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1
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May 16, 2012 - 08:33 PM
Eccles 10 v West Park 27
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Lancashire Senior Colts Final
The big day came and went, leaving a sour taste and disappointment for those who just looked at the score but a whole lot of pride and credit for the ones who can take a wider view of the cup run and the achievement of the team as a whole.
With three coach loads Eccles turned up at Wigan with hopes high and anticipation for some too much to bare. A cup run involving wins against two sides from a higher league and a hard fought battle against Sefton in the semi had given the lads a good chance against West Park. The lead up to the game could have gone better with Wes Harrison missing the team completely due to an injury sustained playing for the 3rd’s and Mike Mpofu turning up on the day with his hand in bandage, the talk was of a suspect broken hand. We also had the disappointment for 4 players who could not make the 22 man squad and then the odd word of displeasure regarding the selected starting 15. Well lads, that’s why we have team managers and coaches, if we left it to the players we’d have a situation resembling Lord of the Flies.
So it was with much bandage being applied, especially to Mike Mpofu, that the team took to the field and started to give their all. Things started well with a solid defence being formed however cracks started to appear as we lost the two Cullen brothers, Luke to a groin injury and Brendan to a broken Collar Bone. During this period of upheaval West Park were able to establish a lead of 13 points through a converted try and two penalties. Now anyone who knows this bunch of lads will recognise what happened next. They all to a man lifted their game and gave it all, getting themselves back into the game with a lot of hard work they were able to make a register on the score board with a long range penalty by Chris Finch just before half time.
The second half started with Eccles taking the initiative and applying pressure upon the West Park defence. Good play was being produced by all which resulted in Chris Finch finding a rare piece of space and jinking his way to the line, being tackled just short, however the ball was recycled quickly and moved into the backs again, allowing James Wright to capitalise on a gap in the West Park defence and go over close to the post, however not before an attempt was made to remove his head by one of the West Park players. The conversion was made good by Chris Finch. This put the score at 13 – 10 in favour of West Park and the game was definitely on.
With Eccles in the ascendancy hopes were high, tackles were hard and effort was at the utmost. Then the critical moment of the game came about. A good drilling kick into the West Park 22 saw pressure being applied to the defending side by the chasing Eccles players, the ball was kept live, just, by the West Park players which allowed their Full Back to produce a get out of jail card as he punted the ball deep back into Eccles territory. The covering Eccles players responded too slowly allowing West Park to put the Eccles players under pressure and a weak kick to touch allowed West Park to counter attack and score a converted try.
Heads were bowed, but not lowered as the Eccles boys once again gave their all and a bit more. Alas as is the way with the world you don’t always get your just rewards and West Park were able again to capitalise on a defensive mix-up by Eccles and score another converted try, this made it 27 – 10 to West Park. A score which was felt by the Eccles camp to be a touch flattering too West Park although they had played the best rugby on the day and deserved the win.
The game came to a close with one final piece of entertainment as West Park made a substitution. The entertainment being the oncoming player who had already collected 3 yellow cards in the two league games played against West Park and according to plan the lad went out of his way to pick up his fourth. Strangely he didn’t understand why.
At the end of the game much consoling was required with reassurances that they had all done well and should be proud of what they had achieved. So a quick drink, or two, a bite to eat and back on the coach to Eccles. On arrival we had what I suppose was the most moving part of the day as the whole clubhouse rose to give the players a standing ovation as they entered the club. The absolute least they deserved. As the night was young they partied long into the night.
Season’s Review
OK, so they didn’t win the Lancashire Cup, they only came second in League D of the Raging Bull Leagues. But what a League, 3 Lancashire Cup Semi-Finalists and 3 separate teams in the Raging Bull League Cup Finals. In addition as I have said they picked up wins against 2 teams from higher Leagues, with other teams from higher Leagues not wishing to play them, even in friendlies. Quite simply the League seedings lied, and this was with a squad of 4 U19’s, 20 U18’s and 2 U17’s.
Last year Mr Dutton (snr) announced at the player’s dinner that the then colts team had been the most successful in the clubs history. This statement caused some heckling by a few however it was not based on cups won but on the number of colts who had played in the senior teams, especially the 1st team that season, that latter figure being 5.
Well this season I think we’ve surpassed that. With 6 colts playing 1st team rugby, 5 colts playing 2nd team rugby and all the rest, bar 2 or 3 playing 3rd team rugby. It’s not being too melodramatic to say that without the colts we would not have been able to field a 3rd team this season. In addition I seriously doubt that the 2nd’s would have gained promotion without the input of the colts throughout the senior sides. If you wish to add to the equation the number of colts who bolster the numbers at senior training, making the whole thing worthwhile for the coaches then you may just start to understand my next paragraph.
This has been the most successful colts team the club has ever produced. Their achievements are unparalleled and may never be bettered, but I hope they will. They are a credit to themselves and coaches, well done lads, one and all.
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2
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April 25, 2012 - 07:59 PM
Tour Continued
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Day Three
The next morning it was down for breakfast again but this time with fewer partakers. With apparent telepathic foresight some had chosen the Continental type, not being able to face a full cooked version. This was just as well as the cook had slept in and had only arrived as the dining room opened. So the wait for the cooked stuff was somewhat long.
On finishing our refreshments it was a case of check out and retire to the hotel lobby to wait for the Bus, thankfully Billy the Bullet had arranged for one to take us back, or so he claimed. The only problem being he wasn’t sure what time it would arrive. It was during this stage that more miss-doings of the night before started to come to light.
Ben Chapman had come down looking a bit unhappy. As well as City losing, again, the day before someone had trashed his room and he was most upset. He was clearly not a happy Easter Bunny. A fat one yes, but not a happy one. Well done to O Joe, Matt P, Reese J, Jordan B and Alex P. Now that’s what I call team bonding.
Old Ernie then turned up looking like an Extra from a Harry Potter film. I recon he’s got a job moonlighting in Gringotts.
As the party slowly gathered the patience of the lady on the hotel desk was slowly wearing thin as the language was turning bluer by the minute. After numerous apologies for the odd naughty word from the Eccles party she finally cracked and screamed, “who’s been shitting in my reception” as a rather obnoxious smell wafted across the room. It didn’t take much to realise it had come from the direction of Billy the Bullet.
Now, remember what I’d said about the Old Zen Master. Big Boy Dan appeared in reception, wearing only his boxers from the waist down, looking his somewhat usual confused self. Apparently the night before his Wing Man had tried the same trick with the Local Plod regarding his Human Rights. Only this time he was so confident and convinced of his rights he had managed to negotiate some overnight accommodation courtesy of Yorkshires finest. Only problem here was the said accommodation was in York. Danny had tried to phone his mate but kept getting an answer phone so he had left a number of messages asking him to phone back once he was out of the nick. It was only after his phone had gone flat that he realised he’d left the messages on the home phone number not his mobile. This story got funnier the more times it was told, and when the miscreants two uncles, who were with us on tour, heard the story the look of disbelief mixed with recognition of a stupid nephew and anxiety of what his mum would say, i.e their sister, was a picture all of its own.
