Tale of Two Halfs

After not being able to play a game for a month, the Fleetwood boys were chomping at the bit to get out on the pitch and do what they do best on a Saturday afternoon. Being at home and being able to play on the 2nd team pitch for the first time this season, gave the boys hope for a good result.

Fleetwood started brightly and took the game to Southport, but they could not take advantage of their good start. Southport didn't need a second invitation and took the initiative to pounce on a Fleetwood mistake to score under the posts.

The home side did not sit and dwell on their error for long though. From the kick off, Fleet retained possession, drawing a penalty. Quick thinking from Scrum Half Pearce, as he took the quick tap, passing the ball to returning half back partner Evans, who spotted a gap and scored near to the sticks.

At this point Fleet thought they were back on track. But Southport and the weather did not get the memo. The away side took advantage of the strong wind and Blizzards blowing in the home side's faces and started scoring the tries.

As the snow calmed down, the lads started to get back into the game. Skipper Foden picked the ball up at the back of the ruck, brushing off the guard to run straight at the away full back, only to power himself through the tackle to score.

Scrum half Pearce was next to score shortly before the end of the first half, spotting a gap in the defensive line and managing to muscle himself over the line to get the ball down.

The half time team talk was simple, up the intensity, up the defensive rate and use the wind to our advantage.

Unfortunately, the wind died down, nullifying the advantage.

Soon after the Kick off, Evans got the ball just inside the oppositions half, he looked up and saw a massive gap, allowing him to weave his path through to score under the posts.

Fleetwood starting taking control of the game and it was only frustrating mistakes from the home side and questionable calls from the official that kept Fleet from taking the lead.

With sustained pressure in the away 22, a uncharacteristic good line out from Pook, allowed the forwards to get the drive on. One textbook driving maul later and No. 8 Taziker came away grounding the ball to score.

Southport striked back shortly afterwards as one of their plays broke through several tackles to run out wide to score.

Fleetwood completing the scoring with Evans getting his hat-trick.

FT 34 - 45

Tries: Evans (3); Foden; Pearce; Taziker.
Conversions: Pearce (2)

Both teams showed some awesome attacking plays. But sadly the defence was not there.

Highlights were the counter rucking and backs link up.

Man of the Match

A couple of lads did show their class and put in a good shift, this includes Taziker in the Forwards and Pearce and Maddern in the backs. But there was really only one choice for man of the match, returning Tom Evans. Tom linked the play very well, made his tackles and the little matter of scoring three tries.

The Weekly Sam Pook Report

Sam was back from sea, and despite the weather, didn't do too badly in the line outs.

Team: 15. Clarke; 14. Bowker; 13. Maddern; 12. Kerr; 11. Birks; 10. Evans; 9. Pearce; 1. Foden; 2. Pook; 3. Gregson; 4. Mitchell; 5. Wood; 6. Gornall; 7. Delaney; 8. Taziker. 16. Buzza; 17. McKinnon.

Next Week

Fleetwood are away to local rivals Thornton Cleveleys