6th March 2011 - ECCLES 30 - CULCHETH 10

Eccles entertained Culcheth Eagles on Sunday in a game in which a win would give them the title. The game began well for Eccles, two solid opening sets gave them field position in the Culcheth half. Solid work by Sam Jackson and Jonathon Taylor created space for the backs and when Eze Harper passed to Callum Howells the second row unselfishly fed Jamie Bartlett to score the first try of the game, 4-0. Eccles, perhaps understandably, tried to play too much football in their own half, a mistake on the second tackle of a set gave Culcheth the ball in a great attacking position. Despite good defence by Mike Lynch and Zack Smith, a good grubber on the fifth tackle saw the Culcheth winger dive in for a well taken try, 4-4. Eccles struck back and a clever offload by Sean Kelly to Eze Harper saw the centre feed Jamie Bartlett who’s step and strength carried two defenders over with him for his second try, 8-4. Once again, Eccles attacked, strong running from Zack Dougherty and Ben Currie set the platform for Sean Kelly and Callum Howells to combine to put Eze Harper clear, the centre’s speed and strength taking him past the fullback to score a good try, which he goaled, 14-4 at half time. The second half continued in much the same manner, Culcheth were under pressure on their own line and when a chip by Eze Harper was played at by a Culcheth player, Tom Pratt was on hand to pick up and score an easy try, goaled by Harper, 20-4. Culcheth then had their best spell of the game, helped by a couple of Eccles errors, and when close to the Eccles line managed to force their way over for a well deserved try, 20-10. Again Eccles responded, a great, short ball sending Louis Cook bursting through the line, the prop drew the fullback and sent the supporting Harper through for his second try, goaled, 26-10. The scoring was completed when captain Dion Rothwell dummied his way over from close range, the final score, 30-10.

This was a competent, though far from perfect, performance against a brave Culcheth team, who never stopped trying.   Outstanding for Eccles, in a team effort, were Eze Harper, Jamie Bartlett, Callum Howells, Louis Cook, Jonathon Taylor and Grant Carr.

Eccles have now won 12 from their 14 league fixtures, losing only 1 and drawing 1.    Whilst Thatto and Wigan St Patricks have games in hand, they will not be able to overtake Eccles.

This has been a tremendous effort from the whole squad this season, whilst not always hitting the standard of which they are capable, the team has learnt to win, and are deserved CHAMPIONS! 

20th February 2011 - ECCLES 40 - CROSFIELDS 8

Eccles entertained Crosfields on Sunday in a game they needed to win to ensure promotion.  Crosfields kicked off and an error by Sean Kelly gave them good possession in the Eccles half.  Eccles defended well  but a silly knock on when coming off their line kept the pressure on them, and after the Crosfields  stand off  put  in a good  cross field kick which  the Eccles defence were unable to cover the winger  dived  on the ball for a well deserved try  0-  4.

Eccles struggled to gain control of the game, giving away silly penalties and spilling the ball, this meant they spent a long period without possession.  Eventually Eccles began to take control, and a well worked move saw Sean Kelly send Mike Carter crashing over under the posts, goaled by Harper 6- 4.  Following good play by the forwards a great ball by Eze Harper put Louis Cook though a gap, the prop showing a good turn of speed to score, once more goaled by Harper 12 – 4.  Eccles now had control of the game and when at a scrum in their own twenty Crosfields tried an over ambitious pass Sean Kelly was on hand to pick up well and dart in under the posts again goaled by Harper.18 – 4. This was the half time score

When second half pressure saw Callum Howells crash over, goaled to make the score 24 – 4 the game was safe.  A 40 yard effort by Eze Harper which he goaled, made the score 30 - 4.  This was quickly followed by a Sean Kelly individual effort from 30 yards, converted once more by Harper who was having a good afternoon with the boot to take the score to 36 – 4. 