A phone call was made to York nick to acquire the situation regarding the “Eccles One”. It was understood that the young Bog Trotter had only just been released; in truth they were glad to see the back of him. Another phone call to his mobile and he was found to be in a taxi on route back to Selby. On arrival a welcoming committee was formed and everyone had a belly full of laughs at his expense, all £40 of it. Luckily for him the taxi arrived before the bus did or he was going to be on his own. The next objective of the Bog Trotter here was to get home before his mum did and delete the messages on the answer phone. I just hope she didn’t have remote dial-up.
Now I have to say, this is the third person I know this season that this has happened too. Clearly I’m mixing in the wrong circles.
On arrival of the bus it was all aboard and back to Selby RFC to pick up all the kit bags and stuff. Once again the bar was closed. I don’t know how they make any money. On loading up the kit it was a fond fair well and off back to Civilisation.
Well done to the Bullet for organising everything, and I do mean everything. A very big thanks to Selby RFC for once again putting up with us and offering such warm hospitality. If they ever wish to cross the Pennines they will be more than welcome at Eccles RFC. My final words as we left the Clubhouse, “Billy, if you organise a tour next year, where not going to Flipping(sic) Selby”. His reply, “OK, how about the Far East next year, how about Hull”. “Too Hull and Back”.
You have been warned, however don’t despair, other plans are afoot.
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3
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April 25, 2012 - 07:58 PM
Tour Continued
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Day Two
One of the best parts of tour is having a few quite words together the next morning and listening to all the stupid escapades people got up to the day before. This year was no different. Sunday morning breakfast was well attended by almost everyone and the post Saturday night inquest was soon in full flow. The highlight of the evening it appears was Big Boy Dan (aka the IDC) having words with the Local Constabulary and showing a female member of that organisation his own member. This was then made worse by his Wing Man, Bog Trotter Bradshaw, explaining to the said officers of the law that he was quite aware of all his rights as he’d only just read the European Charter that very morning. How the pair of them managed to avoid having their collars felt we could only wonder in amazement. Or as the Old Zen Master would say, “we’ll see”.
For some god forsaken reason someone, who shall remain nameless, had organised the Colts game to kick off at 11.00am. What on earth Billy the Bullet was doing agreeing to this ridicules time only he will know. Managing to get the whole of the Little Ones there on time was in itself a logistical miracle. Second only to some bloke, somewhere, apparently rising from the dead. Who on earth organises a tour without a Bus in a town where the only taxis don’t start working until 11.00am, I know who does, yes you got it Billy the Bullet does.
On arrival at Selby RFC, god I’m starting to hate that place, we found the bar closed again and that where we had 20 players the home side were down to 13 lads. It was clear that even the locals thought 11.00am KO was a bit stupid. Anyway after a supposed warm-up and a few negotiations the game kicked off with the Selby ranks being made up by 2 players from Eccles. Now not only is 11.00am not a very good time for a game of Rugger, but also the Little Ones soon found out that trying, and they were, very trying, to play the game after marinating themselves in all forms of alcohol for 24 hours wasn’t necessarily a good idea. Added to this some bright spark decided that there should be no kicking on tour. That’s fine, if during the season they’d practised passing the ball about, alas for some this was their first attempts at passing all season. In fact when one of the Eccles wingers first received a pass, not recognising what the ball was, he thought it was his Easter Egg and started to try and un-wrap it. The end result of all this being they were pants. I’d use stronger words but you know who will be reading it and I’ll only get told off, again. Suffice to say the only people to gain from the tactic of no kicking on tour was the opposition. On the bright side, some of the Eccles players did have very good games, when they were playing for Selby. The best some had played all season. On the dark side whilst playing for Selby, Joe C had his nose slightly re-arranged. So despite all his mother’s pleadings, the poor lad got hurt.
After the game it was into the bar, again, for refreshments. A light buffet on the side and plenty more of that marinating stuff was soon being consumed. The only drawback to this was they’d run out of real beer the day before. So for some it was onto Captain Oats Bottled Stout.
During the afternoon’s activities we had a Triumvirate of Judges sitting in full dress in an attempt to keep order and right the wrongs of the day before. The top case was Young Dutty & Old Will being charged with being drunk in charge of a make believe car at a McDonalds Drive Through.
The entertainment was then taken outside for a naked race by all the Tour Virgins. The fact that Old Will was the first to strip concerned me somewhat. More concerning was all the local women fighting to get the best view of the race. Clearly they were not use to the sight of sound Lancashire Manhood. The race itself was won in fine style by one of the youngest in the party, so clearly he hadn’t drunk as much as everyone else the night before. If you want a photographic record of this event you will have to see Persil as he is somewhat reluctant to put the photos on the web site. I recommend this as there is a cracking one of young Finchy, for in the words of the past sports commentator David Coleman, “he opened his legs and showed us his credentials”.
Next came the cracking of boiled eggs on foreheads game. The funny part being six of the batch of thirty or so eggs were raw. The unlucky ones who had found the raw eggs were then treated with an Easter Egg each, which they then had to eat in a race with the others. Needless to say O Joe won that one.
All these hilarities were interrupted by a silly game being played on the TV. There was much noise from the Red side of town with the Blue Rinse brigade vacating the room. As the afternoon progressed it was made known to the party that our presence was no longer welcome, or to put it another way, we’d trashed the place and there was no beer left, of any type. So the call for the Selby Taxi was made and the never ending shuttle run was again in motion.
Into the Selby hostelries we went for much needed refreshments, it being all of 20 minutes since the last drink. Some made their way back to the 3 Swans to watch the next instalment of the day’s footy games.
As the night progressed the Little Ones then decided they were going for a Team Curry. The highlight of this being Baby Face Danny eating a raw chilli and then feeling his mouth spontaneously combust. The only choice the young lad had was to quickly buy an ice cream and instantly devour it. The bonus to all this for young Danny was the ice cream came in a novelty toy which he found so amusing he kept. What is it they say about little things?
For some it was an early bed, for others the party carried on long into the night.
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4
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April 13, 2012 - 07:37 PM
Senior Colts Tour day one
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Eccles Senior Colts Easter Tour to Middle East (of Yorkshire)
Introduction
As this was a mixed tour (senior players and colts) I’ve tried to concentrate on just the stupid activities of the young ones. However, some events by the senior players cannot go unmentioned, if only because they made me laugh. By the way, the old adage about what goes on tour stays on tour only applies to a point, i.e to prevent marital disharmony, and as the colts aren’t married anything goes (girlfriends don’t count, it’s your own stupid fault for having one). So, as far as I’m concerned it’s, what goes on tour, goes straight into my tour report. All facts are true with all names kept unchanged to cause maximum embarrassment.
Day One
Oh for the joys of youth, there they were all bright eyed and bushy tailed. 20 colts all keen and excited about their first rugby tour. We had a proliferation of new names, tour ID and tour rules, plus an over abundance of prophylactics, tea bags, Mars bars, sticky plasters and the odd Fez each. Clearly some people get carried away when organising a tour.
In the car park we had the odd kiss and cuddle from a few mums on dropping off their little cherubs. “Be gentle with him” was the call of one. OK you all know who it was, Joe Cranston’s Mum. I did say it was all going in. The usual suspects were late and so the fine pot never stopped growing.
