Newbury visit the Woodlands
on Saturday 19th January. Fylde will be looking for their second double
of the season (following the Waterloo victory on Saturday) but it will
be another tough match. Fylde visited Newbury's Monks Lane Ground in November
and won by 29-16 with tries by Mark Evans (2), Andrew Perry, and Brent
Wilson.
The 'Blues (click here for their excellent website) had a good RFU Senior Cup run that ended in the 5th Round by defeat against Orrell. In the league, they had a poor start to the season but have pulled themselves round with a succession of good performances. They have had a run of four wins at home, the best of which was over Sedgley Park, a task Fylde couldn't achieve. Their record is less good on the road where they have won two and lost five matches.
Newbury have a new coach this season, Keith Richardson, formerly with Gloucester and Coventry. On the playing front, they have recruited two Australians with British passports, hooker Brad Gill (who is skippering the side) and lock/backrow Jeff Pickthall, both from Randwick. Two young Bristol players, flanker Jon Porter and full back Hugo Southwell, are on a season's loan at the Club, and centre/No 10 Jonathan Martin has moved from Clifton. Kicking duties are mainly in the hands of fullback Ian Morgan who has one of the most reliable records in the Division, with 80% of his kicks successful.
Newbury have some injury problems but their side is likely to be:
15 Ian Morgan 14 Hugo Southwell 13 Andy Evans 12 Chester Robinson 11 Jason Williams 10 John Martin 9 Will Green 1 Bernie Williams 2 Brad Gill 3 Andy Binnie 4 Wayne Cochran 5 Chris Hart 6 Dave Thorpe 7 John Kingdon 8 John Porter
The main uncertainities are in the back five. Aussie No.8 Jeff Pickthall (Randwick) broke his leg against Rosslyn Park just before Xmas. He is making a rapid recovery but will be out for a further six weeks at least. Back row Craig Davies is suspended and open side Simon Gully is out with a groin strain.
Centre Mal Roberts has a broken thumb and centre/wing Jo Czerpak an injured back. Lock Shane Edwards (recently playing in Australia but a local lad) was carried off last week with a ligament injury and is almost certainly out and South African Natal II lock Mark Botha has a long-term injury that has kept him out since before Xmas.
Of those likely to be in the side, Chris Hart has played 4, 5, 6, 8 and 14 this season! John Kingdon is former skipper who returned last week at age of 34. Dave Thorpe is local lad who returtned to club from South West League Tadley in summer only to break his hand early on. He returned against Rosslyn Park and scored hat-trick of tries.
Chester Robinson also rejoined the club recently. He came through Newbury's mini ranks and made a brief impact in first team in the last South West season before moving away and joining Newport, Llanelli and latterly Glamorgan Wanderers. He scored his first try since returning last week. Wayne Cochran is a newcomer from the Army this week and is likely to get his debut. Will Green is another newcomer in recent months who started the season at Moseley and was at Darlington Mowden Park as well.
Phew! Maybe they'll need the long coach journey to do the introductions!
All this local gen is provided by Malcolm Howe of the Newbury News - many thanks to him. Forget the Evening Gazette, check on the Fylde website for the inside story of National Two rugby!
On the Fylde selection front, we're unlikely to see the tasty backrow pairing of Eric Peters (his second and probably last game for the Club) and, star of the future, Brent Wilson. Wilson is still carrying groin and knee problems and is very likely to miss the game. Also missing will be Jon Taylor (heel injury) and Martin Scott (suspended). Coach Dean Kenny has made his feelings about the side's performance at Waterloo abundantly clear. This will have to be stepped up several notches if Newbury are to be beaten in a convincing fashion.
Other fixtures in National Two are:
Kendal
v Esher
Nottingham
v Harrogate
Plymouth
v Waterloo
Rosslyn
P v Orrell
Sedgley
P v Stourbridge
Wharfedale
v Preston
G
It doesn't get any easier for the league's bottom two clubs. And 'Hoppers will be desperate to get the points at Wharfedale if they are to give themselves any chance of getting away from the relegation zone.
