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Official Website ofNew Brighton Football Club (R.U.) |
MATCH REPORT
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| Sunday: February:19th, 2006 | |
| National League 3 North | |
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| Bradford and Bingley 90 - 21 New Brighton | |
| Saturday: February 19th. 2006 | |
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Team Sheet:1. Mark Dorrington, 2. Phil Buckley, 3. Anthony Probert, 4. Andy Donaldson,
5.Steve Fox, 6. Dan Searle, 7. Wayne Clayton, 8. Kati Tui'pulotu, 9. Alastair Child, 10. Steve Dean,
11. Alan Hesketh, 12.Joel Parker, 13. Jon Harris, 14. Ian Murray, 15.Jim Yarranton,
A lengthening list of influential players either injured or otherwise unavailable
does not help the Blues' cause but this was a crushing defeat at Wagon Lane at the hands of Bradford and Bingley who ran in a total of 14 tries
with Tom Rhodes converting 10 of them. This was very much a game between the top and the bottom of the table teams and with Nuneaton's surprise defeat
at Tynedale the result of this game puts the Bees at No1 and very much in line for an automatic promotion.
It is hard to fault the players who stuck to the job with determination and tenacity from first to last. In defence Joel Parker, Jon Harris and Steve Dean
put in some big tackles. In the forwards Phil Buckley, Wayne Clayton, not to mention the idominatable Kati were equally prominant.
But Bradford and Bingley, both backs and forwards, attacked with such pace and power and in such numbers and were so quick to sieze in every slight error that the Blues defence, dedicated as it was,
was swept almost casually aside.
The back three of Alan Hesketh, Ian Murray and Jim Yarranton had steady games and had some success in changing defence into attack with some good runs and some intelligent use of the boot.
Ian Murray was particularly unfortunate when apparently in the clear a dropped pass ended the move. Ali Child and Steve Dean moved the ball very well at half back but were unsuccessful in opening gaps in a well
organised defence until late in the game when Joel Parker strolled over the line almost unopposed.
Fullback Ben Greaves got Bradford and Bingley off the mark almost from the kick off from a move started by a penalty kick to touch, a lineout catch and drive before moving the ball wide. A similar situation on 10 minutes saw
the ball forced over the line by the forwards for Barry Clark to be credited with try Number 2. Both tries were converted by Tom Rhodes and
the Bees were ahead by 14 points and cruising.
It was Jim Yarranton following up his own high kick which put the home defence under pressure. A penalty kick to
touch presented the opportunity and from the ensuing drive Kati Tui'pulotu forced his way over. Steve Dean knocked over the conversion
and on 17 minutes it was back to a respectable 14 points to 7.
Although New Brighton put the home defence under pressure for a spell
and a great break by Alan Hesketh released Ian Murray for a potential score it was all Bradford and Bingley in the second quarter. Centre John Leota was over on 20 minutes and then Mark Kirkby got the first two of his six tries
on 22 and on 28 minutes. Wing, John Simpson rounded it off on the stroke of half time with his try and Tom Rhodes kicked three conversions. The teams went in with the Bees leading by 33 points.
Half Time Score: Bradford and Bingley 40 - 7 New Brighton
Despite New Brighton showing commendable discipline under the circumstances and defending desperately, Bradford and Bingley continued to rack up the score. Ben Greaves collected his second try, converted, on
the 45th minute and 5 minutes later second row R. Hughes brought the score to 52 - 7 with his try. Another 4 minutes and replacement Jim Bennett had brought the score to 59 - 7 before
New Brighton elected to take a tap penalty under the post to trundle Kati over for his second score of the afternoon. Steve Dean converting to bring the scores to 59 - 14.
For the last quarter the Bees continued with battering a punch drunk defence which still refused to lower it's colours and racked up a further 31 points. Mark Kirkby collected another four tries during this period and Ben Greaves his third of the afternoon. Tom Rhodes
kicked three conversions. Some quick thinking by the Blues did find a space on 75 minutes which Joel Parker scuttled through
to give the Blues an unexpected but gratefully accepted third converted try.
Full Time Score: Bradford and Bingley 90 - 21 New Brighton
It is inconceivable that New Brighton can avoid relegation unless the proposed increase in the size of the Nationa Leagues is
approve by the RFU Council Members. With the exception of Blaydon, the remainder of the seasons fixtures are unlikely to contain any quite as demanding as this particular one. Bradford and Bingley are indeed a formidable outfit and New Brighton
were unforunate enough to catch them on a particularly good day. Next week we meet Cleckheaton who are having a bit of an 'in and out' season
and with home advantage the Blues need to grasp the opportunity.
Next Week At Home Against
CLECKHEATON |
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