A hearty breakfast first, then group photo and onto the coach we went. Colts and the big kid Glen at the back of the bus, with all the old farts to the front. As you would expect with the odd pint of beer being drunk before we left the club we didn’t get to the end of Gorton Street before someone wanted a wee-wee. As we approached the border we could see the snow on the hills, and I thought snow at Littleborough during Easter was an exaggeration. As we trundled through Yorkshire the problem of the on board WC not working rose it’s ugly head as we had one of the colts being desperate to use the facilities. “No, just wait, it’s only another 30 minutes”, said Billy. “But I really need a piss” said Jordan. As Billy’s word is law in such matters Jordan Bromley was then seen filling up a pint pot. Which he then had to hold all the way to Selby, without spilling anything. As you would expect with JB, he failed.
On arrival at the hotel, despite all the pre-booking and organisation we still had mayhem and pandemonium as we waited to be given our room keys. After a quick drop off of bags it was back onto the bus for the short ride to Selby Rugby Club. Well it was back on the bus for some of us, we were only in the hotel for 15 minutes and we managed to leave 3 of the little ones behind. The missing idiots being Reese James, AKA Weed, James Wright, AKA Gas & Air, and Lee Morris, AKA Little Stump. The first taxi ride of the day being required there then.
On arrival at Selby R.C., a location we are all getting far too familiar with, it was found to be open but empty. The welcome party of one Ex-Salfordian was waiting in the car park for us, a wonderful chap obviously carryout missionary work in the wilds of the middle east. We were informed that the kitchen was open and the licensed bar would be open in 15 minutes. “Well can we have a beer while were waiting” was one hopeful and I would say not unreasonable request.
Needing to keep the tour party amused and to give some of the colts something to do four of the little ones were dispatched to gather certain items. A Guitar, a Horn and a bottle of Advocaa. Why you may ask, why not is the answer.
At about 3 PM some idiots started to play a game of rugby. A touring Eccles 3rd team vs a Selby XV. For full details of this game you will have to refer to Henrick Gett’s match report. All I can say is it was a total miss match with no need for four of the little ones playing. However on the bright side, a few 1st team players found their true level.
After the game the various social activities were soon in full swing with Able Seaman making a guest appearance. I didn’t know which was the funniest sight? Able Seaman being put through his paces, or the look of amusement on the little one’s faces.
As the evening progressed we had a bit of transport mayhem with the only Taxi in Selby trying to do a shuttle run between the Rugby Club and the Town Centre. Not wanting to be drawn into the chaos a few wise old heads decided to use Shanks’s Pony. On arrival at the 3 Swans activities were found to be in full swing yet again. As the evening wore on and the call of the curry house beckoned contact with the little one’s was lost for a while.
On departing from said curry house, and after seeing Jordan Bromley (yes him again) eat his curry without the use of hands, knives, forks or spoons, the 3 Swans was found to be deserted of Ecclesites. After a short stroll the majority of the party was found in a local hostelry locally called “The Madhouse”. The missing minority had gone elsewhere because they had been refused entry due to no ID, stupid boys. They were eventually found, sharing a bottle of lemonade, in probably the only pub in the town with a side door, with the side door having no Bouncers.
After a further interlude it was decided to take a few of the little ones back to the hotel. This short walk was almost eventless until we came across an all night McDonalds. The trouble was it was only a “Drive Through” and unluckily (or should I say luckily) no one was driving a car. So Tom (alleged son of Frank Fleming) Dutton and Will (supposed son of Gary Haymer) Haymer decided to pretend they were in a car with Tom driving, Will riding shot gun and two more little ones in the back seat. After opening his electric window Tom placed his order through the intercom but was told to bugger off by the zit ridden youth at the serving window. I don’t know some people have no sense of humour and some don’t know a sale when they see one. After an extensive exchange of words centring around the F(amous) one, the party left unfed and watered and returned to the hotel. At this, the night, for some, came to a close.
Day Two to Follow
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5
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March 26, 2012 - 04:17 PM
Eccles 14 v Sefton 5
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Lancashire Snr Colts Cup Semi-Final
I once heard Joe Theismann describe a key moment in a game when the pressure is on and only the best will do as “when it comes to the nut cutting” well today we had a real tough nut to crack. Two previous cup wins against sides from higher leagues had set up a Lancashire Colts semi-final against Sefton. The two league games against Sefton had resulted in a 12-12 draw at home and a 22-20 defeat in the away game. So both teams knew each other well, and an outstanding performance was going to be required if Eccles were going to progress to the final.
The first half started in the same fashion it chose to maintain with Sefton on the tip toes of the front foot and Eccles gamely holding its thin blue line. Sefton constantly asked questions of the Eccles defence with some smart kicking and forceful running but a positive reply by the Eccles team was always produced until a succession of mistakes by the Eccles side lead to Sefton working a try in the far right corner. First blood to Sefton 0-5.
They say you can tell the quality of a man by the way he responds to adversity, and respond these lads did. As the first half came to an end Eccles hard work was rewarded with a penalty well inside the Sefton 22. For some reason only known to the person who called it, it was decided to take a scrum instead of kicking the points. As you would expect the scrum was messed up and Eccles found themselves inside their own 22. This kept the score at half time to 0-5.
As the sides turned round, so it appeared did their fortunes. The Eccles boys started to show they were up for it, and a bit more. It was now the turn for Sefton to be on the back foot and Eccles to apply all the pressure. Gaining another kickable pen Eccles chose to take the kick. Alas the attempt rather than trouble the scoreboard only managed to worry the worms as it hug the grass tops. However, the pressure was maintained, the boys didn’t give up and soon another penalty was awarded which this time was tapped too quickly and another scoring opportunity was lost.
After all this adversity you would have expected heads to drop and composure to be lost. But not this bunch of lads, after all they had the support of the Eccky shed. Following a quick word across the ¾ line a diagonal kick was placed, dropping on the Sefton try line. With the Sefton players unable to deal with the bouncing ball Matt Parkinson arrived on the scene to take charge of events. Leaping like a Salmon he claimed the ball in the air, however he then chose to practise some juggling skills, I didn’t know he had, and as he fell to the ground he managed to regain control of the ball just as it hit the ground and made the touchdown. Breaths were momentarily held until the referee raised his arm to signify the try was good. Bedlam erupted. The conversion was made good by Chris Finch who had managed to find the right golf club this time for the shot.
With Eccles in the ascendency pressure was maintained in the Sefton half and after a series of crafty kicks by the backs and driving runs by the forwards we eventually saw Tom Dutton go over to extend the Eccles lead. Again the conversion was made good by Chris Finch who had clearly sorted out his golf bag.
With the score at 14-5, Sefton had no option but to mount a series of adventurous attacks which were once again met by the thin blue line of Eccles players, only this time the line got thicker with every tackle made. You could almost hear the call, “for Eccles, Billy and St George”. The game came to a close with Sefton mounting one final attack on the Eccles line and the lads meeting the challenge to a man.
With the final whistle Eccles rejoiced and Sefton to a man accepted the fates and bode the Eccles team well in the final. To my mind a great sporting gesture and deserves all the credit I can give.
A cool headed performance by James Wright, the captain of the ship, unseen dog work by all the forwards especially Jordan Bromley, numerous tackles and chasing by the backs and snipping runs by Chris Finch all made the day possible. But the man of the match by a country mile and a few fields more was Reece James who ran all day, tackled whatever came near him and gave 200% effort. The lad really wanted it.
