Fleet' pay the penalty!

Despite several regulars missing from the starting line up confidence was high before the whistle. However, once under way a penalty was gifted by Fleet as the ref was hot to penalise both sides around the breakdown area. Resolute defending was required as Trafford spent long periods of time camped in the visitors half in the main due to the number of penalties being conceded. With something like 25 minutes on the clock Fleet broke down the wing into the Trafford 22, but poor execution at the resultant lineout returned nothing with Trafford clearing their lines. Further penalties for Trafford were thankfully scuffed wide as the kicker had left his boots at home. Another venture into the opposition half presented an opportunity to kick a penalty from out wide, sadly prop Jackson managed to strike the upright. After further Fleet indiscretion Trafford finally broke the deadlock and slotted a penalty, 3-0 and the ref had his whistle in his mouth again this time it was for half time!

Fleet could only improve and with the word of ‘discipline’ ringing in their ears the team increased the tempo and levels of aggression. The injured Evans was replaced by Delaney whilst new recruit league convert Mecklenburgh was rested for ‘Sonny Boy’ Kerr to come on at 10. This was shortly rewarded with Jackson calmly kicking a penalty, 3-3. Fleet now appeared to be gaining confidence and taking the game to Trafford, No. 8 Smith was carrying well ably supported by his springbok back row colleague Keagan. Some quality territorial kicks from Kerr behind the advancing wing and full back was now paying dividends as Fleet were playing in the right half of the pitch. A scrum in the opposition 22 saw Fleet push Trafford off the ball which was picked up by Smith who crashed over to snatch a try, Jackson coverted to make it 10-3 to Fleet. However, the theme of the game continued and Fleet gave another penalty away which was taken by the Trafford kicker, 10-6 with 20 minutes to play. The home side broke down the far side of the pitch with the ball carrier evading tackles to score, conversion missed, 11-10 to Trafford. With the time ebbing away like a Fleetwood tide valiant attempts to find some kind of score was thwarted, speedy winger Parker going close. No great escape came to the rescue this week, Trafford held on well for a deserved victory!

The moral of this game was reflected by players and manager alike, it is difficult to contemplate winning a game when giving away something in the region of 16 penalties, coupled with a misfiring set piece. The tackling and overall endeavour of the team could not be faulted as this will need to be taken forward for the tough battles that lay ahead, with that in mind young Keagan Taylor was nominated as man of the match.

Next opponents for Fleet are West Park St, Helens away in 2 week’s time.

Match report from Dan Jefferson