New Brighton
Football Club (R.U.)
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New Brighton Football Club (R.U.) |
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October Match Reports Season 2000-2001 |
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| September Match Reports | November Match Reports | |
English National League Division 3 North |
SANDAL 5 - NEW BRIGHTON 48 Team
Sheet:
Report:
Skipper Geoff Jones, returning from illness, was in the thick of it prompting several great forward drives culminating in some superb scores out wide. The first 15 minutes were a testing time, playing down the slope with the wind behind them the "Blues" soon had the measure of the Sandal forwards with Huw Thomas and Jez Lamb, playing in the 2nd row, outstanding. Despite this, no matter how much pressure they put on the home team, and they came close several times, Paul Brett's 2 penalty goals were all they had to show. Something had to give! Score 0
- 13 The rain was now lashing down and for a while the forwards controlled the game camped on the Sandal line. Time after time they tried to drive the home forwards over. In the 32nd minute the Sandal defence broke and Geoff Jones touched down out wide which Paul Brett superbly converted. Score 0
- 20 Defending a rare Sandal sortie into the New Brighton half the "Blues" fly-half Tom Mapp received a head injury and was taken off to hospital for precautionary X-rays. Full back Adam Butt stepped into the breach with Hamish Pearson(ex-Stourbridge) making his first team debut at full back. Just on half time more New Brighton pressure forced another penalty, the ever reliable Paul Brett obliged with the 3 points. Half Time:
Sandal 0 - 23 New Brighton As the second half started the sun came out and the "Blues" renewed their offensive and from a glorious backs move Steve Johnson outran the home defence to touch down in the left corner.The conversion was missed. Score:
0 - 28 Now playing downhill with the wind, Sandal started putting the "Blues" under pressure, kicking deep into the corners and forcing the visitors to give ground. The more their forwards got the ball the more they liked it and from a period of sustained presure on the "Blues" line they crashed over for a well-earned try but could not manage the conversion.. Score: 5 - 28 For a while the "Blues" looked vulnerable but with replacement fly half Adam Butt now getting in the groove, the ball was again finding its way across the park with some scintillating passing movements. In the 55th minute from one such passing movement Sandal were caught offside. Brett made no mistake with the penalty. Score: 5 - 31
Several times, with some quick handling inside his own half, Paul Brett surged upfield only to be pulled down by some desperate tackling. Even when the home team relieved the pressure, kicking deep into the "Blues" half, they found winger Steve Johnson covering back. Collecting the high ball he set off on a magical run, leaving a trail of bemused Sandal defenders as he jinked his way into their 22 before slipping the ball to Emrys Evans who sprinted under the posts. Brett converted.
Score:
5 - 38 The home team were now under constant pressure, the rain and wind having returned, handling became more difficult and several chances went begging. The "Blues" were not to be denied and from another raid deep into Sandal territory the ball was played quickly on the blind side for Hamish Pearson to get his first try wide out on the left. The conversion was missed.
Score: 5 - 43
Even as the weather got worse New Brighton were still throwing it around and when skipper Geoff Jones found himself supporting the backs a quick pass from Marcus Coast put him in for the final try. Final:
Sandal 5 - 48 New Brighton |
| Day's Results, and League Table |
Tetley's Bitter Cup - Round 3 |
NEW BRIGHTON 15 - 11 NEWBURY Team
Sheet:
Report:
The game is to be played on Sunday November 5th and means that the traditional Guy Fawkes Party has had to be brought forward to Saturday 4th November. The came from down London way, very rich, very ambitious and very big. This 3rd round Tetley's Bitter Cup match against Division 2 opponents Newbury was always going to be a huge test for the "Blues" when the draw was made. The are known for their huge pack and with regulars Nick Allott and Steve Bellis ruled out, New Brighton were already facing a guagantuan struggle. To lose skipper Geoff Jones and Mighty Phil Gazzola just before the kick off was another huge blow. The home fans waited with bated breath as the two teams ran onto the pitch. The game was only 3 minutes old when, having battered the "Blues" up front, Newbury forced a penalty. Full Back, Dave Griffiths, converted. Score 3 - 0 The pressure from the southerners was relentless, time after time they drove at the "Blues" line only to be thwarted by some fine defending. Jez Lamb playing his first game at No 8, was putting in some almighty hits to keep them at bay, while the backs smothered anything that was thrown at them. Bit by bit the "Blues" regained their breath and after 15 minutes a fine run out of defence caught the big Newbury pack out of position, struggling to cover they were penalised for off side. Paul Brett stroked over the penalty. Score: 3 - 3 Five minutes later, the "Blues" forwards still defending with great control when again the backs broke out and from a great passing move deep into the opposition half they caught the visitors flat footed. From a collapsed maul, Paul Brett hit the crossbar with his penalty attempt. If the "Blues" thought that this was going to be easy, they were wrong. Two minutes later, after another powerful forward drive by the Newbury pack, the "Blues" were penalised for collapsing the scrum, Dave Griffiths converted. Score: 3 - 6 On 17 minutes, hooker Karl Davies who had been struggling with injury for some time, was now replaced by Iain Taylor. Not daunted by yet another injury, the "Blues" continued to play some scintillating open rugby, quickly released ball from No 8 to scrum half Rhys Hughes, having his best game so far, saw the backs involved in some brilliant passing movements that had the crowd applauding in admiration. Alas a remarkable defensive rearguard by Newbury kept them from scoring. This was a "New Blues" spirit and after 38 minutes they were duly rewarded with another penalty from an off side. Paul Brett made it 6 - 6 Half Time: New Brighton 6 - 6 Newbury The second half started in much the same way as the first half ended. The "Blues" throwing the ball wide and dragging the visitors' big forwards all over the park. With only minutes gone and Newbury's forwards in disarray, the "Blues" forced a penalty for another off side. Paul Brett was on target. Score: 9 - 6 Such was the frustration of the visitors at this point, that the touch judge came in for some verbal abuse, which resulted in a penalty restart for New Brighton. From fully 50 metres Paul Brett stroked the ball home. Score: 12 - 6 This gave the Home team even more confidence and they swarmed all over the opposition, the faster, fitter "Blues" forwards now joining in and supporting the backs, Danny Jones and Paul Campbell in the thick of it. The Newbury defence was now working overtime with both teams lining up across the pitch to such an extent that you could be forgiven for thinking that this was Rugby League. Time after time the "Blues" were brought down inches short of the Newbury line. Marcus Coast was on fire, with Steve Johnson, Emrys Evans and Tom Mapp all going close, something had to happen and in the 63rd minute, from yet another superb handling movement, the Home team were only deprived of a richly deserved try when Newbury's off side backs killed the move. Ever reliable Paul Brett obliged. Score: 15 - 6 Whether it was tiredness or nerves, the party stopped, the "Blues" closed the game down and the Newbury forwards started to play again. Now it was their turn to drive the New Brighton forwards back into their own half. Wave after wave of forward surges had them camped on the "Blues" line. In the end with 76 minutes gone they crashed over for the inevitable try. The crowd went silent, they missed the conversion. . Score: 15 - 11 The character of this New Brighton team was fantastic, in the last 5 minutes as they held their nerve, tackling like never before and when the final whistle blew you would have thought they had won the cup. . This victory was due in no small part to the squad system, the lads who came in were magnificent. On this showing those on the injured list will have to fight hard to get their places back. Final: New Brighton 15 - 11 Newbury
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| Day's Results, and 4th Round Draw |
English National League Three North |
NEW
BRIGHTON 24 - 9 LIVERPOOL ST. HELENS Team
Sheet: Report: The day started early for 200 or so spectators, it was the Annual Past Player's Lunch organised by the "Blues" stalwart Doug Thorpe. They came from all over for this annual pilgrimage, as for afield as the USA, Australia and Jersey. In the Clubhouse they packed the bar and exchanged memories of yester year or swapped experiences of the most recent hip replacement, heart bypass etc. Outside it was pouring with rain and not a soul to be seen. The pitch was a lush green, it stood there invitingly, awaiting the gladitorial combat that local derbies frequently generate. As 3.00 o'clock approached, one or two officials crept out of the players entrance, looked up at the sky and popped back inside. This was not a day for soft hearts. Then, in next to no time, suddenly all changed, LSH lead the procession followed by the "Blues" and trotting behind came local Referee, Tony Rossall with his two assistants. This was the signal for the clubhouse to empty, suddenly the stand was full, and a large selection of multicoloured umbrellas ringed the pitch. The ref blew his whistle and the game was on. The wet weather made handling difficult, so there was an abundance of scrums for minor offences, this seemed to suit the front rows on both sides as they became enveloped in personal battles. New Brighton looked the stronger, drove forward relentlessly, after 10 minutes they were still camped on the LSH line. On several occasions they came close, it was only poor passing and a stout LSH defence which prevented an early score. Just when it appeared that the "Blues" were bound to score, LSH broke out of defence, pressurised the "Blues" into a mistake and from the penalty Simon Worsley made it 0 - 3 , 13 minutes gone. The first half had now deteriorated into a forward dominated struggle, with LSH matching the "Blues" all the way and when they did get the ball to their backs, it was only good covering from New Brighton that prevented another score. As half time approached LSH, after considerable pressure, were awarded another penalty by Referee, Tony Rossall. This time for the "Blues" collapsing the scrum on their own put in? Again, Simon Worsley made no mistake. 0 - 6 Time: 37 minutes. Spurred into action by the penalty, the "Blues" drove upfield from the restart, LSH went offside, the penalty found touch 10 metres from the visitors line. From the line out Steve Fox made a clean catch, the forwards drove LSH back over their own line and Kevin Brookman touched down, Paul Brett converted. Half Time: New Brighton 7 - 6 Liverpool St. Helens The second half started with New Brighton showing more urgency, now instead of driving into static mauls they started to kick into open spaces putting pressure on the now uncertain LSH backs. The forwards were running riot in the loose supporting the backs, quick ball had replaced ponderous ball, LSH were looking vulnerable. 10 minutes into the half, the more expansive game was creating a lot of pressure on the visitors and an exciting passing move with Tom Mapp, Marcus Coast and Paul Brett put Emrys Evans over for a superb try. Paul Brett converted. 14 - 6 New Brighton gaining a new found confidence, were now playing some entertaining rugby. Time after time they came close to increasing their lead. LSH were defending desperately now and it seemed only a matter of time before the "Blues"scored again. Out of the blue, from a rare sortie into New Brighton territory Simon Worsley surprised the home fans and conjured a drop goal from nowhere. Score 14 - 6 The "Blues surged straight back downfield and from another LSH defensive error a penalty was converted by Paul Brett 17 - 9 The rain had stopped now, LSH were tiring and the "Blues" were in complete control. With 2 minutes of normal time left, after another fine backs move, Marcus Coast deftly chipped ahead for Paul Brett to touch down. He, further, added the conversion. Score 24 - 9 The "Blues" were still pressing when the final whistle blew 6 minutes into injury time.