So the coaches are being booked, tailored suits on order and a day out in Wigan (not quite the same ring to it as Wembley) for the final. And the opponents, West Park. For those who have been following these reports you’ll know what this means. If in doubt, look at the colt’s notice board in the clubhouse. It’s still there because it made Carolyn cry and I still get goose bumps when I read it.
Now a week ago four of the colts played in the 1st team away to Blackburn and yesterday we had three of them in the 1st team playing against TocH. Add to that the numerous colts who have played for the 1st’s, 2nd’s and 3rd’s this season you’ll understand the commitment and importance to the club the lads extend is without question. So, we need you all there at Wigan to return the complement, Sunday 6th May, be there, there are no excuses.
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6
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March 19, 2012 - 05:15 PM
Eccles 3 v Caldy 23
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The trouble with doing well in the Raging Bull Colts Leagues is you are then put into a League Cup Competition against other teams who have also done well in all the other leagues. And so it was that Eccles Colts, by finishing 2nd in League D, found themselves at first drawn away against a team finishing 5th in League B. However this game was conceded to Eccles as the home team had a clash with a “schools competition” and could not raise a side. This then took Eccles onto the second round of the cup and pitted them at home against Caldy who had finished 3rd in League A.
Now Eccles had met Caldy in the same competition last year and at the same stage. That time the fixture was away and the lads that day went down fighting (not literally) 50 – 15. So we all knew this was going to be one seriously tough game.
With an overnight monsoon descending on the environs of Eccles much work was required to prepare the pitch before the game. Alas the garden forks only arrived as the players emerged from the changing room so little work was done there. However the roping off of the far touch was of great use as it helped keep back four rowdy visiting mothers from Caldy who had only turned up because they were still waiting for their Mothers Day cards. (Brunty don’t worry, I spoke to the ladies in question as I took the rope down, I’m sure they’ll realise it’s only a joke.)
Well the game itself was, as expected, hard work for the lads. Caldy had Eccles on the back foot from the off with most of the game being played inside the Eccles half. Caldy opened the scoring with a Penalty, but Eccles responded well gaining one of their own which Jack Falukner took with ease. As the first half came to a close Caldy were able to squeeze in for an unconverted try and on the stroke of half time Eccles were unlucky with another penalty attempt hitting the post. This made the half time score 3 – 8 to the visitors.
During halftime Eccles introduced their secret weapon at Full Back who I understand had clocked off early from the local branch of mothercare, I hope he doesn’t get into trouble for it. With a few more changes in personnel with fresh legs the work rate was maintained and the commitment was unquestioned. Despite the effort from the Eccles lads they were not able to increase their score and the visitors were able to extend their lead with two more tries, one of which was converted and a penalty. The final score being 3 – 23.
Great credit to the lads especially when we realise 4 of them played for the 1st team the day before, with 5 more playing in the 3rd team game.
Any suggestion that these teams were 3 leagues apart did not manifest itself in the rugby we witnessed. The Eccles lads gave 100% effort and a bit more, running themselves into the ground and tackling like Trojans. Alas it was all to no avail other than a big chunk of pride and a huge amount of credit.
So off we go next week with another home game in the Lancashire Colts County Cup semi-final. A huge game for the lads and the club. So you miserable lot, get yer backsides down there and give the lads all the support you can, they deserve it.
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7
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March 12, 2012 - 02:21 PM
Wirral Colts v Eccles Colts
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Today we were due to see Eccles Colts travel too Wirral, from league B, in the first round of the Raging Bull League Cup. However despite having home advantage and apparently no problems all season they decided at the last minute they could not raise a team and conceded the fixture. A polite phone call was then made by she who must be obeyed to ensure they were not allowed to proceed in the Bowl competition. Which they are not.
So instead of a match the lads were given a hard training session followed off with an obligatory game of touch. JB was outstanding during this short run around having the game of his life, if only you could get international caps for touch. Then into the bar to watch a little encounter between the Angels and the Gauls. No mention is allowed regarding Agincourt, Crecy, Waterloo or bailing them out twice in 2 world wars. Who said I wasn’t xenophobic.
This was all capped off with an English win and the sight of a few Sky Blue Boys adopting the default position, of head in hands.
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8
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February 27, 2012 - 05:47 PM
Eccles 31 v Aldwinians 0
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Lancashire Snr Colts Cup Quarter Final
Well, that was the end of the league campaign, finishing a, at times, well deserved second place just behind a very strong outfit from West Park in League D. So off to the League Cup they will go with a bye in the first round.
With all the league games completed this week’s encounter was a much delayed home Lancashire Cup game against Aldwinians, who had been playing all season in the league above Eccles. This was to be the third team from league C, Eccles had taken on this season, with the lads boasting two previous wins against a combined Heaton Moor/Broughton Park outfit in a pre-season friendly and Liverpool St Helens in the first round of the Lancashire Cup. This game was surely going to show us just how good they were.
Considering a significant number of the boys had played hard games the day before for either the First or Second teams, four in each team, it was amazing to see a squad in excess of 20 players turn up. This obviously gave the selectors a few dilemmas in who to put on the field at the start. However this was made easier by applying the simple rules of; who has been training, who is always reliable in turning up, and who turns up on time.
The pre-match warm up was interesting with at least 4 versions of line out calls being considered and a slight difference of opinion being aired between two of the lads. A word of warning to you all here, Mike is the last person to disagree with. If he says it’s Monday then it’s Monday, whatever day of the week it actually is.
The game started as you would have wished with Eccles dominating from the off. The first scoring chance that fell to Eccles was wasted due to the ball miraculously developing a coating of glue which prevented the simple process of passing to put in the winger. How many times have I said that? However very soon after the score was opened by Brendan Cullen who capitalised on a good kick and chase by James Wright, and ceasing on the loose ball ran off to make the touchdown almost unopposed. This was converted by Chris Finch.
The score was quickly extended by the lads for once carrying out the simple basics of the game and moving the ball in the backs, from this Jack Faulkner made a razor like break through the visitors defence and then slipped the ball inside to Chris Finch who went in under the post. Again the conversion was by Chris Finch.
At this point Aldwinians started to mount some pressure on the Eccles line and it was only a series of solid tackles and hard defensive work which presented the visitors crossing the line. With the pressure relieved Eccles went down the park and again by moving the ball in hand we saw Jack Faulkner make a half break then beat the covering defence with a kick and chase, the ball bouncing kindly back into his hands to allow him to make a further touchdown. This took the half time score to 19 – 0.
At half time we had a few changes in personnel to ensure all had a fair crack at the whip. With these changes we had the obvious period of disarray as they all tried to settle down to the new line up. However it didn’t stop the lads marching on into the opposition’s half. From an attacking line out the ball was driven blind by Kieran McNeish who then popped it up to Jordan Bromley, who happened to be wandering round in his usual casual manner and on finding the ball in his hands and the try line inches away luckily tripped himself up and fell over the line. As with the last time this rare feat occurred everyone celebrated. The conversion was made good by Chris Finch.
