ECCLES SENIOR COLTS Last Sunday the Colts travelled to Kendal determined to improve on a 61-5 defeat dished out in October by strong opponent with a dominant pack and build on the momentum of a very good performance against Makos the previous weekend. Kendal sportingly loaned 14-man Eccles a winger to ensure an even-sided contest and the game kicked off in mild conditions on an excellent 1st team pitch surface. Eccles began with intensity and following a terrific turnover in midfield from Flanker Max Mulligan, kept possession and built pressure to pound away at the Kendal line, with tighthead Big John Saunders eventually smashing through the defence to score the opening try with 6 minutes played (0-5). Kendal equalled the score after 10 mins through a driving maul (5-5) and their forwards continued to truck up the middle with a predictable but effective Pick N Go game resulting in a try on 17 mins (12-5). Eccles responded to this set back superbly and through aggressive attacking rugby Dan Delaney scored under the posts to equal the score (12-12). 2 mins to the break the Kendal winger powered down the right evading tackles to put them ahead at the break in a very competitive first half of rugby, with Eccles very much in the game. (17-12 HT) A frustrating start to the second half however saw the Kendal forwards reassert their truck and trailer and, aided by some contentious play, scoring three times in close succession (34-12). Eccles were in no mood to lie down and battled back with admirable persistence taking the game to the hosts, with sustained pressure providing an opportunity for Alex Speakman to weave through to score (34-17) on 57 mins. Eccles' ferocious and committed tackling, pinned the hosts into their own half. A high chop on the resilient Speakman gave Eccles the opportunity to maintain the pressure on Kendal for an exciting end to the game, only for another PNG drive up the middle to result in a home try with 2 mins to go, much to the audible relief of their support. As with many colts fixtures this season, the final score does not do justice to the effort or character of the lads, the majority of whom are U17s playing in a very competitive U18 division. Kendal, who made the very most of their strong pack, were gracious hosts. It was enjoyable game played in good spirit where, in patches a defiant Eccles played some great rugby. (FT 39-17).
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