Crosfields to their credit never gave up and good forward driving followed by fast hands in the backs combined to send the winger in at the corner 36 – 8.  With just a couple of minutes left on the clock Eccles could have just put the ball deep and closed out the game, however a great short kick by Dion Rothwell and a good take by Mike Lynch gave Eccles the ball back, and following hard driving by the pack Jamie Bartlett muscled his way over to leave a final score of Eccles 40 Crosfields 8

Once again this was not a great Eccles performance, perhaps taking their opponents too lightly, however one more win in the last game at home to Culcheth will see them finish as champions.

Mention should be made of the four debutants, Ben Rice, Steve Critchley, Sean Woodward, and Danny Beaumont all of whom acquitted themselves well.   Other strong performances came from Jonathan Taylor, Eze Harper, Mike Carter, Callum Howells and Jamie Bartlett.

13th February 2011 - WIGAN ST. CUTHBERTS 10 - ECCLES 12

Eccles travelled to Wigan St Cuthberts on Sunday  missing three players who had travelled to Cardiff for the millennium weekend.

This was always going to be a tight encounter, and Eccles were not helped by the wet and windy conditions.  Eccles  kicked off, putting the ball deep, a good chase putting Eccles in the St Cuthberts twenty two, however three penalties  in  a row for offside put Eccles back on their own line, and following strong running by the Wigan team they crossed for the first try which was goaled  6- 0.

Eccles kept giving away penalties and making errors on attack, with players going themselves instead of using the line. It looked like this would be the half time score, when strong play by forwards Louis Cook, Callum Howells and Mike Carter,  and good handling from the backs put Jamie Bartlett over in the corner; 6 – 4 at half time. The penalty count at half time was 11-1 against Eccles due to some poor discipline and some dubious refereeing decisions.

Eccles started the second half better despite playing into a strong wind, finally completing some sets, and when fast hands put new boy Zak Kenyon in for a debut try, 6- 8,  it looked as though Eccles might take control of the game.  However Wigan fought back and only great defence, with Zak Smith, Tom Pratt, and Sean Kelly prominent, kept them at bay.  When, after more good forward play, Dion Rothwell dummied his way over to make the score 6-12 with ten minutes left it looked like Eccles would close the game out.   Once again though Eccles failed to complete, losing the ball near the halfway line.   On the resulting set a St. Cuthberts kick bobbled awkwardly evading several defenders, before the chasing Wigan second rower scored with more than a suggestion of a knock on, 10-12. The resulting kick to tie the game with just two minutes left on the clock was missed, leaving the final score 10 – 12 in Eccles favour.

This was not a vintage performance by Eccles, with too many players getting too involved with their opposite numbers instead of playing rugby. It was though a brave effort in poor conditions against a big Wigan side, and a win is a win!  Eccles now have to win their last two games to win the league.

Outstanding for Eccles in a brave team effort were Zak Smith, Jamie Bartlett, Tom Pratt and Louis Cooke.

23rd January 2011 : OLDHAM ST. ANNES 18 - ECCLES 24

Eccles travelled to in-form Oldham St. Annes team who had won their previous 3 games.  Playing on a narrow pitch against a large, physical Oldham side, Eccles began well and great defence from the forwards kept O.S.A in their own half.   Oldham defended bravely, and for the first 20 minutes Eccles were scoreless.   However,  this constant pressure told and Eccles’ Mike Lynch darted over from close range for a try that was converted by Harper (0-6).   Eccles again kept up the pressure, and after good ball movement testing the Oldham defence to the right, the ball was swiftly moved back left and Eze Harper sent Ben Currie for a good try (0-10).   With just 3 minutes left until half time, Eccles failed to take the restart, giving O.S.A field position on the Eccles line. Following a suspiciously forward-looking pass, the O.S.A scrum-half scored near the posts, goaled, making the score 6-10 at half time.

The second half began well for Eccles; the ability of the team to move the ball left then right saw Jamie Bartlett score a well deserved try, goaled by Harper (6-16). Then Dion Rothwell put in a superb kick, well chased by Tom Pratt, who dived over in the corner to score a well deserved try (6-20).   It looked as though Eccles were pulling away, and when quick hands by the backs put Eze Harper in the clear, he scorched in from 50 yards out beating several cover defenders (6-24).    O.S.A battled back well, and after pressure on the Eccles line forced their way over for a deserved try  (12-24).     