Steve McCormack's summary after Week 15 of National Two is available as a Word document by clicking here. It gives an in depth statistical picture of the season to date. Top scorers in the league are as follows:
| Pts | Player | Try | Con | Pen | Dgs |
| 198 | Mike Scott (Kendal) | 2 | 22 | 45 | 3 |
| 198 | Jonathan Gregory (Esher) | 2 | 16 | 52 | - |
| 161 | Jonathan Davies (Wharfedale) | 1 | 27 | 33 | 1 |
| 160 | Ben Harvey (Stourbridge) | 1 | 23 | 37 | - |
| 153 | Phil Jones (Orrell) | 5 | 22 | 28 | - |
| 152 | Chris Glynn (Preston) | 5 | 14 | 32 | 1 |
| 151 | Tom Barlow (Plymouth) | 3 | 35 | 19 | 3 |
| 149 | Lee Cholewa (Harrogate) | 6 | 37 | 14 | 1 |
| 130 | Colin Stephens (Sedgley Park) | 3 | 17 | 23 | 4 |
| 100 | Anthony Handley (Waterloo) | 1 | 16 | 21 | - |
| 95 | Rob Moon (Sedgley Park) | 9 | 13 | 8 | - |
| 84 | Ian Morgan (Newbury) | 1 | 14 | 16 | 1 |
| 81 | Russell Southam (Nottingham) | 1 | 14 | 16 | - |
| 75 | Dan Ward-Smith (Plymouth) | 15 | - | - | - |
| 62 | Steve Gough (Fylde) | 1 | 6 | 15 | - |
| 60 | Neil Kerfoot (Orrell) | 12 | - | - | - |
| 55 | Ben Godfrey (Fylde) | 4 | 4 | 8 | 1 |
| 55 | John Dudley (Harrogate) | 11 | - | - | - |
| 55 | Andrew Hodgson (Wharfedale) | 11 | - | - | - |
Fylde overcame Waterloo by 20-10 at Blundelsands on Saturday to notch up their fifth away victory of the season. They outscored the home side by three tries to one, and led at halftime by 15-3. Waterloo replied with a converted try in the second half whilst Fylde added another unconverted try. Ben Godfrey converted one try and kicked a penalty goal.
Overall, the match was a disappointment for the visitors as the winning margin should have been much clearer. Indeed, although Fylde should have been out of sight by the three quarter mark, Waterloo came back into the match and threatened the Fylde line more than once. Not for the first time this season, the lack of a killer streak caused the Woodlands side problems.
Although missing three regular forwards, the Fylde pack still performed strongly and, through Eric Peters (making his debut for the Club) and Dylan O’Grady, scored two of the tries. Lawrence Condon scored the other try for the visitors. The Fylde forwards were considerably bigger and heavier than the Waterloo eight and won plenty of possession, although the lineout deteriorated in the second half. Peters, after a year out of action, played within himself but his obvious class shone through. As with other games this season, lack of penetration in the backs was a problem. In front of a desultory crowd, it was illustrative of the problems faced by once great Waterloo. Steve Simpson's report in the Evening Gazette is available by clicking here.
The win takes Fylde into fourth place in National Two, although they have played more games than sides around them.
There were very few surprises elsewhere. It looked at one stage as if leaders Plymouth might go down for a second time in Yorkshire when they trailed Harrogate by 3-10 at halftime. A strong second half performance by the Devonians saw them win the match by 15-21. Waterloo are in desperate relegation trouble and look destined for the drop. Rosslyn Park, also at the bottom of the table, took a 17-3 lead at the break at Stourbridge and hung on for an excellent 25-20 win. Nearer to home, Preston Grasshoppers also face a hard battle to avoid the drop. They were beaten at home by Sedgley Park by 18-37, scoring three tries against the visitors’ four. Despite the away win, Rosslyn Park are still locked together with Waterloo below them and ‘Hoppers one point above. But the three clubs are in danger of becoming detached from the pack.
At the top of the table the
position is also crystalising, with Plymouth, Sedgley Park
and Orrell stretching away. Newbury, in a good run of form,
geared themselves up for their visit to the Woodlands next Saturday by
a 30-21 win at home against Wharfedale.
(13/1/2001)
Wanderers get the winning habit
The Wanderers were comprehensive 52-22 victors, albeit against a weakened Waterloo side at the Woodlands last Saturday. After a patchy opening ten minutes they took control of this fixture to lead by thirty points to nil at the interval thanks to tries by Aadhon Carson, Richard Dinsdale, and Ben Jones, all of which were converted by Mike Bradwell who also added three penalties.
A lack of concentration early in the second period allowed Waterloo a try. However, some marvellous play in keeping the ball alive allowed Wanderers to utilise an overlap giving Ben Trend a try. There followed a try from Dave Wiseman in the corner before Waterloo hit back with a penalty. The Wanderers were not finished yet though, and Tom Godfrey scored a fine individual try under the posts. Once again The Wanderers relaxed enabling Waterloo to score a couple of tries, one of which was converted. This stirred the Wanderers into action again and they completed the scoring with a fine try from Nick Kenyon which Mike Bradwell converted.
This win means that the Wanderers swop bottom place of the Merit Table with Waterloo, the first time this season they haven't been holding everyone else up. Well battled, lads!
View From The Dugout
The Wanderers' season had been one of underachievement and disappointment but this win over Waterloo following on from a victory against Liverpool St.Helens (24-22) will hopefully mark the emergence of an exciting and competitive team. The individual talent is definitely there.
Our
next scheduled home game is against Preston Grasshoppers on Saturday
26th January. If you are able, please come along and lend your support.
It is appreciated.
