The Good the Bad and the Ugly

From the first exchange Fleet gifted their coastal opposition a penalty following a high tackle, Southport 3-0. Having now woken from their slumber Fleet went on the attack, ably bossed by scrum half Gornall with the ball passing through many hands full back Green was rewarded with a try in the corner, a missed conversion so 5-3 in our favour. Fleet were now taking the game to Southport and bustling centre Kerr was making hard yards supported well by fellow centre Edwards. Another break down the flank saw our young springbok Taylor touch down for his debut try to make it 10-3, conversion missed. With the bit between their teeth and plenty of forward momentum in the scrum Fleet was dominant with the back row trio of Maddern, Morley, and Smith creating many a chance to increase the lead, they duly did with Green again showing his opposite number a clean pair of heels to score, converted by Jackson making it 17-3. With possibly a minute until half time and Fleet looking comfortable Southport ran the ball through the defence after good forward possession, crashing over to make it 17-8 at half time.

With the push on for victory expected to put the game out of reach of Southport, Fleet had other ideas. They sat back as if to enjoy the sunshine and allowed wave after wave of attack and no surprises Southport scored 2 unanswered tries with a conversion, by now Fleet 20-17 down. This was followed by an incident of indiscipline on the far touch line which meant players required treatment and the Fleet back line had to be shuffled. Although the home players battled to regain a foothold in the game Southport found space out wide and with the game opening up another try with conversion was leaked, Fleet now behind 27-17. With about 10 minutes left on the clock Fleet dug deep and attacked straight down the middle which reaped the good support play by the forwards for centre Edwards to crash over, Jackson converting to reduce the deficit to 27-24. Time was now running out, however just to keep the home crowd entertained the ball was spun wide which saw the ever present number 8 Smith evade a would be tackler to touch down in the corner for a last minute try, conversion missed. Fleet victorious in a 29-27 thriller.

Reflective of a spaghetti western would best describe this showing which ranged from the good, the bad and the ugly but the never say die spirit from all the players saved the day for Fleet. Overall, for his work rate, and determination with ball in hand the man of the match was voted as number 8 smith, pushed close by 2 try hero Green and the lively Gornall. Next week the Green and Gold bandwagon rolls down to Preston which should be prove to be yet another close encounter!

Report by Dan Jefferson