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New Brighton Football Club (R.U.) |
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December Match Reports Season 2001-2002 |
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NATIONAL LEAGUE 3 NORTH |
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New Brighton 21 - 20 Darlington Mowden Park
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Report: New Brighton fought back in tremendous style to turn a 5-20 point half time deficit into a magnificent 21-20 injury time victory. The Blues improving form was maintained as their `Young Guns' continue to gel as a team able to face the pressures of National League opposition. Nevertheless Reeds Lane coaches were not happy. "Too many turn overs, and the ball was too slow," was Steve Dorrington's verdict, after Saturdays nail biting encounter. Steve Rule added to the debate but praised the side for the win. "Far too many handling errors and clearly we have room for improvement, but the truth is that the Blues claimed a notable scalp in this league. Possession was more than adequate and apart from the odd lapse defense was very sound." New Brighton kicked off into the wind and immediately applied pressure to the Darlington defense. Blues forwards Dorrington, Campbell, Davies and Evans were in the thick of the early exchanges matching the visitors big men blow for blow. The pressure told on 17 minutes when Campbell collected from a line out to set up a driving maul. Sewell, Lamb and Tapouta joined the play to drive the maul over the line for the first score. Cambell was credited with the touchdown but Brett failed with the conversion. New Brighton 5 – 0 Darlington on 17 minutes New Brighton might have scored again but dropped passes served to lose the opportunities. Darlington are a tough team whose cup exploit took Harlequins to a single score at the Stoop last season. Kevin Oliphant and his team were not about to lie down and concede this game. A series of attacking moves from the visitors forced the Blues into the defensive. When Oliphant spun the ball wide there was no stopping Darlington's powerful winger Jones from crossing for a try which leveled the scores.
Play remained virtually even as the teams slogged it out seeking the advantage. Oliphant struck with a penalty on 25 minutes and Jones weighed in with his second try on 37 minutes to extend the lead. Oliphant failed with the conversion but the score firmly established Darlington in the driving seat. New Brighton 5 – 13 Darlington on 37 minutes With the Blues struggling to stay with the game Darlington struck again on the stroke of half time when full back Kevin McCallum, cutting a superb angle, hit the three-quarter line at full speed to slice through the Blues defense to score under the posts without a hand being laid on him. Oliphant made no mistake with a straightforward conversion. Half Time New Brighton 5 – 20 Darlington New Brighton started the second half well but were met with a defiant defense from the seasoned Darlington squad. Four times the Blues crossed the try line but each time were unable to ground the ball as the defense soaked up the pressure. Just when the game seemed to be slipping away Brett broke the deadlock with a well taken penalty.
New Brighton 8 – 20 Darlington on 60 minutes Brett did the Johnny Wilkinson just four minutes later adding a further penalty to claw the Blues to within two scores. New Brighton 11 – 20 Darlington 64 minutes It was at this point that the luck seemed to have deserted New Brighton. Passes went to ground and moves broke down as the visitors battled to defend their lead. When Brett unaccustomedly failed with a penalty just eight minutes from time it was looking bleak for the Blues. Just two minutes later the indomitable Brett struck again with a penalty to put New Brighton in striking distance. No one was leaving the ground as the game entered the final stages leading to a climatic finish. Defending manfully Darlington appeared to be on route for the league points as the action went into injury time. When Campbell won a line out deep in Darlington's 22 the Blues launched their final driving play. Cleverly working the ball in field they were able to create a good position just yards short of the line. Darlington appeared to have set their defence when somehow Campbell was forced over for a try that brought the Blues to within a point. Brett kept his cool and added the conversion to put New Brighton a single point in front.
New Brighton 21- 20 Darlington on 41 minutes Agonizingly for the New Brighton fans there was still time for a restart giving Darlington one last chance to snatch victory. In the event the defence held firm and New Brighton claimed a creditable victory. New Brighton 21 – 20 Darlington Mowden Park New Brighton Director of Rugby Alistair Saverimutto paid tribute to his players but singled Coach Steve Dorrington for special mention. "Darlington are a good side and this is very encouraging result. Our line outs and scrimmaging were especially good and credit must go to Steve who has made a big difference to the forwards since he rejoined us last month." Next week the Blues are again at home in what promises to be a tough league clash with Nuneaton. The Nuns beat New Brighton in the League earlier this season but the result was reversed in the Cup when the Blues went on to claim their famous 14 man victory. Blues v Nuneaton - Reeds Lane KO 2:30 Sat 5th Jan 2002
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NATIONAL LEAGUE 3 NORTH |
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Morley v New Brighton Postponed.
