Match Reports

Match Reports 2011 - 2012

updated 29/01/2012

click here to view A team reports and photos

The 1st XV play in North Lancs Division One - http://clubs.rfu.com/Fixtures/MatchByDivision.aspx?DivID=69360091

The A team are in this league. http://www.nowirul.org.uk/ or for the Division we play in http://www.nowirul.org.uk/seasons/2011-2012/Division+3+North/nextWeek.php

1st XV

Saturday 28th January 2012

Hawcoat Park 27 Burnley 15

Hawcoat Park returned to winning ways with a hard earned victory against Burnley. To everyone's surprise Burnley find themselves propping up the league and put in the expected performance of a team desperate to avoid the drop. The home sides’ plans were further disrupted with hard running No 8 Tim Clark pulling a calf in warm up and added to the lads missing in the three quarters it was a much changed side which took to the pitch on a great winters day - sunny with no wind and on a firm pitch.

The opening quarter was fairly even, home fly half Adam Jackson on debut was kicking well but as the maroon and whites attempted to get their usual dominance up front they met a very determined and well organised Burnley defence which reflected their performance throughout.

Both home wingers Dan Vial and Matt Burrows demonstrated they had the better of their opponents on the outside and were making good ground every time they got the ball.

The first try came mid way through the half, once again Burrows had a good run down his wing, the ball was moved inside and following a couple of good forward drives involving the front row of skipper Jason Priss, hooker Adam Grainger and Liam Ducie, powerful second row Mark O'Halloran got his hands on the ball and forced his way over. Jackson booted the conversion and before half time calmly slotted over two penalty goals from 25 metres. Half time 13 - 0.

Once again the home side felt this way the platform to kick on for another comfortable win, Burnley certainly had other ideas. They played together as one collective unit and soon after their fly half had booted a penalty goal they deservedly scored a converted team try.

Good support play among their backs was followed by some determined forward drives resulting in their back row forcing his way over, 13 - 10.

We then reverted to the strong part of our game, Ashley Mowat and Mike Lightfoot were working hard up front and winning good line out possession. As usual Peter Steele and Brad Morrow were grafting at the 'coal face' and Burnley were struggling to contain the forward drives. Although the next try did not come through the forwards it was their platform that created the opportunity to move the ball quickly through the three quarters for full back Jon Moses to come into the line to create some running space for winger Burrows to go over, Jackson booted a good conversion, 20 - 10.

To finish off the game a similar try followed, this time Jackson threw out a brilliant long miss pass, once the Burnley winger missed his interception attempt, Burrows had the space to pin his ears back and score his second try. Jackson booted another good conversion, 27 - 10.

Burnley did not give up and deservedly scored a consolation try when, after a good spell of pressure, their prop forced his way over under the posts. The rushed drop goal attempt at a conversion was missed, 27 - 15.

Not a spectacular performance from the home side but a good win that certainly had to be earned against a workmanlike and solid Burnley side who in the best traditions of our sociable game at our level all stopped in our club for some time before having a 'slow bus' home.

It was good to see both wingers, Vial and Burrows running well with the ball and with his brace of trys and confidence in his game Burrows took the players Man of the Match closely followed by fly half Jackson who had a very accomplished game on debut.

A word also for referee John Rodgers from the Carlisle area who controlled the game very sensibly.

Saturday 14th January 2012

Hawcoat Park 24 v Tarleton 28

An exciting game to watch but not for the home followers in a game where an impressive Tarleton unit managed to score 28 unanswered points from a position of losing 24 - 0 early into the second half.

This was an improved Tarleton side from the one encountered in the reverse fixture last October, although there was similar late finishing in that game as Tarleton scored three late trys after the maroon and whites had scored 33 points.

From the early exchanges it was clear Tarleton were a well drilled unit who worked well for each other as one collective team and were strong in all aspects of the game.

A little against the run of play it was the maroon and whites who took the lead. Good play up front from Ray Sayle and Brad Morrow allowed the play to be stretched quickly through hands in both directions for the hard working second row Mark O'Halloran to spot a gap and score wide out, the conversion was missed. After a spell of even play where both teams tested each out, the lead was stretched when home skipper Jason Priss scored a typical try showing good strength to force his way over after good work by No 8 Tim Clark.

Soon after the home side's play was badly disrupted when both Andy Graham and Matt Sayle clashed heads when making a tackle with both players having to leave the field. Young colt Graham is most unlucky, he was just returning after a knee injury and had to be detained in hospital for observation, whilst Sayle was extremely groggy and had to leave dad Ray's 500th first team game celebrations early. Back row Danny White had to move to the centre alongside replacement Chris Burns.

There was still time just before half time for a third home try, Lee Cumberbatch made the initial ground before White burst through and slipped a neat pass to now fellow centre Burns to score under the posts. Fly half James Howden converted, half time 17 - 0.

Early in the second half there was an almost repeat of the third try this time the pass from White was even better and again Burns sliced through under the posts for Howden to convert again.

At 24 - 0 the home followers were starting to enjoy the winter sun, Tarleton on the other hand had differing ideas and the way they had played were unfortunate to be behind by this many.

They kept playing in the same manner, they were a good all round team but were particularly strong in the back row and had a strong running fast winger who caused us problems all afternoon.

Once their No 8 scored a very good try the momentum was all with Tarleton and it was a 'tidal wave' that we could not stop. Mike Lightfoot was strong in the line out but our usual forward dominance was just not there against a powerful side. Unbelievably a further clash of heads meant Ashley Mowat had to attend Furness General for stitches and Tim Clark was left with an egg on his head.

In the final quarter Tarleton scored three good team trys, one deservedly going to their impressive winger.

The scoring followed a most unusual pattern for a high scoring game but there was no doubting Tarleton were the deserving winners on the day, managing in the process to spoil Whites last game before heading to Australia and, of course, Ray Sayle's big day.

The game was well controlled by referee John Mohammed.

With all the injuries it is a good job we have a day off next week and best wishes go out to Andy Graham who was most frustrated to be spending the night in hospital.

The A Team game at home to Ruskin Park was cancelled when Ruskin Park could not raise a team.

Saturday 7th January 2012

Littleborough 20 - Hawcoat Park 0

Littleborough are the clear top of the league and stand out team in the North Lancs. Div 1, already they are almost certain to be promoted. On the day they were too strong for the maroon and whites who deserve a lot of credit for the tremendous defence performance they put in as one collective unit.

The early exchanges followed the pattern for the remainder of the game with the big Littleborough side on the front foot. Their first try came after 5 minutes, their lively scrum half spotted some space behind our defence and put in a clever kick to the corner, the ball was held up in the mud allowing their pacey winger to race on to touch down. The conversion was too wide out, 5 - 0.

Soon after Littleborough showed good pace and clever handling for their centre to crash over, Lee Cumberbatch and Jon Moses did really well to hold him up over the line, although a video ref might have said he managed to touch the ball down.

