberts controlling the lineout and flanker Kenny Boyd causing havoc with his pace.  Scrum half Luke Thompson whpped the ball out to stand off Steve Dean who supplied the increasingly influential Mafi in the centre. It was this combination that lead to a mazy run by Mafi who accelerated, twisted, turned and fed winger Gaz Simpson who scored in the corner.

 

Wilmslow were then rocked back on their heels as first Paea Liku, who was immense on the day and then the rampaging Kati, charged over for tries which were both converted with excellent kicks from Steve Dean. A satisfied home contingent surveyed the scene. Surely New Brighton were safe and a crucial victory secure?

 

Sensing a late opportunity the Wilmslow scrum half used the wind in what little time remained to kick deep into New Brighton territory and almost spoiled the party with two tries in quick succession.

 

However, it was not to be and New Brighton emerged with a crucial victory.

 

Final Score: New Brighton 22 – Wilmslow 17

 

Speaking after the game a delighted George Probert praised the whole team who had given one of their best performances of the season against a good solid side. A repeat performance and result next week would be most welcome!