BLUES PREPARE FOR DARLINGTON AFTER FROST CLAIMS GAME New Brighton's game against Morley fell victim to a frozen Yorkshire pitch on Saturday giving the Blues a free weekend and time to take stock before the visit of high flying Darlington Mowden Park on Saturday. Newly promoted to the league this season Darlington were hotly tipped for promotion with a star studied team that has earned four promotions in four years. Following differences at West Hartlepool some years ago many of Wests Premiership players defected to Darlington attracted by the strong financial position of the club and their ambitious plans to develop into the regions leading team. Stand Off Kevin Olliphant is the inspiration to their team. Olliphant was a mainstay in the halcyon days of West Hartlipool when they enjoyed Premiership status alongside Leicester, Harlequins and the other giants of the game. Olliphant is known for his exceptional kicking both from hand and for gaol. He will certainly pose a stiff test for New Brighton's young No 10 Anthony Birley who as been showing impressive form in recent weeks. Birley, together with Moore, Murray, O'Connor and the rest of the Blues emerging `Young Bunch' will have a very interesting test against the more mature Darlington stars of the recent past.
New Brighton's game last week was postponed on Saturday morning after a pitch inspection by match officials The only fixture in the League to be completed in the day was Doncaster v Scunthorpe with Doncaster scraping home by 20 points to 13. Nuneaton's game against Dudley Kingswinford was abandoned after 55 mins. Two Season games at Reeds Lane Both KO: 2.30
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NATIONAL LEAGUE 3 NORTH |
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NEW BRIGHTON 37 - 17 BEDFORD ATHLETIC
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Report: "A very encouraging victory" was Blues forward coach, Steve Dorrington's verdict after New Brighton's 37-17 victory over Bedford Athletic at Reeds lane on Saturday. "We played well throughout and put together one 20 minute spell of total rugby that combined to score one of the finest tries I've seen at Reeds Lane," added Director of Rugby Alistair Saverimutto. Indeed it was all smiles amongst the New Brighton faithful as team rebuilding continues to gain momentum. Lady Luck has not been smiling on the Blues this season and it seemed the trend was to continue when Jon Sewell and Gerallt Evans were ruled out on Saturday following late fitness tests. Danny Jones and Darren Davis were called to the starting line up. New Brighton started well putting early pressure on the Bedford men. The Blues earned their reward when winger James Moore powered in for a well taken try on 10 minutes. Brett added the conversion New Brighton 7- 0 Bedford 10 minute The Blues continued to make most of the running but were thwarted with a high penalty count hampering their progress. Bedford responded with a penalty from fly half Jamie Elphick on 25 minutes
New Brighton 7- 3 Bedford 25 minute
Playing well and looking good New Brighton continued to enjoy the best of the exchanges and were unlucky not to extend their lead. Brett went close with a penalty on the half hour and hit the woodwork with a further effort just a minute later.
The Wirral men continued to show the form that brought them so close to an away win at Moss Lane last week and were clearly 'bossing' this game. When Campbell won a line out deep in Bedford territory, a powerful forward surge was launched. 'Hit Man' Emrys Evans seized the opportunity to grab possession and powered over from the maul edging the Blues into a 9 point lead. Brett failed with a difficult conversion. New Brighton 12- 3 Bedford 35 minute
Bedford rallied as the half neared its completion but were unable to produce any meaningful moves to trouble a good looking Blues defence.