(13/1/2002)
Scorers and appearances in the current season
Aggregate points scorers (all competitions) so far this season are: Gough 92; Godfrey 55; Kenyon 30; Jones 25; Wilson 20; McIntyre 20; Evans 15; Davies 10; Wiseman 10; Filipo 5; Scott 5; Ferguson 5; Condon 10; Lavin 5; Trend(B) 5; Perry 5; O'Grady 10; Wallwork 5; Hassan 5; Peters 5
Try scorers are: Jones 5; Wilson 4; McIntyre 4; Godfrey 4; Evans 3; Davies 2; Wiseman 2; Condon 2; O'Grady 2; Filipo 1; Scott 1; Ferguson 1; Trend(B) 1; Lavin 1; Gough 1; Perry 1; Kenyon 1; Wallwork 1; Hassan 1
Conversions: Gough
9; Kenyon 5; Godfrey 4
Penalties: Gough
23; Godfrey 9; Kenyon 5
Dropped goals: Godfrey
1
Total appearances (playing substitute appearances in brackets):
Backs: Trend (B) 6(1);
Evans 18; Kenyon 15(1); Davies 14; Godfrey 13; Gough 12(3); Condon 17(2);
Anderton 1 (1); Kerr 5; Wiseman 4(1);
Connell 3; Perry 6; Wallwork
7(4); Dinsdale 2; Hassan 8; Wyles (1)
Front row: Filipo
16; Scott(M) 12(3); Yates 17(2); McIntyre 7(9); Webster 2(7); Cassidy 3(3);
Scott(E) (1); Rigby (1)
Locks: Baldwin 18;
Taylor 13(1); O'Neill 6; Buckley (3)
Backrow: Atkinson
4; Bradwell 5(3); Ferguson 8(4); Lavin 9; Wilson 14; Jones 7(1); O'Grady
6(2); Tasker 2; Peters 1; Godfrey(T) (1)
Thanks
to one of his playing colleagues and friends who spotted this in Waterloo's
match programme on Saturday, we bring you a story of Martin Scott's past
exploits. He may be kicking his heels at the moment with a 21-day suspension
following his sending off at Plymouth but this will cheer him up.
"In a recent rugby players
census in Scotland, it was discovered that the Fylde hooker Martin Scott,
who was capped by his country against Argentina, was the most unpopular
roommate in the entire country! Apparently, his long suffering playing
pals list constant snoring and 'bad smells' as the main reasons for their
dislike of being billeted with Martin."
(14/1/2002)
Eric Peters joins Fylde temporarily
Scottish
international No 8 Eric Peters has joined Fylde for a couple of
weeks whilst training with Sale Sharks. Peters, 33, has played 29 times
for Scotland, scored five tries and captained them at one stage. Some commentators
say that Scotland haven't found anyone of his quality to fill this crucial
position since he dropped out with injury in 1999.
He was a Cambridge University Blue and at a club level made his name with Bath before joining Harlequins in 2000. His last serious game was a year ago when he damaged a knee in the European Shield Quarter Final against Brive. His problems began at Bath when, in April 1999, he fractured his kneecap and had to have reconstructive surgery. A year into his rehabilitation, which included four major operations, he discovered he was suffering from testicular cancer. The condition was identified in its early stages and he was successfully treated with a course of chemotherapy. He hasn't had a sustained period of rugby since the spring of 1999.
He said "I still believe there is some good rugby to be played and I'm looking forward to the month of training at Sale. The important thing is to get some games under my belt and Fylde have offered me a chance". He joins ex-Sale players Dave Baldwin, Alan Yates and Dylan O'Grady at the Club. He is 6ft 5in and over 16 stones.
Peters will add class and massive experience to the pack, if not exactly bringing down its average age. The combined age of Fylde's first choice front five this season is just over 170 years! Whilst a backrow including youngsters Brent Wilson, Chris Jones (who's now returned to Sale), Grant Ferguson or Mike Bradwell gets this down somewhat, Dylan O'Grady, Graeme Tasker and Peters push it the other way.
Fylde recall Paddy O'Neill at lock (Jon Taylor is still unavailable) and Peters slots in at No. 8 in place of Brent Wilson who has a groin injury. Martin Scott has been suspended for 21 days following his sending off last Saturday, so Craig McIntyre fills in at hooker. The backs are the same as at Plymouth except that Martin Wallwork takes over from Steve Gough at No.10.
The Fylde line-up is:
Kenyon; Evans, Hassan, Davies, Godfrey; Wallwork, Condon; Filipo, McIntyre, Yates, Baldwin, O'Neill, O'Grady, Tasker, Peters. Replacements include Steve Williams and Steve Gough.
Waterloo miss Rob Hitchmough who was stretchered off against Sedgley Park with an ankle injury. Alex Reay (front row) and Karl Temmen (second row) also miss the match after receiving three yellow cards. However, 'Loo have recruited two South Africans, prop Gavin Edwards and winger Peter Cameron who make their debuts.
Van Deventer; AN Other, Tattersall, Payne, Cameron; Hadley, Aikman; Edwards, Tyms, Dennehy, Wolfenden, Mercer, Blyth, Corbett, Smith.
(11/1/2002)
Waterloo challenge for Fylde
Fylde are on the road again this Saturday. But its a much shorter trip than last week's journey to Plymouth, this time to neighbours Waterloo at Blundelsands. 'Loo sit at the bottom of National League Two and look favourites to be relegated along with Rosslyn Park. (They are currently seven points away from the 11th place in the table they need to avoid this fate). However, they will be hell bent on beating their visitors as a win is absolutely vital for them if they are to have any chance of staying up. They will also be keen to gain revenge for the 15-32 defeat they suffered at the Woodlands in November.
