Close encounter at Grove Lane, 1XV just missing out on a much needed win

one point adrift as the final whistle blew.

AK1XV were looking to put behind them a series of disappointing defeats as they faced Manchester RUFC away at Grove Lane on Sat 25th November, both clubs having similar seasons to date and both on the look out for a confidence boosting victory.
AK had the better of the first half, knocking up a 6 point lead from the boot of Matt Tully, after Manchester gave away a series of penalties, AK making the most of the lead, pushing Manchester deep into their own half for the majority of the first half.
There was very little between the opposing packs, equal in strength and size and both not prepared to give an inch, it seemed at half time that AK were in the ascendancy and on course for that elusive win.
With a stalemate situation developing in midfield coupled with bitterly cold wintry weather now settling in, a series of handling errors, gave way to Manchester pulling back the deficit from a penalty, followed by an additional penalty kick to AK, the score now 9-3 to AK it was a case of hang on in there lads, keep possession and not let anyone slip through, sadly this was easily said than done, a breakaway try, skillfully converted from what seemed an impossible angle, saw Manchester nudge into the lead 10-9.
AK threw everything they could muster at Manchester to no avail, after an agonising final 5 minutes the game once again slipped frustratingly away.

Next week AK1XV host Carlisle 1XV here at Stelfox Ave, 2:15pm Kick Off