The game began to get scrappy, and Eccles showed a lack of discipline when getting involved with frustrated players from the home team.   Oldham’s frustrations eased when their winger beat several would be defenders for a great individual try, goaled by the scrum-half (18-24).  The home team were within reach of a victory and the Eccles supporters began to get nervous.   The lads regained their composure, however, and closed the game out well.

This was not a classic performance by Eccles, however, at this stage of the season the 2 points were the main priority.   Eccles now just need to win 3 more games to gain promotion.

Outstanding for Eccles were Mike Carter, Tom Pratt, Mike Lynch, Louis Cook and Jamie Bartlett.

9th January 2011 : ECCLES 34 - WIGAN ST. CUTHBERTS 4

Eccles entertained a St Cuthberts side who had beaten them earlier in the season in the cup. Coming after their first league defeat of the season against St Pats, it was vital that Eccles won to remain at the top of the league. Eccles started with a mistake, failing to take the kick-off. This gave St Cuthberts good field position, but great defense held out the huge St Cuthberts pack. Unfortunately on the 5^th tackle Eccles conceded a soft penalty which kept them in their own 20 for a further set.  Once more Eccles held on, in fact pushing St Cuthberts back.  On their first set, the Eccles forwards gained huge yards with Mike Carter, Louis Cooke, Ben Currie and Callum Howells prominent.

A Wigan error gave Eccles 6 more tackles and good handling from the backs saw Sean Kelly send Tom Pratt over against a stretched defense. The try was goaled by Eze Harper 6 – 0.

From the kick off the forwards again took the game to Wigan, fine ball work saw Tom Pratt repay the compliment by sending in Sean Kelly 10 – 0. Eccles were totally dominant and a bomb by Harper saw the Wigan full back spill the ball, with Callum Howells following the kick to pick up well and score, goal by Harper  16 – 0. Eccles were playing really well, strong running from acting half by Mike Lynch supported by the rest of the pack, again stretched Wigan and when Tom Pratt put Jamie Bartlett through a hole, the full back streaked over for a great score,  goal Harper, 22 – 0. Some weak defense out wide saw the Wigan scrum half dummy his way through and feed the winger to score in the corner, sending the teams in 22 - 4 at half time.

After the restart, Eccles again dominated, great defensive work from Mike Lynch, Louis Cooke and Ben Currie nullifying the Wigan forwards. Then things began to go wrong for Eccles, Ben Currie was sin binned and almost immediately Charlie Dodds was sent off for a high tackle, a decision which seemed harsh. This left Eccles with 11 men playing 13. Still the team worked hard and when Eccles got into the Wigan half, a high bomb into the sun was fumbled by the Wigan full back, Louis Cooke following up for the try, goal Harper 28 – 4. Eccles scored a second try through Cooke, while still down to 11 men, goaled by Harper 34 – 4.

Ben Currie returned after his sin binning and the team spirit was exemplified in the last minute by Callum Howells, whose last ditch tackle when the Wigan loose forward looked certain to score kept the final score at 34 – 4.

This was a big win for Eccles who remain top of the league, and with four games remaining, promotion is still well within their grasp. This was a magnificent Eccles team effort, all players from 1 – 17 contributed fully. Outstanding for Eccles in a great team display, were Ben Currie, Louis Cooke, Tom Pratt and Callum Howells. Mention should also go to Eze Harper, whose kicking was excellent, and Dion Rothwell, who led the team well despite carrying a leg injury.

21st November 2010 : WIGAN ST. PATS 28 - ECCLES 10

Eccles travelled to an in-form Wigan St Pats on Sunday. It was obvious from the start that St Pats were up for this game, with hard tackling from the forwards pushing Eccles back. Eccles completed the opening set despite this pressure and kicked deep. However weak tackling allowed Wigan once more to put pressure on the Eccles line. Eccles drove the ball out well but failure to complete the set, spilling the ball on the fifth tackle allowed St Pats to continue to press the Eccles line, finally crossing for a well deserved score – 4-0. Once more St Pats returned the kickoff well, their fullback and centre prominent. Further failures to complete sets kept Eccles in their own half, again leading to a Wigan score -8-0. Finally Eccles began to get into the game. Good ball movement by the backs saw Jamie Bartlett break down the left. Although he was held up, the ball was moved swiftly to the right to Louis Cooke who broke the stretched defence to score a good try which was goaled by Harper – 8-6. Once more though Eccles were their own worst enemy, failing to clear their lines, leading to another St Pats try – 12-6 at half time.

