Wanderers go down to Harrogate Georgians: Mark Evans reports in his own inimitable way from the Woodlands

Fylde Wanderers 15     Harrogate Georgians 27 

Tries - A. Atkinson, M. Evans
Con - P. Macey
Pen - P. Macey

Fylde Wanderers, or Wally's Wanderers, as they have been dubbed, came very close to upsetting the Harrogate apple-cart at The Woodlands on Saturday and for a period of 20 minutes overlapping both halves it looked like the Wanderers would sneak a deserved win. Unfortunately, Fylde handed out some belated Xmas pressies and mistakes at vital times at both ends let Harrogate escape with two more Merit League points.

There was an early injury worry during the match when Matt 'Rat' Wilkinson developed a nasty ear-lobe injury. Luckily, the huge loss of blood was stopped and he was able to start the match! Phew!

It was always going to be a tough match. Harrogate were riding high in 3rd place with 11 wins and only 3 loses but a determined Fylde side showed that the gulf in class was something of a myth, in fact, the teams were very evenly matched. However, Harrogate looked more organised and fluent then their Fylde hosts in both attack and defence and this organisation would prove vital throughout the match.

Fylde started well straight from the kick-off and the forwards showed their intent with some excellent runs through the heart of the Harrogate pack. Some good kicks by Phil Macey had the Harrogate backline retreating and it sincerely looked like Harrogate would be in for a very long afternoon.

However, concentration and indecision by Fylde nearly proved an opportunist try for the Harrogate winger but good cover defence by Mike McFarlane saved the day. Sadly, concentration was again lost at the Fylde lineout and a quick tap from the resultant Harrogate free-kick ended with one Harrogate forward marching through to the try line. The conversion was added, 7-0.

In typical Wanderers fashion, Fylde hit back within two minutes. A superb kick-off by Phil Macey was collected by the ever-dependable Steve Ellis, and four or five pick and goes later, Ali Atkinson had bundled his 'slender' 18 stone frame over the line. 7-5 to Harrogate.

Winger, Chris 'The Hard-man' Nicholls, sadly had to leave the field after putting his body (and head!!) on the line for the team. What a brave guy he is! Hard as nails!

The game remained even for ten minutes but Harrogate went further ahead with some crisp inter-passing out of the tackle to score in the corner (12-5) and another well worked try put them 19-5 ahead. The Fylde defence was struggling to cope with the Harrogate fluency and the Georgians (?) capitalised on any Fylde error. A Phil Macey penalty was the only Fylde reply.

A change in tactics was decided and suddenly Fylde were transformed. The Fylde pack once again dominated their opposing eight, pick and going so quickly that for once the Harrogate defence was sucked in and a nice fake and pass from Phil Macey to Mark Evans put Evans through and he rounded the last man to score an excellent team try. Macey expertly added the conversion and at half-time Fylde trailed 19-15.

Fylde enjoyed a period of dominance for the first fifteen minutes of the second half and it seemed that they would score on a number of occasions whilst camped on the Harrogate try line but time after time Harrogate defended their lines.

Again, a lack in concentration when Fylde were in the ascendancy gave Harrogate a sniff of the try line and they galloped through to score and lead 22-15.

Once again Fylde responded with some good attacking play but some poor decisions at vital times let Harrogate off the hook when a try scoring opportunity awaited. Aodhan Carson made some good charging runs, backed up by Steve Ellis, Gregor Davidson and Iain Fawcett but that last pass always seemed to go astray.

Harroagte delivered the killer blow close to the end. They created a small gap on the wing. Surprising the wing sprinted off the pitch, up into the terrace, along the training pitch touchline, back round the back of the terrace and placed the ball in the corner to score 'an excellent winger's try' (????). The Harrogate touch judge must have been picking up his white stick at the time? And what was he doing wearing those black shades on such a cloudy day? Very odd!

The Wanderers again regrouped to stage some late rallies but too may gifts against a strong Harrogate team was always going to make the job harder than it already was. Harrogate again defended well at the end to win 27-15.

Clearly, this Wanderers team is able to match any team in the 2nd XV League as the talent and ability is there for all to see. Unfortunately, a lack of cohesion at vital times made life very hard.

Again, Wally Green must be credited for all his efforts over the last few months. The team is now very competitive, talented, and more importantly, full of some younger players who are keen to play and learn. With some improved concentration there is a real possibility of the Wanderers finishing this season very strongly. The skill is definitely there.

It was also good to see a nice mini-following of supporters on the terraces cheering on the boys.

Report by Mark Evans.

The Webmaster comments: Whilst it was disappointing to lose to Harrogate, the Wanderers' management won't be as upset as their equivalents at Doncaster. After Fylde softened them up two weeks ago when winning 27-12, the Yorkshiremen went down 3-110 at Orrell on Saturday! The Wanderers stay in equal 10th place in the 13 team league. Click here for the league table.

Sean Townsend reports ...

No game for the Vandals this week, after Leigh cried off due to a lack of players, and nothing in the fixture pool.

Should be back playing this week - away at Thornton in the 'third test'.

 10th February 2003