October 17th 2015

Eagle 38 Congleton 22

Cheshire South

Congleton Front Up To Fierce Test

A massively physical encounter was always on the cards and so it played out. Eagle, top of the league and unbeaten at home for two years, came out firing and put Congleton under pressure with waves of powerful runners. With two tries within 10 minutes it seemed that Congleton were being bullied and it was weak tackling soon gave Eagle their third. But Congleton hit back with a penalty and wonderful play from a lineout 10m out for their first try to give them some relief and belief.
At the break, with the score 21-8, the Congleton talk was simply about fronting up, being more aggressive and making the one to one tackles which were sadly and, at times, embarrassingly missing. If they were to make a game of it they needed to fight (and sometimes literally) tooth and nail. They came out a far better team, met Eagle head on and started to get under their skin resulting in a yellow card for the home side’s flanker. Congleton took advantage with another brilliant well thought play for a seven pointer followed by an educated interception from stand-off Somers, finished by Summerfield, to bring Congleton back to 26-22.
With momentum firmly with Congleton they pressed again and were now looking the better side. They thrust into the heart of the ill-disciplined home side only to have the game change again when they took a quick tap free kick only to be turned over in Eagle’s half. Although the tackler was never back 10m from the infringement, it wasn’t spotted and they scooted away for the decisive score. Another try at the death took Eagle to what was a far from a comfortable victory.
This match was never pretty but it showed once again that Congleton are highly competitive at this level. They were excellent at recycling the ball going forward and the dynamic forward set plays provide another attacking option. Wood and man of the match Wright were the spectators’ picks for their grit and commitment in a feisty game. In the second period Congleton fronted up against the bigger opposition that contained some talented individuals and when they truly believe they can win these matches they will do so. The Eagle coach was complimentary after the game saying “you guys played like you were at the top of the league, not one that is nearer the bottom”. Praise indeed.