The second half continued in much the same vein, Wigan extending their lead to 18-6. Eccles now began to show some fight and a great run by Eze Harper, beating several men, almost lead to a try but the referee disallowed it for a double movement. However St Pats responded immediately, scoring again to take the score to 24-6. Good driving by Louis Cooke and Mike Carter and quick hands by the backs saw Tom Pratt crash over in the corner. Harper was unfortunately unable to goal – 24-10. St Pats scored a late try to make the final score Wigan St Pats 28-10 Eccles.

This was a very disappointing result for Eccles. The old problems of completion and indiscipline finally costing them a game. However, the team remain top of the league with just five games to play and promotion is still within their grasp. However, although excuses could be made with the absence of several players, there will have to be an improvement all round before the next game.

Outstanding for Eccles in a hard game were Jamie Bartlett, Grant Carr and Eze Harper.

14th November 2010 - ECCLES 18 - THATTO HEATH 10

On Sunday Eccles entertained a high flying Thatto team.    Both teams have only dropped one point this season when they played each other in a draw game at Thatto.   The game began with Eccles failing to get out of their half.  Thatto moved the ball well and despite solid Eccles defence, a good grubber saw Thatto get a repeat set. This led to the first try, scored out wide by the Thatto fullback 0-4. Eccles responded well, strong running from the props Mike Carter and Louis Cook backed up by the rest of the forwards gave Eccles the field position for captain Dion Rothwell to dummy and step past 3 defenders to score near the sticks, goaled by Harper – 6-4. Despite both teams going close this was to be the half time score.

The game was tight with both teams giving their all on defence. Once again strong forward play by Eccles, with Jonathan Taylor and Callum Howells prominent saw Dion Rothwell send Louis Cook crashing over, carrying 2 men with him. Converted by Harper for 12-4. Eccles should now have taken control of the game but the old failure to complete sets kept Thatto in the game. After sustained pressure and another good kick which resulted in a repeat set, the big Thatto No. 10 was able to barge over from close range – 12-10. The game was now anybody’s to win. Both sides weighing in with some big hits and both teams spilling ball. This was turning into a game where the team who wanted it most were going to win. Despite again failing to complete sets, Eccles eventually got field position 30 yards from the Thatto line. Louis Cook, despite having an overlap on the left, opted to put in an up and under. Fortunately the Thatto winger spilt the ball and Cook, following up his own kick well, pounced to score. Eze Harper converting a pressure kick well – 18-10.

Thatto now threw everything at Eccles. Courageous defence from all the team held Thatto out. Final score Eccles 18-10 Thatto.  At times this was not a pretty game and Eccles’ old failure of not completing sets kept Thatto in the game. However great team spirit and much improved discipline helped Eccles secure an important and morale boosting win.

Outstanding for Eccles in a great team effort were Louis Cook and Mike Carter. Good support from Tom Pratt, Callum Howells, Jonathon Taylor and Dion Rothwell, who played despite being unwell.   Mention should also go to a 100% goal kicking record by Eze Harper.

7th November 2010 - LATCHFORD ALBION GIANTS 16 - ECCLES 30

Eccles travelled to Warrington needing a win to stay top of the league at the half way stage. Despite a poor first set Eccles looked the stronger team and a midfield break by Mike Lynch followed up by good forward support and good handling by the backs put Saul Press in the clear and his speed and strength saw him beat two men to score out wide – 0-4.

Strong play down the left lead to Mike Lynch scoring close to the posts, the try goaled by Harper – 0-10. At this stage it looked like it was going to be a comfortable afternoon for Eccles, but too many players playing as individuals and Eccles’ old failings of penalties and poor completion allowed Latchford back into the game with them scoring twice, gaoling one, to go in 10-10 at the break.