'Loo's Anthony Handley sits in 10th place in the National Two list of top scorers with 95 points (1 try, 15 conversions and 20 penalties). Leading try scorer is centre Freeman Payne with eight. Their best back, based on his performance at the Woodlands and reports of matches, is the exceptional fullback, Rob Hitchmough.
Let's hope that the coaching team at the Woodlands is preparing their charges for a very tough game and that the Fylde players will be in the right frame of mind to secure their first league points of 2002. With mid-table respectability beckoning at the end of the season, the Club will have to be very positive in forthcoming fixtures if they are to get into the top four by the end of April, coach Dean Kenny's objective. With a string of away fixtures against keen Northern rivals facing them (Preston, Orrell, Harrogate, Wharfedale & Sedgley Park), points at these venues will be hard earned.
Jon Taylor, who's wife Christina gave birth to their first child last week (congratulations to them both, and to baby Angus!) , may still have family commitments which prevent him from returning to the second row. Centre Gareth Davies will be keen to make an impression against his old club - he suffered a painful broken knuckle against them early in the match at the Woodlands and had to leave the field. The Club may or may not suspend Martin Scott (ruling him out of contention for selection this weekend) following his dismissal at Plymouth, or appeal against the decision. A RFU disciplinary panel will consider the case in due course. His two sinbin offences this season (away at Esher and home against Preston Grasshoppers) may also be taken into account.
Other matches on Saturday include a fascinating game between leaders Plymouth and in-form Harrogate in Yorkshire. Orrell may also not have it all their own way against another team playing good rugby at the moment, Kendal. 'Hoppers need to overcome Sedgley Park if they are to climb away from the relegation battle. The 'three clubs relegated' position in National Two makes it hard for so many mid-table clubs. A few defeats and they can be sucked into real trouble. Looking at the coming fixtures of the current bottom three clubs, it looks as though 22 points will guarantee survival. Last season Nottingham was in 11th place and stayed up with 20 points.
Once the fateful slide down the leagues starts, its very difficult to reverse. Its sobering to see that of the three relegated National Two clubs last season, West Hartlepool look destined for certain relegation to North One, Camberley are serious candidates for relegation to London One, whilst Lydney sit in mid-table in National Three (South).
Esher
v Nottingham
Harrogate
v Plymouth
Albion
Newbury
v Wharfedale
Orrell
v Kendal
Preston
G v Sedgley
Park
Stourbridge
v Rosslyn
Park
Backrow
forward Chris Jones, who played his last match with Fylde at Rosslyn
Park in mid-December before being called back to Sale Sharks (where he
is seen as one of the most promising young players at the Club) appears
to have benefited from his sabbatical at the Woodlands. He was in the Sale
squad which faced Narbonne in the Parker Pen European Shield match
at Heywood Road on 9th January. He made his 1st team debut as a replacement
after 70 minutes. He followed this up by a full appearance at Roma
three days later where he scored two of Sale's ten tries in their 62-17
demolition of the home side.
Incidently, the hoovering up of accomplished young players from Fylde schools is the subject of a couple of interesting contributions on the Fylde Message Board. A group of players who learnt their rugby at schools in the Fylde, and at least one (Greg Nicholls, ex-Arnold) who progressed through the Fylde Mini-Junior setup at the Woodlands, were selected in the England U'19 squad which faced New Zealand last weekend at Bournemouth. All are now attached to Sale Sharks development squad. What is the role, if any, for clubs like Fylde after they have nurtured these youngsters from an early age? With the setting up of the RFU-funded Sale Academy, on who's coaching staff is Mark Nelson, this question is a very opportune one.
(8/1/2002)
Disciplinary
concerns
Fylde go to equal top of the National Two disciplinary table (along with Orrell & Kendal) following the Plymouth game, with one red card and seven yellows. Martin Scott's sending off was the first red card of the season in 96 National Two fixtures to date. (Second placed Sedgley Park has yet to earn any cards at all.) This matter is likely to receive attention by the Club's rugby management.
Plymouth, a big crowd & indiscipline beat Fylde
Fylde went down to a predictable defeat at league leaders Plymouth Albion by 5-28 on Saturday. This was the only match played in National Leagues One or Two. The other thirteen fixtures were postponed through frost and ice. Fylde were only 0-9 down at the interval through three successful penalty kicks by Chris Atkinson. In front of a large 2,100 crowd, the leaders overcame a brave fight by the understrength Lancastrians to extend their two years unbeaten home record.
The familiar tale of Fylde indiscipline and missed kicks contributed to the defeat. Hooker Martin Scott was sent off after 57 minutes for punching, singled out from a general melee of players 'having a disagreement'. Makeshift flanker Craig McIntyre, by then playing in his normal hooking position in place of Scott, was later sinbinned for deliberate offside, and Fylde finished the game with 13 men. Five kicks at goal were missed by Ben Godfrey and Richard Kenyon.
