Hope Valley RUFC

Venue: Away
Result: Loss
Final Score: Hope Valley 10 – Eccles 28
Tries:

• Andy Woodall – 1

Conversions:

• Rick Spencer – 1

Penalties:

• Rick Spencer – 1

Match report by Robert Mortimore

An understrength Hope Valley team traveled to Eccles for the game and we would like to extend our thanks to the home side for lending us the players needed.

After their first game of the New Year ending in defeat to Marple at home, Hope Valley were hoping for a return to winning ways.

However it was Eccles who took first point with a mistake made in a scrum not far from Valleys try line. The ball rolled out from valleys end but with no one to defend the loose ball, Eccles took full advantage and ran forward to steal the grounded ball exposing a gap in valleys defensive line, and ran through to score the first try of the game within the first five minutes. Thankfully the home side failed to convert their try and thus the score was 5-0.

After a few minutes of messy play the ball was kicked over the top of the advancing valley forward. Scott Torrance was on hand to collect an awkward bouncing ball and began to push forward with his quick nimble foot work, however he was stopped midway inside the Eccles half with a strong tackle from the opposition defence.

The home side then started to push on and dominate possession, and were proving to be on top of the game. Valley, however, were starting to put some good moves into play and get back into the game.

Eccles mid way through the first half ran toward the valley try line and with a missed tackle from the defence, a gap appeared and the home side ran through to score their second try of the match (10 – 0). Valley showed some positive play but Eccles were proving very strong and fast on the wing. The conversion was taken well and so Valley were down 12 -0 but the game was not out of valleys hands. The traveling supporters urged on their side and valleys heads picked up knowing that it was possible for them to get back into the match.

One of the key factors to Valley getting back into this game needed to be their tackling. Too many times had the home side rallied through for Valley to not make crucial tackles.

Minutes later and Eccles lost their line out on the side of the pitch as the ball was forced through to Valleys defence and with an awkward bounce, Scott Torrance got the loose ball and immediately cleared as a try was imminent by Eccles

The away side at this stage needed to chase the moving ball when kicked by Richard Spencer.

Then due to Eccles handling the ball illegally in the scrum Richard Spencer composes himself well to convert a well deserved penalty and Valley had points on the board 12 – 3!!

Scott Torrance picks up the ball in valleys half making a good run nearer to Eccles try line but with poor support this neat run comes to an end, and a lineout is given to valley which they win but valley loose momentum in the maul.

Half time is signaled. (12 – 3) Hope Valley is still in this game.

Second half kicks off and forward pass from Eccles gives valley a scrum on the half way line.

Valley pushed forwards down the Eccles left wing and on hand to push over the try line is the Valley captain Andy Woodall for a well worked try from the lineout. With an excellent conversion at a tight angle on the far left side of the pitch by Richard Spencer making the score, 12 – 10. Hope Valley is within touching distance of leveling.

Eccles gains a penalty within a few minutes for coming round from the side however the penalty is missed. Eccles are then disallowed a try on the left side of the pitch. The away supporters try to boost their team seeing a possibility to get back into the game.

Valley then drop the ball and Eccles gain a scrum. A superb run form Eccles number 13 down left side but Valley however defend superbly Minutes later and a well worked try from Eccles and conversion to make it 19 – 10. Eccles may be winning at this point but valley haven’t lost either.

Scrum to Eccles but Valley does well to steal the ball thanks to quick hands from Josh Berry playing at scrum half.

Josh Berry takes the ball from the scrum and passes the ball to Richard Spencer who gives the ball a good kick covering a large distance.

Eccles take possession of the ball and make good ground with the ball. Valley show some superb defending and gain back possession. Moments later the valley winger Scott Torrance suffers a tackle around the neck, which is obviously too high.

More well worked play from Hope Valley, but Eccles were on top form that day and gained control of the ball once more and manage to make it all the way to valleys Try line and score their next Try. Which they manage to convert with a good kick from their number 1. Making the final score 26-10.

Valley played well but still managed to keep loosing the ball in the scrum. Eccles get given a penalty due to handling in the maul by valley which Eccles kick, making the score 29-10.

Game over and Eccles win. A brave display from Hope Valley throughout the game.

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