Dukinfield 3rdXV 5 – Glossop 3rdXV 47
Glossop thirds continued their impressive run of results in a match they dominated from start to finish on a windy day in Dukinfield. With a slightly shuffled side and players returning from injury coming back into the side, Glossop were given an opportunity to try some new ideas and they seemed to work effectively. The strength of the forwards was too much for Dukinfield with many scrums being won against the head on a wet and muddy pitch. Lineout ball was difficult for both sides with the strength of the wind however Glossop took their chances well and capitalised on some good driving play from the forwards. The Dukinfield defence struggled to handle to power displayed by prop, Marshall who scored a magnificent four tries including a break through many attempted tackles and a twenty yard run to the line that caught out opponents and team mates alike with his surprising pace. Number eight, Sash showed his experience scoring a hat trick himself, displaying good initiative mopping up loose lineout ball and converting from the base of the scrum after good pack drives close to the line. Chris Snape playing at centre overwhelmed the young Dukinfield backs with his power and speed scoring twice with nearly identical tries in the corner directly from off the top lineout ball being passed skilfully through the backs starting from scrum half Dave Alderdyce who also got on the score sheet with a try. Dukinfield didn’t give up though and through persistence were awarded a try from a short ranged penalty that was bulldozed over the line near the end of the second half. The wind made conversions incredibly difficult and though many tried against the gusts without success Snape did convert one from in front of the posts to add an extra two points. The Glossop backs caused havoc in the middle of the field with Jim Parker coming into the line and returning kicked ball from an unfamiliar full back position with confident runs all match supported well by the Glossop wing backs. On a blustery day great handling, strength and pace were key factors in an impressive performance from a Glossop team that hopes to continue their run of form and stay close to the top of the table.
Team Sheet: 1.Swift 2.Williamson 3. Marshall 4. Deacon 5. Smith 6. Baughan 7. Wilson 8. Sash 9. Alderdyce 10. Howarth 11. Carrick 12. Snape 13. Marsden 14. Thompson 15. Parker