February 28th 2015

Congleton 67 Knutsford 9

Cheshire and South Lancashire 3

Big Power, Big Result

This was a significant win for congleton after they spluttered their way to victory last week. Knutsford were up for the game from the off and it was only when they tired that confleton broke their spirit. Despite Knutsford starting well Congleton were very quickly 2 tries to the good after Winship chased Kanauros J's accurate chip and a few minutes later Kanauros T, following a defensive scrum, grabbed the ball, turned on a sixpence in traffic and scooted 50m for 5 points under the posts.
Knutsford found their tune and starts to play with some structure and if it weren't for some excellent defence from the home side Knutsford would have surely scored a try. They did come away with two penalties in short succession and a third late on in the half but that was the very last time they ever threatened.
Congleton learnt their lessons and refrained from their excessive (and unnecessary) infringing but still maintained good line speed to ensure Knutsford were always under pressure when in possession.
One of a number of highlights during the first period was a beautifully executed move direct from a home side scrum on half way. A neat dummy scissors and a scorching line from outside centre Beresford saw him run round the full back to score and stretch the lead.
Just before the break Wood made a fine trademark break from half way and fought his way into the enemy 22 before offloading to Bainbridge who'd somehow wiggled free from the front row in the scrum to get on Wood's shoulder. Half time score 22-9.
The message at half time was was clear - keep calm and play the patterns they have practiced. Simples. There have been a number of occasions this season when the team has allowed themselves to be dragged down to the level of their opposition and they were keen this did not happen today. The best way to build that positive mentality is to play with patience and calmnes when executing their tactics and they did this superbly for the next 40.
The next try came after some awesome phase play on he right before the ball was swiftly switched left through the backs for Winship to bag his second after receiving the ball from captain Brodericci. 3 minutes later Bainbridge stole the ball at the ruck. By the time he looked up Kanauros T had run through the heart of the knutsford defence after a stunning outside break. Congleton were now in full flow and at last enjoying their performance. The addition of replacements Holt, Beck and Lloyd seems to add some real spice to the fray as Congleton looked very sharp every time they had the ball. Defensively they chased every kick so that Knutsfords catchers had more than one player in their face.
Wood got back in the act before a well earned rest when he profited from a peach of an offload by Butters. He once again smashed through the defence to score. There were still a few times when Congleton made breaks but managed somehow butcher overlaps with forward or miss passes but in the whole they were excellent.
Partridge returned to the fray after a break and found himself near the touchline being fed 10m out by Kanauros T switching back down the blind after some more good communication with his 9.
The final two tries were sublime. The first from another turned over scrum on the right, the ball was sent down the line to the left wing Davies who deftly fed Brodericci who'd looped round for the return. Kanauros T had been a thorn in Knutsford's side all afternoon and it was fitting that his break resulted in the final try scored by Beresford who's supporting lines were once again out of the top draw.
They say you can only play what's in front of you. Today Congleton played what was in front of them well. They didn't learn a huge amount but they did put the opposition away with ease in the end - but they worked hard for it. If it wasn't for some unforced errors the score would have been nearer 90.
This didn't them much prep for the match at Linley next week but if they approach it with determination and a commitment to play the way they need to play then it should be a good result. Two good training sessions this week should hone the systems and mindset just nicely.

Coach Burkard said after the game (before he flew out to Dublin for the Ireland England) "cheers lads, I'm off to Dublin" boom.