First XV Beef Narrowly Miss Out Promotion

Congleton 71 Oxton Parkonians 12
South Lancashire and Cheshire 3

Congleton went into this home game in the knowledge that a good performance and a slip up from Ramsey in second would mean promotion. The bad news: no slip up from Ramsey. The good news: Congleton bashed Parkonians back to Birkenhead with 11 tries.

This was a performance of high intensity, good decision making, power and teamwork that resulted in some stunning running rugby. The forward pack was dominant throughout no matter what combination was on the pitch in both set pieces and in the loose which gave the talented backline a wonderful platform upon which they launched wave after wave of unadulterated pleasure for the spectators enjoying the sunshine. The collisions were brutal but Congleton usually came out on top at the breakdown. Even when the home side lost possession they aligned their well-organised defence quicker than Parkonians could attack. The two tries Parkonians scored near the end were Congleton mistakes born from over excitement.

There were tries for Podmore, King, Joe Kanauros, Tom Kanauros (2), Partridge (2), Beresford, Beck, Davenport and also for Holbrook who’s support running for his 5 pointer following another clean break by elusive T Kanauros exemplified the commitment and spirit of the entire squad. Notably absent as a try scorer was Greg Wood but as provider he could not have been more conspicuous. His pace and power blew the opposition into a pit of despair. Add to that the other power runners Congleton can call upon such as Partridge, Beck, Hassall and Watt, and the wider silky running of Davenport, Schule, Holbrook and the season’s star find Butters, and you have an awesome foundation to score points.

And the icing on this beautiful cake is two young players, Whiteley and Bainbridge who were magnificent around the park and especially in nailing the lineouts.

Although there were several opportunities missed, it was rarely the decision making at fault but more to do with the occasional poor pass or dropped ball. The awareness of space and the decision making was a key determinant of their success – something that hasn’t always been on display during the season. At half back the Kan-do brothers used the dominant forward platform to skilfully manipulate the attack in the right areas. King has been the rock throughout the season at 12 in defence and, with his excellent distribution, the powerful Beresford, elusive Podmore and the emerging talent with wingers Winship, Lloyd, Davies and Allen all benefit.

Coach Burkard was in reflective mood as the players hit the town with their league winning second team comrades. “Recent consistency, availability of players and an excellent spine from 8 – 12, and one can see why we have won our last 6 league matches relatively comfortably”.

He highlighted the fact that the exceptional bench he was able to bring on is testament to the growing strength in depth – built through higher numbers of first and second team players committed to training. “Despite losing a few key guys going into next season I have little doubt there will be more competition for places as the younger guys, and current colts, will continue to develop their skills and consistency under pressure. We have had an enjoyable season with a number of massive highlights that will stay with me for a long time. If we can now grow the coaching set up to cater for the higher numbers we should be well placed to challenge for the league title”. "Gotta go play Fifa Street now."