Rugby Union: Littleborough RUFC 23 - 29 Carlisle RUFC

Littleborough RUFC

In wet playing conditions that may have seen the game called off, Carlisle coped with the conditions best to come away from Littleborough with victory.

Immediately from kick off Littleborough opened the scoring with an individual try by fullback, Chris Park. Converted by Alex West.

A converted penalty by West gave Littleborough a 10 point lead after only 10 minutes play.

Carlisle attacked with a solo break into Littleborough’s 22 metres but with no support Littleborough nullified the danger.

Carlisle were having more of the ball into the second quarter of the game and opened their scoring with an unconverted try.

Littleborough hit back with a break by Park who neatly fed the ball to winger Liam Lloyd to score Littleborough’s second try. Converted by West.

Right on half time Carlisle crossed the line for their second try. Which was converted.

Half Time: Littleborough RUFC 17 - 12 Carlisle RUFC

During the interval, the players met with a past captain of Littleborough (in 1961), Graham Starkey.

Early in the second half Littleborough's Cosmin Gabriel had to leave the field of play through injury and was replaced by past first team player Stuart Irving.

Good strong play by all Littleborough players took play into Carlisle half were Park, playing really well, showed effortless running forward with ball in hand, which eventually lead to a further converted penalty by West.

Carlisle hit back with their third try. Aagain successfully converted.

Only a few minutes later Carlisle crossed the try line again to take the lead for the first time with only 15 minutes of play left.

Carlisle  crossed the line again for their fifth try to further increase their lead.

Just before the final whistle, Littleborough’s West converted a penalty to narrow the points difference but Carlisle saw the game out to win by six points.

A club spokesperson said: "Carlisle are top of the league and deservedly so after today’s performance.

"Littleborough, on home ground, made a fantastic start to the match playing some great rugby as a team and had a points lead for three quarters of the game but eventually were caught and beaten by a top side.

"This does not detract from the quality rugby Littleborough are now playing, just the opposite and congratulations go to the ‘man-of-the-match’ Chris Park for his try and contribution to Littleborough’s performance."