By Graham Kenyon
Fylde clinch hard-fought game at Fleetwood to beat local rivals by 4 points.

Fylde open with a short kick-off, which led into nearly 10 minutes of a battle between the two 22-meter lines, each side fighting hard to retain possession and turn over. The first try came in the 9th minute when Fleetwood manage to break through deep into Fylde territory, and capitalise with a strong runs from the Centres, supported by the Back Row. The conversion was not forthcoming.

Following the restart, Fylde win a scrum which they capitalise with, and swamp the Fleetwood defence, earning a converted try in the 13th minute. Fleetwood’s restart is aimed mid-way in Fylde’s half, and is swiftly followed by end-to-end stuff from both teams, seeing Fylde capitalise from another scrum to swamp Fleetwood’s defensive line, to score a second try in the 16th minute, which was not converted.

A similar restart from Fleetwood see Fleetwood regain the ball until a knock-on forces a scrum to Fylde. Fylde win the scrum, and kick, but unfortunately much of the team is off-side and the ball is brought back for a penalty to Fleetwood. This is taken quickly, and Fleetwood gain a second try on 21 minutes, not converted. Fleetwood quickly capitalise on this, by running the ball back and repeatedly smashing the Fylde defence to gain another try in the 24th minute, leaving the half-time score at 15-12.

The second half continued with increased vigour from both sides, as neither want to concede the game. Fylde score a further two converted tries, but Fleetwood rally to gain another converted try at 45 minutes. The last 15 minutes of the game was a serious battle, with Fylde thwarting Fleetwood’s relentless attacks time and again.

Final score: Fleetwood 22, Fylde 26. Well fought, both teams.