Half time:- New Brighton 12- 3 Bedford Athletic From the resumption, New Brighton stepped up a gear to exert still more pressure on the visitors. A penalty gave the Blues a line out possession in the Bedford 22. The mighty Carl Turley collected well and set up another forward drive play from the edge of Bedford's 22. Fast hands from Saverimutto and Birley delivered a good possession to Riaz Fredericks. In mercurial style Fredericks set of on a run splitting the defence with an impressive break to stride over for a very good try. Brett added the conversion, leaving Bedford shocked having conceded seven points within 90 seconds of the resumption
New Brighton 19 - 3 Bedford 43 minutes The visitors rallied again to take the game right back at the Blues. Producing some fine rugby for the pre Christmas crowd they earned little reward from their endeavour as the tackles weighed in from a strong New Brighton defence. Brett was given an early opportunity to extend the New Brighton's lead with a difficult penalty just 5 minutes into the half. He did not disappoint striking the ball well for a further 3 points that virtually settled the result. New Brighton 22-3 Bedford 46 minutes Refusing to cave in Bedford again raised their game to create a good position and some sustained pressure. Eventually live wire scrum half, Andy Gallagher, gathered a fast possession and powered over for a well deserved try converted by Jamie Elphick. New Brighton 22-10 Bedford 50 minutes Stung by the score, New Brighton hit back immediately to sustain a period of forward pressure that seemed destined to reap reward. Christian Saverimutto came very close, halted inches short. Moments later Riaz Fredericks in full flow looked certain to score only to be enveloped virtually on the line by a desperate Bedford defence. It was good stuff, just what the fans have come to expect from Wirral's premier team. Despite the pressure a battling Bedford held firm to prevent any further score. In a double substitution `Titan' Turley was replaced by Andy Atkinson and Riaz Fredericks by Steve O'Connor. As the new men bedded in Bedford seized the opportunity to break out of defence pushing the Blues back into their own 22. It was now the visitors turn to lay siege on New Brighton's line. The tackle count was immense as the visitor's pressure seemed certain to breach the Wirral line. It was not to be as Reeds Lane again turned into `The Fortress' where visiting teams find it hard to score. Emrys Evans epitomised the Blues effort with a personal tackle count of 18. Unable to break the defence a frustrated Bedford gave away the penalty that enabled the Blues to kick down field and break the pressure. New Brighton then went into overdrive to produce the `Total Rugby' they have been working so hard to achieve all season. A sweeping move saw a fast combination between back rows Jones, Tupoe and Lamb which set up a threatening ruck. Quick ball set backs Coast and Moore on their way launching `Hard Man' Murray on another powerful run that delivered his second try of the day. Brett failed with the conversion. New Brighton 27-10 Bedford 68 minutes Continuing to ring the changes, Blues chief Alistair Saverimutto threw Adam Kettle into the fray replacing Loa Tupoe. The Blues continued to rack up the pressure to draw a further penalty that gave in form Brett no trouble in scoring. New Brighton 30-10 Bedford 71 minute At last functioning on all cylinders New Brighton were now on fire producing the rugby they have been striving so hard to achieve all season. The stage was set for the move that was to send a warm seasonal glow through Wirral fans. The move was launched by Brett with a run starting deep in his own territory, Lamb provided the link to set a fast handling sequence mesmerising the defence with its pace and quality. Birley collected to progress down field, again support players were fast in attendance to keep the move flowing as fast hands left the defence hopelessly exposed. Kettle, who had made up some 60 yards, took possession and made the ground to send Moore over for a quite spectacular score. Brett added the conversion rounding off a quite magnificent sequence. New Brighton 37 – 10 Bedford 74 minute To their credit Bedford rallied to score from captain Jim Thorpe, converted by Elphick but it was no more than a consolation as the Blues powered to an impressive win.
FINAL New Brighton 37 – 17 Bedford Athletic Following their 13-7 Cheshire Senior Cup win over Stockport on Tuesday this was a good week for the Blues. With so many youngsters coming from the PJR Academy to make such an impression on the National League stage, the belief is beginning to grow that Saverimutto's `Young Bunch' represents the framework for a bright new future in Wirral rugby if they can be retained by the club. Steve Dorrington was upset by press reports that his forwards came second in the scrums to LSH last week. Said Dorrington "We won five against the head, how that can be reported as coming second beats me" Dorrington was also fast to praise Darren Davis who did so very well in the front row following his last minute call up to the team. Next week the Blues are in Yorkshire where they face Morley.