Plymouth scored three tries, by locks Andy Perry and WIll James, and replacement centre Tom Farley, two converted by Atkinson. The last two tries were scored when Fylde were down to 14 and then 13 men respectively. Left winger Godfrey scored a try to post Fylde’s only points. This was Godfrey's fourth try in the last five games.
Skipper Matt Filipo was phlegmatic about the result. "Plymouth are a well drilled side and deserve to be top of the table. Its a big trip but I felt we were unlucky not to get more than five points. I felt we had another two tries in us." Click here for the Evening Gazette's report on the match.
Plymouth Albion: C Atkinson, P Williams, G Bunny (T Farley 79), R Thompson, A Matchett, T Barlow, N Cane, A Paver (P Risdon 65), G Dawe, W Reed, W James, A Perry, J Hart, D Thomas (capt), D Ward-Smith.
Fylde:
R Kenyon, M Evans, P Hassan, G Davies, B Godfrey, S Gough (M Wallwork 47),
L Condon, M Filipo (capt), M Scott, A Yates, D O'Grady,
D
Baldwin, G Tasker (T Godfrey 66 N Cassidy 80), C McIntyre, B Wilson.
Fylde
should have it rather easier in their next away match, on Saturday at bottom
of the table Waterloo. However, the Blundelsands team will be desperate
to overcome their local rivals to give themselves a chance of avoiding
relegation for the second successive season.
(6/1/2002)
Fylde prepare for a long trip to National Two leaders Plymouth on Saturday, 5th January. Although frost and ice has gripped the UK in the past week, the weather forecast is for somewhat warmer conditions by the weekend, particularly in the South West. The Lancastrians will be looking to turn around the 0-20 reverse they suffered at the Woodlands in late November.
Although Plymouth lost their amazing record of consecutive league wins (41 in all) at Wharfedale three weeks ago, they steadied the ship with a hard earned win at Esher by 22-15 on Saturday, 22nd December. Whilst four successive away games in five weeks has obviously put strains on the players, there is little evidence to suggest that they won't easily gain promotion to National One at the first attempt. Their position was strengthened by Sedgley Park's surprising defeat at Newbury by 7-9 on Saturday, 29th December. Orrell took advantage of Park's slip up by hammering Nottingham by 52-5 at Edge Hall Road to close the gap between them to two points, with two games in hand. Even at this stage in the season, it looks increasingly like Plymouth and Orrell for promotion. [Match reports courtesy of Esher, Sedgley Park and Nottingham websites respectively].
Fylde will travel down to Plymouth by coach on Friday afternoon. They have few new injury worries, although the Christmas & New Year holidays have disrupted training somewhat and some players are unavailable. The team is:
Kenyon; Evans, Hassan, Davies, Godfrey; Gough, Condon; Filipo, Scott, Yates, Baldwin, O'Grady, McIntyre, Tasker, Wilson. The replacements include David Wiseman and Tom Godfrey.
Craig McIntyre, who deserves more first team action, plays as flanker instead of hooker and is joined in the backrow by Graeme Tasker who makes his return to the 1st team following his move back from Otley where he played last season. Dylan O'Grady, who missed the Wharfedale match through injury, returns but in the relatively unaccustomed position of lock.
Other fixtures on Saturday are:
Harrogate
v Esher
Kendal
v Stourbridge
Nottingham
v Orrell
Rosslyn
Park v Preston Grasshoppers
Sedgley
Park v Newbury
Wharfedale
v Waterloo
By a quirk of the fixture list, the replayed Sedgley Park/Newbury and Orrell/Nottingham games played on December 29th are returned the following week. Our money, for what its worth, would be on Park getting revenge and Nottingham suffering again. 'Hoppers, who have lost six out of their last seven matches, badly need to win an important relegation battle at Rosslyn Park. Its difficult seeing much joy for Stourbridge at Kendal or Waterloo at Wharfedale. The Harrogate/Esher game should be one of the most even and attractive fixtures in this round of games.
Steve
McCormack's summary after Week 14 of National Two is available as a
Word document by clicking here. The season is now rather more than half
way through for most clubs.
A determined performance by a relatively young Fylde Wanderers side ensured their first win of a very tough season by 24-22 over Liverpool St. Helens on Saturday, December 29th at the Woodlands. The Wanderers have struggled to field sufficiently strong teams this season to compete with other Northern second string sides and are bottom of the Merit Table. However, this win will give the side real heart for the weeks ahead. It was notable that the backline included a number of players with 1st team experience - David Wiseman, Aodhan Carson, Damian Lavin & Ben Trend.
They face a particularly hard game on Saturday when they visit second in the table Wharfedale in Grassington.
Occasionally into each of our worlds comes a little magic, a moment of awe, a cubic centimetre of chance. You may recognize such fleeting opportunity, you may realize only when the moment has gone.
It may not be exaggerating reality to suggest that if you knew of such an event in your lives you would welcome it with open arms, usher it into your homes and squeeze every drop into your cups of wonder.
If you had prior warning of a dream come true would you make the effort to be there?
