Party in the Park

The social team got off to winning ways at Congleton RUFC. For those who have not been there, the club is a little gem; and we were made to feel very welcome by all.

The 3rds play down the hill in Congleton Park. In torrential rain after a stiff brandy, we decided to throw it about from the start and ran in 10 tries; all (I kid you not) of which were initiated in our own half. Given the horrendous downpour throughout/muddy pitch it was impressive stuff, led by a Napoleonic Matty Drinkwater bolstered by the speed of our new recruits Harvey Readin and Louis Wainright in the centres who had a field day. Davey Murphy (11) and Ben Unsworth (15) combined and communicated intelligently to open up the field at will.

Defensively we were sound with Messrs packmen Tickle and Sterling getting stuck in right from the KO. Both had well-earned rests for a variety of ailments, but will be back next week.          
Hard running by Andy Buck, Stu Beeley, Andy Almond (at 8) and a Tom Lineham-esq Dom Hasting saw a strong platform set for some excellent running rugby. Unselfish play by Tommy Hock at 9, who realised where the space was, kept us on the front foot. Every player contributed, which saw 2-on-1s created regularly and with excellent backing up and sublime off-loading the scoreboard ticked over mercilessly with the ball passing through a number of hands, often starting from our own 22.

Superbly lead again by Dave Nicholls at 7 (3 tries) and Dan Johnston at 6 (pinched loads at the breakdown) the scoring was long range and made for excellent viewing. I’m sure I could hear Jerusalem playing from the nearby bandstand. My cold will be worth it.  

Scoring:            
0- 5 Andy Walker
0-12 Dave Nichols con Harvey Readin
0-17 Mark Tickle
0-22 Dave Nichols
27 Louis Wainwright
3-32 Dave Nicols
3- 37 Andy Almond 39 con M Tickle
3-44 Matt D 47 con Harvey R
8-52 Harvey R 54 Louis W 
8- 59 Harvey R 61 Louis W
Final score 8-61

Regrettably, after some excellent food upstairs, given cold and wet M6 to confront, we didn’t get chance to socialise much with Congleton. Apologies, will try and put this right next time.