North West Senior Colts Senior League B
Fylde 43 (7 Tries, 4 Conv)
Liverpool Collegiate 39 (6 tries, 3 Conv, 1 Pen)
Scorers:
Will Swift
Vinnie Graham (conv Xavier Dineley)
Callum Sharples (conv Xavier Dineley)
Jack Palmer (conv Xavier Dineley)
Jacob Filipo
Emman Okelola (conv Xavier Dineley)
Micky Papadopoulos
Fylde Colts pulled off a dramatic late win at the Woodlands, edging out a strong Liverpool Collegiate side 43–39 in a thrilling contest that had the crowd on edge until the final whistle.
The visitors started the brighter, controlling early possession and forcing Fylde onto the back foot. At half-time, Collegiate led 17–12 and looked in control, with Fylde chasing the game throughout.
The Colts, however, showed trademark resilience and attacking flair, eventually crossing for seven tries on the day. Debutant lock Callum Sharples with 2 pick and go’s powered over for his first score in Fylde colours, converted by Xavier Dineley, and fellow second-row Emman Okelola also marked his debut with a try, again converted by Dineley.
Further tries came from Will Swift, Vinnie Graham (conv. Dineley), Jack Palmer (conv. Dineley), and Jacob Filipo, before Micky Papadopoulos grabbed the decisive score in the 67th minute to seal the win.
Collegiate kept pace throughout, notching six tries, three conversions, and a penalty, and looked set to spoil the party until Fylde struck decisively late on. Despite only 40% possession across the match, Fylde’s efficiency at the set piece — 100% scrums retained and 88% lineouts won — provided the foundation for their comeback.
Kicking proved evenly matched, Fylde landing 4 from 7 (57%) against Collegiate’s 4 from 8 (50%). Discipline was solid, with no cards shown despite an open, physical contest.
In the end, it was Fylde’s ability to stay composed under pressure and make their chances count that turned the game. The Colts trailed for the majority of the match, but a surge of late energy and Micky P’s decisive finish saw them over the line.
A big sigh of relief at the final whistle, and huge credit to Liverpool Collegiate who made it a fiercely entertaining spectacle for the supporters.
Report by Ben Curran.
