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New Brighton Football Club (R.U.) |
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March Match Reports Season 2001-2002 |
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New Brighton 40 - 19 Morley
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Report: New Brighton's 40 - 19 National League win over Morley seems comfortable enough on paper but the game was a much closer affair than the score line suggests. Morley played with passion and determination throughout causing more than a few problems for a battling Blues, but with the Riaz Fredericks and Jimmy Moore returning to the line up New Brighton had a fire power that proved too good for the Yorkshire outfit. In glorious Easter sunshine the teams kicked off in near perfect conditions. Despite returning from Hong Kong, Mark Dorrington was ruled out with injury and Loa Tupou serving a suspension, thus allowing Tim Morton and Adam Kettle back into the starting line up. Jon Sewell was also unavailable allowing the ubiquitous Emrys Evans to move back to his favoured back row berth.
Honours remained fairly even with the early exchanges as New Brighton tried to expand the plays at every opportunity while Morley stuck relentlessly to a forward pick and drive tactic that clearly caused problems for the Blues. Brett continued his phenomenal record with the boot by kicked his almost obligatory early penalty after just 10 minutes to give the Blues the lead. Morley responded with a fierce forward onslaught that drove play deep into the New Brighton half. Resolute tackles held the Yorkshire onslaught with Lamb, Kettle and Evans in the thick of the action. Fredericks found space to carry the ball wide on the left with a threatening run. His change of pace and blistering acceleration proved too much for the defence as he strode home in mercurial fashion to round the defence and score out wide. Brett failed with the conversion. New Brighton 8 – 0 on 15 minutes Like lightning the Blues support players were on the ball setting the platform to launch Fredericks on another of his running plays. Tackled close to the 22 Fredericks threw the ball up from the ground and the ever alert Kettle swooped to grab the possession, a quick pass to Brett and a clever link to Anthony Birley and the Yorkshire defence were split asunder. Birley touched down out wide to score the try but Brett failed with the extras. New Brighton 13 – 0 on 23 minutes Just when it looked as if New Brighton were beginning to run away with the game back came Morley with another sustained forward power play. With the defence sucked into the battle for the fringes Morley spun the ball to No 10 Andy Sales who scored well. Ed Hutchinson added the conversion New Brighton 13-7 on 32 minutes Morley continued to enjoy the best of the territorial battle but had little to show for all their effort as the New Brighton defence remained sound. The game continued to developed into a distinct forward pick and drive tactic from Morley whilst New Brighton sought to respond through the pace and incisive running of their backs. A good break from Cottrell drew a penalty that Brett duly converted on 32 minutes restoring the Blues lead to two scores. Morley responded well but stuck rigidly to their forward pressure game showing little desire or aptitude to move the ball wide. Cottrell at No 9 for the Blues was in sparkling form regularly testing the visitors with darting runs from tight positions before releasing the pace and power of his back division. A second Cottrell break in as many minutes launched a lightening counter attack from deep, quick hands from Fredericks and O'Connor gave Moore the space and the flying Blue was away down the wing. Moore chipped past the defence but was pulled down as he chased the kick by a desperate defence. Kettle had followed up for the touchdown but the referee signalled a penalty try for the tackle on Moore. Brett added the conversion and New Brighton stretched to a 16 point lead completing the first half action. Half time - New Brighton 23-7 Morley The second period continued much as the first with the Yorkshire side continuing to seek reward from forward power plays whilst New Brighton looked to open the game up with pace and genius. It was one such moment of genius that saw Riaz Fredericks hoist a high cross kick across the face of the defence. Amidst the host of Blues following up on the kick Anthony Birley snatched the position before racing over for a spectacular score that Brett completed with a fine conversion. New Brighton 30 -7 Morley on 43 minutes. Redoubling their efforts up front Morley launched back at the Blues with all the forward fury they could muster. For once they breached New Brighton's defence as Chris Johnston bullocked over to score out wide. Hutchinson failed with the conversion New Brighton 30-12 Morley on 46 minutes
