Wanderers took on fellow Premiership club Waterloo in the 1st round of the Halbro Cup on Saturday and were convincing winners by 48 points to 6.

Wanderers went into this match not quite knowing how it would go due to a significant change in the lineup with 14 squad members making the step up to the 1st team for the trip to Hereford. But the young and inexperienced squad, average age 22,  bolstered by 1st team regulars Ollie Brennand and Grant Ferguson came through the test with flying colours.

Wanderers started the match with good intent when from the kick off two massive tackles by prop Dan Madden and hooker Mark Darlington set the tone for the afternoon and had Waterloo on the back foot. However, despite this early pressure, it was 'Loo who opened the scoring when they converted a penalty for a 3 point lead.

Fylde's back line was starting to look dangerous and on 20 minutes outside centre Tom Sumner made a great break to score the opening try, which outside half David Reed converted.

Fylde were now piling on the pressure but on 30 minutes their continuity was disrupted when Sumner pulled his hamstring. This called for a change in the back line with 17 year old James Smith making his debut at scrum half and Gav Kelly going to centre and Mark Norris moving to the wing.

However Fylde soon found their scoring touch again and it was Ollie Brennand scoring an excellent try on 37 minutes when he counter attacked from well inside his own half leaving Wateloo defenders flailing in his wake. The conversion was narrowly missed by Reed. Just before half time Wanderers suffered another injury set back when dangerous winger Luke Clitheroe limped off with a twisted knee to be replaced by Danny Stacey.

Fylde kicked off the 2nd half with the wise words of stand in coach Wally Green and the experience of Grant Ferguson ringing in their ears and on 41 minutes the mesmeric Brennand scored another great try which Reed converted. On 46 minutes indiscipline allowed Waterloo to score another 3 points.

Fylde were soon back on the attack and Fraser Spavin playing well at 6 capped a fine performance when he followed up some lovely play to pick up a chip over the defence to score. Reed converted the try.

Brennand was relishing the space he was getting and his blistering pace again exposed the Wateloo defence allowing him to finish in the left hand corner. Reed showed what an excellent kicker he is when he slotted over the kick.

Wanderers were now in control with the forward platform firmly established and former Fylde mini junior, Blaydon and Darlington MP player Mark Darlington having an excellent game at hooker. On 67 minutes Brennand scored his 4th try when again he showed too much power, pace and precision for the 'Loo defence.

Soon after, Fylde made their final replacement when the excellent Spavin made way for the evergreen 1st team manager John Greenwood and Greeners made an early impact with an excellent tackle on the Wateloo outside half.

On 72 minutes Darlington rounded off an excellent return to the Club when he was in support to score an excellent try. Reed just missed the conversion. On 78 minutes Wanderers scored their final try and it was that man Brennand once again who crossed the line. He kept the best to last when working in the the 5 metre channel turned two Waterloo defenders inside out before showing his upper body strength by knocking the last defender into touch for an excellent 5th try.

This was a good victory for a very young Vikings squad who stood up to the challenge of 2nd team rugby. The extremely young front five at an average age of 20 stood out and tighthead Joe Brockbank received man of the match award.

Report by Ian Cosh (Wanderers Manager)