February Match Reports Season 2000-2001

Team Sheet:
Hamish Pearson, Paul Brett (Penalty Goals 2, Conversions 1), Marcus Coast, Emrys Evans(Tries 1), Steve Johnson, Tom Mapp, Rhys Hughes, Mark Dorrington, Karl Davies, Lee McCourt, Paul Campbell (Carl Turley on 73 mins), Steve Fox , Jez Lamb ,Geoff Jones (c), Steve Bellis(Tries 1).

Report:

New Brighton edged this crucial and much-awaited league clash with Doncaster 18 - 16. It took a 79th minute penalty from Paul Brett to regain the lead and take the league pointsfor the Reeds Lane men after Jon Storey had silenced the home fans with a 72nd minute penalty which left the Blues trailing 15 - 16 with just 8 mins remaining.

In truth the game never developed into the classic hoped for by the fans, but it was exciting, it was tense, it was dramatic. The dramas started for New Brighton earlier in the week when Huw Thomas aggravated his shoulder injury in training and was ruled out of selection. With Phil Gazzola still sidelined from his head injury, sustained in a cup game against Birkenhead Park, Lee McCourt was recalled to the front row. Stand off Adam Butt, who flies back to Australia on Monday, withdrew with a hamstring injury and the selectors chose to go with Tom Mapp at No. 10 bringing a new signing Clint Beauchamp onto the bench. Fox and Campbell retained their partnership at lock with 'Big' Nick Allott still suspended. it was a reshuffled line up for the Blues but they were at their strongest for several weeks.

On a near perfect pitch in sunny conditions New Brighton kicked off in front of their largest crowd for some time. The opening exchanges were evenly balanced and it soon became clear that Doncaster had come to play a tight spoiling game regularly committing six or seven men to each breakdown.

Marcus Coast showed early menace with a bone crushing tackle that sent opposite number Gareth Cochrane crashing to the ground. Coast was fast on his feet stealing the ball before setting off on a probing run that launched the New Brighton backs on a promising move. Johnson saw the gap to cut inside his man making still more space, but his pass went to ground and the opportunity was gone.

When referee David Pearson signalled a penalty to New Brighton in front of the post close to the 22 the opening score looked likely. However, touch judge Mike Ramsden came onto the field to report an off the ball incident and the penalty was reversed. Playing with early confidence the Blues soon powered back into the Doncaster half to exert significant pressure. They snubbed two chances to kick for goal choosing to keep the pace and pressure on Doncaster with quick tap penalties. The Tykes defended well to keep New Brighton out, but when the third penalty was signalled Brett astepped up to open the scoring.

Score3 - 0 on 12 mins.

Doncaster responded well from the restart to create a good position centre field deep in the Blues' half. When a New Brighton forward offended in the ruck Jon Story had no trouble kicking the penalty to level the scores.

Score 3 - 3 on 15 mins.

This was an important game which neither side could afford to lose. The tension was evident with both teams choosing to keep things very tight. Time after time the big men in the packs took turns to drive relentlessly into their opposite numbers. Fiery Yorkshire scrum half, Simon Greenslade was shown the yellow card and 'Sin Binned' after some over zealous play. It was an important development and the Blues raised their game to pressure 14 man Doncaster. The pressure told as New Brighton players swarmed down the left wing in a penetrating move that took play within five yards of the visitors' line. Just when Doncaster looked to have stopped the attack Steve Bellis emerged with the ball to power forward with a decisive run that took him over for a try. Brett failed with the conversion.

Score 8 - 3 on 23 mins.

Sensing the opportunity New Brighton again lifted their game and tore into the Tykes defence. A kick ahead saw the ball spinning freely in front of the Doncaster posts. Blues' fast men quickly gave chase with Coast and Evans trapping the single defender Matt Brian with the ball. Brian had little choice but to hold on desperately to the ball whilst Coast and Evans battled to free it from the grounded defender. Referee Pearson adjudged it to be a 'Professional Foul' and duly despatched the unfortunate Brian to the 'Sin Bin'. Reduced to thirteen men Doncaster were now in terrible trouble as a very professional New Brighton turned up the heat to exploit the weakness. With mounting pressure it was only a matter of time before the score came. In the event Emrys Evans snapped up the ball to power over for a try. Brett hit the upright but the ball bounced in for the conversion.

