November 30th 2013

Congleton 32 Helsby 12

Cheshire & South Lancs 3

Congleton started and finished with intensity and thoroughly deserved this emphatic win. From the outset they dominated the large Helsby scrummage, often stealing the opposition ball. For most of the match, the home side played sensible yet exciting rugby stretching their opponents with great forward work before releasing the backs to show their pace and power. That said, when the intensity fell off they allowed the opposition back into the game.
What was impressive throughout was the attitude by each and every Congleton player as they looked after each other, stayed calm when things were against them and ensured they remained positive when under pressure.
Broderick at 7 was a revelation and having Kanaurous at outside centre offered a new dimension in attack. Tom beck had a splendid game at 8 providing some go forward and a solid platform for the half backs at the base of the scrum. He scored a great try late on for the bonus point picking up from the base 5m out. Hassell too played very well at prop as well as rampaging in the loose.
Perhaps most pleasing was the patterns that Congleton ran. By offering runners wide off the ruck they sucked in the opposition to allow space in the midfield. With King at inside centre powerfully getting the ball over the gain line, Congleton always looked threatening in attack. The back three of manning, Whitely and Williams worked tirelessly to be in the game and reward came for Williams with him exploiting an overlap after several phase early in the game.
Manning finished off well late on after Willis exploited the narrow side following a scrum against the head.
The best try was Congleton's second which came from a quick tap in their own 22m midway through the first half. With exceptional running lines and offloads between forwards and backs they showed real class.
The fifth and final try came from a wide back attack and several phases that stretched the tiring Helsby team to leave space out wide for Kanaurous to exploit.
Overall this was a good performance and showed the potential of this young side. Perhaps they struggle against big well structured outfits but that said when they play with the intensity shape and direction they demonstrated today, albeit in patches, they look outstanding. An onlooker said "this was a good performance which we hope gives them confidence for the rest of the season - they scored some scintilating tries and, come to think of it, I don't recall them losing any if their own rucks"