The game was scrappy with neither side dominating when Jamie Bartlett crossed for a good individual try - goaled by Harper for 10-16. Eccles should now have taken control of the game, but continued errors and back chat to the referee kept Latchford in the game. When their prop score to make it 16-16 Eccles were struggling. Fortunately Eccles began to play the football that they are capable of, with Jamie Bartlett crossing again for another converted try, to make the score 16-22. Eccles were now completing their sets and moving the ball well as they can and good hands and a well timed pass by Sean Kelly put Jamie Bartlett in on the right for his hat trick – 16-26. Movement to the left and fast hands to Harper saw him in on the opposite wing, giving a flattering final score of 16-30.

This was not a convincing Eccles performance although a great deal of credit should go to a brave Latchford side who never stopped battling, belying their league position. This said, Eccles are now top with Thatto Heath and are in a strong position to push on for promotion.

Outstanding for Eccles were Jamie Bartlett, Mike Lynch, Zach Smith and Mike Carter.

31st October 2010 - CULCHETH EAGLES 12 - ECCLES 26

Eccles travelled to an in form Culcheth team on Sunday. A good first set and Dion Rothwell bomb put Culcheth under early pressure with their fullback dropping the ball. The resulting set saw good hands put Jamie Bartlett in on the right hand side – 0-4. Eccles forwards ran and tackled well, containing the big Culcheth pack and following a big drive by Connor Sherwin and good support by the rest of the forwards, quick hands in the backs saw Eze Harper race in on the left – 0-8. Eccles were now in complete control with the pack dominant giving the platform for the backs to cause all sorts of problems for Culcheth. A beautiful short ball by Dion Rothwell and a great running angle by Callum Howells saw him gallop over from 10 yards for a good try, goaled by Harper – 0-14. Eccles never looked like conceding a try. Forwards and backs both dominant over the opposition. Once more good hands freed Harper to score his second try which he goaled sending Eccles in 0-20 at the break. 

The 2^nd half resumed in much the same fashion. A backs’ move from the scrum almost sent Jamie Bartlett in under the posts.  A quick play the ball sent Ben Currie in through a stretched defence, again goaled by Harper – 0-26. Things then began to go wrong for Eccles as they lost Callum Howells to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle. In his absence Culcheth scored 2 tries to pull the score back to 12-26. A failure to control the ball and ill discipline kept Culcheth in the game, however they were unable to score again, final result Culcheth 12-26 Eccles.

This was a good Eccles win with some brave tackling notably from Ben Currie, Mike Lynch and Tom Pratt, although all the forwards contributed. However once again Eccles allowed a weaker team back into the game. This inability to put away teams and control games may prove costly in some of the tougher matches to come.

Outstanding for Eccles were Tom Pratt, Dion Rothwell, Jamie Bartlett, Callum Howells and Eze Harper.

17th October 2010 - Eccles 36 - Oldham St. Annes 24

Eccles entertained St Annes at home on Sunday 17^th October. Had Oldham won, they would have leapfrogged Eccles into 2^nd place in the table.

Eccles did not start well, with poor ball retention giving encouragement to St Annes. Fortunately Eccles defence was sound and following the first completed set, Eccles opted to run on the 5^th rather than kick. Good hands sending in Jamie Bartlett, who scythed through the St Annes defence to score near the posts, Harper goaled (6-0). Shortly afterwards, captain Dion Rothwell jinxed through to make the score (10-0).

Poor defence at the kick off combined with some poor handling and penalties kept the visitors in the game, with their scrum half dummying his way over from close range (10-6). Once again, superb footwork from Dion Rothwell saw him beat several defenders to score a great individual try, which was goaled by Eze Harper (16-6).  Eccles continued to make errors and two penalties gave St. Annes the field position to score again, sending the teams in 16-12 at half time.