Showing forward power of their own Campbell and Turley led a Blues counter attack powering play from defence. Morton, Davies and Evans were prominent in the drive. A penalty gave the Blues a line out in the Morley 22 signalling a catch and drive for the score. It all appeared to be going to plan but an infringement in the maul gave Morley a penalty to relieve the pressure. Paul Brett was the next to produce a moments genius that ended in a score. Making a powerful tackle on Humphreys Brett followed through to steal possession and race away down field with a devastating counter attack a clever pass to Moore who hit the afterburners to make good ground before handing on to Sam Cottrell who scored out wide. Brett failed with the conversion New Brighton 35-12 on 56 minutes With no answer to the pace of the Blues back division Morley continued to batter away with their forward assault. The Yorkshire side enjoyed territorial advantage but were unable to pick up any points to reward their effort. Having soaked up the best pressure Morley could mount it was inevitably that New Brighton would break out of defence with space to launch their backs. Fredericks carried well before hurling an enormous pass that found the tireless Adam Kettle making yet another long supporting run. Kettle collected well before striding home for the try. Brett failed with a difficult conversion but with a 28 point lead the game was won for the Wirral men. New Brighton 40-12 Morley on 66 minutes Settling for the win New Brighton took their foot off the gas allowing the workman like Morley to score a consolation try through substitute Craig Fielding. With Ed Hutchinson substituted off, Scott Evans kicked the extras to complete the afternoons action Final New Brighton 40 – 19 Morley
Blues boss Alistair Saverimutto said after the game: "It was a good result today as Morley are traditionally a very good club. I am especially pleased with our performance as we met everything they had to offer up front and were able open them up in the backs with some wonderful three quarter play. There were several exciting scores for the spectators to enjoy as we continue to build and develop the team." Final - New Brighton 40 - 19 Morley
Next week the Blues make a long trip south to face in form Bedford Athletic who comfortably despatched promotion chasing Liverpool St Helens on Saturday. Next and final First Team home game of the season is the derby clash with Liverpool St. Helens at Reeds Lane on April 13th. Liverpool will be anxious to keep their promotion chances alive while the Blues will be looking to secure the 3rd position in the League, at their expense, for the fouth time in consecutive years.
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New Brighton 22 - 22 Birkenhead Park
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Report: Jason Gilberts sensational drop goal 96 minutes into the game levelled the scores at 22 – 22 and it was enough to book Birkenhead Park into the final of the Cheshire Cup. Make no mistake this was a titanic struggle between Wirral's traditional clubs where rivalries stretch back well over a century, but on the day Parks passion and effort deservedly earned the reward and the chance of a cup and league double. New Brighton made the dream start when the ball was knocked on from the kick off and they earned a penalty from the ensuing scrum. Brett kicked the points putting the Blues ahead inside the first minute. New Brighton 3 – 0 Birkenhead Park on 01 minutes Park fought back from the kick off to enjoy the best of the territorial battle and were unlucky to go further behind on 16 minutes from a second Brett penalty. New Brighton 6 – 0 Birkenhead Park on 16 minutes New Brighton had the National League poise but Park had the passion and as the half unfolded their effort began to win the rewards. Shuddall and Meeham were immense in the back row their route one efforts clearly unsettled the Reeds Lane men. Winning a lineout deep in Blues territory, Park launched a fierce attacking move well finished by Mark Harris who burst through for the try. Jason Gilbert added the extras. New Brighton 6 – 7 Birkenhead Park on 20 minutes Brett came close with a 40 metre penalty effort on 24 minutes, the ball flying just wide of the upright as New Brighton battled to find their form, but it was Park who enjoyed the best of the exchanges sticking to their tactic of a 'Route One' fierce forward onslaught. The pressure eventually told when again winning the ball from a line out Park drove forward for Duncan Meeham to claim the score. Gilbert failed