Saturday saw our biggest test since joining Division 3 North as we entertained Tarleton 2nds at Kellet Road, the visitors had demolished Ormskirk last week and scored over 100 points and were full of confidence. Skipper Shane Weed had a tough selection week with Nathan OConnor, Will Briggs, Phil Metcalfe, Jack Edmondson, Brad Wheatman and Chris Whaley all not available - in came Ollie Braithwaite for his first game of the season, Sam Tomlinson moved from second row to the wing, in the pack John Greenland, Dan Blenkharn and Jason Waterhouse all returned.
The game started at a rapid pace and Carnforth were in front after 3 minutes, Jason Short, Nick Hamer, Joe Harrison all involved before Mathew Short linked from full back, his final pass saw Tomlinson sprint away down the line to score a try, his first of the season. Minutes later and the Tarleton winger cut a superb line to register an excellent individual try, this was followed by a well struck penalty for a 8 - 5 lead for the visitors. Carnforth had to withstand plenty of pressure as the hard running Tarleton backs looked dangerous with ball in hand, they had an excellent 13 who compensated for the under performing number 12, the scrum half was a livewire all afternoon and Carnforths 9 Donald Haddow had a storming game again.
It was the forwards who were the telling factors for Carnforth, the power up front of skipper Weed, Dave Hones and Waterhouse was too much for the Tarleton pack, Greenland and Braithwaite were string in the second row, Greenland taking plenty in the line out. The back row saw the improving Matti Davenport cap a fine performance, Blenkharn continues all the hard graft for the team whilst Jason Short at number 8 is carrying on from last season superbly.
Still the visiting backs looked strong, the 13 and 11 were dangerous players, Tomlinson and Harrison having running battles with these two all afternoon. 5 minutes before the break and Carnforth grabbed the lead back, Hones made the initial break, won the scrum and Jason Short picked up before releasing Hamer who powered over the line for a try, Mathew Short converted for a 12 - 8 lead.
Now playing against the slight elements Carnforth knew the game was far from over but within a minute of the restart the lead was increased. Greenland took the ball from the kick off, set up play before Jason Short went on a superb solo run up the pitch, he was stopped yards short of the line before the supporting Davenport was on hand to register his first try for the club. Jason Short had moved into the centres and his efforts were rewarded with the teams 4th try, Hones, Blenkharn, Adam Seaton and Hamer all involved as Short bludgeoned his way through the defence to score, Mathew Short converted as Carnforth moved 24 - 8 up.
Tarleton were not getting the ball with Carnforth keeping them on the back foot, Blenkharn went close, Weed was held up over the line, Harrison almost notched a deserved try and Downey thought he had also scored following a crashing break.
With 15 to go Hamer and Jason Short linked again to allow Blenkharn the step through the defence to score his first try of the season, Shorts conversion adding the extra two points. Tarleton still looked good with ball in the hand but with hooker Hones taking numerous strikes against the head it was the forwards who again took all the credit and rightly so. In the dying minutes Harrison, Haddow and Hamer combined to allow Mathew Short to burst through for a deserved try.
The last play saw the visiting winger finish off a fine move in the corner to take the score in favour of Carnforth and a great result 36 - 13. This weekend we travel to Oldham - training tuesday please.
Thanks to the Two Tarleton players that came back to the clubhouse - we trust they enjoyed their time.
Thanks to Joe Greenland and Son for their match sponsorship.
Man of the Match - Nick Hamer