February 13th 2016

Congleton 1st XV 42 Eagle 17

WHERE EAGLES DON'T DARE

Congleton were looking to make up for the loss to Eagle earlier in the season and this time round they nailed it. It wasn't just the 5 tries that highlighted their superiority, it was the manner in which the scoring took place.
Early missed tackles let Eagle's powerful centre through for their first try but then it was all go for the home side. Built on solid set pieces, Congleton stretched Eagle one way then the other, forcing them to concede numerous penalties. Man of the match Ross Somers drilled the ball into the corner and the forwards took care of the rest with a superbly constructed catch and drive finished off by Wright. Another penalty, another lineout drive and another try, this time by Lock Davenport. Congleton were playing some outstanding rugby with their wide patterns were disturbing the usually tight Eagle defence. The third try also came from a 5m linout, but this time the ball was moved wide swiftly for Andy Simms to finish with some neat footwork to beat the scrambling defence.

The bonus point 4th try came on the 32nd minute. After multiple phases on the opposition 22, Keenan, stepping in at first receiver, deftly popped an inside ball to skipper Wood who brushed aside the defence to score.
The second half was less exciting as the game became a little scrappy. Too many unforced errors and penalties given away for off side usurped all fluidity and Eagle capitalised with two tries when the home side took their foot off the pedal. Hooker Bainbridge put the game out of reach when he finished off some wonderful off loading interplay between Wood and Josh Lea.

There were many strong performances of note. Keenan's running and defence from 6 combined superbly with back row colleagues Wood and Wright, and perhaps this combination gave the attack balance. Jake Lea added well to the mix when he came on. Broderick was big at full back and Simms on the wing was smart in attack. The half backs controlled the game well with Somers ensuring they played the game in the right areas. Coach Burkard said after the game "at times we were outstanding. The players have worked so hard on our new patterns and set piece play but, most pleasing for us coaches, is the way the lads are contributing with their own ideas and solutions."