Fairclough Homes 2nd XV League

2nd XV Results

This was a match there to win but New Brighton, struggling with injuries and juggling sparse resources in the squad between First and Second XV, were unable to put together the cohesion necessary to counter a side which based its game on a bigger and more physical front five and a particularly lively scrum half. The back row of young Ian Tempest, Neil Murphy and Lewis Mullen tried hard but could not make up for the enforced loss of Paul Roberts to a centre position in the backs. Also missing from the pack were Anthony Probert, Dan Searle, Kevin Pollard and Andy Donaldson, all covering First XV injured, which eliminated any chance of any effective platform from which to attack the opposition. Sean Smith, though suffering from injury bravely completed the game but was clearly in trouble from his opposing prop.

Vale of Lune led at half time by 21 points to 5 through three converted tries to a single try by Craig Smithson. Craig Smithson was again on the score sheet in the second half with his second try converted by Ian Tempest but three tries from Vale of Lune made them worthy winners.

Though 2nd XV Manager, Steve Dakin, is fielding a second team each week by actively seeking players coming in at the bottom, as it where, there is little sign of any new established quality players moving in to strengthen the squad at the top end. A matter which is severly in need of urgent attention for the playing health of both the First and Second teams and the squad as a whole.

Team Sheet: 1. Craig Smithson, 2. Adam Whalley, 3. Sean Smith, 4. Ben Lazenby, 5.Mike Gazzola, 6. Lewis Mullen, 7. Ian Tempest, 8. Neil Murphy, 9. Mike Smith, 10. Kyle Hesketh, 11. Craig Wilson , 12.Paul Roberts , 13. Vinny Dutton, 14. Sean Williams (Spence), 15. Barry Rylands.

Substitutes: 16.Paul McCrone, 17. Dave Malone.