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24/09/2011 - Wigan
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South Lancashire/Cheshire Division 1
New Brighton 23 – Wigan 21
Report by Stephen Owen
New Brighton scored in the last minute of a hard fought game to secure the four points and preserve their 100% win record so far this season. Much credit has to be given to a solid Wigan side which exerted pressure on New Brighton throughout and held the lead right until the final play. At squad training this week, New Brighton will need to review how they can be effective at performing under pressure in order to try and reduce the error and penalty count against them.
New Brighton struggled to impose themselves on a side which started the day eight points and six places below them in the league as they went behind after 5 minutes to a Wigan try scored by flanker, Peter Rigby, converted by fly half, Andy Whittle. With Wigan applying pressure and New Brighton struggling to get out of their own 22, a kick out of defence saw the ball bounce kindly for winger Gavin Attwood who intelligently checked his run and offloaded to centre Brett Williams who scorched away for New Brighton’s first try, converted by fly half, Steve Dean. Back came the visitors with a try of their own after the home side were once again penalised for an offence at the scrum. New Brighton worked hard to get themselves into good, attacking positions, only to turn attack into defence courtesy of an unforced error or a penalty. On the half hour mark New Brighton started to play the game in their opponents’ territory as first, Steve Dean and then Brett Williams, with his second try, put the home side into the lead for the first time at the half time mark.
Half time score: New Brighton 17 – Wigan 14
The second half began with a New Brighton drive into their opponents 22 resulting in the award of a penalty, kicked by Steve Dean and the award of a yellow card to the Wigan offender. In keeping with the pattern of the match as a whole, back came the visitors and a mazy run out of defence saw a number of missed tackles, allowing a try to be scored by winger, William Boardman. With the score now standing at 20 – 21 in the visitors favour New Brighton threw caution to the wind and applied pressure within the visitors 22. With the scoreboard showing 39 minutes played the ball came back to Steve Dean right in front of the posts. The fly half swung his boot for a drop goal, the crowd held their breath and as the ball seemed to pass between the posts the referee blew for a penalty kick to New Brighton. Up stepped Steve Dean, over the bar went the ball, the referee’s whistle blew and Hartsfield could breathe again as the final whistle sounded.
Full time score: New Brighton 23 – Wigan 21
An extremely close game in which Wigan certainly played their part. Plus points on the day for New Brighton included some hard, straight running from centre, Adam Pitt and a lineout that worked well all afternoon, culminating in a well deserved Man of the Match Award for New Brighton second row, Paul Roberts. Perhaps one of the lessons from this game is that it is not always possible to score from first phase and that playing the game in the opponents 22 and being patient can yield dividends, or, as in this match, the award of a penalty and three points to win the game. New Brighton stuck to their task and has developed a winning habit in recent games and hope to continue in similar fashion at Sale next week.
Team: 15. Luke Thompson, 14. Gavin Attwood, 13. Brett Williams, 12. Adam Pitt, 11. Andy Signal, 10. Steve Dean, 9. Alan Hesketh, 1. Joe Cardus, 2. Phil Buckley (Capt), 3. Aaron Jones, 4. Paul Roberts, 5. Mike Gazzola, 6. Mike Smith, 7. Mathew Cook, 8. Stuart Gratton
Replacements: 16. Daryl Parker for Luke Thompson 17, Andrew Wall for Mathew Cook,
Not used: 18. Tom Brie
New Brighton 23 (17) - Tries: Williams (2) Dean (1) Cons: Dean (1) Pens: Dean (2)
Wigan 21 (14) - Tries: Boardman (1) Rigby P (1) Wood (1) Cons: Whittle (3)
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17/09/2011 - Liverpool Collegiate
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South Lancashire/Cheshire Division 1 : Liverpool Collegiate 13 – New Brighton 25
Report by Stephen Owen
New Brighton beat Liverpool Collegiate to record their second away victory and third win in total so far this season. The New Brighton forwards were very much in the ascendancy in a first half in which the visitors limited the home side to one unconverted try by centre Ross Smith whilst being penalised themselves for a host of infringements. Collegiate improved in the second half as New Brighton seemed to completely switch off but New Brighton eventually gained the upper hand once more for Steve Dean to see them home with a further penalty kick and a converted try under the posts.