with the conversion. New Brighton 6 – 12 Birkenhead Park on 30 mins The action continued to develop into a typical cup scrap with both teams apparently happy to fight it out up front. For New Brighton this was a mistake that eventually cost them the game. On the occasions that the Blues did run the ball they looked very dangerous showing they had a gear above that of their rivals from the Upper Park. As the half drew to a close, New Brighton staged a rare move of pace and flair when their backs and forwards combed to launch a flowing attack progressing play from their own half to the visitors 10 metre line. Birley set up O'Connor whose break and fast hands sent Coast on a charge, the pressure drawing a penalty. Sam Cottrell was fast to take advantage and with Park still filing back to their positions the ball was down the New Brighton line and Murray over in the corner for the try. Brett converted from the touchline easing the Blues into a one point lead. Campbell left the field with an injury on half time bringing Jay Stirrett into the action Half time- New Brighton 13 – 12 Park New Brighton started the second half in better form as their national League pedigree began to show. Their pressure earned a penalty which Brett duly kicked to increase their lead New Brighton 16 – 12 Park on 47 minutes At this point the Reeds Lane faithful might have expected their side to open up, show their form and pull away from their visitors. It was not to be as the Park forwards sustained their superb effort pulling the Blues into a typical cup dogfight. Brett did add a further penalty to secure a 7 point lead but Parks forward defiance was beginning to swing the day. Tim Morton came on for a bleeding Darren Davies and for the second time in two days made an impressive contribution to the action Winning a line out from a penalty kick, Park had the advantage of the throw in from a position deep in the Blues 22. Securing the ball, Birkenhead threw everything into a forward drive which New Brighton appeared to have controlled until Christian Jones found space to power through for a defining score. Gilbert added the conversion and the scores were tied. Both teams tried for the winner but with fatigue now a major factor the clock ran out and the whistle for normal time sounded. After 80 minutes - New Brighton 19 – 19 Park Confusion reigned as no one seemed certain what the rule book said in the event of a draw. After some rapid law checking the teams lined up for two 10 minute halves of extra time New Brighton drew first blood when Brett kicked a penalty on 84 minutes. With both teams running on fumes there were no more scores in the first period of extra time.
To their credit Park dug deep to drive play back at the Blues who looked as if they would hang on to their lead. With the famed New Brighton defence covering all the gaps and time running out on Birkenhead, Jason Gilbert emerged as the hero of the day to make a dramatic drop goal effort just four minutes from time. His kick was scrambled and snatched as the defence closed in, but it was good enough and the ball flew high and true to dissect the posts levelling the scores. New Brighton 22-22 Park on 96 minutes.
Needing to score again New Brighton looked for inspiration to grasp the victory. Coast powered forward making good ground but Park held firm. Sewell, Cottrell and Morton tried hard to find the space and make the break that they needed. In the event Park powered back at the Blues and ran the clock down with a series of scrums. New Brighton battled to the last but this was to be Birkenhead Parks Day as the try count gave them a fully deserved victory.
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New Brighton 22 - 22 Dudley Kingswinford
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Report: New Brighton served up some spectacular rugby to go 22-07 up against title chasing Dudley Kingswinford at Reeds Lane on Saturday. Playing in unaccustomed claret shirts the Wirral men crossed the Dudley Kingswinford line four times in the first fifteen minutes. Such was New Brighton's dominance in the opening quarter that they totally bewildered their Midland visitors. In the event the missed opportunities proved expensive. Following a yellow card to Loa Tupou and a blood bin to Riaz Fredricks Dudley K'swinford were able to claw their way back into the contest to claim a 22-22 tie. New Brighton's problems started before the game with Marco Dorrington and Gerallt Evans unavailable in the front row. Brother Steve Dorrington made the short journey from the coach's bench to the 1st XV front row and the dependable Darren Davies stepped up from the 2nd XV to fill the other berth. Both did well for their club with sterling performances.