Well come on down to the Fylde clubhouse at 7:30pm on Friday 8th February and support Lytham’s Auction of Pledges. You will receive a complimentary glass of champagne, an auction brochure to peruse at leisure and will have a plethora of tantalising pledges paraded before you for your delectation. There are 40 pledges in total including a break in the Lakes, a drive around Silverstone and a holiday in Spain.
And it’s all in a good cause. The event is a fundraiser to support the forthcoming rugby tour to Estonia (in April 2002).
Steve Stead
Local lads in England U19 v Kiwi game
Arnold School product (and now attached to Sale Sharks), Greg Nicholls, has been selected as scrum-half in the England U'19 team which will face New Zealand Schools this Saturday at Newbury. Named as replacements are ex-Kirkham School students Richard Wigglesworth (fly-half) and Andrew Kyriacou (hooker), both also part of the Sale Sharks development squad ('the Jets'). Sale have done very well, with two other players, Christian Day (lock) and Magnus Lund (openside flanker) making the starting XV. Click here for the full team.
(3/1/2002)
Fylde deservedly beat Wharfedale by 17-13 at the Woodlands on Saturday, 22nd December. The hard work and effectiveness of the pack was the foundation of an important victory. Three tries to one summed up the difference between the sides more than the final score. Wharfedale were determined opponents who’s backs were always dangerous. They came with the clear intention to play a fast and loose game to counter Fylde’s big pack. They led by 13-10 early in the second half but were eventually overpowered when the home side upped the pressure.
Fylde took an early lead when their backs moved right, Mark Evans jinked inside his opposite number and set up Brent Wilson who drove for the line. Phil Hassan was on hand to make the final touch down, scoring his first try for the Club in his sixth appearance. Ben Godfrey’s conversion attempt went well wide.
‘Dale took up the challenge and, thanks to some indiscipline by the Fylde forwards in rucks, took a halftime lead through two successful penalty kicks by fullback Jonathan Davies. Although Fylde had dominated possession, their ball retention had been poor and, generally, it was a dour and uninspired 40 minutes.
The second period was a much better spectacle. Fylde took the lead when the ball was worked left, Hassan made the crucial break and Ben Godfrey skipped neatly inside his man to score in the left corner. His conversion kick fell just short, but the home side had a 10-6 advantage.
The Greens came back again. They soon worked their way upfield and their best player, centre and captain Andy Hodgson, weaved his way through a sparse Fylde defence to go over near the posts. Davies easily converted to give the visitors a surprise 13-10 lead.
In recent seasons, given their wasted possession and territorial advantage, Fylde heads would have gone down. However, they battled back and put increasing pressure on the ‘Dale defence. Instead of asking Godfrey to attempt a penalty kick, skipper Matt Filipo asked Martin Wallwork to kick for the corner. The commanding Dave Baldwin won the ensuing lineout and the pack easily drove the Wharfedale forwards over their line. Brent Wilson was the last man to get up and claimed the try. Godfrey kicked a beautiful conversion from the left corner.
Although there was some 20 minutes remaining and ‘Dale tried hard to raise their game (and looked dangerous at times), Fylde held on with a degree of comfort to claim a good if uninspired win. The Evening Gazette's report is available by clicking here. A Wharfedale view is also available.
Amongst the pack, the front five were collectively sound and hard working. Baldwin had one of his best games for the Club, making considerable yardage in the loose as well as performing solidly in the scrummages and lineouts. Missing Chris Jones and Dylan O’Grady from the backrow (Carl Lavin and Grant Ferguson replaced them), No 8 Brent Wilson carried particular responsibility. He lived up to it with another imposing display.
The Fylde backs were more threatening than in some matches this season. Lawrence Condon was again outstanding. Courageous and sharp all over the pitch, he continued his best run of form in his two and a half seasons at the Club. He appears not to suffer from continuous change amongst his half back partners. The current Fylde tactic is to use Steve Gough and Martin Wallwork for 40 minutes each. Gareth Davies was sound in his first match back in the side after injury, whilst Phil Hassan was always inventive and dangerous as his fellow centre. Amongst the back three, Richard Kenyon looks to have found his best position at fullback, whilst Mark Evans and Ben Godfrey made important contributions.
Matt Filipo went off with an injury and was replaced by Nick Cassidy. He will have plenty of time to recover as Fylde don’t play their next game until January 5th when they travel to play leaders Plymouth Albion in Devon. Although the season is only just over halfway, this is the last away match involving significant travel for Fylde. Their remaining games are all in the North, at Waterloo, Preston, Orrell, Harrogate, Wharfedale & Sedgley Park.
Their home matches look significantly easier, as they welcome Newbury, Stourbridge, Esher, Nottingham and Rosslyn Park to the Woodlands.
Fylde’s line-up was: Kenyon, Evans, Hassan, Davies, Godfrey; Gough (Wallwork 40), Condon; Filipo (Cassidy 67), Scott (McIntyre), Yates, Baldwin, O’Neill (Taylor 40), Ferguson, Lavin, Wilson.