The next 60 minutes followed the same pattern with the powerful Littleborough side battering away at our line and our defence some how managing to keep them out. Ashley Mowat at the front and Mike Lightfoot in the middle did a great job disrupting the well oiled Littleborough line out, it was tough in the scrum with the Littleborough hooker taking six against the head. The whole team were working so hard for each other to keep Littleborough out with the front row of skipper Jason Priss, Brad Morrow and Liam Ducie never taking a backward step against far bigger opponents. Following a cry off Adam Grainger once again had to move to scrum half and showed all the commitment he always does for his club with some really big hits.

Injury disruptions did not help in this spell, mid way through the first half Danny White had to leave the field with a groin injury picked up making up the first tackle of the game.

Then the two stand out three quarters this season had to leave the field a few minutes either side of half time. George Hilton with a dislocated and suspected broken finger and Dan Vial with a cut on the shin.

All three replacements, Peter Steele, Callum Ramsay and Chris Burns were straight into the game and all worked very hard for the team.

The only real sign of a maroon and white try came with hacks through and chases by both wingers Vial and Matt Burrows, on both occasions Littleborough just managed to clear.

In the last 15 minutes all the pressure told and Littleborough scored three further unconverted trys. After all the tackling it was no surprise that our lads would start to tire and not manage to keep out the well drilled Littleborough outfit.

Mark 'Patches' O'Halloran took the Man of the Match award after a solid shift in the engine room, but captain Priss and everyone of his team can be proud of their efforts. There is no disgrace in getting beat by a better team if 100% commitment is put in in opposition.

Once again the Littleborough club were fine hosts after the match in the true spirit of the game at our level.

NEW YEAR'S DAY GAME

Sunday 1st January 2012

Hawcoat Park 25 - Furness 10

The towns local rugby union bragging rights went to the maroon and white side of the town on this occasion after a hard earned but deserving victory against old foes Furness on New Year's Day.

The venue may have changed this year but it was a typical committed derby game with neither side taking a backward step all day.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with both teams looking to make their mark on the game and line up a 'big hit' wherever possible.

Following a good spell of Furness pressure the blue and whites took the lead when fly half Paul Jackson slotted over a 30 metre penalty goal. Soon after, following a similar spell of pressure, Hawcoat Park levelled up the scores when fly half James Howden booted over a similar penalty goal, 3 - 3.

With the likes of Joe Mallinson, Corney Eels and Phil Brockbank urging on their pack mates Furness scored the first try of the match mid way through the half. The ball came loose at a break down and was quickly moved through hands to centre Adam Nicholson who beat a couple of would be tacklers on a strong burst to the line, Jackson slotted the conversion to stretch the lead to 3 - 10.

The line out was becoming a strong area for Hawcoat Park with Ashley Mowat dominating the front of the line and Danny White and Mike Lightfoot causing problems on the Furness throws. The first maroon and white try went to Mowat when he was quick to pounce on an error in the Furness line close to the try line and touch down in the corner. The conversion was too far out for Howden to convert, 8 - 10.

Before half time there was time for Hawcoat Park to score a second very similar try. This time the hard grafting hooker Brad Morrow was quick to snap up a loose ball at a Furness line out and show good determination to force his way over in the corner after a 20 metre dash.

The game was played with rolling replacements and both teams were making regular changes to ensure all members of each squad sampled the atmosphere of playing in a New Year's Day derby game. These disruptions were having an effect on the flow of play but any lack of continuity was more than made up with intensity of the commitment and heart showed by all the players, half time 13 - 10.

Now playing their preferred direction towards the club house corner it was the Hawcoat Park pack who were starting to dominate the battle up front.

Home scrum half Sam Hilton was having a fine game and his all action style was having an influence on his pack mates. Fly half Howden cleverly pinned play down towards the club house corner making it difficult for Furness to break out their own half despite the usual grafting performances from the likes of pack leader Mallinson, Brockbank and Chris Dalton.

The third try deservedly went to home skipper Jason Priss, the young prop showed good strength to force his way through tacklers following on from good work by powerhouse second row Mark O'Halloran.

The game was won up front and typical of these games there was not much seen of free flowing three quarter play. Lee Haney looked dangerous with ball in hand and towards the end impressive home centre George Hilton created space for wing mate Dan Vial to make a couple of good runs down the touchline only to be stopped by good Furness cover defence.

The final try went to back row Danny White who had had a very competitive battle with his great mate Mallinson in the blues team. They set off to Australia together in the next couple of weeks and I am sure Danny will remind him how he managed to stretch out through a couple of Furness tacklers to touch down. Howden booted a good conversion for a final score of 25 - 10.

The St. Mary's Hospice Cup in memory of the highly respected stalwart Ron Hughes was deservedly presented to home skipper Jason Priss. No doubt Furness will be thinking of the opportunity for revenge next New Year's Day at the Strawberry Grounds. £350.00 was collected on the gate and this will be forwarded on to the Hospice.

Furness Chairman, Chris Reid selected home second row Ashley Mowat for the Man of the Match trophy.

Just a final word for referee Ciaran Trainor for his sensible control of the game and to Nobby Clarke and his ground staff mates for ensuring the pitch was playable after all the heavy rain.

1st XV

Saturday 17th December 2011

Hawcoat Park 1st Team 12 v Hutton 0

Hawcoat Park earned the double against high flying Hutton but not before the typical 'arm wrestle' between the two well organised and hardworking sides.

The opening exchanges in fact the first half as a whole was very even with strong defences from both sides allowing for very few clear cut chances. Possibly as a result of the previous days festive celebrations it was not one of the best performances from the young maroon and white squad and mistakes and wrong options prevented a good flow to the game.

Skipper Jason Priss was as usual leading from the front with his drives in to the heart of the solid Hutton defence and was getting good support from his back row in particular Mike Lightfoot and all action hooker Adam Grainger.

It was no real surprise to the watching 'cold' faithful that half time came with the score locked at 0 - 0.

The down side of the half was the knee injury sustained by highly promising colt Andy Graham. It is hoped it is not a serious injury as he is desperate to feature in the New Year's Day derby game.

Graham's replacement Matt Burrow was to show up well with his elusive running on a difficult day for three quarters.

The second half followed the same pattern but with James Howden making good use of the wind advantage and with Ray Sayle and his pack colleagues slowly getting on top in the battle up front the territorial advantage was to start to go our way.

The first try came 15 minutes into the second half, it was a solo effort from centre George Hilton. He showed good determination to pressure the Hutton defence from a kick towards the touch line, he got another kick to the loose ball and showed good speed to win the chase to the ball just before it went dead. Howden booted a good conversion. Hilton's dad Alan was never a first team regular but never once left anything out on the pitch in the many years of loyal service he gave to 'Vickers' rugby. He will be proud of the commitment and development in George's game in both his attacking and defending skills, to the point he is now one of the first names the selectors pen into the first team.