Score 15 - 3 on 39 mins.

With the half well into injury time Doncaster built up a position to win a penalty that story kicked to close the gap.

Half Time:    New Brighton 15 - 6 Doncaster

The Yorkshiremen gathered themselves during the interval to make a good start to the second half. A sweeping move down the left wing drew the very best from the Blues' defence to tackle speed man Chris Conway into touch just 5 yards short of the line. Paul Stewart somehow stole possession from the lineout to set the Tykes up for a driving play that inched ever closer to the New Brighton line. When No. 8 Derek Eves broke free for a dramatic captains try which Story converted the Blues were visibly rattled.

Score 15 - 13 on 52 mins.

With so much at stake neither side was prepared to take risks, as the game remained constrictively tight. With the battle continuing to rage in the forwards Doncaster built a threatening position centre field to set Richard Poskett up for a drop goal attempt. The No. 10 fired the ball goalwards only to see the ever alert Tom Mapp charge down the kick. Referee Pearson adjudged a Blues' defender offside awarding a straight forward penalty, which Jon Story duly kicked to send the travelling fans into raptures. and silence the home crowd as the visitors edged into the lead.

Score 15 - 16 on 72 mins.

The Blues who had appeared to have given their best were stunned by Doncaster's fight back to take a late lead. Somewhere New Brighton found the energy to claw their way back up field and build for a final effort. Turley, the hero at LSH, was brought into the game for Paul Campbell. A penalty saw Brett kick for a good lineout position in the Doncaster 22. Fox gathered and the drive was on for the line. Having battled to get the lead the Yorkshiremen were not about to give way at this stage. Their defence was immense as they fought fiercely to protect their line. In the heat of the battle someone strayed off side and a penalty awarded to New Brighton. Paul Brett placed the ball out towards the left touch line. It was not a straight forward kick and with the clock showing 79 mins played, it was certainly a pressure kick. In the event Brett showed confidence and composure to send home fans into raptures as his kick sent the ball spinning between the uprights.

Score 18 - 16 on 79 mins.

There were still a few minutes of injury time left to play but New Brighton had enough experience and knowhow to shut the game off as the time ran out for Doncaster. The Blues hung on for the win and the all important league points came to Reeds Lane.

Final Score:  New Brighton 18 -16 Doncaster

Marcus Coast was named 'Man of the Match' for his impressive all round game, with Lee McCourt coming a close second. The big prop has done well on both occasions in which he has been called into the first team and could well hold his position in the front row.

Undoubtably Connor's team have come a long way in recent years. No one at Reeds Lane would claim that they are playing well at the moment. It is tough at the top and the pressure is definitly showing, but Connor's Blues, having battled setbacks and injuries, keep pulling out the wins to remain joint top of the table with apromotion spot there for the taking.

Whatever the outcome of this season, New Brighton have done well. If they summon up all their experience and reserves of energy for the last six league games and work to regain the confidence and form they showed earlier when their 'Total Game' beat Aspatria 45 - 8, Bedford 31 - 7 and Morley 79 - 0, they have little to fear in the final run in.

Confidence and composure is what is called for. New Brighton have the players, pedigree and experience to stay the course. If ever the Wirral is to have a side in the National League Second Division there has never been a better opportunity than at present.

The Bues travell to the Midlands next week for another difficult fixture with Nuneaton where new signing Clint Beauchamp will probably make his debut. Promotion is automatic for the Champions with a play off place going to the second placed club. Stourbridge play Sedgley in two weeks time and it continues to be very tight at the top.

Team Sheet:
Hamish Pearson, Paul Brett (tries 1, penalty Goals 3, conversions 1), Marcus Coast, Emrys Evans, Steve Johnson, Adam Butt, Matt Bennett (Rhys Hughes on 65mins), Phil Gazzola, Iain Taylor (Karl Davies on 49 mins), Lee McCourt, Nick Allott, Steve Fox , Jez Lamb (Carl Turley on 50mins (tries 1)),Geoff Jones (c), Steve Bellis.

Faint hearts and nervous dispositions have no place with New Brighton supporter this year. If last weeks drama with Aspatria set the nerve ends jangling this thriller at Moss Lane shredded them into tiny pieces.

