Carlisle RUFC 22 - 12 Littleborough RUFC

Littleborough RUFC

Littleborough RUFC were twice in front in first half but with several player changes due to injuries, couldn’t maintain the lead.

Littleborough arrived at their opponents ground in time to warm up prior to the commencement of the match and weather conditions good for this time of year.

Immediately Carlisle went on the attack and Littleborough showed their quality defence against a team that was in the higher league last season.

From defence to attack by Littleborough as Carlisle gave away a penalty for not releasing the ball just ten metres from their line. Dominic Kershaw slotted over to give Littleborough the lead.

A knee injury to Boro's Sam Dickinson saw him replaced by Robert Chadwick.

At the re-start Carlisle continued their pressure and went over in the corner for their first try.

A good break by scrum half, Chris Park lead to another Littleborough attack up to Carlisle’s 22 metres. The referee awarded Littleborough a penalty and Kershaw was successful to put Littleborough back into the lead.

Another player injury for Littleborough saw Coop replaced by Aaron Jones, who took the wing position, whilst Kershaw went to full back.

Carlisle crossed the try line again and followed up with another converted try.

A scuffle caught the referees eye and both players, one from each team, were sin binned. Littleborough received a further penalty award which was brilliantly converted by Kershaw from the half way line.

Joiner made a brilliant three quarter break which led to yet another penalty award to Littleborough andr Kershaw to continue his successful conversions right on half time to give Boro the lead at half time.

Early in the second half both Carlisle scored again after having placed a free kick to touch well in the Littleborough half.

A great run by Goldthorpe almost brought a try for Littleborough but he was stopped just short of the line.

Back again came the Carlisle team but were thwarted with a great distance kick to touch by Park.

Into the last quarter of the game and Littleborough had to make player changes.

With only five minutes play left Littleborough, still trailing, were pressing forward on Carlisle line but couldn’t just get through.

Littleborough showed strength in character and performance, especially the players who stepped up, Sam Dickinson, Robert Chadwick, Edward Chadwick, Dominic Kershaw, Ben Joiner, Josh Park and Aaron Jones, who came on as substitute and had an effective game.