Table top clash

However it was Fleetwood who took the early initiative with the excellent Chris Clapp breaking free for the opening score. Unfortunately the home side could not build on this and were outplayed in the set pieces by a bigger, heavier pack. Fleet did look dangerous when they moved the ball wide with stand-off Dewhirst providing good service to the substantial pairing of skipper Newton and youngster James Thistlethwaite in the centres. Bobby Jones also threatened on the wing with ball in hand. Danny Tomlinson played in the unfamiliar position of full back and adapted well running the ball back to the opponents and kicking well for territory.
However the visitors applied more pressure and soon levelled at 5-5.
Fleetwood continued to struggle up front despite good work in the loose from flanker Graham Wilkinson and some fine line-out possession from James Cameron. Fleet were guilty of giving away too many penalties and the visitors converted one of these as well as adding a second try to take the score to 5-13.
Conditions worsened in the second half with torrential rain making it difficult to play running rugby. Despite the introduction of the impressive David Fairbrother on the flank replacing Danny Maher with a back injury the home side were unable to break down the visitors defence and the score remained at 5-13 until the final whistle-a creditable score against a team who will clearly win the league

Report By Ian Cameron