With a comfortable lead on the board the foot was definitely taken off the gas, and mixed with a succession of infringements, Eccles had to withstand a long period of pressure, at one time with only 13 men on the park. However as in the first half the defence was strong, resolute and defiant with all boarders being repelled. During this period of play, with at least one player sitting on the naughty step, Eccles broke away and a good chase and tackle by Matt Parkinson allowed a turn over to be gained and Lee Morris to pick up the ball and run in to score a try in the corner.
Full time was reached with the score standing at 31 – 0 to Eccles. The next round is the semi’s with a whiff of Wembley in the air. All eyes are now fixed on t’internet to see who the lads will be drawn against.
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9
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February 06, 2012 - 12:32 PM
Eccles 28 vs Rochdale 14
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The end of the league season was played out by Eccles colts with a home game against Rochdale. The game was to prove to be of interest for a number of reasons with a few heroes and the odd villain or two. Rochdale turned up with only 12 players, so it was to their own interest that Eccles should supply at least a couple of players, so allowing a full 15 Eccles players to take the field. Thankfully we had sufficient players with enough common sense and decency to do just that. The first two heroes being Dom Thorpe and Keiran McNeish.
The game kicked off at a cracking pace with Jack Falukner almost scoring in the first minute, only being denied by a stray foot stepping on the touch line. This early disappointment seemed only to energise the lads, so much so that Brendon Cullen decided to start playing a virtuoso role at fullback. Eccles were soon on the attack and following good pressure by Matt Parkinson the loose ball fell to Jack Faulkner who was able to make up for his earlier disappointment and go over for a try which he converted. Eccles carried on with bouts of good play running in tries by Lee Morris, which was again converted by Jack Faulkner, and Reese James which he converted himself.
The halftime was reached with the score standing at 21 – 0.
With the prospect of a big score looming the Eccles game plan went a bit astray. With little idea of how to use a numerical advantage all they could do was the usual stick it up ones jumper and try to batter their way through. Not clever and definitely not pretty. As the game went on the body count of injuries grew for both sides resulting in more Eccles lads doing the right thing and putting on a Rochdale shirt to help out. Danny McManus, James Wright and Matt Parkinson being the next three heroes.
With Eccles making little headway it was no surprise that Rochdale, strengthened by the Eccles lads, should score themselves with a converted try. Eccles gave a quick response to this with a try by Lee Morris and a good conversion by Reese James. But soon after Rochdale were again able to score a converted try by doing something Eccles had refused to do all day, simply pass the ball along the back line.
With the casualties laying along the touchline making the scene reminiscent of an episode of Emergency Ward 10 (they won’t get that one) the referee brought the game to an end.
A deserved victory but with much still to learn. The biggest down side being the injuries picked up playing for the opposition. Oh, the villains, they’re the ones who refused to play for the opposition.
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10
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January 23, 2012 - 12:19 PM
Birkenhead Park 8 – Eccles 3
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You have to be careful when you write a match report that you do not do it too close to the event. The danger being that the emotions will be too raw and you are unable to give a detailed analytical summary of events. So with that in mind and after a cold shower and short period of transcendental meditation we can start.
Whereas last week I was critical of the lads for trying to beat themselves, this week they did all they could, well almost, to gain a deserved victory, but alas the cruel fates were against them. A hard lesson in life in having to accept the things they cannot change.
Pre-match events were both numerous and humorous. We had a welcome re-appearance of Ben Sherman, Jordan O’Neal almost running out of petrol getting to Birkenhead, Joe Cranston, at last doing his homework and being “ungrounded” by his mum, and finally Paul Thornley having a bit of a go slow with his car and turning up with Connor as the game kicked off.
The game started with Eccles facing a strong wind and doing very well. The performance by the Eccles players was so good you would not have realised the wind was blowing. Yet despite all the good work being put in the home side were able to open the score with an unconverted try. Eccles as you would expect responded well making many opportunities to score for themselves, alas none being taken with one glaring opportunity being wasted due to the lack of a simple pass to a winger.
At half time the lads turned round only 5 points down but now with the wind to their advantage. Eccles used the elements well constantly pinning the home side into their 22 and moving the ball in an attempt to open their own account. Twice the boys crossed the line but twice they were denied. Once for a forward pass, and once because the referee did not see the player ground the ball. At about this time the wind appeared to drop so all advantage there was lost also.
Despite all these ill fates they had to suffer the lads showed their character and never stopped trying. They were eventually rewarded with a penalty kick by Reese James, but as the fates would have it the home side were able to kick a penalty of their own straight after to maintain their 5 point lead.
With the clock steadily ticking down a long kick by James Wright saw Brendan Cullen nail his opposite man on his own try line. Despite hitting the ruck in vastly superior numbers Eccles were unable to produce the ball and the home side escaped again. At this point the referee had to have a word with the Eccles Touch Judge and threaten to send him to the naughty step. I did say emotions were high.
So it was that the home side were able to withstand the final assaults by Eccles and prevail in the game. A great performance by the Eccles players, showing excellent discipline, despite the provocation and erratic nature on the game. My MoM goes to Wes Harrison, playing out of position but fitting in well at fullback he made two bone crunching try saving tackles. From now on we’ll have to call him “the wall”.
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11
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January 16, 2012 - 12:35 PM
Eccles 10 vs Hawcoat Park 3
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Such a small score and yet, so much to say. But first a word for our visitors. Hawcoat Park made the long journey away from home with only 13 players and not knowing if the game would definitely be on due to the frozen conditions. It’s hard to say this for an Ex-Furness player but the Hawcoat (nee Vickers) Players were a credit to themselves and their club. Their commitment to the game of rugby was soon to be demonstrated to all during the game.
With only 13 players it would be silly for us to not give them a player, so a full 15 Eccles players could be fielded. To his immense credit we had one lad man enough to put his hand up to offer his services to the visitors. James Wright showed us all his first team experience had not gone to his head, unlike some.
With the effects of Jack Frost having an impact on the day there was no option but to play on the world famous postage stamp. I’ve always said the sun shines on the righteous. This was also to have an effect on the day’s performance.
The first half started and continued for 33 minutes with Eccles in total control. Possession and territory was all for Eccles and yet the visitors line held firm with resolute defence and dogged determination. No matter what Eccles tried they couldn’t break the solid defence in front of them. To be truthfull it wasn’t just the Hawcoat defence that was stopping the Eccles offence, it was the Eccles team themselves. Poor passing, unwillingness to pass and plain greed stopped the Eccles boys making the numerical advantage tell. This was compounded by the lads at times running out of width on the pitch, I did suggest it was small and sometimes giving out the odd hospital pass with the receiver collecting both the ball and the opposition at the same time. To make matters even worse one of the Eccles boys gave the referee no option but to show him a yellow card.
I have to admit for some one of my tender years, ha, that just as half time approached it was to no surprise that Hawcoat should be able to make their way into the Eccles half and gain a penalty kick, which they took well. This made it 0 – 3 at the interval.
The second half continued very much in the same vein as the first with Eccles camped in the visitors 22 and not moving much out of it. Alas the only thing they couldn’t do was get themselves over the try line. If you want to know the reasons why, just read the paragraph but one above. Yet despite the frustration of getting nowhere very slowly, despite always seeming to take the wrong option, the Eccles boys never gave up. As the clock was forever ticking towards the end and the obituaries were being written, with one final hurrah we finally saw Ben Chapman (who was still sulking from last week’s footy results) crash over for a try. This was well converted by Reece James. This took all the panic and anxiety from the lad’s performance and the last few minutes of the game were played out in comfort. The game was finished with a long penalty being kicked again by Reece James who had managed to remain on the pitch this week for the whole game.
