Blues Reserves Swamp Widnes

It is not the margin of this win which should please Steve Dorrington, in this the first competitive match of his tenancy as Chief Coach, so much as the manner in which it was achieved. This was a very confident and competent display in blustery conditions, not at all favourable for open flowing rugby but the players coped with it well. The handling was crisp with long passes finding their man and Steve Dean's kicking record of 9 goals out of 10 attempts was impressive.

The Blues enjoyed over 75% of the possession, thanks to effective clean scrummaged ball and spot marking which snuffed out any threat from the opposition before it could gain momentum. Paul Cambell, Paul Roberts and Andy Donaldson were the powerhouse of the pack and Huw Jones on the wing showed that he can be a ferocious tackler. The multi purpose Sean Ellis combined with Jim Yarranton to form a steady half back partnership and good ball distribution from Yarranton presented the centres with opportunities galore, with speedy incursions into the line from fullback Lee Brogan adding overall to the cutting edge.

New Brighton facing a strong wind in the first half were lucky not to go behind from a penalty goal attempt which drifted wide within a minute of the kick off. This proved to be the only time the Blues' superiority came into question. From the 22 metre restart New Brighton quickly wrested possession. Steve Dorrington carried the ball to start the counter attack, carried forward by by Paul Campbell before being released out wide for Chris Dale to make the breakthrough. A try saving tackle denied him the score but the attack was continued as Paul Roberts, Phil Buckley, Sean Ellis, Steve Dean and Jim Yarranton all combined to work the ball up to the line and for Andy Donaldson to be credited with the try as the maul ground over on 6 minutes. Steve Dean added the extras. the Widnes defence came under continual pressure and inevitably there was a gap which Lee Brogan exploited and John Williams, the final ball carrier, claimed the try. Again Steve Dean was on target and with 15 minutes on the clock the Blues were ahead by 14 points.

21 minutes into the half Phil Buckley scored, Sean Ellis being the main initiator of the move. Steve Dean was next to find a gap for Lee Brogan to finish before getting a try of his own from a kick and chase after a clearance kick was charged down. With the extras the score was now 33 - 0 and further racheted up with a Vinnie Dutton try just on the half time whistle.

Half Time Score: New Brighton 2nd XV 40 - 0 Widnes 2nd XV

With the wind behind and the game won before the turn New Brighton continued to play some attractive rugby. Jim Yarranton ans Steve Dean teased the defence with high kicks carried by the wind but not long enough to go dead. The score continued to mount. Andy Donaldson the first to go over followed by Adam Whattling with Steve Dean converting both. Then Dean himself for the second time and then Lee Brogan from a beautifully weighted long pass across the wind. Paul Roberts rounded off the game and his own considerable contribution to it with a fine try, once again converted by the master.

Full Time Score: New Brighton 2nd XV 75 - 0 Widnes 2nd XV

For a New Brighton under siege and with the effects of a dismal last season to throw off this win is a considerable boost to morale. A boost which will be of considerable importance as they prepare for the much greater challenges yet to be faced. The first and possibly one of the most demanding of those challenges is as close as next weekend when the First XV have to face the ambitious Caldy side which has been much strengthened over the summer break with some impressive signings. The Blues will be up for it regardless so do not stay at home and miss what could be such an early upset of the season.

Next Week: 9th September, First XV at Home Versus

CALDY
Kick Off 3.00pm

Next Home First XV Game Saturday 23rd September

HUDDERSFIELD
Kick off 3.00 pm