Dudly K'swinford made a good start from the kick off to exert early pressure on the left wing. Midlands pace man James Benedict looked to be causing problems with an cut back and break down centre field but was nailed with a crunching hit from New Brighton full back Paul Brett. The tackle signalled the start of a fifteen minute display of `Total Rugby' from the Reeds Lane men that left title chasing Dudley K'swinford hanging on desperately to protect their line. Liverpool University speedster James Moore looked to be round his man with a one on one out wide but in the event Steve Smart did just enough to prevent the breakthrough. It was all New Brighton with the Blues back row trio of Tupou, Sewell and Lamb dominating the fringe plays. Saverimutto was strong at No 9 and Fredericks inspirational at Non 10. wave after wave of flowing New Brighton attacks pinned Dudley in their 22 as the current Reeds Lane XV gave a scintillating exhibition to the many past players who had returned to the Wirral for their annual Past Players Lunch. The early pressure told when Fredericks strode mercurially through the line to create the gap. Lou Tupou thundered up in support powering over for an emphatic try under the posts that Brett had no trouble converting. New Brighton 7 – 0 Dudley K'swinford 04 minutes From the restart the Blues, in their claret shirts, returned immediately to the offensive. Following another dazzling interplay between backs and forwards New Brighton again launched James Moore, their Exorcett on the wing, to torment the defence. The speeding winger checked, jinked and jived but was just unable to round Dudley's pace man Mike Millward. Support came in the giant form of Lock Paul Campbell who had made up 40 meters on the play to collect the pass from Moore. Campbell launched his mighty frame for the line and dived in for glory. It was not to be as referee Alan Biggs adjudged a knock on over the line. There was no respite for Dudley K. as the Wirral men kept up their onslaught with fast free flowing rugby. Brett failed narrowly with a penalty attempt on 7 minutes but even with the clearance kick Dudley K. could not break the pressure as New Brighton drove the ball straight back at them, this time down the right wing. A line out deep in the Dudley 22 saw Campbell collect majestically to set up the driving maul. Emrys Evans laid hands on the ball close in and crashed over amidst a sea of bodies. Again Referee Biggs was unhappy with the touchdown signalling a penalty against the unfortunate Evans.
Moments later New Brighton were again pressing as wave on wave of their claret shirts flowed forward with the ball. On a rare occasion that Dudley had their hands on the ball seeking to run out of defence up stepped Anthony Birley to snatch a difficult interception above his head before setting off with a break of his own. Fredericks was fast in support feeding the ever present Tupou who carried well to set a driving play wide on the right. From the resulting line out Campbell collected well to set up a Blues drive. Amidst the confusion Saverimutto powered through crashing to ground the ball in some style, but put a foot in touch en-route to the line to negate his score. Despite crossing the Dudley K. line three times in just 6 minutes to no avail New Brighton were not to be denied. Fredericks again was the inspiration moving mercurially through centre field to threaten the line. Fast hands saw Birley and Coast in the action before Paul Brett arrived in top gear from a deep full back position to glide over for a magnificent score. Fittingly Brett converted his try easing the Blues to a 14 point lead. New Brighton 14 – 0 Dudley Kingswinford 16minutes It had been a wonderful opening quarter for New Brighton who looked to be in total control. But this is the National League and teams at this level rarely fold up or lie down. Dudley K. eventually broke the pressure to mount some attacks of their own. Fredricks weak clearance kick from defense failed to make touch in front of the main stand allowing full back Smart to gather and launch a counter attack across field to the far wing. Linking with Warren Port and Gareth Davies the Midlander's launched their own pace man Mark Milward on James Moore's wing. Moore's half tackle failed to hold the Dudley K. man creating immediate pressure on a stretched defence. New Brighton offended, Dudley took a quick tap penalty and before the Blues could build any shape in their defence Dudley had a two man overlap on the opposite wing. Hooker Mike Davies carried well before passing to brother Gareth who rounded the struggling defence to score under the posts. Full back Smart added the conversion
