Saturday 1st September
Sefton Park 2nd XV…0 Glossop RUFC 2nd XV…22
Team: 1Zac Coxon 2-Andy Wilson 3-Paul Cox 4-Martin Lindsay 5-Jerry the Berry 6-Tom Owen 7-Damien Wilson 8-Charlie Wrigley 9-Richard Trinnick 10-George Fitton 11/14-Ali Gerrard 12-Dan Chenery 13-Steve Percy 15-Charlie Hughes
As far as ideal starts to the first game of the new season go, this was definitely not one of them. Having been promised the services of a number of players, we eventually set off to play league newcomers Sefton Park with just 13! Whilst munching on some crisps, Trinnick announced that if we were playing the team warming up nearest to us, he’d like to play number 10. Whilst his wish didn’t come true, he did find himself sporting the number 9 shirt, to the surprise of many!
We managed to borrow a player off the opposition, but faced 80 minutes with a man less.
Despite panting heavily from just warming up, we got the new season underway by receiving the kick.
It quickly became clear that Sefton were reasonable up front and were keen to use the same big runners. The Glossop forwards did a good job of wrapping up the ball carriers early doors which quickly forced Sefton Park to review their tactics. Knowing we had a man less, their stand off attempted to play them through with some kicks over the top. Whilst they had a period of sustained pressure in the opening minutes, they did not capitalise. From defending in our own 22, a quick tap penalty got us back into opposition half, and some more good work by the forwards got us over the line. Damien Wilson claimed the try, but so did Martin Lindsay. I don’t want to upset either by passing comment!
Dan Chenery had a further claim for a score denied, and after that Glossop seemed to take their foot off a little and allowed the game to become an even competition through to half time. 5-0 was the lead. Some sound advice from the sideline and some straight talking from skipper Andy and we were good to go.
We kicked off again and within minutes had showed good passing to cross the line again – Trinnick being the grateful beneficiary of the forwards hard work as he walked over from 3 yards. The Glossop backs were sharp in defence and looked threatening in attack, despite some interesting positional play due to the player shortage. Shortly after and skipper Andy Wilson picked up from the base of a ruck to scamper over the line. Sefton heads were visibly down now, and despite more dubious decisions from the referee, Glossop were in full flow. Andy Wilson scored a second try to make the score 22-0.
Only a total of five disallowed Glossop tries kept the score respectable in the end for Sefton Park who struggled to make any useful progress with the ball, and did not defend adequately enough.
Whilst Glossop will take away areas to work on for the forthcoming fixtures, they will also be pleased with this start to the season, having learned last season how valuable away points can prove to be.
Special mention to be made of new boy Zac Coxon who competed in the front row. He was voted man of the match by the team, having put in a good performance in an unfamiliar position. Well done, Zac!
S.Percy