North 2 West League 30th Sept.

Broughton Park 13 v 3 Bowdon

On a beautiful afternoon, perfect for a game of rugby, Park were under no illusions as to what was expected from this game. Despite once again being without several key players through injuries and unavailabilities, this game was not going to be a repeat of our pre-season romp against Bowdon.

The first twenty minutes was very close with both teams giving as good as they got, and only a silly off side penalty by Park led to an easy kick by the visitors full back, giving Bowdon the first points of the game. However, what was evident from the first quarter of this game was the quality of the 'Park's tackling and defensive work. The line outs were better organised and controlled and the 'Park scrummage was the better of the two packs.

The last quarter of the first half saw the best move of the game with Dave Sutcliffe, making his debut at fullback, came into the line on the blindside at pace and through some excellent ball handling skills saw the ball pass through several pairs of hands until second row John Knight to broke free and romped to the line for Park's first try of the game, a good attempt at conversion just missed wide of the post.

Well into the second half Bowdon give away a kickable penalty and Ronan O'Brien made no mistake with his kick giving Park a little more of a cushion. In the last ten minutes Bowdon gave away a penalty for off side, Ronan O'Brien put the ball deep into the opposition's twenty two for a line out to Park. From a move that gave Park many of their points last season, Mark Poole fought his way over the line for Park's final score.

This was a fine team effort and all the new lad's who came in to fill the gaps left by injuries gave a splendid account of themselves. They should come to Tuesday's training session feeling very proud. To the coaching staff, the players and supporters well done.

We have a hard game next week away at Winnington Park. Good support would help?.

John O'Grady.