Trailing 17-5 at the half and reduced to 14 men Connors men in Blue faced a crisis of mammoth proportions. Yet face it they did. Demonstrating remarkable grit and determination the Blues showed true championship qualities to fight back against the odds. In a batting performance they forced three second half penalties and engineered a last minute dramatic score to win the game 17-21. It was a wonderful effort and fabulous theatre for the crowd

Injuries again forced changes in the pack. Lee McCourt stepped in to replace Marco Dorrington and with Huw Thomas still sidelined Phil Gazzola retained his position. Paul Campbell picked up an injury on Tuesday leaving Steve Fox to partner big Nick Allott at lock. Matt Bennett returned at No 9 and Steve Johnson re-instated on the wing

Playing conditions were dreadful. The Blues started with a gale force wind in their face and little better than a mud bath for a pitch. LSH kicked off leaving New Brighton few options but to run the ball into the face of their hosts and the gale. Brett dummied and straightened to make early ground. From the ruck Allot and Taylor figured in powering the ball over the half way line.

It was an impressive and confident start by the Blues who appeared to be making light of the conditions. When LSH won their first possession the home backs immediately launched a flowing move that caught the Blues defence thin on the right wing. The move was threatening with New Brighton exposed out wide. LSH centre Chris Walker tried to thread a long miss one pass to his winger who had a clear run in for the line. Spotting the danger Blues Paul Brett pounced like a hawk to intercept the ball and set off from inside his own half towards the home teams line. Brett pinned his ears back and gave it all he had in a race for the line against three defenders. It was close but Brett was not going to be caught diving over for a spectacular opening score. Still breathing hard from his 60 metre sprint Brett hit the post with the conversion.

Score0 - 5 on 2 mins.

The game proceeded in remarkably good style with both teams keen to run the ball in difficult conditions. First New Brighton exerted pressure running and supporting well to take the game into the hosts territory. Cook and Worsley were lively half backs for the home side seeking to launch their pace men at every opportunity. When Walker burst into space crossing his 10 metre line strike centre Sean Casey was fast in support. Casey collected and sped towards the halfway line. He kicked long with the idea of chasing the ball into the Blues 22. Committed to the tackle, Phil Gazzola unceremoniously dumped Casey into the mud. Referee Hamlin was not amused awarding a penalty to LSH from where the ball landed. Stand off Simon Worsley had no problem kicking the points.

Score 3 - 5 on 11 mins.

Honours remained even for the next ten minutes but the fired up efforts of the home team together with the gale force wind was beginning to tell on the New Brighton defence. A sweeping LSH move down the right wing forced play well into the Blues half. LSH forwards built a position out wide before spreading play into centre field. Nijke Tchakoute ran with pace and power to cross the gain line leaving the Blues scrambling to get some shape into their defence. Cook, Worsley and Walker committed what was left of the defence to leave Sean Casey clear with a direct line to the line. Casey made no mistake with the try and Worsley added the extras.

Score 10 - 5 on 23 mins.

The score and a partisan home crowd inspired LSH to raise their game and stretch New Brighton to the limit. Moments later LSH were again powering a flowing move down centre field when Casey again broke clear to race home for a second impressive score under the posts which Worsley converted.

Score 17 - 5 on 28 mins.

The Liverpool side and their supporters were now in full cry and the Blues were forced to soak up the pressure. New Brighton are a tough team well able to handle the situation. Their defence closed ranks showing no way through as tackle after tackle stopped LHS attackers short. With the half moving close to the interval Blues players and supporters would have been pleased to settle for 12 point deficit and the wind behind them for the second half. It was at this point that drama turned to crisis for the championship chasing Wirral men.

Captain Geoff Jones was the architect of a Blues forward drive down centre field. Fox, Allot and Lamb figured prominently as the drive built into an eight-man power play. Defiantly Blue shirted players doggedly battled across the half way line progressing play relentlessly forward. Liverpool players tried in vain to halt the juggernauts progress. Eventually home side forwards started hitting the maul from the side trying anything to halt its progress. Referee Hamlin signalled a penalty to New Brighton, but with the maul still moving towards the LSH line he allowed advantage to be played.