Chris Jones has been called back by this year's Premiership success story, Sale Sharks.The Sharks need more backrow cover so Jones won't be playing again for Fylde this season. Flanker Jones played in seven full matches, plus a substitute's appearance, and scored five tries. He is a tall, slim young guy who possesses exceptional pace and positional sense. His try against Waterloo, when he raced from 40 metres without a hand placed on him, showed his class. We forecast a successful future at the highest level in the game for Chris. We've been delighted to have you at the Club this season!
Fylde to repair home damage against Wharfedale?
Fylde will be looking to improve their poor home record when they entertain Wharfedale at the Woodlands on Saturday (ko 14.15). They have lost four out of seven home matches so far this season, albeit against the three top promotion candidates - Orrell, Sedgley Park & Plymouth Albion - as well as the dire performance against 'Hoppers.
Any
game against the Dalesmen is tough. Last season Fylde suffered the humiliation
of a 10-71 reverse in Yorkshire before exacting some revenge with a 29-8
win at the Woodlands. In the latter match, no one present will forget young
winger Karl Long's 70 metre try after making his debut as a replacement
with 20 minutes to go. (By the way, Karl is currently out of action for
Sale Jets as he dislocated an elbow when crashing into perimetre fencing
a few weeks ago. Long has been playing for the Sale Sharks U'21 side along
with former Fylde centres Chris Jones and Paul Devlin. Also included in
their successful side are a number of former Kirkham Grammer School Old
Boys, including Matt Parr, Warren Spragg, Alex Gluth & Richard Wigglesworth.)
The Greens had a very hesitant start to this campaign, losing three out of the first four matches. But their magnificent performance in defeating Plymouth a couple of weeks ago has capped a strong recovery and should sound sufficient warning bells to Fylde. The whole team contributed to a famous and deserved victory, ending Plymouth's amazing run of 41 successive league wins. At home they have beaten Esher (16-13), Nottingham (46-13) and Plymouth (28-20), whilst losing to Newbury (23-24) and Rosslyn Park (15-18), and drawing with Stourbridge (29-29). Away from Grassington, they have won at 'Hoppers (25-23), Waterloo (38-14) and Rosslyn Park (23-8), whilst losing at Harrogate (36-51), Kendal (23-24) Orrell (16-39) and, last Saturday, Sedgley Park (24-50). They also suffered a rather embarrassing 29-31 RFU Cup defeat at National Three side Nuneaton. Their excellent website is both informative and contains very well written reports of games.
From reports, its the Wharfedale backs which give the team competitive advantage. But they clearly strive to play 15-man rugby which Fylde will be fully stretched to counter. Star of their backline is skipper (and centre) Andy Hodgson with 10 tries so far this season and winger Craig Burnett with seven. Prolific kicking fullback, Jonathan Davies has racked up 147 points (1 try; 26 conversions, 29 penalties, 1 DG) and is currently 3rd amongst National Two top scorers. The 'Dale backline is the strength of the team, accounting for 29 of their 39 tries. Interestingly, 28 of the 39 tries they have conceded have been scored by opposing backs.
Their pack includes the indestructible David Lister, due to lock the Green's scrummage for the 97th successive match in an unbroken run running from March 1998. This is a record in the national leagues, including the Premiership. Their most influential forward in recent seasons has been the open side flanker with the famous Yorkshire & England cricketer's name, Hedley Verity.
Fylde's team selection for the match will be made after taking a check on the injury position at Thursday's training session. Jon Taylor missed the Rosslyn Park game through his continuing ankle injury, with Paddy O'Neill deputising.
'Dale's team is: 15
J Davies, 14 C Burnett, 13 A Hodgson, 12 A Baggett,
11 G Smithson; 10 N Heseltine,
9 D Whitfield; 1 P Peel, 2 J Lawn, 3 C Ingram
4 D Lister, 5 A Capstick,
6 P Evans, 7 H Verity, 8 R Buckroyd
Subs: N Dickinson, G Hindle, S Allen, TBA
Wharfedale obviously take their training seriously. So much so that scrum-half Graham ' Woo' Smith sustained an injury that will keep him out of the game. David Whitfield (usually a centre) moves to No 9, with Andrew Baggett taking the inside-centre berth. Those forced changes apart, plus ‘prop rotation’ (Craig Ingram starts open-side, with Neil Dickinson waiting his turn on the bench) the selectors saw no reason for alterations to the starting line-up. The only other adjustment is a routine subs switch, Sam Allen coming onto the bench in place of Ryan Kirkbride. (Thanks to 'Dale's Chris Ellwood for this information).
Brotherly love?
There
has been talk in the Evening Gazette of Fylde's interest in Alistair
Atkinson (pictured left). He is the brother of Andrew, who made
such a promising start when joining Fylde at the beginning of the season.
Unfortunately, Andrew suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury in October
and is likely to be out for a considerable period. Alistair, a powerful
6'5", 18st. lock/backrow forward, was a regular in Orrell's National One
pack last season, and is currently contracted to National Three side New
Brighton. Indeed, his was a high profile signing for the Wirrall side in
the summer. So there are doubts over whether he will be released as he
has been a regular in their side this season. There is also a small matter
of an eight week suspension for a sending off for stamping against Scunthorpe
on 1st December. He's not eligible to play again until mid-February.