A strong blustery wind blowing across an open field made handling and kicking difficult for both sides all afternoon as Collegiate missed the opportunity to take an early lead with a penalty kick. New Brighton put points on the board but Collegiate stuck to their task and at times, made better use of the conditions to put the visitors under pressure. As in previous games, New Brighton’s front row of Cardus, Buckley and Jones were, once again, giving their opposite numbers a torrid time in the scrum but despite New Brighton dominating up front they were indisciplined at the breakdown and in calmer weather conditions, Collegiate fly half Chris Lloyd might have made them pay. With player coach Phil Gazzola forced off by injury, New Brighton’s continuing forward power lead to the award of a penalty try, followed by a try for replacement Kati, both converted by fly half Steve Dean who also kicked a penalty to ensure New Brighton lead at the break.
Half time score: Liverpool Collegiate 5 – New Brighton 15
Whatever was said at half time had clearly had an effect on Collegiate as, despite still being under pressure, they managed to steady a shaky scrum and put width on the ball to create a scoring opportunity, taken, once again, by centre Ross Smith, to close the gap to five points. Collegiate seemed revitalised and sensed an opportunity whilst New Brighton struggled to get in the game. A little of the pressure on the visitors eased with the award of a penalty kick, taken successfully by New Brighton fly half Steve Dean. New Brighton then rang the changes with Byron Power on for Daryl Parker and flanker Mathew Cook off the field. As the game entered the final twenty minutes the hard work put in pre-season paid dividends as New Brighton woke up and launched a three - quarter line move that saw Steve Dean cut through the Collegiate defence to score a try under the posts he then converted himself.
Full time score: Liverpool Collegiate 13 – New Brighton 25
A victory achieved in difficult conditions with another very solid performance from the forwards, the returning Steve Dean and promising full debuts from full back Daryl Parker and winger Gavin Attwood. Next up for the blues, Wigan at Hartsfield next Saturday.
Team: 15. Daryl Parker, 14. Gavin Attwood, 13. Brett Williams, 12. Jack Harris, 11. Andy Signal, 10. Steve Dean, 9. Luke Thompson, 1. Joe Cardus, 2. Phil Buckley (Capt), 3. Aaron Jones, 4. Paul Roberts, 5. Mike Gazzola, 6. Stuart Gratton, 7. Mathew Cook, 8. Phil Gazzola
Replacements: 16. Katilimoni Tuipolutu for Phil Gazzola 17, Byron Power for Daryl Parker,
Not used: 18. Tom Brie
Liverpool Collegiate 13 (5); Tries: Smith (2) Pens: Lloyd (1)
New Brighton 25 (15); Tries: Penalty try (1) Dean (1) Tuipolutu (1) Cons: Dean (2) Pens: Dean (2)
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10/09/2011 - Hoylake
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South Lancashire/Cheshire Division 1
New Brighton 29 Hoylake 3
Report by Doug Thorpe
Team: 15. Andy Signal, 14. Jack Harris, 13. Brett Williams, 12. Adam Pitt, 11. Vinnie Dutton, 10. Alan Hesketh, 9. Luke Thompson, 1. Joey Cardus, 2. Phil Buckley, 3. Aaron Jones, 4. Paul Roberts, 5. Mike Gazzola, 6. Mike Smith, 7. Mathew Cook, 8. Kati Tuipulotu.
Subs: 16. Stu Gratton, 17. Phil Gazzola, 18. Daryl Parker.