Eccles began the second half strongly, with good yardage by the forwards enabling Louis Cooke to break the line and round the fullback from 40 yards out (22-12).  It looked like Eccles would run away with the game but once more, giving away a penalty whilst in possession, gave St. Annes the opportunity to score again (22-18).  Once again good forward play gave the field position for Sean Kelly to dummy his way over from close range, goaled by Harper (28-18).  Eccles were now on top and good handling saw Eze Harper put in the clear 40 yards out and his pace beat the cover for a great try.   Still Eccles allowed St. Annes back into the game and a stupid penalty for arguing with the referee once more gave them the field position to score.  Eccles responded well, and good hands saw Callum Howells crash over for a deserved try giving a final score of 36-24.

Yet again this was not a vintage performance,  and Eccles have still to hit top form after failing for a second game to `put away` weaker opposition. However the team’s results of 3 wins and 1 draw from 4 games played leaves them second in the division and well placed for promotion. Outstanding performances came from Callum Howells, Mike Carter, Louis Cooke, Jamie Bartlett and Eze Harper.

26th September 2010 - ECCLES 20 - WIGAN ST. PATRICKS 10

Eccles entertained Wigan St Patricks on Sunday, a team who are expected to be near the top of the table at the end of the season.  Good early sets from Eccles put St Pats under early pressure. In St Pat’s half a big push at the scrum caused the scrum half to fumble.  The ball was hacked on by Ben Currie who then picked to offload to Sean Kelly who handed on to Tom Pratt to score.  This was goaled by Eze Harper

(6-0).

Once again Eccles controlled the ball well and good field position put them in a position close to the St Pats line.  A planned move and a clever pass by Sean Kelly sent big Mike Carter crashing over, again converted by Harper  (12-0).   Eccles were now dominant and the only time St Pats were able to get field position was on the back of Eccles penalties.  They were still however unable to score due to dogged defence.   Eccles got out of their half and pressure by Jamie Bartlett, following a Dion Rothwell high kick,  saw the St Pats winger lose the ball, which was hacked on by Mike Lynch who ran 30 yards to score.

Eze Harper was unable to convert this one, his attempt hitting the upright  (16-0).  A switch at the scrum from blind to open by Eze Harper, followed by a good dummy, saw him send Tom Pratt in out wide. Harper’s conversion attempt again hit the post, sending Eccles in 20-0 up at half time.  Mention must be made of Eccles’ completion rate in the first half which was an excellent 13 from 15.

The second half was not so impressive. An inability to complete sets and the old problem of giving away penalties saw Eccles under almost continuous pressure.  This eventually told with the big St Pats prop barging over for a try which was converted (20-6).   This pattern continued for the rest of the second half despite some good tackling from Louis Cooke and Zach Smith.  Pressure inevitably told and St Pats scored a try wide out, which they were unable to convert (20-10).  Eccles were determined not to let this one slip and last ditch tackling meant there were no further scores.   Final score Eccles 20-10 Wigan St Pats.

The completion rate in the second half was 3 from 11 and players must realise the importance of controlling the ball and therefore the game.

This was however, overall a very good Eccles performance. The first half being the first time this season the team has performed to its capabilities and with 2 wins and a draw from our opening league fixtures Eccles are now up near the top of the division and well placed for promotion this season.

Outstanding performances came from Tom Pratt, Zach Smith and Sean Kelly.

NORTH WEST COUNTIES CUP

19th September 2010 - ECCLES 26 - WIGAN ST. CUTHBERTS 32

Eccles entertained St Cuthberts in the North West Counties Cup on Sunday.  Eccles began poorly, failing to complete their first set, quickly followed by a soft penalty, putting them on their own line and despite good defence for 3 sets they were unable to hold out for the fourth – 0-6 to St Cuthberts.  Eccles hit back immediately with strong driving leading to a Louis Cooke try, goaled by Eze Harper 6-6.   Poor set completion gave Wigan the ball and a clever kick by their scrum half sent their winger away for a 50 yard try – 6-12.   St Cuthberts grew in confidence and with the help of a 60 yard interception try and a try on the left wing went in 6-22 at half time.