The obituary, well that was simple. The visitors only turned up with 13 players, yet Eccles contrived to try and get beat by 15 players, themselves.
The visitors as they always seem to do chose Mike Mpofu as MoM, yet special word should go to Luke Cullen who tackled as tenaciously as ever and Jordan Bromley who’s starting to prove he is a real second row. All he needs to do is start playing on a Saturday and settle his Chinese restaurant debts.
Joke of the day, what’s the connection between Bob Dylan & James Wright?
Answer, they’ve both been called Judas in Manchester. I know the young ones won’t get it but it’s still funny. They’ll just have to go to Wikipedia and work it out for themselves.
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12
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January 09, 2012 - 03:53 PM
Congleton 5 vs Eccles 14
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Due to the festive break and the odd cancelled game it’s been almost a full month since the colts last played. This long layoff had clearly affected the attitude and ability of the colts to apply themselves to the simple arts of a game of rugby with far too much testosterone flying around and far too little common sense.
Things started well with Eccles taking control and after winning a scrum against the head we saw Mike Mpofu picking up at no8 and running blind to score. The conversion was made good by Reese Jones. 0 – 7 to Eccles.
Eccles were soon on the front foot again playing in the opposition half and looking to extend their lead. But this is where the train came off the rails, well for the first half at least. A succession of penalties against Eccles for a variety of offenses, mainly off side, allowed the home team to get into the Eccles 22 and start putting the Eccles lads under serious pressure. The pressure being clearly evident by the amount of bickering that took place between the players. The penalty count soon got to a point where the referee had no option but to show one of the Eccles backs a yellow card for persistent off side, so off to the naughty step he went.
With the pressure mounting it was too no surprise that Congleton should finally be rewarded for their efforts in the form of an unconverted try. This moved the score to 5 – 7 in favour of the Eccles but gave the home side hope of more points. As the first half was coming to an end we had two moments which would have an effect on the rest of the game. First we had an Eccles player being asked to leave the pitch, or should I say being told, for tripping an opposite number. This put the Eccles team down to 13 players. We then had a penalty awarded against Eccles in front of their own posts. Thankfully the kick was missed allowing Eccles to get to half time with their slight lead still intact.
The interval gave the management the opportunity to knock a few heads together and force some common sense into the team. This had a remarkable effect as the second half started very much in the same vein as the first had started but this time with the Eccles team keeping their heads and all the play inside the Congleton half. Initially with 13 players and then with the returning miscreant from the naughty step, 14 players, the Eccles lads started to show the application, discipline and controlled aggression which we know they can do, but was sadly lacking in the first half.
The effort put in by the Eccles lads on the pitch made a mockery of the numerical advantage held by the home team with the boys in blue constantly laying siege to the Congleton line and tackling the home side into the ground whenever they tried to run the ball. Finally as we approach the last few minutes a neat kick into the corner by James Wright allowed Brendan Cullen to race up and gain a well deserved touchdown. His debut try for the team. The conversion was made good by Lee Morris and the game was sealed at 5 – 14.
Very quickly the final whistle was blown which allowed all to smile again. A game of two halves with indiscipline and at times stupidity making it all very hard in the first. But in the second half the performance was tremendous. I could make a few clichéd comments here about a Jekyll & Hyde performance, but the lads won’t have a clue what I was on about, or would they?
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13
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December 05, 2011 - 01:41 PM
Eccles Colts 22 – Newcastle 0
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Well today was the day to find out how good these colts were, as a team and as a squad. With key players missing due to injury and a need to balance work and rugby the squad was looking thread bare, especially in the backs. A visiting side from Newcastle, that’s under Lyne not upon Tyne, were going to ask some questions for sure. However as you would expect from a bunch of young individuals you would be proud to call your own, they all to a man raised to the challenge set before them.
With the first team pitch resembling a paddy field we all travelled under the bridge to Narnia. The far pitches had drained, but only superficially and very soon it started to cut up. The early pressure came, as expected, from Newcastle but Eccles held firm and with their very first venture into the opposition’s half opened the scoring with a long range penalty by Reese James. This settled the anxiety and we soon saw Obedia Joe crash over from short range to extend the lead to 10 – 0.
As we approached half time Newcastle again started to ask the questions of the Eccles back but two good runs by Brendan Cullen quickly showed all the answers were there.
The second half started with Eccles playing up the hill and so commitment and application was required by all. To the appreciation of a good crowd we got lots of both, and it wasn’t long before a quick tap in the visitor’s 22 saw Jake Darcy dance over in the far left corner. This was topped off by a good conversion by Reese James. Very quickly Eccles were on the front foot again asking questions of their own and a crafty cross kick from Reese James put the visitor’s backs in a state of panic elevated by the presence of Matt Parkinson and Joe Cranston, who made a solid tackle on his opposite number and from the resultant mêlée Ben Chapman dived, like Orca the Whale, onto the loose ball to claim the try. This took the score to 22 – 0 and gave the opportunity to start swopping players round and all having far too much fun. This was emphasised by Mike Mpofu being replaced by Jordan Bromley at No8. Mike threatened to give up rugby if Jordan was to score at a 5m scrum. Jordan didn’t let us down by knocking on at the base. We also had the wonderful sight of seeing Reese James being stripped of the ball by his opposite number, it was like taking candy from a baby. The Newcastle lad must have thought Xmas had come early. Note must also be mentioned of a rare appearance by Eric Unsworth who had chosen to take a break from his normal weekend extracurricular activities.
Good debuts, i.e. first full game, by Brendan Cullen and playing in a new position, by Matt Parkinson. So the answer to the main question of the day is, not bad at all, in fact, pretty good.
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14
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November 28, 2011 - 02:04 PM
Eccles Colts 26 – LSH 5
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Lancashire cup game today and due to the fortunes of the draw Eccles colts were in a position to test their recent good run of form against Liverpool St Helens, a team from one league above their own. It also gave them a chance to exorcise the demons of last week’s defeat.
Kicking off with a strong wind behind their back Eccles needed to put some points on the board to ensure they would not be under pressure in the second half. Trying to ensure they took advantage of the conditions Eccles were constantly within the visitors half and despite some good defensive work by the visitors Eccles eventually registered the first score with an opportunistic try by Kieran McNeish, all coming from a clever chip and chase by Mark Dutton.
With the game very rarely leaving the LSH half we then saw Reese James going over and round the posts following a good passage of play with the ball being moved through the hands, the simple process of pass and support being used to great advantage. However rather than learn from the past score, the bad habit of trying to be one dimensional crept in to the play and scoring opportunities were wasted by a number of players.
As the half time approached and the ball again being moved into the ¾’s it just took a “wee shilly shally” by Chris Finch to beat his man and go over for a try.
This took the halftime score to 19 – 0, but was it to be enough as the elements were now to be in the visitors favour.
