Marvellous Manchester maul in the mud

Manchester’s eleventh game of the season was without doubt their most eagerly anticipated, as the only two unbeaten teams in the Lancs Cup group stage met to decide who would be top dog. This game was a potential banana skin as it was played on a very muddy pitch against an opponent who came with a well drilled forwards focussed gameplan. What transpired was a testament to the guidance given and hard graft put in by the lads on many Wednesday night training sessions that resulted in Manchester dominating all aspects of the game and crafting such a convincing victory.

Both sidelines were full with parents and supporters of both teams and with blue skies, sunshine and the temperature a few degrees above zero, the weather was perfect for a good game of rugby.
Pre-match the home squad warmed up on the first XV pitch and it certainly inspired them with a high tempo maintained straight from the kick off. Manchester kicked off play with a well lofted kick on the right side against a light chill breeze and for the opening five minutes play was pinned between the West Park ten metre and try line as the Manchester pack pressed home their early advantage. Under such intense pressure the West Park defence had to crack and following a well worked move the ball was quickly moved through the home sides hands for Tom W to set off and evade some desperate tackles and touch down in the left corner. Tom J converted with an excellent kick from near the touchline and Manchester had an early 7-0 lead.

The pattern was set for the rest of the half as dominance by the Manchester pack in the scrums and around the breakdown was maintained as they worked in pods, rucking, counter rucking, ripping the ball and continuing to make some huge hits on the big West Park forwards. It is fair to say the visitors did not know what had hit them as the ball was ripped time and time again by Manchester and as the pressure mounted Greg stole the ball and went over for a fine forwards try in the corner.

The home teams dominance continued and following a classic flankers charge down by Luke McC of an attempted clearance kick by West Park, Greg reacted well to pounce on the ball, double his try tally and the conversion was well struck again by Tom J to make it 19-0.

When the ball was moved out the Manchester backs showed good passing and movement as they stretched the West Park defensive line. Only the touchline and some desperate tackles stopped the backs from increasing the lead and the pressure finally told just before half time when following another great roiling drive from the forwards Ciaran burst through the West Park defence to touch down in the right side corner. The kick from Tom J’s boot on the touchline was only just short – a fine effort and Manchester huddled down 24-0 ahead for their halftime team talk.

The second half dawned a little brighter for West Park as they were able to build a slightly higher tempo and level of desire. On reflection, the second half certainly brought a greater number of positive moments for the away support as the visitors stepped up their game. After 5 minutes of pressure they nearly scored but for some unfortunate mishandling near the Manchester line. Playing the quick advantage Tom W set off and dragged most of the WP players up the pitch and when he was finally halted some fine support play from Manchester saw the ball recycled and Greg was again in the right place to pick up and drive over for his third try of the match.

West Park responded well and there followed a ten minute period of play where the stamina of both packs was tested to the limit. A few subs were introduced in this period to sustain energy levels and eventually some slick West Park handling saw them release their winger to touch down in the right side corner, the conversion attempt was a good effort but just drifted wide and with 15 minutes to go the scoreline read 31-5.

Manchester‘s forwards regained control and again there was some fine play around the breakdown by Manchester’s forwards and backs. However West Park’s forwards pressed hard and made it difficult for Manchester to establish a reliable supply to their back line. In the face of better organized defence from West Park, any real penetration was limited to jinking individual forays by the back line and well placed kicks to space. Manchester kept the pressure up and eventually a lapse in West Park concentration allowed Cairan to take advantage of a quickly taken free kick to evade his tackler, sell a classic dummy and go over for his second try of the game.

The remainder of the half was more open and forwards on both sides were giving their all. There were moments when Manchester were under pressure, but ultimately it was (once more) an attractive interchange of ball ripping, support play and passing that gifted Manchester a try scoring opportunity. And it was, not for the first time this season, Tom W who seized that final winning try for Manchester with a superb run the entire length of the pitch to return the ball under the posts. Tom J’s conversion was the final kick of the match. Victory was Manchester’s 35-5.

Epilogue
Luke Mc was named man of the match for his overall contribution and throughout it was an excellent team performance. West Parks remarkable achievement of not losing any matches to the weather means they stay at the top of the league despite this heavy loss. While the home sides win pretty much ensures Manchester will bag the other qualifying place for the knockout stages of the Lancs Cup. Our final match is on 20th Jan and the long treck north of Preston to Tarleton gives us the tantalising opportunity to close out this seasons league stage as the only unbeaten side. Well done to all!