GREAT PLAY, POOR DISCIPLINE

Knutsford 19 Congleton 45

Cheshire and South Lancs 3

Knutsford is always a tricky place to play. Small pitch, big runners and a determined defence. But today, Congleton out-thought (apart from one or two neomorts) and out-played the home side to a comfortable yet hard fought victory. These are the teams which Congleton should now put away with ease but this was not helped by being awarded 3 yellow cards for the second week in succession.
During a feisty first 15 minutes when Knutsford predictably threw their powerful forward runners into the narrow channels, Congleton simply smashed them back. The first time Congleton got their hands on the ball and went wide they scored – Beresford taking the ball at pace on his own 22m and brushing aside 3 defenders to score under the posts. Soon after, with Congleton settling into their wide pattern, Wood and Partridge’s powerful interchange in midfield took them beyond the gain line, a sweet off-load to Willis and boom! Another 7 pointer. With Knutsford tiring, a scrum on half way gave Wood another crack at the defence. He picked up at 8, fly-swatted the scared tacklers to break free and took the away side to 21 – 0. However, a lack of discipline at the ruck after being warned by the referee led to the home side being awarded a penalty try just prior to the break. That put scrum half Manning in the bin. As that was on top of Tom Kanauros' yellow earlier but on both occasions Congleton managed to score points!
After Beresford’s second try and one from Tom Kanauros early in the second half Congleton made several changes bringing on Kelly, Bainbridge and Beck – the latter’s first game after a significant injury. After a verbal misdemeanour, Beck was given yellow and not brought back on for the remainder of the match. It has been recognised that Congleton’s strong performances early in the season has as much to do with control and discipline as it has ability and passion. This discipline needs to return - and quickly – if they are to continue to build on previous performances.
Congleton had a 15 minute lapse midway through the second half which Knutsford exploited by skipping through a few poor tackles and grabbing three quick tries. Unlike when they did so against Wallasey, Congleton gathered their composure and put Knutsford back in their place. T Kanauros nifty footwork bewildering the opposition and his overhead reverse mirror flick twist pass flew into the grip of the supporting Carter for another great wide try. Lloyd finished off another excellent passage of play right at the death after several offloads created enough space for him to force his way to the line.
The forward pack had to work hard today as this was a game to get the ball out wide. They put in a good shift, particularly the back row whose attacking attributes presence is matched by their defensive nous and commitment.
Despite the lack of discipline, this was actually a decent performance. When one considers that the players are learning to play a brand of open rugby with big runners making themselves available across the pitch, they executed it at times very well indeed. Much of the feedback form the home side supporters was that they did not expect Congleton to play in such a fashion – they were caught out by the way the forwards appeared integrated with backs across the pitch. Congleton know they can now play with a variety of styles depending on the opposition and the situations that arise and what makes this work is the player’s conviction to explore new ideas and a willingness to give it a crack. They all play to enjoy themselves and want to be stretched both mentally and physically. The coaches are keen to keep things fresh and interesting and most of all developmental. If the players and the team improve each week, they will be in the mix come the end of the season. Bootiful.