In a match that served as a fantastic advertisement for grassroots rugby, Fleetwood fought back from an early deficit to secure a sensational 49-33 victory against a determined Orrell side at Melbourne Avenue. The fixture was a high-octane affair, packed with running rugby and spectacular tries.

First Half

The game started brightly for the home side with a quick Fleetwood penalty goal (3-0) and some brilliant phase play. However, Orrell quickly punished some defensive lapses, with their fullback scoring out wide to take the lead (3-7). The visitors extended their control when the Orrell number 10 showcased excellent footwork, dancing through the rush defense to make it 3-14.

Fleetwood finally found their rhythm, orchestrating a superb team try. Following a sustained attacking effort that involved at least 15 phases of rugby and the entire squad, Tom Preistly crashed over for the score (8-14).

Orrell, remaining clinical, worked the ball wide to create an overlap for their third try (8-21).

The crucial turning point came in the final stages of the first half. Tommy Hibbert sparked the comeback, scoring a dazzling converted try after dancing through the defense (15-21).

Moments later, Will Douglas produced a huge break, sprinting two-thirds of the pitch untouched before setting up Shannon Morgan for a converted try, handing Fleetwood the lead (22-21).

A late Fleetwood penalty goal then concluded a dramatic first half, with the whistle blowing at Fleetwood 25 - Orrell 21.

Second Half

Fleetwood carried their momentum into the second half and quickly extended their lead. Tom Priestly bagged his second try in the corner after some great combined work from the backs and forwards (30-21).

Orrell refused to yield and immediately replied with a converted try of their own (30-28), keeping the contest close. However, Fleetwood's superior finishing power began to show. Tommy Hibbert secured his second try after a superb offload from Brett Whitehead in what seems like a telepathic connection, converted (37-28).

Fleetwood had a significant advantage in the scrums and started to use this to generate points in the second half, with Tom Greenwood diving over the line from close range (42-28) after the pack drove Orrell back.

The final Fleetwood, celebratory score came from a scrum move featuring a beautiful cross-field kick by Tommy Hibbert, perfectly collected and finished by hat-trick hero Tom Preistly, who scored his third try, converted (49-28).

Orrell scored a final converted try after some sustained pressure and multiple penalties against Fleetwood just before the full-time whistle, concluding the score at Fleetwood 49 - Orrell 33.

Credit must go to Orrell for their commitment to attacking rugby; they constantly ran the ball, and their back three were a consistent menace. This makes a refreshing change with too many teams not wanting to play, and instead be "anti rugby"

Furthermore, thanks are due to referee Kevin Warwick for allowing the game to flow, making expectations clear and having a consistent approach creating an excellent atmosphere on the pitch and a great showcase for the sport.

The victory was a comprehensive squad and coaching team effort for Fleetwood, built on ruck and scrum dominance and a backline that threatened at every opportunity.

Fleetwood welcome Ramsey to Melbourne Avenue next week.

Match report by Pete Benny