Manchester Hit Red Brick Wall

Match Report by Matthew Miles

On a grey, wet and windy November Sunday, Manchester struggled to match the visitors in every department. Four unanswered tries in the 12th, 31st, 60th and 67th minutes (plus 3 conversions) were more than enough to snuff out any threat from a lacklustre home team.

The difference between the two sides were that Chester simply did the basics better. Their line speed was superb whilst Manchester’s was below par. Chester rarely missed a tackle whilst the home team were often left grasping at thin air. Chester also regularly had support runners available whilst our Academy players were often left isolated.

Sunday was proof if needed that teams can’t rely on individual flair, if you don’t turn up and work as a unit, if you don’t get the basics right and if you fail to match your opponents intensity, you’re always going to be facing an uphill challenge.

Congratulations to Chester on a fine team performance. Food for thought for the Academy squad in what is looking to be a nail biting second half to a very close fought season for all teams concerned.