The old expression of needing to be the next team to score was evident with the visitors using the wind to their advantage and Eccles solidly holding out in defence. However, LSH soon registered the next score to make it 19 -5. This gave the visitors a ray of hope and they quickly mounted a sustained period of pressure on the home side, asking many questions, but as expected Eccles always came up with some form of answer. The answer at times being so obscure, you have to wonder what the question was. This was highlighted by Mark Dutton’s precision kick from his own line into the arms of an LSH winger. Thankfully the ultimate answer to that one was solid tackling by all and we soon saw (MOM) Dominic Thorpe running up the wing with the ball in hand.
As the time ebbed away from the visiting side and the Eccles players gaining in confidence we had the coup de graĉe by the home side. With the ball once again being moved from side to side of the pitch though the hands of many players the break out was made by the ¾’s and a good run by Reese James was topped by a simple inside pass to Chris Finch to score. Following the successful conversion the full time whistle was blown.
Final Score 26 – 5. The next round is not until February with another home game this time against Aldwinians, who are also seeded in the league above Eccles.
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15
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November 28, 2011 - 01:53 PM
Editorial comment
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In last week’s report I foolishly made a few nice remarks about a certain player who had given all present the impression that he had broken his ankle. It’s not my fault, I didn’t know he had form in this sort of thing, with a pain threshold so low it’s subterranean and a severe case of hypochondria.
After being wrapped in baco-foil, whisked away in an ambulance with lights flashing and making his poor mother travel all the way over to Liverpool to see him in hospital it eventually appeared that the broken ankle was no more than a slight strain. What is coming of the youth today, I despair.
Next time you see Jimmy Wong give him a kick on the ankle, from me and his mother.
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16
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November 21, 2011 - 12:02 PM
Sefton Colts 22 v Eccles Colts 20
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This week’s report has to be dedicated to James Wright who has decided to take a break from rugby for a while. Whatever his problem, I hope he can snap out of it, and is able to make a cracking return.
Today’s game away to Sefton was always going to be a toughey. Still smarting from giving up a 12 point lead in the home fixture the Eccles boys were determined to maintain their exceptional run of form. However we knew that Sefton, if anything, did not lack presence on the pitch. We also found that they had had their numbers supplemented by a few refugees from Waterloo Colts who had just become defunct.
And so it was that the home side started on the frontest of feet. Putting Eccles under sustained pressure it was no surprise that they should score the first try, all be it due to a bit of naive defending. However the lads haven’t reached the top of the table without showing some character and they quickly earned a penalty which Chris Finch knocked over the bar to make it 7 – 3.
The home side responded well, lead by a very good flyhalf, they moved the ball in hand well and scored another try in the corner. 12 – 3. But back came the Eccles side, refusing to acknowledge the miss-match in size they got stuck into it and came up with a solid try by Mike Mpofu. 12 – 8.
Choosing the wrong tactics of taking on a bigger set of forwards with PG’s we then had Eccles bad spell, conceding two more tries, one from a driving line out and the other from a string of missed tackles down the middle of the field. Thankfully due to the refusal to accept the adversity of life, both conversion attempts were charged well by Eccles players and the kicks missed, the later one being in front of the posts. This took the half time score to 22 – 8.
Half time brought harsh words from the management. Questions were asked, where they up to it, did they want it, or did they want the season to end there and then.
Well we found out. Throughout the second half the Eccles boys never stopped trying. They never stopped believing in themselves and each other. Or was it just wishful hoping. Quite simply it was pride and character. The pressure the Eccles team was starting to exert started to take its toll and a string of penalties by the home side, all of which were ran by Eccles eventually saw Chris Finch go over to move the score to 22 – 15.
It was now the turn of the home side to ask questions of themselves. But the team who appeared to be coming up with the answers was Eccles, who somehow were able to get back into the home side’s half and maintain the pressure. Time and time again they endeavoured to come up with something and with due reward and the last play of the game Wes Harrison was driven over the line by the Eccles forwards in the far left corner. The only drawback to this event was the sight of James Wright hopping off the pitch concerned that his ankle was a bit sore and out of shapes. Alas the final conversion kick fell just short and the game finished 22 – 20.
A disappointing score but the strength of character shown was exceptional and once again I have nothing to offer but praise. Without this bunch of lads the senior captains would have serious problems, emphasised by 8 of them playing the day before.
Man of the Match goes to Lee Morris who was outstanding at scrum half. Lovely boy that he is.
Most of all best wishes to James Wright, we all hope you make a speedy recovery. We will miss you mate, if only for you to drive your car.
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17
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November 14, 2011 - 01:25 PM
Eccles Colts 19 v Widnes Colts 12
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This week’s match report is dedicated to Jordan Bromley who complained that last week’s report was far too long and too hard to read. Jordan as we all know is a legend in his own, lunchtime / mind / parallel universe*. (*please delete as you feel appropriate)
After last week’s sublime performance it was I suppose inevitable that we should sink to the depths of the ridiculous. I asked the lads after the game how I should describe their performance and the first answer I got is unprintable, the second was better with “under par”. That’s the trouble with setting high standards, you have to keep them up, and you only do that by hard work, commitment and application.
The game started in strange fashion with Connor Thornley receiving a bang to the head in the very first tackle of the day. This resulted in much yo-yoing of the lad, on and off the pitch he went until common sense prevailed and the management, otherwise known as his Dad told him he was not going back on.
Eccles recorded the first score early on in the game with a try by Obadiah Joe, crashing over from a few yards out after the Eccles forwards had put together a series of pick and goes. We then had a long period of scrappy play with Eccles far too frequently letting the visitors from Widnes into the game by conceding silly penalties. So much so that one player was shown a yellow card for persistent offending. We also had a succession of players trying there arm and leg at Hooker to cover for the dazed Connor. The star turn at this has to be Jordan Bromley, who in quick succession lost two scrums against the head and one line out throw. He was quickly replaced and as he came off was heard to ask the Head Coach for a cuddle. Bless.
On the stroke of half time the Eccles lads managed at last to put together one of their best periods of play and after a multitude of recycled phases with the ball being moved around the park with passing from hand to hand we eventually saw Chris Finch do as he usually does and skip his way through to score under the posts. This made the half time score 14 – 0.
The second half started badly and got a lot worse. For long periods of the time Eccles were unable to get out of their own 22 and it was no surprise that the visitors should score two tries of their own, with only one being converted.
With the scores now being only two points apart the Eccles lads realised, at last, that they were in a dog fight and started to knuckle down and shown some character. They still had to spend a long time in their own half, however slowly but surely they made their way up the field into the opposition half and managed to stay there. Mounting a number of raids on the Widnes try line the hard work was eventually rewarded by Chris Finch going over in the corner.
This made it 19 – 12 for those who are not keeping count and Jordan. Despite one last assault on the Eccles line by the visitors the boys in blue and white were able to stand firm and hold out for the win. They all know, they will have to do better next week.
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18
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November 07, 2011 - 02:51 PM
West Park Colts 14 v Eccles Colts 36
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The expression is, cometh the moment, cometh the man. Well today in such an important fixture we had plenty of moments, and men a plenty coming up to the mark and standing true to the cause.
During the current season I’ve had many complaints regarding the alleged negativity of my match reports. Totally unfounded as far as I’m concerned. Today however I have nothing but praise. Every colt that took to the pitch, and there was plenty of them, gave their all and a bit more, doing the club and more importantly themselves proud.