New Brighton 14 – 07 on 22 minutes Emrys Evans was forced off with injury on 32 minutes bringing Steve O'Connor into the centre. Both teams served up some splendid rugby but there was no more scoring before the break. HALF TIME: New Brighton 14-07 Dudley Kingswinford. New Brighton started the second half as they had been playing for most of the first, in total control. Brett added a penalty on 51 minutes. New Brighton 17 – 7 Dudley Kingswinford 51 minutes
Amidst sustained New Brighton pressure Dudley K. substituted John Fallen for Mark Lockley on the wing. The visitors were well and truly under the cosh and another home score was inevitable. Some fast interplay in the centre set Birley away on the right wing. A clever pass inside found the effervescent Jez Lamb who ran for the Blues third try. Brett failed with the conversion. New Brighton 22 – 07 Dudley Kingswinford 54 minutes Just when everything looked rosy for New Brighton, a defining moment in the game came on 57 minutes when Loa Tupou was shown a Yellow Card and dispatched for a 10 minute break in the Sin Bin. Dudley were fast to seize the initiative sustaining a patient attack that sucked in wave after wave of defenders. The extra man proved a decisive element as the Reeds Lane defence was breached for only the second time in the afternoon. Barry Kerwin crossed to score and Smart added the extras. New Brighton 22 – 14 Dudley Kingswinford 58 minutes
Sensing their chance Dudley K. lifted their game to press the Blues. At this point a second disaster befell the Reeds Lane men when Riaz Fredericks left the field for treatment to a bleeding head wound. Birley moved to No 10 and Chris Naylor deputised on the wing as Blues chief struggled to re-organise his depleted and wounded line up. It was hard on the Blues who had dominated for much of the game but there is no place for sentiment at this level. In the time that it took to make the substitutions Dudley K. were again knocking at the door seeking the score that would put them in touch for the win they so desperately needed to keep their promotion hopes intact. Full back Smart made the break, passed to Kerwin who set up Gareth Davies for his second try of the afternoon. Smart added the conversion and the contest was again on for real New Brighton 22 – 19 Dudley Kingswinford on 60 Minutes Steve Dorrington limped off to add to the Blues problems. Turley moved up to take his place at prop, Lamb moved to lock and Chris Naylor came on in the back row. Fredericks returned to the field looking every inch the hero swathed in bandages to his head. Tupou soon followed and the Blues soon regained their shape. A penalty put Dudley K. just 5 metres from the Blues line for a line out catch and drive. The pressure came but was met with determined defence that held the line. In the event the ball spun back to Gareth Davis who, seeing his options disappear as the defence closed in, scrambled an awful looking drop goal. The ball limped off his boot in sad style but amazingly crawled over the bar for a dramatic equalising score. New Brighton 22 – 22 Dudley Kingswinford on 77 Minutes Both teams battled hard for the winner as the clock counted down. It was exciting stuff. Roared on by a good contingency of Midland supporters Dudley K. dug deep to raise a last effort to sustain their promotion dream. In the event it was New Brighton who finished stronger. A break down the left wing saw Coast and O'Connor in the thick of the action. Moore added the pace but with his angle being eaten up by the cover defence chose to thread the ball inside to Tupou who had covered 50 metres in support. The ball spun agonisingly off his outstretched fingertips to go to harmlessly to ground. It was close and a dramatic winner possible but it was not to be as Referee Biggs whistled the end of an entertaining and enthralling game. FINAL: New Brighton 22 – 22 Dudley Kingswinford
Cynics might say that at 22-7 New Brighton should have had the poise and experience to have gone away from Dudley to win this one. They may have a point, but the Tupou's yellow card and Fredericks blood bin, together with Dudley K.'s desperately fight for promotion points are the probable reason why the Midlanders came back to salvage a draw. Nevertheless, New Brighton did very well against second placed Dudley Kingswinford and their battalion of youngsters continues to log up the all important air time in National League rugby. With a minimum of recruitment to his pack Blues chief Alistair Saverimutto looks well on the way to building a squad able to go the extra mile in the championship race next year. In the interim there is yet another double match challenge awaiting the Blues next week with Nuneaton in the League on Saturday and the Cheshire Cup semi final against neighbours Birkenhead Park on Sunday. Both games are at Reeds Lane and both kick off at 3.pm
NEW BRIGHTON v NUNEATON Sat 23rd March 2002 KO 3.00pm
CHESIRE CUP SEMI FINAL NEW BRIGHTON V BIRKENHEAD PARK Sunday 24th March 2002 K.O. 3.00 p.m.