Hutton nearly scored a similar try of their own, the ball came loose when we were attacking the Hutton line, a breakaway mixed with running and kicking meant the Hutton winger was chasing a loose ball over our try line. Dan Vial showed great awareness to cover right across the pitch and save the day. In fact although not a good day for wingers he had a solid game in all the work he did.

As the clock was running down, Howden was cleverly pinning Hutton back into their own 22 with the aim of hanging on for the 7 - 0 victory. The game was made safe with 5 minutes to go when following typical short drives from Tim Clark and Mark O'Halloran, hardworking second row Ashley Mowat forced his way over from close range.

Coaches Jeff Simm and Martin Grainger will be delighted to 'nil' the team laying one place below us in the league. It is a sign of development of the team that there was a tinge of disappointment in the performance after doing the double against Hutton a rare achievement in this league. Skipper Priss deservedly took the Man of the Match award and had good support from the two Adams, Grainger and Williamson.

On a day when the A Team game against Garstang was cancelled due to a water logged pitch, a special word for Nobby Clarke and his small hard working team for making the pitch playable following all the rain and snow.

Saturday 3rd December 2011

Hawcoat Park 1st Team 31 v Birchfield 14

In difficult blustery conditions the Hawcoat Park 1st Team gained another good win to continue their fine start to the season. The victory had to be earned as Birchfield, as usual, were a very spirited and workmanlike team who gave it all for the full 80 minutes. Considering all the recent rain the pitch was firm and a credit to the hard work put in by the likes of Nobby Clarke, Eddie France and Alan Artis.

It was the Widnes based side who started the best making good use of their wind advantage to pen us in our own 22. Only a good defensive effort from the likes of back rows Mike Lightfoot and Peter Steele managed to keep Birchfield out.

From our fist visit into the Birchfield half we took the lead. A good forward drive led by second row Mark O'Halloran and hooker Brad Morrow created enough space for Ashley Mowat to force his way over from close range, fly half James Howden booted the conversion and with all the hard work he is putting in practising with his good mate Scott Kaighan is now becoming an accomplished kicker.

Continuing the good pressure up front the second try came soon after, this time No 8 Tim Clark picked up and made a typical forceful run into the heart of the Birchfield defence. When stopped short Andy Graham was up in support to squeeze over and really does read the game so well for someone so young. This time the conversion was just missed.

Birchfield came back and had their own good spell. After going close a couple of times, home full back Jon Moses was judged to have obstructed at a kick through and had a 10 minutes rest for his yellow card. During this spell and just before half time Birchfield came right back into the game with a well worked try of their own. They moved the ball out wide through quick hands for their winger to score out wide, a great conversion followed for a half time 12 - 7.

The maroon and whites started the second half strongly, the scrum was going well with props Ray Sayle and skipper Jason Priss to the fore. From a powerful scrum, influential scrum half Sam Hilton made a break and the ball was moved very well through all the three quarters hands quickly out to winger Matt Burrows to squeeze in at the corner. Fly half Howden booted a brilliant conversion, 26 - 7.

The bonus point fourth try went to the impressive centre George Hilton. He was quickly up on an intended clearance kick to charge down and race on to the bouncing ball and re-gather to touch down, again converted by Howden.

The final home try went to captain Priss with a typical try, showing good strength and determination to force his way through would be defenders following on from good work by replacement Lee Cumberbatch.

Deservedly the last try went to Birchfield who never at any stage let their heads drop. It was very similar to their other trys, moving the ball well through their three quarters for their winger to touch down in the corner. A magnificent touch line conversion into the wind was booted over. Final score 31 - 14.

Once again this was a good team performance with all players really playing for each other as one close unit to gain a win against a competitive Birchfield side. The wind made it difficult to bring our pacey backs into the game and the likes of Dan Vial did not see much ball to show off his skills. That said young Andy Graham took the players Man of the Match award through his enthusiasm to get involved and just like Adam Grainger certainly tackles well above his weight.

N.B. The Hawcoat Park A Team game v Penrith away was cancelled, due to a waterlogged pitch.

Saturday 19th November 2011

Hawcoat Park 21 v Oldham 14

Hawcoat Park had to dig very deep to eventually beat a very spirited and physical Oldham side who will have travelled back down the M6 thinking this was a game they could have won.

It was certainly Oldham who started the stronger and camped on our line for the first 10 minutes. Organised and at times some good scrambling defence only just kept them out. They looked to be scoring a certain try with an overlap only for winger Matt Burrows to make a very timely interception, his only real option to prevent the try. His 50 metre clearing run was a big relief to his team mates.

Stand in skipper Mike Lightfoot was leading from the front and rallied his pack team mates who had to work very hard to get on top of the powerful Oldham pack. In this spell fly half James Howden booted over two 30 metre penalty goals, 6 - 0. Soon after winger Burrows was this time bundled into touch on the corner flag in the act of trying to touch down. A piece of action that would have gone 'upstairs' in a televised game. On a couple of occasions pressure resulted in us being help up over the line with strong Oldham defence. It was clear at this point Oldham were going to be a very hard nut to crack.

Oldham came back strongly as half time approached and scored two good trys. They had two big powerful centres and one showed very good hands to put in a neat short pass for this fellow centre to burst onto through a gap to score a try which was converted, 6 - 7. Then after some good work through the forwards their No 8 got his hands on the ball to show good determination to force his way over, 6 - 14 at half time.

With Martin Grainger and Ray Sayle's words ringing in their ears, the maroon and whites started the second half well but frustration was beginning to set in with the workmanlike team spirit shown by the Oldham side.

A couple of season ago the young Hawcoat Park side would not have won this game but there is a real steely determination as the side matures and through good fitness earned a victory scoring three trys in the last quarter.

Eventually the Oldham cover was stretched and following quick passing starting with scrum half Sam Hilton an overlap was created and with his pace winger Dan Vial is a clinical finisher and he took his chance to touchdown in the corner. The difficult conversion was missed, 11 - 14.

Soon after Dan Vial collected his second try. This time in his own 22 full back Jon Moses spotted space behind the Oldham attacking line and cleverly put in a kick for Vial to chase on to. The Oldham cover got there first but pressure from Vial meant the ball came loose which he snapped up and sped the 40 metres to touch down to give us a slight advantage, 16 - 14.

With time running out we camped Oldham in their own 22 as the best way of hanging on to our lead. Our pack cranked up the pressure as Oldham started to tire. Short drives from second rows Mark O'Halloran and Ashley Mowat resulted in five metre scrums. At one stage the ball was kicked away from Tim Clark's hands as he was about to touch down a push over. A penalty resulted and this could easily have been a penalty try. The scrum again decision was taken and this time replacement Lee Cumberbatch forced his way over wide out. Final score 21 - 14.

Not our best performance of the season but this was as much down to the way Oldham played and I am sure they will be planning their revenge when we visit Oldham next season.

Excellent team spirit was shown to earn this win to help missing skipped Jason Priss celebrate the birth of his baby daughter with partner Lorna

Spot the ball! At the end of the day, as the sun goes down, Fitz finally gets a shot he's been after for ages!!