Eccles started the 2^nd half much better, forwards controlling the ball and gaining yards. Then for the first time in the game Eccles started to use their backs, good hands putting in Eze Harper for a try which he converted – 12-22.   Eccles started to move the ball wide, causing St Cuthberts problems, with Jamie Bartlett going in for a try making it 16-22.   A further try from Mike Lynch made it 20-22.   St Cuthberts were now reeling.   Big hits from Ben Currie and Louis Cooke caused Wigan to lose possession.  Eccles moved up field and more pressure lead to a try for Jonathan Taylor, again goaled by Harper, saw Eccles take the lead – 26-22 with 3 minutes remaining.   Eccles failed to close out the game, misfielding the kick off and dropping the ball on the 6^th on the following set, enabling St Cuthberts to level – 26-26. Fortunately they missed the conversion, sending the game into extra time.   A silly penalty in the first period of extra time combined with poor tacking lead to a St Cuthberts break away try – 26-32.   Despite further Eccles pressure the game was lost, St Cuthberts winning deservedly 26-32.

Despite a courageous 2^nd half fight back this was not a good Eccles performance. A failure to complete sets and silly penalties cost them the game. With a big league match next week against Wigan St Pats, Eccles must improve.

Outstanding for Eccles were Louis Cooke, Ben Currie and Tom Pratt.

12th September 2010 - THATTO HEATH 18 - ECCLES 18

Eccles travelled to Thatto Heath (St.Helens) on Sunday to visit one of their rivals for promotion.  Eccles started well with the forwards running well against a wound up Thatto team.  A high bomb in windy conditions by Dion Rothwell and pressure from Jamie Bartlett lead to the Thatto winger spilling the ball, which was snapped up by Sean Kelly for the first try of the game.  Converted by Eze Harper  (0-6).  

Thatto Heath responded well, helped by penalties conceded by Eccles, and scored a try of their own to make it 4-6. Eccles found touch with the kick off and following the scrum good three quarter play by the backs saw Tom Pratt storm in for a try, which was again goaled by Harper, to make it 4-12 at the break.

The start to the second half was disastrous for Eccles.  Poor forward defence allowed Thatto to make big yards down the middle and when they moved the ball out wide Eccles were short of numbers and conceded a second try  (8-12).  Further lack of discipline, poor defence, lack of ball control and penalties allowed Thatto to score their third try, which this time was goaled, to give them a 14-12 lead. With time running out Eccles’ forwards took the game to Thatto Heath, this pressure lead to Lewis Cooke forcing his way over for a well deserved try, again converted by Harper to put Eccles in the lead once more at 14-18.  With only two minutes left on the clock Eccles should have seen the game out but a mistake from the kick off gave Thatto the opportunity to score wide out -18-18. Their kicker narrowly missed the last kick of the game to leave a final result of 18-18.

Outstanding performances from Eccles came from Ben Currie, Tom Pratt and Jamie Bartlett, with a mention to Lewis Cooke and Eze Harper who’s goal kicking in the windy conditions earned Eccles the draw.

With tough games to come against Wigan St Cuthberts and Wigan St Patricks, Eccles will have to up a gear both in performance and discipline!

5th September 2010 - ECCLES 28 - LATCHFORD ALBION GIANTS 4

Sunday saw the first game of the season for the under 16s, an opening league fixture against Latchford.

Latchford had had the benefit of a pre season friendly, however it was Eccles who began strongest, putting the Latchford line under pressure on several occasions. However due to over eagerness and the pushing of passes, Eccles failed to make the pressure tell and after a scoreless opening ten minutes, Latchford got down the Eccles end, and despite a try saving tackle by Sean Kelly, they shortly afterwards took  the lead 4 – 0.  This stung Eccles who responded almost immediately with a try by Dion Rothwell, goaled by Eze Harper 6 – 4.

Good yardage by the forwards and good support play by Dion Rothwell led to a try by Ben Currie 10 – 4. Despite good efforts by Mike Lynch and Louis Cooke and further Eccles territorial advantage, the half time score remained 10 – 4.

The second half showed some Eccles improvement, strong running by Zack Smith led to another Rothwell try, goaled by Harper 16 – 4. Eccles now had control of the game with the forwards dominant. A classy dummy and change of pace by Harper saw him score a great individual try which he also goaled 22 – 4.

