Hope Valley RUFC

Saturday 23rd February
Hope Valley 7 – 40 Eccles
Report by Robert Mortimore

On a cold windy day Hope Valley were looking for a second win against Eccles. Valley began kicking up field against a strong wind. Adam Cornes gaining distance into Eccles half with strong kicking. Mike at number 11 made a strong tackle on the wing.
The away side scored first with a well worked try. Andy Woodall made some low, strong tackles. Rory Williams played well at scrum half. Tom Hodgson and Scott Torrance made plenty of strong surging runs with brilliant support from Mel Maylor, Jonny Elliot, Will Marsh and Adam Russell.
Valley’s Lee Jones raced over for the home side’s only try of the day converted by Nick Hoyle. Eccles put more points on the board. Dave Warren, Will and Paul Wayne combined well together.
Nick Hoyle contested well for the ball on the right. Adam Russell pulled down the Eccles front line showing his upper body strength. Luc Charmsson took the ball well from a lineout making a strong run after Adam Cornes had been high tackled unnoticed by the referee. Eccles pilled on the points but Valley didn’t give up.
Tom Hodgson punt kicked and chased the ball coming tantalising close to the try line.
Matt Shaw came on in the 2nd half on the wing and put together some great runs down the wing. Eccles were showing their strength in their front and back row and with more tries and conversions widened the gap.
Valley’s support play was unquestionable but they were being pushed back by a thorough Eccles front row.
Scott Torrance was driven back unfairly earning his side a penalty. Tom Skelton put in some brave tackles towards the end but Valley’s brave effort was ended by the final whistle. They had been outgunned by a stronger pack.

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