Bill Beaumont County Championship 2022
Saturday 7th May 2022 at Firwood Waterloo’s Ground in Blundellsands
Lancashire 52 Leicestershire 14: report by Peter Buckton
Lancashire laid down some solid foundations with a comfortable eight try victory to open their County Championship campaign against Leicestershire.
Looking to move the ball at every opportunity, Lancashire were on the scoreboard within 4 minutes thanks to their enterprising scrum half, Matthew Sturgess, chipping and chasing his way to the try line. This set the tone for the rest of the game with both teams competing at the breakdown and possession changing quickly. This saw Leicestershire forge their way into the Lancashire 22 but failing to score on each assault.
Lancashire displayed good handling phases and patience resulting in winger, Jordan Dorrington, scoring in the corner. The try was duly converted by Chris Johnson who had a good afternoon with the boot kicking 6 out of 8 conversions.
Centre Sam Stott scored next when Lancashire decided to run a tap penalty and scored out wide. Simon Griffiths was next on the score board keeping the scoring rate at one point a minute in the first half.
Matthew Sturgess got on the scoreline again scoring the try of the day by side stepping his way over the try line from 60m out. This ended the scoring at Lancashire leading 33-0 at half time.
Leicestershire started the 2nd half well but a number of prominent carries by prop Peter Altham saw Lancashire score first with a run from Altham from 10 metres out. Leicestershire were finally rewarded with Euan Kelly scoring a breakaway try from within their own half which was duly converted by Fly Half, Ian Smith.
Lancashire responded quickly with a series of drives by the forwards opening up the Leicestershire defence for Sam Stott to score.
Replacement Sam Carleton was next to inspire the team with a speedy run resulting in winger Henry Hadfield scoring. This took the score to 52-7. Leicestershire had the last word though and their number 8, Isaac Norton was justly rewarded for an excellent individual performance all afternoon with a try converted by Ian Smith to end the game seeing Lancashire win 52-14.
An encouraging start to the Lancashire campaign on what was a sunny afternoon enjoyed by all at Firwood Waterloo Rugby Club.
Tries by Sturgess (2), J Dorrington, Stott, Griffiths, Sturgess, Altham, Johnson & Hadfield. Johnson – 6 cons.
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Fylde’s players in the Lancashire squad v Leicestershire: (left to right) Henry Hadfield, Ben Gregory, Scott Rawlings, Harlan Corrie, Sam Kyle-Clay, Matt Sturgess, Greg Smith, Sam Carleton, Olli Parkinson & Matt Garrod.
