March 8th 2014

Congleton 31 Capenhurst 20

Cheshire and South Lancs 3

CONGLETON TURNING PROMISE INTO PERFORMANCE

Another weekend of rugby and yet another step in the right direction. Congleton were immense from the moment they came together before the match until they retuned for their sing song once the game was over. They delivered yet another good performance to put away a tough Capenhurst side with a style of rugby they have been building towards since the beginning of the season. The scoreline probably flattered the away team as three of their tries came from driving mauls direct from lineouts.
Congleton ripped into the opposition from the start, knocking down any runners that dared get over the gain line. It was 16 minutes and a home side try before Capenhurst, held any territory in Congleton’s half. Reardon's try had set the tone with some quick thinking to take the ball at the front of the lineout and slice through several defenders. The second came from a beautifully timed run by Beck wide off 9 into space for him to scoot over untouched. Kanaurous' little "snipey snipey" dive for the line put Congleton in a strong position with the third try and, although Capenhurst fought back with a couple of tries, Wood’s immaculate break off a set back line move followed by a balletic pirouette finish put Congleton in a strong position going into the break.
Capenhurst were not done for and kept on the home side’s coat tails but mid-way through the second half Congleton put the game out of reach with a high quality team try. From 30 metres out, Williams, playing brilliantly at 10, made a decisive outside break and with wonderful interplay by the backs, Davies was able to finish it off with aplomb.
Williams took the Man of the Match award and deservedly so as he not only ran the back line well but he gave no quarter to his opposite number. Congleton set out to suffocate any attack and, apart from the lapses in defence from the rolling maul (which they shored up at half time), they executed the game plan well. In particular their defensive system made them difficult to break down. The tackling and rucking were also very good throughout and proved what a difference it makes playing with the right attitude – not just on the pitch but towards training too. There has been concerted effort in recent weeks on getting the basics right - particularly the handling - and so it was very pleasing to see some slicker passing under pressure.
After the match a club representative said "I can't believe how much better they have got since the beginning of the season. They look comfortable playing their patterns and were exceptionally sharp at the breakdown. They are playing consistently well week in week out and it'll be great watching their development over the next couple of season. They have a lot of potential".
As inventor Thomas Edison said “If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.” Let’s see these players take this to the next level……….