The Blues continue to delight the Hartsfield faithful with a convincing win over local rivals Hoylake. After beating Bowden in the quarter finals of the Cheshire Vase followed by last week’s success at Glossop this team is coming together rather nicely.
Hoylake came out of the blocks well for the start and established themselves inside home territory for virtually the whole of the first quarter. Only a last ditch committed defence denied them a score during that period, so it was rather against the run of play that a driving maul got Kati over the line on 20 minutes in what was a rare incursion into the visitors half, extras courtesy of Luke Thompson’s boot, to put New Brighton in the lead by 7 points.
New Brighton carried the game to Hoylake with increasing intensity and were rewarded with a second try on the half hour by Joey Cardus to bring the half time score to 12 points to nil.
The Blues increasingly dominated the second half. A visibly tiring Hoylake pack struggled and had the indignity of being pushed off their own ball at set piece scrums, the young props Aaron Jones and Joey Cardus comprehensively out scrummaging their opponents. Hoylake kicked a penalty goal soon after the turn but New Brighton went on to score tries by Alan Hesketh, Mike Gazzola and Andy Signal with a Luke Thompson conversion to bring the Blues total of 29 points and, of course, the added benefit of a valuable League bonus point.
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03/09/2011 - Glossop
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South Lancashire/Cheshire Division 1
Glossop 15 – New Brighton 24
Report by Stephen Owen
Team: 15. Andy Signal, 14. Vinnie Dutton, 13. Brett Williams, 12. Jack Harris, 11. Ben Brunt, 10. Alan Hesketh, 9. Luke Thompson, 1. Joe Cardus, 2. Phil Buckley (Capt), 3. Aaron Jones, 4. Paul Roberts, 5. Mike Gazzola, 6. Stuart Gratton, 7. Mathew Cook, 8. Katilimoni Tuipulotu
Replacements: 16. Mike Smith, 17. Andrew Wall, 18. Tom Brie
New Brighton began their 2011/2012 league campaign with a first visit to the picturesque Hargate Hill ground, home of the extremely friendly and hospitable Glossop Rugby Club and emerged with a victory. Both sides scored two tries and a conversion each with New Brighton successful with four penalty kicks to Glossop’s one.
The first few minutes of the match reflected the reference in the impressive and comprehensive matchday programme as Glossop roared out of the blocks, clearly intent on continuing the form of last season when they won eight out of their last nine games. From the kickoff the ball was swept upfield and in the blink of an eye the Glossop scrum half, Sonczak, was over for the first score, converted by fly half, Dearnley. As in their previous match New Brighton were having to start from seven points down. Facing a big, sturdy pack it was imperative that New Brighton steady the ship. A long kick, deep into Glossop territory from fly half Alan Hesketh saw Glossop penalised for offside and the fight back was on as scrum half, Luke Thompson slotted the first of his four penalty kicks.
Once again Alan Hesketh was forced to kick to clear as Glossop threatened the New Brighton line. However, the ball was recycled and New Brighton were awarded a further penalty, successfully converted by Luke Thompson. With Glossop unsuccessful with a penalty kick of their own, Joe Cardus was the recipient of a superb offload out of the tackle by Kati to score in the corner and the Blues were in the lead. Once the initial Glossop heavy artillery had subsided New Brighton had gradually gained the upper hand and with his third successful penalty kick, Luke Thompson eased New Brighton into a halftime lead.
Half time score: Glossop 10 – New Brighton 14
The second half began with the boot well and truly on the other foot as the New Brighton eight rolled a maul all the way to the home side’s line for Kati to cross for an excellent try, converted by Luke Thompson. Although the visitors now held an eleven point lead it was important from a blue perspective not to allow Glossop to come back into the game. New Brighton responded to a man with some solid defending with flanker Mathew Cook noticeably to the fore during this period with some crucial tackles and forward runs. New Brighton put themselves under pressure despite a well taken catch and “mark” which they chose to try and run out of their own 22 but did manage to break out and were rewarded with a fourth successful penalty kick for Luke Thompson.
