Scrappy Fleet secure away win!

The opening exchanges were dominated by defence, a good ten minutes had passed before Fleetwood backs had touched the ball. Poor discipline was punished by Della who converted two quick penalties to go 6-0 up. Eventually a move up field by centre Seymour resulted in re-cycled ball finding stand-off Edwards who crashed over to make it 6-5, Green missing the conversion. Further indecision by the Fleet defence following a chip over the defensive line in our 22 allowed the opposition to pounce of the ball to score, making it 11-5, the conversion missed. Despite this the Fleet scrum was having a field day pushing Della back at a rate of knots, the front row of Foden, Simpkin and Blyth turning ball over. After a sustained period of continued pressure within the Della 22 Fleet failed to capitalise on their territorial advantage, coming away with nothing. To end the half Della scored a penalty making it 14-5.

After half time words of encouragement and straight talking the Green and Golds started brightly, playing in a more controlled manner whilst Della decided to take their frustrations out on the ref who duly sent 1 to the bin. By now confidence was growing and Fleet started to use possession wisely, with number 8 Maddern prominent with ball in hand making a number of hard yards. It was just a matter of time before the tries would come - which they did, Gornall scampered over from close range and Green converted making it 14-12. Key injuries for Della and sustained pressure from Fleet next lead to Blyth scoring, with Green kicking the conversion, the score now 14-19. Good work by returning flanker McAndrew supported well by Burrows, Holden and Holme around the park helped to secure a steady supply of ball with the team growing in confidence the away victory was now becoming a reality. Although Della never gave up the fight to stay in it, a final try from marine man Seymour who beat several defenders resulted was ably converted by Green, the game ending 26-14.

Manager Jefferson and stand in skipper Betty reflected on the game by stating that 'although there were some positive aspects to the second half performance there is room for improvement, as poor discipline at the breakdown could have cost us'. The man of the match was voted as returning powerlifter Maddern, closely followed by youngster Holden who is adapting well to senior rugby in the second row.

Next week Fleetwood host Littleborough at Melbourne Avenue.

Report by Dan Jefferson