NORTH LANCS AND CUMBRIA LEAGUE
Aldwinians trip to Heaton Moor was a test of how far this squad has come this season.
In eight matches over six seasons, Aldwinians have not won this fixture. From the start the Aldwinians squad set out their stall with dynamic forward play led by second row Andy Gidman, and supported by the terrier like trio in the back row , David Tootill, Matty Ross and Rubin Holland. Early forward play produced quick ball to dynamic scrum half Jay Burton , that released centre Jamie Henderson on a run into midfield to splinter the defence.Supporting centre and captain James Worrall continued the move to score after just 2 mins. Fly half Andy Coxhills conversion saw the electronic scoreboard race up to 0-7.
Aldwinians forwards controlled the restart and Burton and Coxhill then combined with full back Richard Mooney to send right wing Michael Tobin off on a run to the line on 10 mins to extend the lead to 0-12. The combined weight of the pack was no match for their counterparts and from the push over the line David Tootill was at the base to score the third try on 17 mins.
Respite for the home side as they advanced from the restart with a penalty that gave them a line out in Aldwinians 22 area. The ensuing attack was parried by a tight defence, a clearance kick followed up by the backs that set up another right flank attack that had Moor racing back into defensive formation. With control in ruck and maul Burton at scrum half was directing matters without pressure. A penalty led to a lineout 10 mrs out and yet another rolling maul propelled the pack towards the try line where wing Tobin got the touchdown on 29 mins to secure the bonus point fourth try.
Aldwinians backs ran and passed the ball confidently and continued to keep the momentum up with centre Worrall took the ball at pace and spun out of the defending tackle to fly over the line on 32 mins. Coxhills conversion made the score 0 -29 .
Heaton Moor then fought back and earned a try for their efforts as the half came to an end.
The second half opened with a Aldwinians on the backfoot.It took the full third quarter to raise the level of the game again. Aldwinians moved deep into the home half with another good sequence of mauls and a typical sniping try from Burton from a resulting scrum close to the posts got the train back on the tracks.Coxhills conversion eased the score up to 7-36.
When all looked solid again , a couple of penalties enabled Moor to contest a line out near the Aldwinians try line, but the defence held out, and a few minutes later a forceful committed charge by Andy Gidman changed the direction of play and he linked with left wing Liam McMahon who showed his artistry with an angled run to the line on 73 mins. Heaton moor managed a further try and the final score was 14-41 to Aldwinians who ended their Heaton Moor Hoodoo.
SOUTH LANCS AND CHESHIRE DIVISION TWO
Dukinfield took the short trip to Ashton on Mersey but came away without the points.
For the first ten minutes Dukinfield had the upper hand, and opened up the scoring with a Robbie Wilcox Penalty.
The lead only lasted a few seconds, as a drive up the centre of the park saw AshtonMersey cross the line under the posts, and with the simplest of conversions took the lead 7 - 3
As the interval approached Dukinfield began a sustained drive down the left flank with a combination of strong running form Andrew Shepley, and Mike Kelly and the exciting dodging dashes of Scrum Half Max Kelly took a quick tap and dived over the line for a try. The kick was unfortunately hooked to the left and the sides turned around at 7 – 8 to Ashton Mersey.
Dukinfield then scored a try but Wilcox did not have his best day with the boot, the kick was again hooked right to leave the score 7 – 13. Ashton Mersey then began to pressurise with the visiting forwards looking disjointed, Ashton mersey then made their way over for the line for a second time restoring the home lead 14 – 13.
A hard last quarter for Dukinfield, as they defended their line, only conceding a penalty from the last minute Yellow card.
The final score was 17 -13 Dukinfield coming away with a bonus point.