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LIVERPOOL ST HELENS 18 - 16 NEW BRIGHTON
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Report: With New Brighton defending a 15-16 lead deep into injury time at Moss Lane on Saturday, all appeared to be going well for the Blues. LSH missed a penalty and failed with a drop goal attempt leaving the Blues thinking they had done enough to win this one. It was not to be. A further penalty opportunity for Graeme Close right at the death saw LSH snatch a dramatic 18-16 victory near seven minutes into injury time. It was a cruel blow for the Blues who had battled well and perhaps deserved better on the day. The omens did not look good for New Brighton as they traveled to Moss Lane. Struggling to establish a sustained run of form, the Blues faced a local derby with high flying neighbors Liverpool St. Helens without the services of `Hit Man' Emrys Evans ruled out with an ankle injury. The return of Christian Saverimutto, Loa Tupou and Riaz Fredricks to the starting line served to bolster the squad and lift their confidence as they rallied to come so very close to winning the day.
The LSH pitch was as inviting as ever at this time of the season. Despite difficult underfoot conditions, the players did manage to produce some flowing rugby but the surface was always going to favour the weight and dynamics of the biggest forwards. New Brighton started well and enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges. Brett made an early break to set up a position for a rolling maul from which Loa Tupou crossed for an unconverted try, LSH 0-5 New Brighton after 18 minutes
The bigger and heavier LSH pack edged the scrums but New Brighton held the advantage in the line outs as both teams struggled to build their rhythm. Graeme Close hit the upright with a penalty attempt for LSH before a break from centre Mike Hitchen set up the try for Neil Hull. Close failed to add the conversion as the scores were tied LSH 5 - 5 New Brighton after 23 minute Fly Half Close was again in the action minutes later making the break that launched the LSH back division. Winger Ray Doolan came close but a tight Blues defence prevented the score. LSH regrouped recycling possession and put Neil Hull over for the score. Close kicked the conversion LSH 12-5 New Brighton after 27 minute
Responding to the score New Brighton produced a flowing team move that took play deep into the LSH half drawing a penalty. A quickly taken kick gave Paul Brett the opportunity to cross for the score that complete a fine sequence of New Brighton play. Brett failed with the conversion. LSH 12-10 New Brighton after 32 minute
As the interval loomed a momentary lapse of discipline from the Blues gave Close a straightforward penalty which he kicked with ease to complete the first half scoring Half Time LSH 15-10 New Brighton
Paul Campbell replaced `Titan' Carl Turley in the second row to start the second period. With little separating the teams, New Brighton were punished on 45 minutes when Alistair Atkinson was shown the Yellow Card and sent to the Sin Bin for a ten minute rest. New Brighton battled hard during his absence and succeeded in holding their line not to concede a score.
With ample line out possession the Blues began to establish a series of good positions that drew a penalty from LSH which Brett had no trouble kicking to ease the Blues to within two points of the home team
LSH 15-13 New Brighton after 60 minute The situation improved further for New Brighton when Brett added a further penalty 11 minutes from normal time easing the Blues into a one point lead LSH 15-16 New Brighton after 69 minute LSH battled but as the game progressed it was New Brighton who were finishing the stronger pressing hard for a deciding score. Birley came close and a rolling maul actually crashed over the LHS line but a try was not awarded, the referee being unsighted to see a touchdown. Saverimutto at scrum half made a telling break that might have sealed the result, but was hauled down just a yard short.
