New Brighton 2nd 0 - 34 Manchester 2nds

Team Sheet:15. Vinny Dutton, 14. Craig Wilson, 13, Will Daniels, 12. Marc Simon, 11. Barry Rylance, 10. Lee Brogan, 9. Mike Smith, 1. Craig Smithson, 2. Dan Stafford, 3. Kevin Pollard, 4. Mike Gazzola, 5. Mark Trevitt, 6. Sean Williams, 7. Lewis Mullen, 8. Paul Roberts
Substitutes:  16. Danny Hayes, 17.Barry Shillinglaw, 18. Phil Radley

Against a team in stiff competition with Waterloo 2nd's to be top of the Miller Homes League New Brighton 2nd's kept their pride by putting up a determined effort and although they did not upset the form book they did make Manchester work hard for their win. Lee Brogan played well at fly half and the Blues' forwards were not overwhelmed by the strong Manchester pack. The backs defended well and spent a lot of time in attack where better finishing might have resulted in scores. Twice in the second half they crossed the line but the ball was adjudged to have gone forward on one occassion and on the other the player was considered to have put a foot in touch.

Manchester went into an early lead with a penalty and a converted try before the New Brighton lads had picked up the pace. They tightened their game and though unable to score themselves they restricted the opposition to two additional tries with one conversion.

Half Time Score: New Brighton 2nd 0 - 22 Manchester 2nd

Manchester went on to score two tries in the second half with one conversion.

Full Time Score: New Brighton 2nd 0 - 34 Manchester 2nd

With Birkenhead Park 2nd's now eliminated from the League there is only one relegation place, currently occupied by Kendal, but, as with the 1st XV, the Blues look very vulnerable. It is important that players firm up their commitment to availability for the games on Saturday and to attending training during the week. Although there are a couple of older heads in the side it is mainly a young side getting better rather than an good side getting older as is the case with many 2nd XV's. So buckle down and be prepared to do the hard yards. It is all the more satisfying when it does come together.