3rds beaten but score line flatters

Squad: Rick C, Dan H, Adge S, Phil W, Jon D, Wirral D, Seb C, Tim H, Ian R, Jeff U, Malc B, Titch C, Mark G, Will I, Stealth J, Aaron W, Dobbo D

Manchester 3rds travelled to Congleton in their first away game of 2013 to take on a side with a 100% home winning record this season and despite winning the home game back in November, expected a tough encounter. Although a number of late call ups to the seconds and a last minute cry off reduced the squad, the reds remained confident as another good turnout saw 17 making the journey.

Manchester arrived early and this turned out to be to their benefit since the pitch was approximately 8 light years away when travelling at warp speed 10! Luckily for Manchester, Captain Kirk arrived in the Starship Enterprise after recently defeating the Borg and offered to transport the squad to the pitch in plenty of time for a warm up, that was far too long for any self-respecting forward.

Manchester started with 14 of the starting XV from the win against Didsbury, with the only change seeing Big Mark Grahamslaw returning to inside centre. From the kick off Congleton took the game to Manchester but Manchester, still on the up following their performance the week before, were more than an even match for a pack that looked like it had been munching on black pudding over the festive period. Manchester’s front five, who are an even match for any team in the black pudding stakes, showed early on that they were more than capable of standing their ground. At the lineouts, Manchester took control through Ian and Jeff jumping but failed to capitalise despite some good work all round. With 30 mins gone the score sheet remained blank and despite continuous pressure from Congleton, the home team were unable to break down an outstanding defensive display from Manchester.

With the game heading towards half time, Congleton became increasingly frustrated with Manchester’s resilience and this allowed the away team to settle and assert some pressure. As per the previous week though, a lack of composure and patience from Manchester resulted in the away team failing to take the lead from a number of good opportunities that should have been taken.

Congleton pressed again as their Dads Army back line came into the game and started to run some excellent lines and decoys; showing the younger Manchester backs that youth and exuberance cannot always triumph over experience and knowledge. It was this experience that eventually lead to Congleton scoring on the stroke of half time after a quality move split the Manchester defence.

Half time: Congleton 7 v 0 Manchester

Manchester remained unchanged at the start of the 2nd half and immediately took the game to Congleton. Some good defensive work from Congleton and the official’s whistle resulted in the away team failing to score despite their pressure.

With 20 mins gone, Congleton retained their slight lead but Manchester continued to knock at the door. The opposition in turn soaked up the pressure and eventually brought on their ‘human battering ram’ on the wing and in an attempt to break through the Manchester lines. Despite some powerful runs from ‘Ram Man’, the Manchester defence and Stealth in particular, remained solid.

In response, Manchester introduced their ‘secret weapon’ in the ancient Seb Cole, who once again gave a fine display of his renowned skills in irritating and annoying the opposition without ever touching the ball!
With the game finely balanced, it was going to take something special or a dubious decision to break the deadlock and it was the latter that eventually won, when the Congleton scrum half crossed the Manchester line only to be ‘turned turtle’ and forced out of play. With everyone expecting a drop out, the official saw it differently and blew for a try, much to the surprise of 30 players. Despite a protest from Manchester, the decision stood and effectively killed off the game for the away team.

Manchester re-gathered to once again take the game to Congleton but despite good pressure, they once again failed to cross the line. The second turning point of the game then saw Mark Grahamslaw receiving a yellow card for an apparent deliberate knock-on and with Manchester down to 14, their fate was sealed as Congleton capitalised with the extra man to score another 2 tries.

With 10 mins to go, Congleton played their second master card as they brought on their very own version of ‘Billy Whizz’. ‘Billy’ had obviously been drinking excessive amounts of Red Bull before coming on to run rings around Dobbo, who soldered on despite a dodgy Hamstring. With 5 mins remaining, Dobbo headed a high ball backwards (should have gone to specsavers mate!) into a perfect position for Billy Whizz to pick up the ball and to run in the last try for Congleton.

Manchester refused to surrender and even the last play of the game showed true testament to the determination of this team as Billy Whizz once again danced and weaved passed everyone from his own 22 to Manchester’s 22. However, a last ditch tackle held him back until the cavalry arrived in the shape of the big forwards to turn the ball over and clear the Manchester lines; giving the away team the final say.
With the official blowing for full time, Manchester were undoubtedly disappointed and even Congleton would have to admit that 31 v 0 was not a true reflection of the game. Some excellent performances came from Tim H at blind side, Stealth and Arron on the wings and through some powerful runs in midfield from big Mark G. Once again, the front 8 showed that they will continue to be highly competitive against the best in the league.

And so it was back to the Congleton club house. Unfortunately, there was no starship on hand for the return trip and the Manchester lads had to take the 2 day walk back to the changing room. Once there, the showers offered another mystery tour down two flights of stairs, deep into the Engine room. All were warned not to travel to the showers on their own, for fear of never returning. Everyone heeded the warning, except Big Phil who was enticed by the chance of viewing the legendary golden rivet that all maritime folk fear! Phil was later seen hobbling towards Congleton Infirmary for a scan! That aside, Congleton hold the award for the best showers in the league after a cold day on the field; nice one Congleton.

Man of the match: Rick Carr did the job for the 3rds (because everyone else was driving) but finished a poor 3rd against the 2nd and 1st team choices in the ritual drinking competition back at HQ. Apparently it’s larger these days for the Man of Match, unlike the good old days of drinking bitter; which truly did sort the men from the boys…

Next Games: Home v Whitchurch (postponed)
Home v Crewe & Nantwich