New Brighton 14 – Liverpool St Helens 44
Report by Stephen Owen
Team: 15. Tom Cubbin, 14. Andy Signal, 13. Brett Williams, 12. Vinnie Dutton, 11. Gaz Simpson, 10. Simione Mafi, 9. Alan Hesketh, 1. John Williams, 2. Phil Buckley (Capt), 3. Tevita Haunga, 4. Mike Gazzola, 5. Jez Lamb, 6. Paul Roberts, 7. Matthew Cook, 8. Kati Tuipulotu
Replacements: 16. Paea Liku, 17. Stuart Gratton, 18. Charlie Ward
It was generally agreed by the followers of both clubs that, like the game between these two teams played on the 16th of October 2010 at Moss Lane, the scoreboard did not truly reflect the story of this hard fought game.
Following overnight frost which saw the postponement of all the other fixtures in the North West One league, a bright cold afternoon at Hartsfield saw a healthy attendance and an initially close fought match between the home side and a solid Liverpool St Helens team.
New Brighton began the game brightly with a stint of solid possession in their opponent’s half which saw them take the lead with a Gaz Simpson penalty. Full Back Greg Smith levelled the scores with a penalty before driving play from New Brighton lead to a try for flanker Paul Roberts which proved to be the only try of the afternoon for the home side. Gaz Simpson further increased New Brighton’s lead with a penalty. Thereafter, Liverpool St Helens played a tight, powerful forwards game before looking to release a pacy backline which New Brighton struggled to contain.
Following the award of a yellow card to a New Brighton player, Liverpool St Helens then proceeded to score two tries, both converted by full back Smith. New Brighton centre Brett Williams was just stopped short of the line but with a further penalty missed and an additional converted score for their opponents, New Brighton were struggling to stay in touch.
Half time score : New Brighton 11 – Liverpool St Helens 24
New Brighton showed character after the break with some incisive breaks from centre Brett Williams and stand off Mafi who created space on a number of occasions but solid defence from the Liverpool St Helens back row denied the blues further tries. A further penalty from Gaz Simpson completed the New Brighton scoring while further pressure applied up front by the forwards saw Liverpool St Helens increase their lead with two penalties and two further tries all scored by full back Greg Smith.
New Brighton kept battling but had left themselves too much to do before referee Mr Garnett called a halt to proceedings.
Full time score: New Brighton 14 – Liverpool St Helens 44
A disappointing day at the office for New Brighton which arguably came down to the inability to convert the opportunities created. Credit to Liverpool St Helens who put in a solid performance on a cold afternoon and went away with five points. It is encouraging to see and hear the support for New Brighton in recent weeks and the team were well looked after off the field on the day by Paul Lewis, Alan Lewis and Mark Standish.
Next up for New Brighton, Vale of Lune at Hartsfield. See you there.