Other matches on Saturday are:
Esher
v Plymouth Albion
Newbury
v Rosslyn Park
Orrell
v Harrogate
Preston G
v Kendal
Stourbridge
v Nottingham
Waterloo
v Sedgley Park
(18/12/2001)
Arnold & King Edwards Old Boys in Boxing Day clash
Come and watch Old Arnoldians take on Old Lidunians in the annual John Booth Trophy challenge. It takes place on Boxing Day at the Woodlands, ko 14.15
The KES Squad is:
Mark Evans, David Wiseman, Carl Lavin, Damien Lavin, Aodhan Carson, Mat Wilkinson, Lee Blackett, Dave Bissett, Mike Pemberton, Tristan Thompson, Ben James, Ben Godfrey, Tom Godfrey, Peter Coupe, Darrell Nelson, Ciaran Nelson, Andy Shaw, Richard Lloyd, John Eland, Ben Garthwaite, James Booth, Greg Anderton, John Kay, Dave Tanner
Proposed starting team (although
everyone gets a game):
1. Mike Pemberton, 2. Richard
Lloyd, 3. TBA, 4. Ben James, 5. Darrell Nelson,
6. John Kay, 7. Carl Lavin,
8. Tom Godfrey, 9. James Booth/Matt Wilkinson /Tristan Thompson, 10. Mark
Evans, 11. Damien Lavin, 12. Aodhan Carson, 13. David Wiseman, 14. Lee
Blackett, 15. Ben Godfrey
Points scoring system
Where the Fylde Website leads, the RFU follows! A few weeks ago we speculated on this site about the effect of the scoring system used in the Zurich Premiership and National One, and wondered about the benefit or otherwise of applying this at National Two and other levels. Premier Rugby are now beginning a debate about this system and are gathering views via the RFU website.
(18/12/2001)
Fylde chalk up another away win
Fylde
achieved their fourth win of the season away from the Woodlands with a
good 24-18 performance at Rosslyn Park. They scored two first half
tries by tyro backrowers Brent Wilson (right) and Chris Jones,
and Ben Godfrey kicked 8 points to give the visitors a 18-12 half-time
lead. Park also scored two tries in this period.
The second half saw Fylde maintain the distance between the two sides with another six points from the boot of Godfrey (totalling 14 in all), whilst Park's kicker Hendrie also added the same. Three of Godfrey's points came from a dropped goal, the first one of the season for Fylde.
Times have changed. This season Park are propping up the table with Waterloo. Last season they were unlucky to lose out on promotion to National One right at the end of the campaign, being edged out by Rugby on points difference at the death. In a late season run, they thumped Fylde in the equivalent game in March by 59-0. The long journey back to Lancashire will have been rather happier last night. Click here for a Rosslyn Park view of the match.
The Park website also noticed the difference between the two matches. "Much changed from the (Fylde) team that was thrashed by 60 points by Park at the end of last Season, money has transformed Fylde (webmaster's italics) and where Park had a distinct advantage in the pack last time, Fylde put out the biggest Pack I have ever seen from the Lancashire side in 9 seasons of competition in National League 2."
Fylde: Kenyon; Evans, Hassan, Davies, Godfrey; Gough (Wallwork, 40 mins), Condon; Filipo, Scott (McIntyre 60 mins), Yates, Baldwin, O'Neill, O'Grady, Jones, Wilson (Ferguson 60-68 mins). Replacement not used: Cassidy
Rosslyn
Park: Casado; Mathewson, Singer, Jackson (Dowse), Henderson; Hendy;
Colburn; Fennell, Hewlett, Cure (Daw); Joint (Mcbride), Gibson; Strong,
Boardman, Thirlwall. Sub not used: Malone
Scorers:
Cure (T), Hendy (T, 2P, C)
Given that Fylde had suffered three consecutive defeats before this match, the two points gained on Saturday will keep the season alive. Interestingly, Fylde have won four games out of six away from home and only three out of seven at home. Of the latter, however, these included losses against the top three teams in National Two. Only the defeat by 'Hoppers could be termed a shock.
Elsewhere in National Two, Sedgley Park appears to have found last week's conquerors of Plymouth, Wharfedale, easier meat than Fylde. They beat them by 50-24, scoring six tries to the visitors three. (Fylde await the visit of the Dalesmen on Saturday.) Park's big points scorers, Colin Stephens (2 tries, 27 points in all) and Rob Moon (two tries), were at it again.
'Hoppers were smashed 53-3 by form team of the moment, Harrogate. Esher demolished Stourbridge, suffering their fourth defeat in succession, by 45-17 with Spencer Bromley getting three tries. Kendal continued to make this a miserable season for Waterloo by beating them 37-17 at Mint Bridge. Ex-Fylde and Oxford Blue Nick Booth scored two tries in much improving Nottingham's home win over Newbury by 23-15.
Stephen
McCormack's National Two week 13 report is available by clicking here.
(17/12/2001)
The archives from 1972 are trawled by Neil Withington
Neil
Withington goes back to 1972 for memories of a December
day in Hawick.