Frustration fuels defeat

This aspiration was seriously hampered due to a late cry off and not having a full bench to rely on. That said, Fleetwood welcomed the return of fly half Seymour after a couple of years being injured and within 5 minutes Fleet were exercising their forward dominance at the set piece. It looked as though the green and golds could be in for a profitable day when No.8 Smith touched down from the back of a driving scrum to make it 5-0. However the Leigh side full of youngsters had other ideas and soon scored a try themselves making it 5-5. At every scrum and lineout Fleet were either securing or stealing possession the forwards were enjoying plenty of ball. Again, Smith was on hand to score off the back of yet another scrum making it 10-5. Despite further chances to increase their lead Fleet failed to do so.

The message at half time from manager Jefferson was simple, keep possession and allow the forwards to dominate the ball! With Leigh ringing the changes they brought on a number of quicker backs who soon showed their intentions. Before long Leigh levelled the score at 10-10 after poor tackling from the Fleet defence, and shortly after took the lead with a further try and conversion making it 17-10. The forwards were continuing to make yards with the ball in hand, equally the backs were becoming more involved with the returning winger Robinson going close on a couple of occasions. The referee was pulling Fleet for every slight misdemeanour, Smith the recipient of a yellow card for retaliation, both sides down to 14 men, Jackson slotted a penalty making it 17-13. Just when Fleet had clawed their way back the Leigh full back came up with another home try and conversion to go 24-13 ahead, 10 minutes left on the clock. Smith soon bagged his hat trick try in almost a carbon copy of the others, Jackson adding the extras making it 24-20. In the few remaining minutes Fleet went all out attack and came close to scoring, however the referee spotted a knock on and consequently blew for time.

This was a frustrating day all round for those players wearing the green and gold- the harsh reality of the game though related to poor discipline, missed scoring opportunities alongside erratic tackling. However, once again the forwards showed they are dominant force to be reckoned with, in particular youngster Holden who stole loads of line out ball and carried well. The backs showed plenty of endeavour and effort but could not find a way though. So, for his 3 try haul the oldest man in the team by at least 10 years, it was the evergreen Smith who was deservedly awarded the accolade of man of the match. No game next week, Fleetwood are next in action on March 4th at home to Bolton.

Report from Dan Jefferson