Newsome Panthers (A)

Outstanding team effort, as Clayton nil Newsome.

Clayton travelled to Newsome Panthers looking to extend an impressive winning streak to six games. Having won every league game away from home this year, they could travel with confidence, but knew this would likely be the toughest test to date, against a Newsome side who are yet to taste defeat on a notoriously tough ground for visitors. Clayton showed true resilience last time out, recording a victory against Queensbury A, against the odds. They knew that the same kind of attitude was required if victory was to be secured. If the difficulties in selecting a team was documented against Queensbury, it was further highlighted here, when a plethora of players were unavailable due to a wide range of reasoning. 11 players were selected who featured against Queensbury, however only 5 players actually played in the same positions, again highlighting the true versatility and spirit shown within the camp. Seasonal debut's were handed to Luke Pullan, Liam Duffy and Steven Scott, alongside player/coach Johnny Alderson, who was also in charge of proceeding's in Scott Pendlebury's absence. The pitch was in decent knick despite the blustery conditions, but the game plan was clear, completion would be key to success. The slightly sloping pitch was more than negated by a howling gale, which was present throughout the full 80. Clayton started promisingly and following Phil Redgrave's 60 metre bomb down field, an early drop out was forced. A series of knock on's hampered the flow and the game was stopped on a regular basis by what seemed an overly eager official. After forcing a couple of errors, Clayton finally broke the deadlock, with a decent short side play resulting in the ball finding Ryan Wilkinson, who expertly drew the defenders before releasing Connor Mahoney to the whitewash. Defences were firmly on top for the next quarter, with solid hitting stopping any flow. Clayton did kick well though, mainly through Redgrave, but supported by half back Devon Gurney, to release any continual pressure. After another series of penalties, Jamie Waterman was held just short, but from the ruck Phil Redgrave does what he does best, scooting over to the delight of his team mates. Ryan Wilkinson somehow converted in swirling conditions and this was how the score remained until half time. The message at the interval was reiterated, 10 points would not be enough and Newsome will come back hard. Clayton had utilised the wind well in that first half, but must now share the work load out and complete sets. Cut out the penalties and errors and the game was their for the taking. The next 20 minutes were all about grit and determination. Newsome tried everything they had, but with a tendency to push the pass, the final killer ball was regularly chanced and ended on the turf. Clayton's players were out on their feet, with injuries restricting interchanges, several players had to play longer stints than planned. Even player/coach Johnny Alderson pulled out his famous blue socks and made an appearance, when it was clear that those on the field could not give any more. In his absence, prop John Parkinson took over from the sidelines and shouted his instructions for all to hear. During Alderson's short stint on the field, Clayton secured the game. With Devon Gurney now playing with confidence and skill missing previously this year, he began to pick holes in the Newsome defence at will. Having made a scampering break and just been held up short, everyone expected Redgrave to apply his usual trademark skill and attempt to scoot. Confusing the defence, he threw a great long ball out, and with the defence also covering Craig Hodgson, Ryan Wilkinson was on hand to stride over, having run a great line. Also converting his own try, at 16-0 the Newsome heads appeared to drop. Clayton saw out the remaining quarter with ease, regularly making telling breaks and playing some good running rugby to boot. A couple of chances came and went, but the final say was had by Gurney, who got the try his performance deserved, running a great arc across the field, ignoring several willing runners to totally bamboozle the defence and dive over. An outstanding team effort in which several individuals stood up and really showed true commitment to the cause. Following on from the Queensbury effort, this type of dedication gives hope that the season could really be a special one for this group of players.