At Back Lane Congleton took on Sefton in their first home game or over 18 months. Home games are currently being played their whilst the club changing rooms are the next stage of the improvement plan the club has set out, so these are currently getting refurbished to go along with the finished refurbishment of the club house. If you’ve not seen it yet please come along and have a look and sample a drink or two.

If was great to see so many faces on the touchline too, the oranges were cut ready for half time and the traditional tub of sweets were were being handed out ready for the start of the game.

The game was marked by its gritty defence by both teams, there were minimal line breaks and this was a credit to the ability of both teams in defence.

Sefton were confident after their win last week and Congleton needed to repeat their second half performance against Hoylake and have a good performance.

Sefton were dominant at the scrums putting a lot of pressure on the front 5 of Congleton, Fowler and Butters held strong for long parts of the game tiring out their opposite man and this will pay dividends later in the game.

The scoring was opened with quick ball from the line out and Ali Burton hitting a great line to go through untouched and round the full back before putting the ball down for the Bears for points 5-0.

Shortly after the break Sefton came out strong and powered their way over for their first score which was converted 7-7.

Then came the confusion around the new drop out rule, which gave the advantage of a 5m lineout after a poor drop out from Congleton. From the lineout Sefton managed to score and convert to go 7-14 up.

Congleton started to try and speed up the game, so far they’d been living off turnovers and trying to create space but uncharacteristic mistakes with the final pass meant they’d not added to their score, this is something that needs to be worked on as more points were being left out on the pitch. However, it was quick turnover and quick hands that set Ed Williams away and he managed to dot the ball down and the score was 12-14.

The Bears started to get some more ball, with the final play of the game they gambled and a pin point cross field Tom Kanauros saw Ed Williams catch it in full flow, he drew the full back and threw a long pass out to Ali Burton who stretching for the ball was clean in, he couldn’t hold his balance though and was caught from behind but an infringement from Sefton saw Joe Kanauros slot the 3 points to give Congleton the win.

It’s great to get the first win of the season especially in front of so many people. Next week Congleton travel to New Brighton and will be working hard to get their second win at training this week.