As the clock ticked down Glossop still had the desire and energy left for one more score, this time for winger S Cassell to narrow the gap to nine points. The latter stages of the game saw New Brighton replacement Mike Smith come on for Vinnie Dutton with flanker Mathew Cook switching to the wing. One of the final acts of the game saw an uncontested scrum following a yellow card for one of Glossop’s giants who was given a torrid time all afternoon by New Brighton tight head prop Aaron Jones in a David and Goliath contest, Aaron being, at best, half the size and weight of his opponent!
Final score: Glossop 15 – New Brighton 24
The Glossop programme notes referred to New Brighton as a side looking to make a statement to the rest of the league. At Hargate Hill that statement was made by a squad who had clearly worked hard during the pre season, were well prepared by the coaches and was reflected in a committed, disciplined and determined performance.
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27/08/2011 - Bowden
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Cheshire Vase : New Brighton 36 – Bowdon 18
Report by Stephen Owen
Team: 15. Luke Thompson, 14. Vinnie Dutton, 13. Brett Williams, 12. Jack Harris, 11. Andy Signal, 10. Steve Dean, 9. Alan Hesketh, 1. Joe Cardus, 2. Phil Buckley (Capt), 3. Aaron Jones, 4. Paul Roberts, 5. Mike Gazzola, 6. Stuart Gratton, 7. Mathew Cook, 8. Katilimoni Tuipulotu
Replacements: 16. Mike Smith, 17. Phil Gazzola, 18. Andrew Wall, 19. Ben Brunt
A strong test of character for the Blues this week in what doubled up as a second pre-season warm up game as well as the first round of the Cheshire Vase competition. Phil Gazzola’s men stood up to the test to record a victory by five tries, four conversions and a penalty to two tries, one conversion and a penalty.
Following an early missed penalty by Bowdon the game was delayed for lengthy on field treatment to one of the Bowdon team. With New Brighton showing a little ring rustiness and slow to clear their lines, Bowdon charged down an attempted clearance kick and recorded the first try of the game, converted by stand off, S Dutoit. New Brighton began to play their rugby in the opposition’s half and were twice denied scores with last ditch tackles. New Brighton were seeing plenty of the ball but to the frustration of the home crowd were constantly being penalised for ruck and maul offences. Further pressure from the home side brought its reward as first Kati powered over and then Steve Dean jinked his way through the away defence to score tries, both converted by Steve Dean. In between these scores Bowdon stand off Dutoit slotted home a penalty. The half finished with a great break upfield from New Brighton centre Jack Harris.
Half time score: New Brighton 17 – Bowdon 10
With Bowdon still most definitely in touch and the second half beginning with the men in black pressing towards the New Brighton 22, scrum half Alan Heskey shipped the ball to stand off Steve Dean who scored his second try. Bowdon tried to hang on and were rewarded with a penalty kick struck by S Dutoit. At this point player coach Phil Gazzola entered the fray and powered into the heart of the Bowdon ranks, the ball was recycled to full back Luke Thompson who went over the whitewash. Steve Dean converted to put the hosts comfortably ahead on 29 points to 18. A series of changes then saw all the replacements getting on the field. With New Brighton now in the ascendency, forward drives by second rowers Paul Roberts and Mike Gazzola lead to a second try for Kati, once again converted by Steve Dean to see New Brighton home.
Full time score: New Brighton 36 – Bowdon 18
This was a good run out for the Blues and although they started a little shakily they finished in fine form. Steve Dean was outstanding throughout, 17 year old Jack Harris showed great promise and Joe Cardus at loose head dominated the front row battle.
The league season starts next Saturday with an away fixture into unchartered territory for the Blues as they go to Glossop hoping to start the season as they mean to go on
The seconds and thirds both have home fixtures next week , the 2s take on Manchester and the 3s entertain Ormskirk.
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