Saturday 12th November 2011

Hawcoat Park 41 v Bolton 24

In the first of three home games on the spin, Hawcoat Park put in another good performance to beat a Bolton side who, as always, put in a very dogged performance in the winter sun.

Bolton had arrived early and warmed up well and it was the visitors who started best and tested the home defence for the first five minutes of the game.

In our first visit into the Bolton half we scored our first try. Ray Sayle led a forward drive, which Ashley Mowat carried on with a powerful run before slipping a pass to the supporting George Hilton, who found his fellow centre Andy Graham 30 metres from the Bolton line. The young Colt showed what a great prospect he is running a great angle and a couple of steps later and he had touched down under the posts. Fly half James Howden booted the conversion and soon after a good 35 metre penalty goal, 10 - 0.

Bolton had another good spell and despite the tackling efforts of back row Peter Steele took the opportunity to boot a 35 metre penalty goal through their full back.

Mid way through the half we extended our lead, good work from Brad Morrow and Mike Lightfoot 'camped us' near the Bolton line. Influential scrum half Sam Hilton spotted some space on the blind side and neatly passed to hard working hooker Adam Grainger, who touched down in the corner. Howden booted a great conversion from wide out, 17 - 3.

Soon after fleet footed winger Dan Vial went on a tremendous run beating his opposite number on the outside and making 50 metres, he was just stopped short from scoring. Bolton got the resulting line out throw wrong, Mark O'Halloran stole the ball to get a deserved try for all the graft he shows right at the 'coal face' of the battle up front. Howden again slotted over the conversion, 24 - 3.

Never at any stage did the Bolton heads drop, they worked for each other as a team to help make the game an enjoyable spectacle and game to play in. The elusive running Bolton fly half showed great skill to beat a couple of would be tacklers to score a great individual try under the posts, which was converted 24 - 10.

There was just time in the first half for us to score our bonus point earning fourth try. This time Sam Hilton showed good strength to find winger Matt Burrows on the blind side to score in the corner. Half time 29 - 10.

The second half was not as good for the maroon and whites but this was down to the determination shown by the Bolton squad who remained competitive in all aspect of the play. In fact following another good spell of pressure the Bolton forwards forced their way over for a further converted try to reduce the deficit, 29 - 17. The spirit in the Bolton camp was good and you could sense they felt they could get something from the game at this point.

Home skipper Jason Priss had made good ground with his powerful drives and took it upon himself to force his way through a couple of tackle to just touch down, 34 - 17.

Fly half Howden was to take the Man of the Match award and had distributed the ball well all game, he deservedly scored the final try just before the end when stepping up to make a long pass he dummied his way over to touch down under the posts, he converted his own try 41 - 24.

Another good win in a hard game played in good spirit throughout against a workmanlike Bolton team. Our dominant pack has always managed to at least hold their own in this league, the difference in play now is the pace that the young three quarters can offer.

Centre George Hilton pushed his mate Howden hard for the Man of the Match award and is now a much improved accomplished centre which compliments the pace and running skills Vial and Graham have produced since coming into the team this season.

A word also for referee Ciaran Trainor who controlled the game well helping to produce an enjoyable game.

Saturday 5th November 2011

Garstang 22 - Hawcoat Park 24

Hawcoat Park arrived at Garstang in a confident mood and from the kick off they soon had their hosts on the back foot with Dan Vial and Andy Graham setting a fast tempo. The first score to the maroons came after 15 minutes of play which saw Vial brought down with foul play when he was about to pounce on the ball to score, the Referee awarded a penalty try under the posts, James Howden kicked the conversion for the seven points(7-0)

Parks second try just the restart was down to an intercepted pass, George Hilton collected the ball in his twenty two and ran the full length of the pitch to score in the corner, a difficult kick for Howden was missed (12-0)

Poor defence from Hawcoat Park allowed Garstang the opportunity bring them into the game with a try under the posts, their conversion cut down Parks lead to five points (12-7). Just before half time Garstang levelled the score with an unconverted try (12-12)

Matt Burrows confidence is soaring at the moment he came on for the injured Andy Graham and soon got involved in the action, a forward drive and a combination of passes saw Matt Sayle put Burrows through with pin point accuracy for an unconverted try. (17-12)

As the half progressed the play went from end to end and with fifteen minutes left of the first half Garstang equalised with a try out wide fortunately the kick was off target (17-17)

By this time the game was hanging in the balance as Garstang took the lead and a bonus point with an unconverted try (17-22)

Park rang the changes bringing Cumberbatch on for the injured Pete Steele it was at this time that the maroons Forwards took control and mauled the ball some fifty metres down the field, Garstang were battling to stem this drive when they were penalised ,a quick thinking Sam Hilton tapped the ball and ran feeding Matt Burrows who touched down for the five points, all eyes were on Howden as he lined up for this difficult kick, the hours of practice paid off as he slotted it with ease putting park back in the lead (24-22)

With less than Five minutes until the final whistle Garstang mounted a desperate attempt to win the game and this came when Matt Sayle was penalised for a high tackle, Garstang elected for the kick but the pressure was obviously too much as the kicker pushed the ball wide of the posts giving Hawcoat Park a very hard fought win and five league points. Garstang who are in the lower end of the league table certainly made life very difficult for the maroon and whites.

Saturday 29th October 2011

Hawcoat Park 1st Team 19 v Windermere 14

Hawcoat Park came out on top in their closest 'derby' game in the North Lancs Div 1 against Windermere. As usual Windermere did not take a backward step but the game became a bit of a poor spectacle when the heavy rain came mid way through the first half. This resulted in plenty of mistakes from both sides and plenty of whistle from the referee.

In the better weather and conditions the game started very brightly for the home side with a great try coming after 10 minutes. Windermere were on the attack deep in our half when the ball came loose. Full back Jon Moses spotted space out wide and instead of his usual clearing kick, cleverly moved the ball through hands quickly to winger Dan Vial, he showed good pace to beat his man on the outside and speed 60 metres up the wing, he drew the cover before passing inside to the supporting Andy Graham to touch down near the posts, James Howden booted the conversion, 7 - 0. Soon after the second try came on the other wing. Good inter play among the forwards allowed half backs Sam Hilton and Howden the opportunity to work the blind side where winger Matt Burrows finished well in the corner. The conversion attempt was too wide out, 12 - 0.

The arrival of the rain coincided with a spell when the home side got completely on the wrong side of the referees mounting penalty count, all for technical offences. Making use of the wind advantage the Windermere full back accurately kicked over three penalty goal attempts, none of which were 'gimmies' to bring his team right back into the game to 12 - 9 at half time.

The best part of the second half certainly for the maroon and whites came straight from the Windermere kick off for the second half. The outstanding Ashley Mowat caught the ball and went on one of his barnstorming runs down the touchline, getting into space he cut inside and looped a great pass for the supporting hooker Adam Grainger to run on to at pace and touch down under the posts, Howden converted 19 - 9.