Sundays Cheshire Cup clash could well prove a "Bridge Too Far" for the Blues who face several players in their squad being called up by the senior county for service on Wednesday night. The league game on Saturday imposes a stiff challenge against 'No Nonsense Tarbuck' and his Nuneaton outfit. Add to add to this a number of Blues senior players are set to join Tupou and Fredericks in Hong Kong for the International sevens tournament and with a scheduled 2nd XV league fixture scheduled against Fylde on Saturday, you begin to get a flavour of the selection pressures facing Mr. Saverimutto in the coming week. "I've said the game would be better played under lights midweek, but Park want none of it so we'll do our best to field a side with whoever is fit and available on Sunday morning. It is a simple as that." Added a straight faced Alistair Saverimutto after Saturdays game.
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Whitchurch 22 - 27 New Brighton
Played Whitcurch 9th March 2002
By Colin Bentley
Team
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15 Paul Brett. ( C 3, P 2) , 14. James Moore,13. Marcus Coast. 12. Emrys Evans 11. Antony Birley, 10. Riaz
Fredericks, 9. Christian Saverimutto ( Steve O'Connor 60 mins), 1.
Mark Dorrington, 2. Karl Davies (T.1) , 3. Gerallt Evans, 4. Paul Campbell, 5. Carl
Turley (Adam Kettle 65 mins)(Chris Naylor 75 mins), 6. Loa Tupou (T 1.), 7. Jez Lamb, 8. Jon Sewell (T 1),
Report:
It's seldom an easy task to beat Whitchurch on their own turf and so it turned out on Saturday as a battling New Brighton hung on to earn a creditable 22-27 away win against the `Shropshire Lads.'
Kicking off into a stiff wind the Blues soon felt the power of the home pack as Whitchurch made the running in the opening minutes. A driving play from the big Shropshire forwards put the Blues under pressure and only resolute defence held the line. A combination of the driving wind and a dominant home pack kept the Blues pinned deep in their own territory. Despite some fine tackling from the Wirral men the pressure built with Chris Hares eventually crashing over to open the score with a try out wide. Hares failed with the conversion
Whitchurch 05- 00 New Brighton on 8 minutes
As the game progressed New Brighton began to find their feet and built some pressure of their own. Brett opened the account for the Wirral men with a well taken penalty on 15 minutes. With the Blues pack winning more possession they were able to release the fire power of their back division putting Whitchurch on the back foot. Moore came close with a lightening break out wide being brought down just short of a dramatic score.
A long penalty earned Whitchurch a line out deep in the Blues 22. The home pack set up for their trade mark catch and drive and only resolute defence denied them the score. Again the Blues were forced lay their bodies on the line to keep the home team out. It took a series of three consecutive penalties to break the pressure and earn a line out for New Brighton in the Whitchurch 22. Brett failed with a difficult penalty attempt as New Brighton raised the pace to enjoy more of the play.
