Fleetwood show a touch of class

The early exchanges required Fleet to play a defensive game as Hoppers were showing their intent to score some early points. The lack of recent game time was evident as Fleet failed to string any moves together or break into the opposition half. To make matters worse the referee was penalising Fleet at the breakdown which added to the overall frustration. Finally the pressure told with Hoppers taking advantage by crafting a try and conversion, Fleet 7-0 down. Fleet then conceded another penalty which was easily despatched, 10-0 down. With the first half ebbing away like a Rossall tide, Fleet set up an attack from good forward play with fly half Mecklenburgh setting the backs away, however the ball ended up with Jones bursting through tackles to crash over and score, conversion slotted by prop Jackson.

Half time whistle was blown Fleet 10-7 down. Coach Jefferson sensed his team needed some changes and threw caution to the wind with a triple substitution, Hart, Kerr and Brocklehurst replacing Smith, Edwards and Taylor respectively. Almost immediately Fleet were playing with improved vigour and confidence taking the game to the visitors, Kerr broke through the centre beating his man to sublimely offload in the tackle to the supporting Jones who touched down for his second try, Jackson adding the extras, 14-10 to the good. The lead was further extended as the Green and Golds slotted another penalty to take a 7 point lead. On a now rare attack from Hoppers another penalty against Fleet reduced the advantage to 17-13. With Fleet dominating all areas possession and territory wise, it was only a matter of time before another try would come, which it duly did as Jones barrelled over from close range to bag his hat trick, 22-13 up. This was followed up by a fantastic break just inside the Fleet half as Brown took the ball forward before Kerr beat his man and straightened the line then sending winger Parker on his way. He weaved his way past two hapless defenders before touching down under the posts with Jackson adding the extras. The final whistle was greeted with a loud cheer as Fleet deservedly ran out 29-13 winners.

It was the second half performance that created the victory after a massive effort from the forwards- in particular Jackson, Barnes, Hart and young gun Brocklehurst (Jordan) ably supported by half backs Kirton and Mecklenburgh and centre pairing of Brown and Kerr. However it was the aggressive all round display from the rampant second row Jones who was the star of the show! Next week a tough game awaits Fleet as they travel to take on Kirkby Lonsdale.