Rugby Union: De La Salle RUFC 27 - 24 Littleborough RUFC

Photo: Barry Hobson

Nathan Ripley - De La Salle RUFC v Littleborough RUFC

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A game of two halves for Littleborough RUFC, terrific defending in the first half then brilliant attacking rugby in the second, alas not enough to overcome De La Salle.

At the start Littleborough soaked up opposition attacks, John Doherty again noticeable with strong tackles, also Robert Chadwick noticeably quick around the pitch defending.

Littleborough were hemmed in their own half and it was down to Andy Walton to ease the pressure with good distance clearance kicks downfield.

Selection changes for Littleborough saw Nathan Ripley, now centre threequarter, making effective defensive tackles allowing moments of ball in hand for Littleborough to pass the ball down their backline to winger, Matthew Goldthorpe.

Coming up to the end of the first quarter Littleborough were still holding strong with their defence soaking up attack after attack in their own half.

A good kick downfield to touch by Littleborough’s Captain, Andy Bairstow, gave Littleborough some relief.

A loose ball was picked up by Littleborough and led to their first attacking run but the De La Salle fullback did well to recover the situation.

Robert Chadwick was making strong defensive tackles and Jack Whittles, now at fullback, was fielding high kicked ball well.

De La Salle broke away on right wing for the first try, which they converted.

Start of second half saw Littleborough bring on Ben Irving and  Richard Taylor at scrum half with Chris Park reverting to fullback.

Andy Walton converted a penalty for Littleborough’s first points of the afternoon.

De La Salle team hit back with a successful penalty kick and a second (unconverted) try.

However, Littleborough were playing more on the front foot with more ball possession and team changes brought Goldthorpe back to wing forward where he was well involved in an attacking game.

Finally, pressure by the whole Littleborough team brought their first try by Nathan Ripley. Converted by Walton.

De La Salle hit back again with another five points.

A Littleborough pass was intercepted by the De La Salle threequarter who sped away to score a further converted try.

Littleborough came back, good attack on De La Salle try line by Goldthorpe, followed by good forwards pack play near opponent’s line, resulted finally in a try by Robert Chadwick. Converted by Walton.

With the light fading, Littleborough kept up their forward play and after more positive pressure they scored another try, this time by Jack Whittles. Converted by Andy Walton.

Just three points in it at the end, thanks to a terrific turn around by the whole Littleborough squad.

Man-of-of-the-Match was awarded to Robert Chadwick.