Sunday, 9 September 2024
Match Report: Senior Colts (U18) vs Anselmians RUFC
Score: Anselmians RUFC 8 – Fylde RUFC 19
The Senior Colts opened their Halbro North-West Colts League C campaign with a hard-fought away win against Anselmians RUFC.
Match Highlights:
The game started with Anselmians taking an early lead through a well-executed try by their fly-half at 11 minutes. However, Fylde struck back with an outstanding team effort just before the break. A lineout deep inside Anselmians’ territory set up a powerful maul, driving the ball into their 22. After a series of forward-dominated phases, scrum-half Jack Wilsdon fired the ball wide to fullback Max Musson, who quickly released right winger Sam Curran. Curran slid over in the corner to level the score at 5-5 going into halftime.
At halftime, the mood was positive amongst the squad, making the team talk simple. The focus shifted to enjoying the game and maintaining defensive discipline, which would prove crucial in the second half.
The second half saw relentless pressure from Anselmians, forcing Fylde to defend deep in their 22 for a prolonged period. Eventually, Fylde conceded a penalty right in front of the posts, which Anselmians converted at the 41-minute mark to take an 8-5 lead.
But Fylde’s patience and pressure paid off at 49 minutes, when outside centre Finn Reynolds broke through the Anselmians’ defence to score under the posts, with inside centre Felix Twitchett adding the conversion to make it 12-8 in Fylde’s favour.
The turning point came at the 54-minute mark. After winning a loose ball in midfield, replacement fullback Will Wyles’ clever series of fly hacks pushed Fylde deep into Anselmians’ half. The forwards quickly rallied, and No. 8 Elliott Swann capitalised on the momentum by diving over from close range to extend Fylde’s lead to 19-8.
The final 16 minutes were a tense affair, with Anselmians applying sustained pressure. Despite conceding several penalties and seeing three players sent to the sin bin for high tackles (at 61, 63, and 67 minutes), Fylde’s defence held firm. Anselmians, who also lost a player to the bin for foul play at 61 minutes, were unable to break through.
In difficult conditions as the rain fell and the pitch became increasingly slippery, Fylde showed impressive resilience and composure to see out the game.
Key Performances:
Lock Leo Rathbone was immense both in attack and defence, putting in a tireless shift throughout. However, Dave Graham’s Man of the Match went to No. 8 Elliott Swann for his all-around play and match-winning try.
A solid start to the season for Fylde Senior Colts, with much to build on in the coming weeks.
Many thanks to Anselmians for their hospitality.