As the game entered injury time, LSH remained pinned in their half with New Brighton pressing hard for a killer score. Deep into stoppage time the Moss Lane men staged a break out to mount a last desperate attack. LSH were awarded a penalty when Carl Davis was controversially adjudged to have held onto possession after a tackle. Graeme Close missed with the kick and also failed with an ambitious drop goal attempt moments later. It was looking good for New Brighton when Birley kicked to find touch. All in Blue shirts expecting full time to be whistled. It was not. Even so New Brighton appeared to be well in control as their defence held firm. Near seven minutes into stoppage time a ball appeared to pop free from the side of a set play. Jon Sewell moved as if to collect the possession but stopped and held his ground before a shrill blast of the whistle signalled the worst for New Brighton. Graeme Close made no mistake with the penalty that followed allowing LSH to snatch victory in the cruellest of ways from a very unlucky Blues. FINAL: FINAL LSH 18-16 New Brighton
RUGBY NEXT WEEK AT REEDS LANE
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NATIONAL LEAGUE 3 NORTH |
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NEW BRIGHTON 21 - 49 SCUNTHORPE
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Report:
Playing with the wind at their backs, New Brighton started well enough with Brett scoring a penalty kick in the first minute. New Brighton 3- 0 Scunthorpe after 01 minute The Lincolnshire side raised their game to enjoy a good spell of pressure as New Brighton struggled to secure any quality possession. Tim Robinson missed with a kickable penalty on 7 minutes as the Blues defence worked well to hold their line keeping a busy Scunthorpe at bay. Brett added to the Blues score with a mammoth penalty kick from virtually the half way line to extend the home lead. New Brighton 6 - 0 Scunthorpe after 07 minutes
Despite New Brighton's 6 point advantage it was the visitors who were looking to be taking control of the game. Brett failed with another long range effort on 16 minutes and it came as little surprise when Kelly opened the visitors account with a try following a line out in the Blues 22. Robinson added the conversion and New Brighton were behind. New Brighton 6- 7 Scunthorpe after 24 minutes The Wirral men began to come into the game with their forwards creating a good driving play inspired by Sewell, Lamb and Dorrington. A swift passing move brought Wakelam into the action and the winger delivered the try to re-establish the Blues lead. New Brighton 11 - 7 Scunthorpe after 38 minutes
New Brighton finished the half well but were unable to add to their score before turning around to face Scunthorpe and a stiff wind in their face. Half time:- New Brighton 11 - 7 Scunthorpe
Again the Blues started the half reasonably well but were unable to find any gaps in the visitors defence. Brett kept the scoreboard rolling with a further penalty on 45 minutes after Coast was hauled down just inches short of a score. New Brighton 14 - 7 Scunthorpe after 45 minutes Robinson replied with a penalty for the visitors on 54 minutes to signal the start of a 12 minute 30 point scoring spree that breached the once famous Fortress Reeds Lane defence with 3 converted tries, a penalty and a drop goal that sent the Blues crashing to defeat. Tries came from Sherwood, Taylor and Cult. Tim Robinson obliged with the conversions, a further penalty and weighed in with an impudent drop goal to add further insult to the Blues injury.
New Brighton 14 - 37 Scunthorpe after 66 minutes With the game won Scunthorpe relaxed their effort allowing New Brighton to salvage some pride with a well taken try by Jon Sewell following a quick tap penalty by Moore. Brett added the conversion. New Brighton 21- 37 Scunthorpe after 70 minutes 's efforts were blighted with a red card when Alistair Atkinson was dismissed from the game on 72 minutes for allegedly stamping in a ruck. Robinson failed with the resulting penalty attempt and failed again with a conversion attempt after Apete burst through for another Scunthorpe try on 76 minutes. Robinson made amends for his uncharacteristic misses with the last kick of the game to convert Astbury's injury time try
FINAL New Brighton 21- 49 Scunthorpe This was not a good day for the Blues whose battling 14 men win over Nuneaton in the Midlands last week had appeared to have restored their confidence. Newly promoted Scunthorpe, on the other hand, following a stuttering start to their season, have successfully made the adjustment to National League rugby stringing two impressive away wins together in the past two weeks. LHS were their victims last time out with the unfortunate Blues falling victim to the Lincolnshire clubs improved form this week. Next weeks trip up the A580, to face local rivals Liverpool St. Helens, looks to be a daunting prospect for New Brighton as they continue to struggle to show the confidence and composure required to grind out the league wins. Youngsters Moore, Birley, Kettle and Murray performed well and stalwarts Dorrington, Davis and Turley weighed in with battling performances, but a catalogue of missed tackles, dropped passes and the continued failure to secure sufficient quality possession allowed Scunthorpe to dominate this game sending alarm bells ringing throughout Reeds Lane. Scunthorpe were able to boss the once fearsome New Brighton pack, a trend repeatedly seen in games this season. If the Blues are to bounce back from this further set back, their front five needs new boys, Morton and Irwin, to support the established names with the firepower promised when they joined the club in September. Similarly the back row requires the addition of 'Hardened Steal' to augment the flare and pace of the willing youngsters, who give their all but as yet are not fully hardened in the furnace that is National League rugby. Blues chiefs will no doubt be burning the midnight oil next week as their executive qualities are put to the test to find the solutions that will halt the Wirral's leading club sliding further down the league table.
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Day's Results
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