At last finding their form the Blues began to string the moves together. A series of fast rucking plays gave Riaz Fredericks the half chance he was looking for to pierce the defence. A clever pass found Loa Tupou powering through on a magnificent support run that left the defenders standing. Tupou grounded under the posts. Brett made no mistake with the conversion
Whitchurch 05- 10 New Brighton on 39 minutes
Sensing their opportunity New Brighton stepped the pace up further. A flurry of activity set the Blues pack in full cry pressing for another break through. Blues live wire back row Jon Sewell broke clear for an injury time try that Brett converted.
Half time: WHITCHURCH 05-17 NEW BRIGHTON
Turning round with the wind at their backs New Brighton made a good start to the second half. Sewell's late first half try appeared to have broken the Whitchurch back and Blues travelling fans sat back expecting their side to build a big score. It was not to be. Whitchurch dug deep to take the game right back at the Blues. Hares scored his second try after a period of prolonged Whitchurch pressure.
WHITCHURCH 10-17 NEW BRIGHTON on 52 minutes
New Brighton raised their game again and won a penalty which Brett converted on 55 minutes. The Blues were again playing well and only a series of mistakes and wrong options prevented them from extending their lead.
Turley rose to collect a good line out possession setting the platform for coach Dorringtons catch and drive play. It was beautifully executed for Karl Davies to crash over for the score. Brett converted well from a wide position.
WHITCHURCH 10 – 27 NEW BRIGHTON ON 66 MINS
Again Whitchurch looked beaten and the travelling fans began to relax. New Brighton appeared to take their foot off the gas which is a big mistake against Whitchurch in-front of their home fans. Blues chief Alistair Saverimutto brought brother Christian of on the hour and moved James Moore to scrum half. Steve O'Connor came off the subs bench to take over the right wing slot. Carl Turley was replaced on 65 mins. Adam Kettle came on to take over the No. 6 position allowing Jez Lamb to move up to second row. Chris Naylor to make his 1st XV Debut when Adam Kettle incurred an ankle injury 5 mins before full time.
With the clock running down the home side built for a grandstand finish to dominate the plays. Centre Chris Lutton broke well down centre field to give a scoring pass to the speeding Suckley in the centre. Hares added the conversion.
WHITCHURCH 17 – 27 NEW BRIGHTON ON 74 MINS
Roared on by the partisan crowd Whitchurch threw everything into all out attack forcing the Blues well onto the back foot. A sea of red shirts tore into the rucks and mauls to dominate possession. New Brighton were now hanging on as their defence scrambled to halt the tide. A series of driving plays put Pemberton in for a try. Hares failed with the conversion but the Blues were now only one score ahead and Whitchurch were on fire.
WHITCHURCH 22 – 27 NEW BRIGHTON ON 78 MINS
Struggling to win any real possession New Brighton battled to stem the tide with a defiant defensive effort. Tackles reigned in from all quarters as the Wirral men battled to save the game. Kettle, Lamb, Fredericks and Sewell put their bodies on the line with some huge tackles as the pressure continued to mount. Under great pressure New Brighton scrambled to hold their line, but hold it they did to record a battling revenge victory over the side that had beaten them earlier in the season at Reeds Lane.
FINAL WHITCHURCH 22-27 NEW BRIGHTON
It was a close run affair at Whitchurch but the Blues succeeded in maintaining their winning run. The pressure mounts still further next week with the visit of champion chasing Dudley Kingswinford to Reeds Lane. In one of their best performances of the season the Blues managed a draw against Dudley Kingswinford in the Midlands earlier in the season. "The Dudley Kingswinford game promises to be one of the toughest of the season. and I urge Wirral fans to turn out in force to cheer the lads on at Fortress Reeds lane next Saturday" said Blues chief Alistair Saverimutto.
It is also the occassion of the Past Player's Annual Reunion Lunch and there are tickets still available for lunch at £7.50. Contact Doug Thorpe or Norman Cannon or Guy Hughes in the office.
National League Div 3 North Rugby
NEW BRIGHTON V DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD
Sat 16th March Reeds Lane KO 3.00pm