Fleet sunk in battle

Rather than wait for the hosts to reveal their game plan the green and gold contingent showed intent within the first few minutes . It was from the well functioning line out that Fleet scored a try, Seymour rising well to take clean ball. He was supported by a group of his forwards who rolled the ball round which resulted in the portly Astin crashing` to score, Kerr adding the extras, 7-0. By now the visitors were taking everything at scrum time, the front row of Foden, Astin and O’Hara were showing their opposite numbers how the merits of driving low and hard pay dividends. However, Fleet were just too loose with ball in hand, time after time taking the wrong options only to surrender possession or concede penalties. Littleborough cashed in on one such error by kicking for goal, 7-3. Despite this further forward pressure resulted in what looked like a well worked try for No. 8 Seymour who touched down, the referee was unsighted and clearly had no trust in linesman Seymour senior as the effort was chalked off. After lots of effort for little reward the first half petered out with no further scores.

The second half continued in much the same vain with far too many penalties conceded but at least Fleet were looking to expand play out wide and utilise the pace of wingers Obiorah and Birks. The main problem was that the ball was coming out at a slow pace, so it proved difficult for either centres Kerr and Fyall or full-back Morley to achieve much penetration. Boro were now gaining more of foothold in the game and came up with a well worked try making it 8-7. Further indiscipline from Fleet gifted their hosts a penalty which was duly despatched, making it 11-7. Not wanting to let the game slip the visitors continued to drive forward but were met with some ferocious tackling. To add further misery to the autumn day, Boro chased down a ball deep into the Fleet territory with the full back being taken out off the ball, the attacker touching down. Everyone including the spectators expected the referee to disallow the effort , but sadly nothing materialised, extras taken to boot, 18-7 down. With time left to play ebbing away and Fleet now resembling a trawler listing on a sandbank, every late effort came to nothing, the encounter gradually fizzling out.

Overall, whilst manger Jefferson praised his players for their efforts and defensive play the game was one that should have been won. It was a case of too many wrong options coupled with poor discipline that was the downfall of Fleet. That said, the positives taken were the decent performances from the forwards, notably the returning Holme and Heer showing touches of quality. It was the starting No.8 Seymour who later switched to inside centre who deservedly earned himself the man of the match award for his ball carrying and all round contribution. Next week De La Salle visit Melbourne Avenue where the second string will look to return to winning ways.

Report by Dan Jefferson