If the home supporters thought this would be the start of kicking on for a comfortably victory they were in for a mistake. The conditions did not help but the game got bogged out into a forward arm wrestle which was clearly Windermere' strength.

Colt Andy Graham was having a fine game in midfield with his tackling and work rate, he really is a good prospect, but generally there was not much for the wet supporters to get excited about.

With the number of penalties against us the only surprise was that it was into the last five minutes before the referee decided to yellow card someone. Hardworking second row Mark O'Halloran was the one picked out to miss the end of the game. During this spell Windermere pounded away at our line and from a forward drive forced their way over for a consolation try. The conversion was missed for a 19 - 14 final score.

Not a vintage display from the maroon and whites in very difficult conditions and in a stop start game. Skipper Jason Priss and his young pack did well against the always powerful Windermere 8. The feeling was after the start of the game on a drier firm pitch the Hawcoat Park three quarters had a yard on their opponents in key positions and more trys would have come, but who knows? The important thing was the winning points, but another try and the bonus point would have been nice.

Saturday 22nd October 2011

Trafford MV 18 - Hawcoat Park 17

Previous visits to Sale have resulted in varying heavy defeats. It really is a sign of how the young Hawcoat Park squad have developed that they would be desperately disappointed at only taking a one point bonus point loss and scoring 3 trys to the home sides 2 trys in this game.

The game could not have started any worse for the maroon and whites. Straight from the kick off we made a couple of forward drives before attempting to move the ball out wide, only for the Trafford centre to intercept and run the 60 metres to touch down under the posts for a converted try, 7 - 0 down within the first minute is not the ideal start against a top side like Trafford. We were finding it hard to kick well against the strong wind and Trafford were making good use to maintain territorial advantage

A second Trafford try came mid way through the half when they showed good hands to move the ball out wide for their winger to touch down. Worse still winger Dan Vial's desperate attempt to come inside and make the tackle to stop the move was judged a high tackle and he spent 10 minutes in the sin bin, 12 - 0.

Soon after disaster struck for the maroon and whites when influential scrum half Sam Hilton had to leave the field with a suspected broken thumb. This resulted in significant disruption with the hard working hooker Adam Grainger once again having to put his hand up to move to scrum half with industrious Brad Morrow moving into the front row to join skipper Jason Priss and Liam Ducie who were both having solid games.

In this spell when we were down to 14 men and still getting re-organised Trafford hit us with everything and only great cover defence from winger Matt Burrows and centre George Hilton prevented a try. The Trafford full back did boot over a penalty goal for a 15 - 0 half time score.

This really was a game of 'two halves' although the wind did appear to drop slightly and the second half was a completely different story with the territorial advantage and momentum all with Hawcoat Park.

Ten minutes into the half, some great forward drives with the usual second rows Mark O'Halloran and Ashley Mowat at the fore we had a spell camped in the Trafford 22. From a scrum No 8 Tim Clark picked up at the base and no one was going to stop his determined run to the line. Classy fly half James Howden booted a great conversion, 15 - 7. Trafford are a well organised and hard working team they came right back. In a spell when the wind had dropped the Trafford full back booted a great 40 metre penalty goal to stretch their lead to 18 - 7.

Soon after coming on as a replacement colt Andy Graham went on a great 50 metre run down the line to set up a good spell in the Trafford half. Vice captain Matt Sayle was having a great game, both in attack and defence and he and fellow centre Hilton both made good breaks and were making good ground.

Fly half Howden started a move that allowed the ball to move through hands quickly and winger Vial to spot a gap in the defence to put in a determined 15 metre dart for the line. The conversion shaved the outside of the post, 18 - 12.

For the last 10 minutes Trafford 'were on the ropes' as we cranked up the pressure to get the win. Following good work from his fellow back rowers Mike Lightfoot and Peter Steele, Clark forced his way over from close range for his second try, from wide out the conversion was again just missed, 18 - 17.

In the final minutes fly half Howden missed a couple of long range penalty attempts which he needed to force to get the distance.

The final whistle went with our head down knowing another 5 minutes of play and we would have secured a winning score. Centre Sayle was the stand out Man of the Match but skipper Priss can feel very proud of the performance of his whole squad and can think back to what would have happened if scrum half Sam Hilton had not have had to leave the pitch in pain.

Saturday 15th October 2011

Hawcoat Park 51 v Bury 19

On a perfect October sunny day, at times Hawcoat park played some great running rugby to stretch their unbeaten run to five games. That said the way Bury played and the enterprise they showed throughout the game they can count themselves unfortunate to be on the wrong side of a 50 point defeat.

With confidence high in the camp Hawcoat Park hit Bury hard up front from the start, skipper Jason Priss was as usual driving hard into the Bury defence and his first lieutenant Brad Morrow was getting the best out of his pack mates.

The pressure told and the maroon and whites scored an early try. Half backs Sam Hilton and James Howden quickly moved the ball out wide, strong running centre James Gordon made good ground and slipped a neat pass to the supporting No 8 Mike Lightfoot who touched down at the foot of the posts. James Howden converted 7 - 0.

The second try followed soon after, full back Jon Moses came into the line, took a pass from centre George Hilton to release strong running winger Dan Vial. He beat his man on the outside to speed down the touchline to touch down.

Although struggling a bit up front Bury were certainly working very hard and made use of all the ball they secured by moving the ball through hands. Brothers George and Sam Hilton both had to make good covering tackles during this spell.

The third try deservedly went to prop Priss, after good work by winger Chris Burns who when tackled slipped a pass inside to his supporting skipper. Howden missed the conversion but soon after booted over a penalty goal, 20 - 0.

Bury came right back, they again moved the ball out wide, their elusive running winger chipped over the cover, got a favourable bounce that he could run onto at speed to touch down. The Bury fly half booted a great conversion from wide out, 20 - 7. Before half time winger Burns scored an important try after good work from Vial cutting inside from the opposite flank, half time 27 - 7.

Into the second half Bury started in a very determined manner and tested the home defence with, as usual, Adam Grainger picking out the biggest runners for his crunching tackles, Liam Ducie and Morrow were also working hard up front. It was nearly half way through the half before the next try came. Once again Bury were struggling to handle the strength and pace of Vial, he made good ground and drew the full back before passing to impressive centre Gordon to touch down.

At no stage did Bury every give up and the next two trys were scored by the Bury three quarters, one by their speedy winger for his second in the game and the other to their centre. One of the trys was converted by the fly half.

After stepping in at short notice second row Chris Thompson worked really hard at the 'coal face' for 60 minutes, he left the field to allow Tim Clark to make a welcome return following a rib injury. He took out all his frustration of being on the side lines by putting in an all action final 20 minutes.

The next two trys both went to outstanding second row Ashley Mowat who not only excels in the line out but always makes ground with ball in hand, Bury like all teams this season were struggling to contain him.

