29th March 2014

Congleton 15 Ellesmere Port 22

Cheshire & South Lancs 3

Congleton Push League Leaders to the Wire

Congleton effectively lost this match in a poor first 20 minutes in which the visitors grabbed a 19-3 lead. They stretched the defence and Congleton, unusually for them, missed a couple of first up tackles. However, leading up to the break Congleton managed two sumptuous tries and were unlucky to have what they believed was a perfectly goo try disallowed.
The first try came soon after a period where Wood and Partridge were powering their way over the defence. Somers was then introduced and made an immediate impact. He broke the line in phase play, attracted the cover defenders and fed Williams who sprinted 40 metres to score. Just 5 minutes later Kanaurous scored after some magnificent interplay between backs and forwards and suddenly at 19-15 the game looked and felt very different.
The second half was far more attritional as Ellesmere Port continued to use their big runners to give them impetus. Congleton’s shored up their defence and repelled the attackers with real energy and commitment. However, with their scrum being regularly penalised there was little in the way of a platform for the team to play off. With a couple of chances going begging out wide (disappointing given how excellent the back line has been in recent weeks) due to inaccurate passing, the game began to slip away. With wing Manning being sent to sin bin for final 10 minutes which, for most onlookers, was a minor offence, it made winning the match even more hard work.
There were periods this weekend when they were very good particularly off loading and support play. This time out though the opposition were slightly more clinical at the break down, often getting hands on the ball first and forcing penalties, stealing possession or simply slowing down Congleton’s ball enough to realign their defence.
Congleton could have won this match with something to spare had they played with the same quality and positivity as in recent weeks. It was not to be unfortunately and they should not be too disappointed. There is a reason Ellesmere Port are top of the league – they know how to squeeze out victories. Congleton have taken a massive leap this season in their individual and collective skills and their commitment to training has paid off. They now know they are on a par with the top sides which must give them confidence for next season.
Congleton can now look forward to an exciting fixture away to Helsby and finish the league season with a belting performance. “yes I’m disappointed” said one of the coaches “we didn’t win but to be honest our performances have been right up there in recent months. We will continue to focus on our core skills and as we move into next season and play even better in each match, the score will take care of itself”.