Congleton go down fighting in practice match

Congleton RUFC under new skipper Carl May played a practice match away to Port Sunlight on Saturday 14th August 2010. It was a sizeable turn out with around 19 of the 1st XV hopefuls for the 2010/2011 season turning up. A rather competitive match saw a shaky start by Congleton which enabled Port Sunlight to score the first try of the match. Port Sunlight's man of the match was Congleton’s Antony Clowes who was turning up for them as they were short in numbers. Under difficult referring, Congleton kept their cool as many decisions went against them. Many needless penalties were conceded against Congleton in the opening 20 minutes. A good and disciplined team performance kept Congleton in the match, considering that Coach Dominic Cardall who came out of retirement for this game played at full back and was experimenting a number of players in different positions. Last season’s 1st XV skipper Chris Davis played scrumhalf and Hector Musonza played inside centre for the first time. It was a joy to watch former Colts player and 1st team debutant 17 year old Adonis Davies showing blistering pace on the wing both in attack and defence, which I am under no illusion will be something to talk about this season. Despite losing 22-31 on the day, A spirited team effort saw Danny Coombes and Gareth “Crofty” Croft power through well worked out tries by the forwards. The second half saw the introduction of Elliot Burton who made his presence known, muscling through the Port Sunlight pack to set up Greg Wood for the third try. Mark Berrisford playing centre dazzled through the midfield to score the final try and the boot of man of the match Joe Wilcox gave Congleton an additional 2 points from a possible 8. The match showed patches of good team work and support play. The forwards under captain Carl May worked tirelessly throughout the match and deserve credit for keeping Congleton in the match. Congleton were in full control of the last quarter of the match, proving the importance of giving it your best for the whole 80 minutes. Port Sunlight showed their lack of pace in the dying minutes as they showed signs of fatigue which Congleton capitalised on. Coach Dom Cardall’s calls for more numbers in training should be taken more seriously as Congleton proved that they have a solid team to compete for top spot this season.”

Press Officer
CRUFC