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Eccles 16 - 10 Littleborough

1/ 4/2008

DESPITE a bitterly cold wind and driving rain Littleborough and their hosts produced a match of surprisingly high quality.

Running with ball in hand and passing were very difficult, with mistakes plentiful, and in the end penalties were the difference between victory and defeat.

Littleborough enjoyed some early pressure, prompted by Nathan Mill in the unfamiliar position of out-half. He brought centres Paul Fino and Doug Holbrook into play ,but the Eccles’ defence held firm.

The home team eventually broke out, and a flowing move saw them create an overlap on the right for their winger to dive in for a converted try.

Eccles took charge and had the lion's share of possession. But Littleborough stuck at it, with wing forward Brook Reader playing out of his skin in defence and attack.

His efforts saw Boro win a penalty, and Holbrook slotted it between the posts. But joy was shortlived, as from the restart Boro were caught offside and Eccles added three points to their tally. The hosts continued to press, playing fine handling rugby, but too often they took the wrong option when a try looked likely.

The Boro forwards worked hard, none more so than Chris Collins who seemed to relish the conditions. He was well supported by captain Mark Elvidge as the visitors worked their way upfield.

Boro declined a kickable penalty, then number eight Ben Irvine broke from the back of a scrum to charge over the line for a try, converted by Holbrook.

The weather deteriorated and Littleborough had to withstand constant pressure in their own 22.  Aggressive tackling and an alert defence kept Eccles at bay until they were awarded and kicked a penalty.

Eccles looked certain to extend their lead when their right winger set off on a powerful run.It took a magnificent try-saving tackle from Ross Dearden to halt him.

Littleborough at last broke out but missed an opportunity when, with a gap in the home defence evident, the ball failed to go to hand. It was their last chance and a late Eccles’ penalty was the final nail in Boro’s coffin.

All Littleborough members are welcome to attend the club’s party at Rakewood on Saturday, start 7.30pm. It is to mark the purchase of the ground.

Littleborough have four tickets for Friday night’s big game at Stockport when Sale Sharks meet French club Brive in a quarter-final of the European Challenge Cup. The tickets are £24 each, but the club would appreciate a round £100 for the four. Proceeds go to club funds.

Contact Harry on 0161 624 7880 for more details.