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Back to basics at Rakewood in Boro victory

Mike Floyd
21/ 2/2006

Rugby Union
Littleborough 32
Thornton Cleveleys 7

LITTLEBOROUGH were back on track at Rakewood on Saturday with what was, in the end, a comfortable victory against Thornton Cleveleys.

It didn't always look that way as, in the first half, the home team struggled to find their fluency and blew several try-scoring chances. Doing the simple things right seemed to be a problem for Boro and many a move broke down as players over-elaborated what is in essence a straightforward game.

It was back to basics in the second half and what a difference it made.

Littleborough player-coach Lee Durrant's raking kicks took Littleborough deep into Thornton territory, turnover ball was won and the backs ran straight. It wasn't rocket science but it proved effective.

The opening stages of the match were scrappy with neither side able to find any continuity to their play. Littleborough missed two kickable penalties in the first five minutes and this set the tone for the home team's display.

With 12 minutes gone Diggle showed how it should be done as he burst through the middle and sent Irving in for a try. Andy Bairstow converted.

Littleborough were camped in the Thornton 22 for long periods with the visitors making only the occasional foray into the home team's half. Boro, though, couldn't turn this pressure into points and after a frustrating 40 minutes they had only a converted try to show for their efforts.

The home team increased their lead with a Durrant penalty in the 50th minute, but Boro were taken aback as Thornton's strong Fijian contingent put together a flowing move to score between the sticks.

The try was converted and it was all to play for.

This was the wake up call Boro needed and five minutes later the back-line got their act together at last. Quick ball from the forwards provided the impetus and Diggle powered in from 30 yards for a superb score.

The home team turned the screw and Durrant's drop-goal took them further ahead.

The visitors were up against it and weren't helped when their wing-forward was sent of for testing his studs on Durrant's head - the studs lost!

Boro took advantage and the forwards, ably led by Dickinson, supplied the backs with quality ball. Diggle was again the beneficiary as he found the gap and shot through to score. Durrant added the extras.

With two minutes to go it was a case of déjà vu as Seta Naulamatua was put through a hole and scored between the sticks. Durrant's conversion completed the scoring.

Best on the day for Boro were Diggle and Dickinson.

Two crucial points were in the bag and, hopefully, lessons were learned. Get the basics right and the rest will follow.

LITTLEBOROUGH: A Bairstow, Maxy, Diggle, Nadiole, Codling, Durrant, Kolbuck, Fraternalli, Klieve, Pollitt, Irving, S Bairstow, Fino, Lord, Dickinson, Collins, Naulamatua, Reader.