Fylde’s unbeaten streak was forcibly snatched off them down at a fired up and well drilled Loughborough side who are in the driving seat now to secure second place behind Fylde. On a rock hard pitch and very hot day both teams committed to playing the expensive game that has served them so both so well this season. Unfortunately Fylde’s will to win was not as strong, with promotion 1 win away, and with the fixtures as they are the players know it will be an easier task next week at home against Manchester.

Poor discipline and indifferent tackling cost them at least 15 points in the first half and they found themselves 24-3 down within the half hour. Loughborough closed down the visitor’s space in the first half and tackled hard forcing numerous mistakes that created chances which they took well.

The second half started better and despite losing Paul Arnold early to the sin bin Fylde scored 2 rumbling forwards trys from Steve McGinnis and Mark Stevenson whose hard work warranted these scores. Loughborough in between had added a try themselves and 2 penalties which made the score 37-15. Fylde started to gain some ascendency with Loughborough visibly tiring after the effort they had put in earlier in the game.

A great individual try from Callum Mcshane after a jinking run meant Fylde had 3 minutes to find 1 more try to get the 4 try bonus point. However instead Loughborough made another break recycled the ball and scored another good try out wide to leave the final score at 44-22.

Fyde will regroup for next week and hope to put on a good show for a bumper home crowd in what will hopefully be the game that Fylde clinch the Championship and in the process promotion to National 1.

Photos by Anna Brennand