To the delight of his team mates the final try went to back row Peter Steele, known for his grafting for the team rather than his try scoring. The ball came loose after great defence hounding the Bury line by centre George Hilton and prop Ducie and Steele was quick to pounce on the ball over the try line, final score 51 - 19.

With his elusive strong running winger Vial took the players Man of the Match, forming a very effective partnership with Gordon. Sam Hilton was his usual solid self after returning from injury but again rugby is a team game and it was a collective team performance that earned this impressive win.

A special mention has to go to prop Ray Sayle, despite wanting to get to that impressive 500th first team game as soon as possible when hearing A team Gareth Morgan could only play at home, Ray agreed to swap to ensure the A team were not short. Leaving to one side Rays tremendous appearance achievement he once again shows what a club man he is and so vital to all that is good about our family club.

Saturday 8th October 2011

Burnley 7 v Hawcoat Park 1st Team 7

On a difficult day for rugby, in wet conditions, a patched up Hawcoat Park 1st team once again stuck together as one strong unit to earn a draw against a fired up Burnley side.

It was clear both sides knew this was going to be a tight affair from the early exchanges as both skippers went for long distance penalty goal attempts and both were missed.

As always though the strength of the maroon and whites mauling efforts and with skipper Jason Priss and his fellow prop Ray Sayle and powerful second row Mark O'Halloran at the fore front we had a good spell of pressure, but just could not break down the organised Burnley defence. During this spell winger Chris Burns and full back Matt Burrows both went close.

As to be expected the home side came back and had their own good spell of territorial advantage, when it needed our own strong defence, as usual, the industrious back row of Brad Morrow, Mike Lightfoot and Peter Steele but their hands up in the tackling department and there was one important crunching tackle 'one on one' by the outstanding Ashley Mowat.

It was during this spell of Burnley pressure that we took the lead. Vice captain Matt Sayle timed an interception between the Burnley centres perfectly. He made ground before passing to fellow centre George Hilton who went on a run from inside his own half to touch down under the posts. Influential fly half James Howden slotted over the conversion, 0 - 7.

Before half time for the first of two periods in the game the referee reduced Hawcoat Park to 14 men for ten minutes. Skipper Priss took a good shoeing on his exposed back and saw the red mist and retaliated.

The referee reversed the decision and decided it should be our skipper to be the one to have an extended rest.

The spirit in the camp got us through this period and extra tackling duties is just the sort of challenge the likes of Adam Grainger and Andy Kent relish. Half time 0 - 7.

The second half was much the same, the penalty count against us meant that we never really had a spell of pressure that would allow us to dominate and certainly Burnley were grafting very hard to get back in the game.

A good run by winger Dan Vial had us camped under the Burnley posts and it was in this spell it looked like the vital second try would come. A good maul was driving under the posts and it appeared to the maroon and whites supporters two Burnley defenders came in from the side to prevent the ball being forced over the line, but importantly the referee did not see it that way.

The Burnley side moved the play up field and we lost man of the match second row Mowat to the further yellow card when he wrongly expressed an opinion to the referee about a decision he had made.

Soon after Burnley levelled the score when their big second row took advantage of the extra man advantage to force his way over near the posts with the help of his pack. Their fly half booted the conversion, 7 - 7.

Before the end replacements, stalwart Martin Grainger and Jay Crowe joined the play and both played their part in ensuring we managed to get two league points for the draw.

Last time we played at Burnley last season they rattled up a fair few points in a convincing win. It is a sign of how the whole squad has come on that we were disappointed, with a few players missing, that we only drew this game.

That said, coach Mark Harper would no doubt have taken a draw before the game but how the game panned out we felt we just about deserved a narrow win. There again no doubt the very hospitable Burnley camp probably felt the same!

After 3 away games in 4 weeks the team will be look forward to a weekend in Barrow next week at home to Bury.

Saturday 1st October 2011

Tarleton 19 v Hawcoat Park 33

On a perfect day for a game of rugby, Hawcoat continued their fine form to earn a third successive victory against a game Tarleton side. Missing a few regulars from the squad, the lads that stepped in really did play well in a victory earned through a team spirit of playing for each other.

The early exchanges were even as the competitive Tarleton pack gave as good as they got. Hawcoat Park took the lead 15 minutes in with an excellent try. Not for the last time in the game skipper Jason Priss and the outstanding second row Ashley Mowat drove hard into the heart of the Tartleton defence.

The ball was recycled and the impressive fly half James Howden moved the ball quickly through the three-quarters out to winger Dan Vial, he showed some real speed and strength to beat his man on the outside and go on a 40 metre run down the touchline and then timing his inside pass perfectly to the supporting Andy Graham to finish off well. Howden converted the try, 0 - 7.

Tarleton came right back, they had a good spell of territorial advantage as we got on the wrong side of an ever increasing penalty count. Full back Jon Moses pulled off one tremendous covering tackle and the back row of Steve Slater, Mike Lightfoot and Brad Morrow were having to work overtime in the tackling department to keep Tartleton out.

With all the pressure it came as no real surprise when Tarleton levelled the score, their scrum half spotted a gap and showed good determination to dart over, their fly half converted 7 - 7 which was the half time score.

The momentum was with Tarleton in the run up to half time and coach Mark Harper was heard telling the pack to get back on top at the start of the second half which they certainly did.

Tarleton were struggling to prevent the maroon and whites pack making the hard yards with sustained forward drives, props Liam Ducie and Priss drove us into the Tarleton 22 and when big Mark O'Halloran got his hands on the ball there was no way they were gong to prevent the powerful second row from forcing his way over. Howden booted a great conversion from wide out, 7 - 14.

This forward ascendancy was the start of a real 'purple patch' with us scoring three good trys all created with good running in the backs, much to the delight of the travelling supporters.

Firstly following yet another excellent run from Mowat, excellent work and a neat pass from centre George Hilton just allowed enough space for Vial to squeeze in at the corner. Soon after it was good work from Adam Williamson and ever improving winger Rick Gadsden who got us into the Tarleton 22. As always hooker Adam Grainger was playing 'way above his weight' and deservedly got the bonus point earning try with one of his traditional dummy runs and shot under the big lads attempted tackles to touch down under the posts, Howden converted 7 - 26.

The final try was created by impressive winger Vial, the ball was moved out wide to him, once again he sped up the wing drew the cover and this time passed into side to the supporting Matt Burrows who had the pace to get under the posts for a further try, converted by Howden 7 - 33.

The last 10 minutes or so were all Tarleton. They ran the ball from everywhere and with their impressive back row leading from the front scored two good trys one of which was converted 19 - 33, final score.

Once again this was a good team effort against a spirited Tarleton side. Williamson stepped into scrum half at the last moment and had a very solid game in combination with the impressive fly half Howden.

All three replacements, Chris Thompson, Matt Burrows and the rock solid Ray Sayle all made an impression when entering the game on a very hot day. Vial had an outstanding game and along with centre Hilton made good yards with their elusive running all game.