A tiring Latchford were unable to prevent Dion Rothwell completing his hat trick, again goaled by Harper, final score 28 – 4.

This was not a vintage display by Eccles (first games rarely are) but with this game under their belt things will hopefully improve for next week’s visit to Thatto Heath.

JUNE 2010 - Successful Festival at Crosfields.

Crosfields Rugby Festival 19/6/10

Eccles travelled to Crosfields to take part in their summer tournament. Games were of 7½ minutes each way, 13 a-side.  Teams involved were Eccles, Crosfields, Woolston, Latchford Giants and Widnes Moorfield.  

Eccles’ first match was against an improved Latchford team. Despite dominating the first half Eccles made hard work of this one - but run out 14-8 winners with tries for Tom Pratt, Jamie Bartlett and Dion Rothwell, plus a goal from the latter.

Next up was Crosfields.  In this game Eccles showed what they were capable of, with good handling and support play. Tries to Tom Pratt, Jamie Bartlett (3) and Louis Cook (2). 3 goals to Eze Harper and 1 to Dion Rothwell. Result 32-0.

The third game was conceded by Woolston.

This left a final game against a strong Widnes Moorfield outfit who have gained several players this season. This was another game in which Eccles errors and penalties kept the opposition in the game, although in the players’ defence there had been a long delay between games. Eccles won this one 14-10, with tries from Tom Pratt, Jamie Bartlett and Eze Harper who also added 1 goal.

Although there were no official winners of this tournament Eccles were the only team to go through undefeated. This was a good effort from all involved at times showing the ability this team has, whilst showing that there is still plenty of work to do. (Coaches are never happy!)

There were outstanding performances from Louis Cook, Dion Rothwell and Jamie Bartlett, as well as good work from Ashton Cummerson and Grant Carr.

Tournament Stats

Tries: Jamie Bartlett 5, Tom Pratt 3, Louis Cook 2, Eze Harper 1, Dion Rothwell 1

Goals: Eze Harper 4, Dion Rothwell 2

SUNDAY 18th APRIL 2010

Eccles versus St.Cuthberts

Eccles & Salford Juniors U15’s v Wigan St Cuthbert’s U15’s

Eccles U15’s travelled to Wigan St Cuthbert’s on 18^th April in a North West Counties friendly fixture and came away with an emphatic 32-16 victory.   St Cuthbert’s were full of confidence having won the 3^rd division by 10 points, losing only one match in the process. They had also beaten 2^nd division opponents Crosfields, and lost narrowly to St Pats, 22 – 26, in the North West Counties cup.  Eccles travelled with only 14 players due to injuries and the unusual occurrence of players being stranded abroad due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland.

ESJ started well, taking the game to Wigan, with Ben Currie particularly prominent. On the back of this strong play, quick hands led to Jamie Bartlett scoring in the corner, well goaled by Eze Harper 6 – 0. Poor discipline then led to back to back penalties which surrendered field position resulting in a St Cuthbert’s try in the corner, 6 – 4. Another penalty resulted in a good set of six by St Cuthbert’s, and the failure to deal with  a high kick led to a second St Cuthbert’s try which was converted, 10 – 6. ESJ came back strongly and good forward play by  Zac Smith and Ben Currie helped set up a try for Callum Howells, sending the teams in level 10 -10 at half time.

The second half saw Eccles playing up the hill, which was going to be a difficult task against a much bigger Wigan pack, but ESJ dug in and improved discipline and ball control saw them take control of the game. Tries by Lewis Cooke (2) and Eze Harper (1) plus 2 goals by Harper took the score to 26 – 10. A good controlled set and bomb led to a second try for Callum Howells goaled by Harper, 32 – 10. Wigan’s loose forward scored a deserved try late on making a final score of 32 – 16.

This was a very gutsy performance with only 14 players against a confident St Cuthbert’s 17. Outstanding performances came from Ben Currie, Callum Howells and Tom Pratt, but this was most of all a great team effort, which bodes well for next season.