When the sea of bodies finally collapsed into a pile on the ground a shrill whistle rang out as the referee reversed his decision immediately showing the red card to Nick Allott for alleged "reckless use of the foot" New Brighton were now in desperate trouble reduced to 14 players and their power man out of the game they struggled to hold on to the interval with LSH throwing everything into attack. Significantly Worsley missed a penalty kick on 35 mins and the depleted blues were able to hold out to the interval

Half Time:    Liverpool St Helens 17 - 5 New Brighton

Coaches Connor and Rule did what they could to bolster their side during the break but the 12 point deficit and the 14 men handicap presented a tall order for the second period. New Brighton started full of fire to win a penalty which Brett scored.

Score 17 - 8 on 43 mins.

TITAN TURLEY TURNED THE TIDE
With the extra man giving the Liverpool side the edge up front it began to look desperate for the Blues. LSH were dominating the scrum and the forward exchanges. They were able to pressurise every New Brighton possession keeping the Blues well on the back foot. With the pressure mounting and an LSH score looking imminent further problems hit the Blues when hooker Iain taylor was forced to leave the field injured. The experienced Karl `Hippy' Davies came into the game on 49 minutes just prior to Connor throwing his last dice into the game.

Ex Sergeant Major Carl Truly, he of the 58 inch chest, one time Army heavyweight boxing champion and veteran of many New Brighton season together with military campaigns in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and The Gulf, was thrown into the fray. Turley's effect was dramatic. Immediately he anchored New Brighton's scrum and sent travelling fans into raptures when he burst through a ruck to steam off down centre field arms and knees flailing a path through a bemused and battered defenders. It was a memorable, formidable and impressive site to see this giant of a man at full steam.

Turley's efforts revitalised a tiring Blues pack. Reserve front row, Lee McCourt, who had been looking exhausted prior to Turley's introduction found energy from somewhere to join the forward drive with impressive yards of his own The Blues were exerting pressure but they were still 9 points adrift and LSH were defending well.

Signs of panic were showing in New Brighton ranks when Bennett took a tap penalty from a position just a few yards out in front of the posts when the 3 points would have been the best option. The desperation was infectious as moments later and the pressure mounting nicely Brett chose to launch a drop goal attempt from a similar position. The mud claimed the ball and the chance was gone.

Rhys Hughes replaced the industrious Matt Bennett at 9 and the game entered it's final phase. The New Brighton 14 were tired but fired with passion and pride they forced their exhausted bodies into desperate efforts to win the game. Their pressure drew a penalty, which Brett duly dispatched

Score 17 - 11 on 70 mins.

Team Sheet:
Hamish Pearson, Paul Brett(4 pens. 4 con.), Emrys Evans(2 tries), Marcus Coast(1Try), Steve Johnson, Tom Mapp(Adam Butt 50 mins), Rhys Hughes, Mark Dorrington , Iain Taylor(Karl Davies 40 mins) , Phil Gazzola, Steve Fox (Carl Turley 50mins), Paul Campbell, Jez Lamb(1 try), Geoff Jones (c), Steve Bellis(1 try),

Doncaster faltered in their Yorkshire Derby clash with Morley on Saturday, opening a gap for the top of the table New Brighton and Stourbridge who eased ahead in the title race.

It remains very tight at the top of the table but the Blues 45 second half scoring spree against Aspatria reeled in the points difference. With Stourbridge managing an extra time score to squeak home 25 - 22 winners over Midland neighbours Walsall, as Coach Connors said last week :-
" The teams are so closely matched this season that on their day any side can beat any other side in the League. We can take nothing for granted."

In the end New Brighton comfortably won Saturday's clash 45 - 5, but not before an enthralling and entertaining spectacle that reached dramatic proportions with three men in the sin bin at one time. When the Blues were reduced to 13 players, it was thrilling and entertaining stuff yet again at Reeds Lane as the home side were forced to defend for their very lives as the Cumbrian juggernaut battered their line.

Returning from injury Marcus Coast and Rhys Hughes made welcome returns to the Blues starting line. Allott sidelined with flu' but lineout 'King' Campbell returned to partner Steve Fox in the second row and Jez Lamb to blind side flanker, freeing Geoff Jones for the No7 Berth.