Final: New Brighton 24 - 9 Liverpool St. Helens This was a good win for the "Blues", they made hard work of it in the first half but in the second half their pedigree showed.
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| Day's Results, and Table |
Tetley's Bitter Cup Round 2 |
NEW BRIGHTON 40 - 17 LEICESTER LIONS Team
Sheet: Report: Not to be confused with their more illustrious neighbours, the famous Leicester Tigers, the Lions started this game with such explosive forward power, you could have been excused in thinking that the Tigers had arrived. The game was only three
minutes old when having battered the Blues up front they
forced a penalty, No 10 Paul Pugh converted for Three minutes later
with the Blues still under the cosh and the home fans
showing signs of anxiety, sudden relief came from deep
inside their own half as the backs broke out. From a
great passing move Paul Brett crashed over in the corner.
Five minutes later
after another powerful forward drive by the Lions, Kevin
Clarke rampaged through for a try and Paul Pugh was again
on target with the conversion. The Leicester Lions were now dominating the game up front and only some great defensive work by New Brighton prevented them increasing their lead. Even worse was to come when four minutes later Nick Allott had to leave the field with damaged ribs. It took until the 25th
minute with a penalty by Paul Brett to narrow the gap. This gave the home team
the confidence they had been lacking and three minutes
later after a superb handling move,19 stone prop Phil
Gazzola went over in the corner. Paul Brett converted. Just when it seemed that it was all coming together for the Blues, lock Paul Campbell, who had been having a great game, damaged his hand and was replaced by the young colt Adam Kettle making his debut as a flanker. Steve Bellis moving up to second row. If the Lions thought that this reshuffle was going to weaken the Blues, they were gravely mistaken as the backs resumed their onslaught on the visitors try line. It was only a matter of time
before a try came and on 38 minutes Marcus Coast chipped
through and beat the now speadeagled Leicester defence to
the touchdown. Half Time: New Brighton 20 - 10 Leicester Lions The second half started pretty much as the first half ended with the Blues running the ball wide and causing all sorts of problems for the visitors. Six minutes in, young
Adam Kettle fulfilled his dream debut as he charged down
the blind side, bounced off a couple of defenders and
reached over to touch down for a fine try, Paul Brett
converted. Seven minutes later
with the Blues now in full cry a move which went through
10 sets of hands ended with Steve Bellis driving over for
a well worked try. The conversion failed. New Brighton were coasting now and many splendid moves were denied tries by a mixture of some stout defending and over complicated passing. On 30 minutes with the
crowd shouting their encouragement, anticipating another
score, the Lions broke out of defence and charged upfield
and with some uncharacteristic covering by the Blues,
earned a line-out 10 metres out. From the throw in the
Lions caught and drove the Blues back with Stephen
Beaufoy crashing over for the touchdown. Paul Pugh
stepped up to convert. With only 4 minutes left, the shaken and stirred Blues rang the changes with 4 more replacements. On came half back pairing Alan Hesketh and Steve O'Connor for Rhys Hughes and Tom Mapp, Mark Dorrington to prop and Phil Gazola replacing Kevin Brookman on the open side and finally Iain Taylor for Karl Davies at hooker. Suddenly it was fashionable and the Lions copied the formula, bringing on their full compliment of changes. It made no difference, as 2 minutes later Paul Brett converted a penalty to make it 35 - 17 and then another fine back move ended with Emrys Evans crossing for an unconverted try.
Final: New Brighton 40 - 17 Leicester Lions
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| Draw 3rd Round, |
| September Match Reports | November Match Reports |