Up front Priss as always led his side by example, but the performance of young second row Mowat was outstanding. He won all his own line out, disrupted the Tarleton ball all afternoon and ran like Andy Ripley (for the older readers who remember him). In combination with the vastly experienced O'Halloran they make a top 'engine room'.

Another difficult away trip to Burnley awaits next week, but the confidence and spirit within the whole squad is on a high at the current time.

Saturday 24th September 2011

Hawcoat Park 12 - Littleborough 5

Under the watchful eye of John Richardson, a Director of Doosan Babcock, the clubs very generous shirt sponsors, for the second week running the Hawcoat Park 1st Team turned in a great team performance to beat table topping Littleborough in a very close game.

Littleborough are a powerful, big and experienced side, there is no doubting this game could have gone either way, but there was tremendous spirit shown by our lads to hang on in there at times and then score a late try to earn the scalp of a side that had a tremendous cup run last season and ended up playing a final at Twickenham.

The maroon and whites preparations were disrupted when stalwart No. 8 Tim Clark had to cry off late with a rib problem, the evergreen Steve Slater stepped in and showed he is still capable of playing at this level.

The early exchanges followed the pattern for the remainder of the game, with both sides testing each other out in all aspects in what was always a very physical but fair game.

The Littleborough fly half was impressive and was controlling their game as they looked to earn some territorial advantage, he kicked well and made a couple of telling breaks. That said home fly half James Howden rose to the challenge and was doing the same for us, also by making good use of the go forward provided by his powerful centre, Liam Harrison.

Mid way through the half the maroon and whites scored the first points, on about the half way line we got a nudge on in a scrum, good work by back row Peter Steele allowed the impressive Ashley Mowatt to go on one of his barnstorming runs into the heart of the Littleborough defence.

Influential scrum half Sam Hilton recycled the ball through hands very quickly and his brother George finished off out wide. The conversion was missed.

Both sides applied some pressure but at half time the score remained 5 - 0, which just about reflects how narrow we were on top.

As to be expected from a side of Littleborough's quality they really cranked up the pressure in the second half. Their pack appeared to be at least a stone a man heavier in every position and when they started running good angles were proving very difficult to keep out as they camped in our 22.

A word for the young front row trio of skipper Jason Priss, hooker Adam 'juke box' Grainger and prop Brad Morrow, they never took a backward step against their bigger opponents throughout and some of the tackling and defence was breathtaking. The average age doubled when stalwart Ray Sayle came on to bolster their efforts.

It was no surprise however when the pressure told and Littleborough levelled the score. This time Littleborough got a good nudge on in the scrum, this time their back row spotted a gap and showed good pace to go over after a 35 metre run, despite young Andy Graham's desperate attempt in a cover tackle. The conversion was missed, 5 - 5.

If a winning try was to come it appeared to be going Littleborough's way, but great scrambling defence from the likes of full back Jon Moses, Graham and Matt Sayle and the whole team just managed to keep them out.

Strong running winger Dan Vial went very close after a good run and kick through, however, to the delight of the home side our winning try came 5 minutes before the end. Harrison had moved into the back row to add support to this area. He got his hands on the ball and showed his class as he burst up the middle of the pack, drawing the full back, he slipped a pass to the hard working and supporting back row Mike Lightfoot to touch down under the posts. Howden booted the conversion, 12 - 5.

The last five minutes were nervous but we managed to hang on for a great team win. Coach Mark Harper will be delighted at the way the team are playing for each other, it is always a very tight squad both on and off the pitch but wins against Hutton and then Littleborough are rare and special, and can only be earned as a team effort.

In the forwards in his last game before heading off to Nottingham Uni, Callum Ramsey had a tremendous game in the line out, with his general play and forming a very impressive second row partnership with fellow former basketball player Mowatt.

Scrum half Hilton was solid throughout and his screaming runs meant we were on the front foot against some big lads. Brother George continues to improve week on week and is now a polished performer both in attack and defence.

A word for Littleborough they always play the game in the true spirit hard but fair, they have a good committee following who along with the players were gracious in defeat and always a pleasure to share a beer with after the game. A word also for young referee Ben Blain who looks destined for big things with the whistle.

A good day was finished off when the club was presented with the Season 2010/2011 Golden Whistle award from the Cumbria Referees Society. Recognition the club can feel proud of.

Saturday 17th September 2011

Hutton 7 - Hawcoat Park 15

Hawcoat Park earned their first win of the season with a tremendous performance away at high flying Hutton. Everyone of the maroon and white playing squad can feel proud of their performance and certainly brought a smile to the Hawcoat Park followers.

A motorway accident meant a late arrival, the otherwise good referee was not keen on a delayed start and this helped stir up our start and to the surprise of Hutton put them on the back foot. As usual skipper Jason Priss led from the front charging into the opposition and impressive scrum half Sam Hilton ensured the forwards remained on the front foot. We applied some good pressure to play the game mainly in the Hutton half for the first 15 to 20 minutes. After strong running No. 8 Tim Clark and Mike Lightfoot had both gone close, it was no surprise when we took the lead. From a neat James Howden pass the powerful Liam Harrison spotted a gap to slice through to touch down near the posts, fly half Howden converted 0 - 7.

Hutton are always a good side and 5 minutes later they levelled the score with a good try straight off the training ground. We had not spotted their big No 8 hovering near the touch line and their fly half put in a pin point cross kick for the No. 8 to catch on the full and score near the posts, the try was converted 7 - 7.

Elusive running centre George Hilton went close and Mark O'Halloran and Brad Morrow had to lead some well organised defence to keep Hutton out, but the score remained level, 7 - 7 at half time.

Determined to continue the good work from the first half we met the Hutton pressure head on at the start of the second half and eventually got on top and had a good spell dominating the game. The wingers Dan Vial and Rick Gadsden did not see much of the ball but both showed up well in all aspects of the game and one great run from Gadsden allowed the chance for Howden to slot over a penalty goal, 7 - 10.

This spurred Hutton on and as usual hooker Adam Grainger and late call up Peter Steele tackled their hearts out. Full back Jon Moses, in his first game of the season, was very composed throughout and gave the other players confidence in everything he did as the last line of defence.

Exciting colt Andy Graham came on as replacement to make his debut in senior rugby and what a start, his first action on the field was a high ball under pressure and then put in a crunching tackle. Soon after much to the delight of all his team mates he scored the winning try.

The ball came loose with Hutton camped on our line, fly half Howden got his hands on the ball and cleverly spotted some space behind the Hutton attacking line and chipped his kick into this area. Graham showed good pace to get his foot to the ball and show his football skills to kick on for 50 metres and just dive on the ball before it went dead. The conversion was just missed, 7 - 15.

It was a nervous last 5 minutes but we did have the insurance policy of a 'two score' lead, and it was appropriate from a great squad performance that replacements Ray Sayle and Lee Cumberbatch should be leading the defence efforts at the final whistle.

Centre 'Bull' Harrison was immense throughout making ground every time he had the ball and there is no doubt that he inspired his young team mates to raise their game.

