18th January 2014

Prenton 35 Congleton 3

FIRE DOUSED BY PRENTON

After the excellent team performance last week, full of vim and vigour, this weekend’s trip to Prenton was set to be an opportunity for an exciting away win. Alas it wasn’t to be, as the fire that had knocked the stuffing out of Buxton was sadly missing.
Without doubt, however, the score was flattering to the home side as there were patches of excellence from Congleton. After a slow start and conceding 14 points in the first 15 minutes Congleton got into the game and were very unlucky not to be awarded a penalty try late in the half following several 5m scrum infringements from Prenton. Had they gone into the break at 14-10 instead of 14-3 and had the referee given the deserved yellow card this might have been a very different game. Rugby is often about momentum and today it was difficult for Congleton to build their own.
There were as always several positives. Congleton’s scrummaging was a real strength all afternoon although defensively they struggled to contain the quick Prenton No. 8. Going forward Congleton continued their first-rate control at the break down but with that spark of intensity missing they found it increasingly hard to penetrate the Prenton defence. Consequently, the back line were rarely receiving go-forward ball and had little space in which to operate. Add to that a number of spilled balls and it was always going to be an uphill battle. If the referee had managed the offside line at the breakdown more effectively there would have been more opportunities – tellingly a Prenton player said afterwards “boy, the ref was on our side”.
Congleton are now into a mid-season fitness phase as the style they aspire to play requires far higher levels of strength and endurance than is currently on show. Greater fitness will allow them to work the phases more effectively and be able to exploit the defence as it becomes more disrupted.
It is worth remembering that this is still a very young side who are learning all the time. Young Scott Carter when he entered the fray was a case in point as both his scrummaging and his loose play were much improved and impressive. There is also plenty of competition for places which is making selection challenging and ensures each and every week there is a strong squad whether home or away. Prenton visit Congleton on the 1st February which will be very interesting and is one Congleton believe they will win. Coach Burkard said “whilst the players are obviously disappointed today not to be closer on the score board, they are still learning how to take their decent home form to away matches. The lack of consistency is understandable given the maturity of the squad but it is developing and the players are starting to deliver their potential. They are keen learners and their desire to compete with the best in the league will pay dividends in due course”