Miller Homes League 1.

THE YOUNG GUNS CARRIED THE DAY

New Brighton 2nd XV 37 – 7 Preston Grasshoppers 4th XV

Match Report by: Doug Thorpe

New Brighton survived a battering from the Preston Grasshoppers veterans in the first quarter, where, but for a gallant defence and some uncertain handling amongst the visitors, they could have been trailing by considerably more than a single converted try. On 20 minutes it would take a brave punter to have placed a bet on the Blues getting a win, still less racking up 37 points with five tries, three conversions and two penalty goals without conceding another score.

The comeback started with wing Charlie scything through a broken field in a solo run which was only stopped by the referee awarding a penalty for alleged crossing but a well struck penalty goal soon afterwards by scrum half Luke Thompson got the home side on the score board. The Blues then moved into the lead with an Adam Pitt try on the half hour from a simple well executed classic backs move from Joe Cardus at fly half via centres Terry Rylance and Andy Signal to the wing, who, with still a lot to do, made the impeccable finish. Luke Thompson converted and kicked his second penalty goal to round off the half.

Half Time Score: New Brighton 13 – 7 Preston Grasshoppers.

Apart from a flurry from the visitors late in the second half when the game was out of reach, the Blues were comfortably in command. The front row of John Williams, Dan Stafford and Conan Grehan now had the measure of their opponents in the tight and were carrying the ball well in the loose. The locks crowned an excellent day’s work and both got themselves on the score sheet, Adam Bird from a well arranged short range crash ball for the first try of the half and two for Ben Lazenby on the 68th and 79th minutes, the second converted. Ball winners No 8 Paul Roberts and flankers Dan Searle and Arron Jones were particularly effective on the day.

Once settled and with a ready supply of good ball, half backs Luke Thompson and Joe Cardus combined well and the latter, with a show of authority which belies his youth, varied his play to control the centre field with centres Terry Rylance and Andy Signal. Signal added to the score in the 75th minute as he burst through the defence for a fine try, again converted. The back three Charlie, Adam Pitt and Dan Jones were always eager and always a threat.

Luke Thompson can be pleased with his kicking with five successes out of seven attempts.

Final Score: New Brighton 2nd XV 37 – 7 Preston Grasshoppers 4th XV