Up front second row Ashley Mowat was back to the brilliant form he showed last season winning his line out ball and strong in all his play in the loose. This was a team victory through and one that Jason Priss and all his team mates can feel very proud of.

Saturday 10th September 2011

Hawcoat Park 14 - St. Edwards OB 18

This was an even contest from start to finish, it was a good arm wrestle up front with neither pack at any time dominating for long periods and the lead changing hands a few times.

The home side fell into the trap of letting their game be affected by a few of the St. Edwards players, particularly their clever scrum half who provided a running commentary on their view of the proceedings right throughout the game.

The early exchanges were even as both teams tested each other out in the scrum and line out. It was clear St. 'Eddies' were a young mobile squad and going to be a difficult obstacle in the maroon and white earning their first win of the season

Midway through the half Hawcoat Park took the lead. Good work up front by props Ray Sayle and Liam Ducie allowed scrum half Sam Hilton and Liam Harrison to provide space for centre George Hilton to run at a good angle and score under the posts, fly half James Howden booted the conversion, 7 - 0.

It was clear St. Eddies were not going to let their heads drop when going behind and cranked up the pressure to get back into the game.

A mix up out wide in the home defence allowed the Liverpool lads to show some good support play for their back row to touch down near the posts, their fly half converted, 7 - 7.

There was time before half time for St. Edwards to take the lead for the first time when their centre forced his way over. Half time 7 - 12.

The second half followed a similar pattern, Callum Ramsay was securing some good line out ball but the well organised defence from St. Edwards meant little progress was made. Dan Vial ran strong but was just bundled into touch and soon after we scored our second try.

Harrison received some rare good ball and burst through a couple of tackles and made good ground before passing to the supporting Ashley Mowat to touch down. Howden again converted to make the score 14 - 12.

Again St. Edwards showed some real determination not to return down the M6 empty handed, some great defence from the likes of Brad Morrow, Mark O'Halloran and stand in skipper Tim Clark kept them at bay but at a cost as the penalty count against us started to mount up. This allowed the St. Edwards full back to slot over two similar 30 metre penalty attempts to make the final score 14 - 18.

This was a game we could have won but fair play to St. Edwards who made the journey in a determined mood. There are no easy games in this competitive league and after dusting down the disappointment of a home loss a difficult trip to Hutton awaits next week.

Saturday 3rd September 2011

North Manchester 28 - Hawcoat Park 13

Hawcoat Park made a disappointing start to the new season and newly promoted North Manchester were deserving winners on the day.

The Manchester side were strong up front and a well organised side, but the maroon and white lads knew they had put in a flat performance and made some poor decision making throughout the game. From the consistency displayed last season it is a performance they know can be improve upon as the season progresses.

It was Hawcoat Park who started best and after a couple of good forward drives by skipper Jason Priss and Mark O'Halloren, fly half James Howden calmly slotted over a penalty goal.

North Manchester came back strongly with forward drives of their own and after a good spell of pressure levelled the score with a penalty goal of their own.

North Manchester continued to press, as usual Adam Grainger was tackling well above his weight and number 8 Tim Clark made a couple of important covering tackles on the rapid North Manchester full back. However, it was no surprise when they stretched our defence line for their back row forward to touch down, the conversion was missed 8 - 3.

Right on half time North Manchester scored the decisive try. They had a lively scrum half who had a good tussle with our own Sam Hilton throughout. He made a good break from the base of the scrum, drew the cover and slipped a neat pass to the supporting and very experienced number 8 who went in under the posts, the try was converted. Half time 15 - 6.

North Manchester started the second half in the same way and soon added another penalty goal to their score.

The maroon and whites snapped into action and had a good spell, centre George Hilton was showing well and skipper Priss was held up over the line. Soon after centre Lee Cumberbatch took a neat pass of Ramsay to force his way over. Howden booted over a good conversion to bring us back into the game with 10 minutes to go at 18 - 13.

Going back on the attack from the restart, again a couple of wrong options were taken, allowing North Manchester to relieve the pressure and boot another penalty goal to make the score 21 -13.

Right on full time North Manchester scored a third converted try which made the score line a little unjust for the balance of play. From deep in their own half their scrum half made another good break down the touch line, he cleverly cross kicked for the flying full back to put on the after burners to win the chase to just touch down the ball before it went dead.

With Life Member Nobby Clarke's words ringing in their ears 'good job you were not playing the whole of Manchester' the maroon and white players will be looking forward to putting things right in the home game against St. Edward Old Boys next week.

A TEAM

Saturday 7th January 2012

Hawcoat Park A 22 - Fylde 4th 17

Saturday 10th December 2011

Thornton Cleveleys 41 - Hawcoat Park A 0

Saturday 19th November 2011

Hawcoat Park A 20 - Oldham 2nd 7

Saturday 12th November 2011

Fylde 5th 15 - Hawcoat Park A 7

Match report by Terry Williamson

A nice sunny day and a good and a good pitch welcomed us at Fylde. A hard fought game ensued which Hawcoat could have won.

The first 20 minutes were spent in the opponents half, some good tackles were going in to keep a large and well drilled Fylde pack from getting into their stride. In the 3oth minute Hawcoat got a good try scored by Neil France and converted by Chris burns. 0-7 the score stemmed from a well fielded kick from full back Gadsden who turned defence into attack with a piercing run, when tackled the ball was recycled and taken on a fine elusive run by Gareth Morgan before transferring to the straight running France who went over the line unopposed. 5 minutes later Hawcoat let themselves down by not clearing the ball into the Fylde half and paid the penalty when Fylde forwards won possession and drove for the line several times before managing to get the ball over the line in the corner. Their fly half put over a good conversion 7-7 and this was the score at half time.

15 minutes into the second half Fylde were awarded a penalty under the posts which was kicked making the score 10-7. Nothing much was between the sides bar for Fylde bringing on 4 replacement forwards in the second half to our none. Hawcoat backs broke through the Fylde line on a few occasions but failed to score. In the 30th minute Fylde managed to score a try in the corner from a good rolling maul during a period when one of our players was off serving a 10 minutes yellow card penalty. 15-7 was the final score.

Both teams contributed to a hard fought game. Captain Martin Kennedy and the rest of his players played well to a man and will not lose many more games if the same attitude is maintained. Rick Gadsden had one of the best games I’ve seen him play, Martin Heywood played his first 80 minutes for a long time in the back row, running himself into the ground. Adam Dunstan, playing his first game for us, looks like he will be a strong running asset for us in the centre.

One of our club’s fast strong running wingers from the past Andy Smith turned up to watch and it was nice to seem him, he holds the club try scoring record for a single game 11 yes eleven! against Penrith away. Spoke to wilf Heywood this morning telling him Andy was at the match and the first thing he said was 11 tries holds the club scoring record.

Ps. Adam Williamson and Martin Heywood were next to bill Beaumont at the bar and are now best friends.

Saturday 5th November 2011

Hawcoat Park A 39 - Ormskirk 24