The winds of change have been evident this preseason at Birstall with a new captain, loads of new faces and a new, very tight kit. All these factors came together perfectly to begin the 2012/13 campaign with a win.
The new kit must have dazzled the opponents as straight from their kick off Cosby conceded 3 penalties, from which the green dogs built up pressure and pinned Cosby back into their 22.
The first half was near total domination for Birstall. The breakthrough came when Karl Harby crashed through to score under the posts, converted by Greg Fowler.
Cosby replied shortly after with a penalty neatly slotted by their 10 from the left hand side of the pitch about 30m out.
Shortly before half time Chris Byrne showed a surprising turn of pace to score what can only be described as a once in a lifetime try. He broke through the Cosby defence on their 10 meter line to out sprint their backs from 40 meters out. Greg Fowler again coolly converted the try.
As soon as the second half started Birstall were back into their scoring ways. Sam Bradshaw bounced off two defenders to crash over the Cosby line after a great first phase back move from a Birstall line out.
Cosby then came back into the game building some pressure before scoring a converted try.
The final Birstall try came from last seasons top scorer Rhys Chivers who squeezed into the corner to take the score to 24-10.
The last 10 minutes were dominated by Cosby but great defence from the green dogs kept them at bay.
MoM – Greg Fowler
PoW – Aidy Knight