BackSat 03 Sep 2016 · Division 3 North
1st XVTrafford MV 2
Tries: w briggs (2), J ShortConversions: M Short (3)Penalties: M Short (2)
27
15
Carnforth 27 Trafford MV 2nds 15
alan hardy4 Sep 2016 - 06:55
Great start to new season
The new season for Carnforth - our 38th season - brought a new league in the shape of 3 North. Following two successive league titles in 5 North and 4 North - the move up the Merit leagues is always going to produce sterner examinations - the first game saw us entertain Trafford MV 2nds - a team relegated from 2 North last season - hence a tough opening game.
New captain Shane Weed has kept most of the squad from the last season with debutant winger Will Briggs joining the club in the summer and having a great start in a Carnforth shirt with two well taken tries. Sam Tomlinson moved into the 2nd row with Liam Hall assisting in the front row (as well as a spell at Number 8).
In difficult playing conditions both sides did well to entertain a decent crowd who braved the elements at Kellet Road. Carnforth had the use of the weather elements in the first half with Jack Edmondson, Mathew Short, Nick Hamer and Dan Blenkharn having breaks early on. Both sides seemed to cancel each other out with ex Carnforth player Dave Cadman having a good game for the Trafford side. With Trafford on the attack it was centre Joe Harrison who managed to steal the ball - this came wide to Edmondson who took play towards half way - a pass to his outside saw Briggs receive the ball, the winger sprinted down the flank before cutting back to score a fine try on debut, Mathew Short added the extras.
5 minutes later and a quick penalty saw Carnforth look to improve their tally, however an interception saw the visiting winger sprint away for a try in the corner despite the great efforts of Brad Wheatman. Carnforth responded well and within minutes they grabbed a 2nd try, Jason Short was able to power through the defence before scoring under the posts, Mathew Short added two extra. On the stroke of half time Mathew Short slotted a penalty to give his team a 17 - 5 interval lead.
Weed used his squad well with the conditions getting worse. On came Jason Waterhouse and Martin to the front row with Phil Metcalfe making another appearance in another season for the club - new boots (another 3 years yet Phil). Again the two teams cancelled each other out - the defensive work from Carnforth was excellent - Wheatman, Donald Haddow, John Greenland and Blenkharn putting in excellent work throughout the 80 minutes.
10 minutes into the half and a superb cross field kick by Mathew Short was gathered on the right by Briggs, he had plenty to do but a break down the right before a cut back inside saw the confident winger out pace the defence for his second try and a well taken try, Short added the 2 points to extend the lead to 19 points.
Trafford refused to buckle and back they came with two tries, one from a chargedown and the other a well worked passing move from their own half - gap down to 9 with 12 minutes to go. Carnforth never panicked and took control of the game again, Mathew Short slotted his 2nd penalty for a 100% record and a lead of 12 points.
Trafford had a couple more chances but Briggs was able to clear the ball and referee Mr Simon Keeley signalled the 4 points for Carnforth.
Man of the match - Jason Short.
New captain Shane Weed has kept most of the squad from the last season with debutant winger Will Briggs joining the club in the summer and having a great start in a Carnforth shirt with two well taken tries. Sam Tomlinson moved into the 2nd row with Liam Hall assisting in the front row (as well as a spell at Number 8).
In difficult playing conditions both sides did well to entertain a decent crowd who braved the elements at Kellet Road. Carnforth had the use of the weather elements in the first half with Jack Edmondson, Mathew Short, Nick Hamer and Dan Blenkharn having breaks early on. Both sides seemed to cancel each other out with ex Carnforth player Dave Cadman having a good game for the Trafford side. With Trafford on the attack it was centre Joe Harrison who managed to steal the ball - this came wide to Edmondson who took play towards half way - a pass to his outside saw Briggs receive the ball, the winger sprinted down the flank before cutting back to score a fine try on debut, Mathew Short added the extras.
5 minutes later and a quick penalty saw Carnforth look to improve their tally, however an interception saw the visiting winger sprint away for a try in the corner despite the great efforts of Brad Wheatman. Carnforth responded well and within minutes they grabbed a 2nd try, Jason Short was able to power through the defence before scoring under the posts, Mathew Short added two extra. On the stroke of half time Mathew Short slotted a penalty to give his team a 17 - 5 interval lead.
Weed used his squad well with the conditions getting worse. On came Jason Waterhouse and Martin to the front row with Phil Metcalfe making another appearance in another season for the club - new boots (another 3 years yet Phil). Again the two teams cancelled each other out - the defensive work from Carnforth was excellent - Wheatman, Donald Haddow, John Greenland and Blenkharn putting in excellent work throughout the 80 minutes.
10 minutes into the half and a superb cross field kick by Mathew Short was gathered on the right by Briggs, he had plenty to do but a break down the right before a cut back inside saw the confident winger out pace the defence for his second try and a well taken try, Short added the 2 points to extend the lead to 19 points.
Trafford refused to buckle and back they came with two tries, one from a chargedown and the other a well worked passing move from their own half - gap down to 9 with 12 minutes to go. Carnforth never panicked and took control of the game again, Mathew Short slotted his 2nd penalty for a 100% record and a lead of 12 points.
Trafford had a couple more chances but Briggs was able to clear the ball and referee Mr Simon Keeley signalled the 4 points for Carnforth.
Man of the match - Jason Short.
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