Not So Sunny Beginings at Southport

A new season began, and the same problems from the previous season continued. Varying reasons for not being available and Saturday morning cry offs, led to both 2nd team and club debuts, with some lads playing out of their regular positions.

The game started in good spirits as Fleetwood did well to hang on in the opening exchanges, making their tackles and setting the defence. At this rate, 'Fleet had a glimmer of hope that they could hold off and Frustrate Southport. This wasn't to be, 'Port used their experience and speed to break the line and score. Unfortunately this became a running theme and the hosts started walking in the tries.

A brief reprieve of the onslaught occurred shortly before half time, when a home player stayed down after a tackle. Play was stopped whilst he was assessed, but sadly his game ended in the back of the ambulance. We'd all like to wish him a speedy recovery.

Play was transferred from the big, wide first team pitch, to the more modestly sized 2nd team pitch. Which did help 'Fleet, as they had less ground to cover.

As play continued Fleetwood started to get tired legs and were chasing shadows and large scoreline became inevitable. The full time whistle was a sound to be cherished by the end for the battered and bruised away team.

Full Time: Southport 2s 90 v 0 Fleetwood 2s

I'd like to thank all the lads who could make it this week, putting a shirt on and doing their bit for the club! I couldn't of asked for anymore from you.

Man Of The Match

A little bit of a tricky one this week. Despite the result, everyone did put a decent shift in. The forwards who stood out were Wood, Heer and Jeffrey, and in the backs, new Canadian import Canning impressed, as did last season's colts, Rothery and Hargreaves.

On balance, I have decided to give the award to Reece Heer. He was very good at the breakdown and made a nuisance of himself in open play (and in general).

The Weekly Sam Pook Report

Sam didn't even bother to show up. Hiding somewhere on a ship in the North Sea. It's not big or clever pal. Hope you make amends next week before your op. Line Outs definitely still need some work though.

Next Week

No 1st or 2nd team games on the 8th September. The Third team Host Wigan 2s at Melbourne Avenue. If you want to get involved, please get in touch with new 3rd team Captain Rob Mangan, 07801950105.

The next Second team fixture is on the 15th September, where Fleetwood Host Tarleton 2s.

Photos

Photos taken from a Southport club member: https://www.angus-matheson.co.uk/p484595272/hb59e02cb#hb59e02cb

Squad: 15. Kirkbride; 14. Kilburn; 13. Hargreaves; 12. Rothery; 11. Doherty; 10. Canning; 9. Howe; 1. Wood; 2. Mangan; 3. Foden; 4. Pajak; 5. Bridge; 6. Heer; 7. Jeffrey; 8. Buzza; 16.Young