The fixture was quite simply a top of the table clash, West Park were sitting at the top, on points difference, with Eccles second. The Eccles boys were still smarting from the early home defeat they had had to endure against West Park and so focussed commitment was a pre- requisite for all.
Eccles travelled away with a squad of 23, however, for once, the home side had an even bigger one, easily approaching 30. And we thought we had problems with selection. All players made a contribution, some late in the game, but all understood what ever happened it was for the good of the team as a whole. Team spirit second to none.
The game started with Eccles under pressure from the home team, who were being encouraged by a noising rabble in the stand. This was soon realised into two early penalties for West Park. Eccles then showed their metal with a great break out from their own 22 with Luke Cullen, Reese James and Mike Mpofu combing before Wes Harrison eventually went over to make it 6 – 7.
The home side were then awarded a try which reminded me of Operation Mincemeat, WW2 scholars will know what I mean. This took the score to 11 – 7. Shortly after the home side then had a player sin-binned for foul play with the receiving Eccles player taking no further part in the game. Just before half time they then extended their lead with a further penalty to make it 14 – 7.
With the change in direction of play, the fortunes of play also changed. The Eccles lads raised themselves in mind and body and went for it. Eccles scored 3 quick tries without reply, the first by Chris Finch from a typical counter attack, the second by Tom Dutton following a driving sequence of play by the forwards and the third again by Chris Finch following a clever kick and chase. All this took the score to 14 – 26 and totally silenced the boisterous home crowd. Trouble was it was a 12 point lead the lads had conceded against Sefton, and so nerves were tingling.
Eccles then had to endure a prolonged period of immense pressure from the home side, but as you would expect from a team full of commitment no one was found lacking. The odd tackle was missed, and ball dropped, but the whole team ethos made up for the odd individual mistake and bodies were put on the line, sacrifices made and the band of brothers stood up for one another, to a man.
All the hard defensive work was eventually rewarded with a breakaway try by Chris Finch, running almost the length of the touch line to eventually score under the posts. This made it 14 – 33 and totally broke the spirit of the home side.
The home side’s misery was then extended when the same West Park player was shown a second yellow card for expressing his opinion to the referee far too loudly. As usual two yellows made it a red, scant consolation for the young Eccles lad in the stand still trying to work out where he was. From the penalty the score moved to 14 – 36.
Soon after, the final whistle was blown and much celebration was richly deserved by all. Despite a hat-trick of tries, four conversions and a penalty by Chris Finch, the Coaches’ man of the match was Mike Mpofu who is growing into his new role in the back row with aplomb. Mention must also go to the front row players who had very little cover on the bench and put in a notable shift with a few eventually blowing out of their posterior.
Now you won’t believe it’s me who is writing this but special mention must also go to the referee. This was his first society appointment, and with this in mind had a very good game. We weren’t happy with some of the decisions in the first half, you never are, but as I’ve always said you can only give what you see, which he did well, and rely on the integrity of the men with the flags.
An excellent day for the lads in blue and white and I’m not labouring a point to say this was helped by the ever increasing number of players who are making an effort to turn out for the senior sides on a Saturday. It’s the main reason we run a Colt’s team and does both themselves and the club one hell of a lot of good. Well done lads, you did yourselves proud.
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19
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November 04, 2011 - 05:25 PM
Eccles Colts 54 v Birkenhead Park Colts 0
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My bottom gets sore every time I do one of these, well it’s better and cheaper than the Silver Lady.
PC version
On Sunday the clubhouse extension was opened and the Colts beat Birkenhead Park.
Non-PC version
Eccles Colts entertained a visiting side from Birkenhead Park FC in their latest fixture in the Raging Bull league. A prize to the first colt who played on the day, to tell me why it’s an FC and not an RFC, I’m wording it that way because I know young Dutty’s dad will give him the answer.
During the past week the Colts had shown their commitment and importance to the club by not only bolstering numbers at senior training on both nights but also playing a very hard seven’s tournament on the Thursday, providing ten players to the senior sides on Saturday and then committing to the own game on the Sunday. What would we do without them? Well, not have a third team for a start. With a few unavailability’s, due to holidays, work and injuries the playing squad for the day was still a healthy 19 lads. However a number of interesting positional changes had to be made to cover a few vacancies in certain positions.
The game kicked off with Eccles in command from the start and things never much changed throughout the rest of the day. The first score was registered by Joe Cranston and this was quickly followed up by tries from James Wright, Reece James, Lee Morris and Chris Finch. With the approach of half time the score stood at 33 – 0 to Eccles with the lads dominating all aspects of the game despite the usual miss-match in the size of the players.
The second half started with the game already won and this showed in a rather lack lustre performance. This is not a criticism of the lads, who were battling against a number of factors. The fatigue of the previous week’s exploits, the pitch size, the size of the opposition and uncontested scrums being just a few of them. Despite all this Eccles continued to dominate the game and further tries were scored by Chris Finch, Dominic Thorpe and Lee Morris. The final score reached 54 – 0 which puts Eccles second in their table at the halfway mark in the league season.
Post match activities were in full flow in the club house with Colts Manager Mr William Borrett Esq. taking the chair, Luke Cullen downing a yard of ale after many repeated attempts and a slide show of the day’s events or was it a freak show?
Well done to all who made it a great day for the club.
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October 28, 2011 - 12:58 PM
Sale Sharks U19 Sevens Festival
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Eccles Colts Best U19’s Sevens team in Greater Manchester
Last Thursday Eccles Colts entered the inaugural Sale Sharks u19’s seven a side Festival, making a notable performance and coming away with the best record of the Manchester teams.
With work commitments, holidays, injuries and a few insomniac sufferers, the Eccles squad was whittled down to just 8 players. All 8 lads making notable performances in the 5 games played, mostly against higher ranking club sides and Grammar Schools. Opening the tournament, Eccles overcame Sale Grammar School 22 – 5. Immediately after they then had to take on Lymm Colts who are presently sitting at the top of The Raging Bull League A, going down 36 – 7. After a short rest they then took on Bishop Heber School losing out 33 – 14 in a hard fought game. Immediately after this game they had to take on local rivals Bolton Colts. Dominating this game throughout they triumphed 24 – 0. The shut out being a rare achievement in this type of rugby. After another rest they took on Chester Colts who are just below the top of The Raging Bull League B. This was another hard fought game and was in the balance until the last few minutes where the minimal size of the squad took its toll the Eccles players, the final score being 24 – 14.
Throughout the tournament hard lessons of 7’s rugby had to be learnt by all, the lads clearly thinking they were still playing 15’s rugby. Alas 7’s is a totally different ball game where possession in the hand is everything and a bit more. But all the lads, James Wright, Reece James, Luke Cullen, Connor Thornley, Lee Morris, Tom Dutton, Matt Parkinson and Obadiah Joe, did exceptionally well always playing with a smile on their faces despite the adversity and pain 7’s causes you to endure. All players scored tries with the exception of O Joe, who made a notable performance as a rolling, in more ways than one, sub.
Eccles finished fourth overall in a completion open to all in the North West. This in my book ranks them 4th best u19’s 7’s team in the North West of England and the best in Greater Manchester. Well done to all.
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