3rds Win Tight Game

Saturday 11th October 2014

Leek RUFC 3rd XV 10- 7 Eccleshall RUFC 2nd XV

On Saturday Leek 3's entertained Eccleshall 2's in what turned out to be a well fought and contested game of rugby.
Eccleshall who alway arrive with a well drilled and full squad were no different on Saturday. The game started with both teams evenly matched in most areas.
With leeks front row consisting of Roberts , Hine & Simmons Holding their own against a strong front row of Eccleshall.
It was Leek who after 30 mins of play, going from one end to the other, who broke the deadlock first, when a powerful run from Laverick enabled him to just touch down over the line. Hicks dually obliged with the conversion to give leek a 7-0 lead.
With the two teams so evenly matched, it took Eccleshall only 5 mins to level the score when Leek were penalised for not releasing in the tackle. A quick "tab a go"from Eccleshall's fly half caught Leek napping and an easy try under the posts with a successful conversion brought the two teams level again and That's how the score stayed until half time. The 2nd half started identical as the first finished with very little between the 2 teams.
So when the opportunity arose Leek took the option of going for 3 points when Eccleshall were penalised for coming in at the side of a ruck, capt' Hicks again was successful in converting.
With 60 mins having been played Eccleshall were penalised again as their players began to lose their discipline, unfortunately Hicks missed the chance to increase the lead.
The last 10 mins saw Eccleshall increase the pressure on Leek but their frustration showed when their 2nd row lock was dismissed for stamping on hands in a ruck. That was Eccleshall's downfall which eventually lead to them conceding the game, as the last play of game saw them held up just a few feet from Leek's try line.
Capt' Hicks said, today's game was always going to be close as the 2 teams are always evenly matched, so the option to put points on the board when awarded a penalty proved right. Resolute defending from all of Leek's team saw us through. I'd like to congratulate Mr Acres ( referee) on his official 1st game, who controlled what could have been a very difficult match to officiate

Report Author

Rob Hicks.