Aspatria had obviously worked hard in the build up to this game. It took Connor's Wirral men the best part of an hour to break the Cumbrian game plan and crack their spirited resistance. From the 'off', Aspatria were a different team from last week. Their forwards closed down everything that moved and their backs harrying and hustling to take the game right into the face of New Brighton. In the opening exchanges the Blues were unable to establish any rhythm or create any real pressure. The Cumbrian scrum was similarly much improved to last week, causing New Brighton early worries.

With the wind in their faces, New Brighton were soon hit with a rejuvenated Aspatria who opened the scoring with a penalty.

Score 0 - 3 on 5 mins.

The Blues were fast to respond, immediately driving play back at the Cumbrians from the restart. Fox, Campbell and Lamb led the forward pressure that drew a penalty when Aspatria centre Smith was sin binned for killing the ball. Brett struck sweetly to level the score.

Score 3 -3 on 8 mins.

Losing their man to the sin bin served to fire the Aspatria effort and they powered back at New Brighton with a fierce assault. Such was the visitors confidence that they spurned repeated opportunities to kick at goal choosing to batter away at the Blues defence with their big forwards. Following one such penalty, Coast tackled early inside the 10 metre no go area and was immediately despatched to the sin bin.

Moments later, Blues hooker Iain Taylor was sent to join Coast in the sin bin reducing the Blues to 13 men. Again the Cumbrians refused kickable opportunities, choosing to lay siege to the New Brighton line with wave after wave of battering and driving plays. In the event the Blues were equal to the challenge as bone crunching tackles held the line. Finding no way through, after a series of determined offences, Aspatria chose to kick for goal and missed. It was a determining point of the game. The 13 men had withstood the pressure and their sin binned players returning to the field were able to end the half pressing the visitors line.

Half Time:    New Brighton 3 - 3 Aspatria

The opening exchanges of the second half were fierce with no quarter given or taken. it was a tough, tight struggle that needed something special to break the deadlock. Enter Marcus Coast. Breaking from a tight position close to the halfway line the powerful centre executed a beautiful dummy before straightening and bursting for the line. It was an exceptional move that resulted in an equally exceptional 40 metre sprint for the line. The home crowd were thrilled and in good voice to to cheer the power and pace of their star centre as he crossed for a spectacular game breaking score. Brett added the conversion.

Score 10 - 3 on 50 mins.

Aspatria again raised their game with their big men forcing forward with typical Cumbrian subtlety. Home fans held their breath when the referee lectured Blues' No 8 Steve Bellis for over aggressive play, but this time there was no yellow card and the penalty deemed to be sufficient punishment. Aspatria kicked deep for the corner and, from the ensuing lineout, were able to battle over for a try that kept them well in the hunt.

Score 10 - 8 on 61 mins.

Following last weeks game, Aspatria had done their homework with a game plan that had held the Blues in check for the best part of an hour. However, it was at this point that Connor's men fathomed the recipe to win the game with a barn storming finish. First off, Emrys Evans ran on the blind side of a forward platform to beat four defenders for a score of pace, power and finesse. Brett added the conversion and the Cumbrian back was broken.

Score 17 - 8 on 66mins.

Brett put another nail in the coffin with a sweetly struck penalty.

Score 20 - 8 on 69 mins.

It had been a tough battle to this point, but the Blues were now in control of their own turf at Fortress Reeds Lane. They intelligently used the wind to kick for position, pinning the visitors in their own territory where they were comfortable in launching wider plays. When Brett broke wide to create the space, Blues' new scoring phenomenon Emrys 'The Dragon' Evans was on hand to take the pass and speed off for the killer score in the corner. Brett failed with the difficult conversion.

Score 25 - 8 on 70 mins.

Aspatria fought to the end, but the competition was effectively over as Connor's Championship Chasing Blues opened up to rack up the points. First it was the mercurial Lamb who completed a good flowing move involving Hughes, Fox and Bellis. Brett added the extras and weighed in with two further penalties, stretching the lead to,

Score 38 - 8 on 76 mins.

Connor threw Butt and Turley into the fray for Mapp and Fox as the game approached the end. When a scrum was awarded to Aspatria some 10 metres out they looked to be safe on their own put in. Not so! The power of the 58 inch barrel chested Ex Sgt. Major was obviously an element as New Brighton forced the Cumbrians back over their own line to manufacture an improbable late push over try for Steve Bellis. Brett added the conversion to complete the scoring.

Final Score:  New Brighton 45 - 8 Aspatria