Following the first defeat of the season at Penrith last week, Carnforth were determined to get back to winning ways as they faced a tough encounter with LSH 2nds at Kellet Road - a team who had claimed some decent results this season. Skipper Shane Weed had a few changes to make with Sam Tomlinson slotting in at hooker, Joe Harrison moving to the back row, a return for Archie Rich in the second row and Nathan OConnor back in at full back.
The visitors travelled well with a decent contingent on the sidelines and the opening 10 minutes saw neither side being able to break through, OConnor made a couple of breaks with stand off Nick Hamer always looking to break the lines. Carnforth came close to scoring before a skirmish near to the touchline saw the LSH coach join the field of play to get involved - this should not be happening and hopefully wont again.
The game settled down with Hamer linking superbly with Liam Hall and Mathew Short before the latter released fellow centre Olly Murray to finish well in the corner. Mathew Short conversion from the touchline sailed through the posts.
Hamer and flanker Dan Blenkharn continued to make breaks to keep LSH on the back foot and half an hour into the game and Carnforth doubled their lead, half backs Donald Haddow and Hamer linked up with Murray who sent Short away to cut through for a great try, his conversion making it 14 - 0.
LSH were by no means out of the game and the winger came close to scoring but with Short in attention the winger dropped the ball over the line. The defence again stood strong, Hall, Tomlinson, Weed, Matti Davenport and Rich all making defensive duties.
Half time saw Brad Wheatman make his welcome return from injury as he slotted into the second row. Prop Jason Waterhouse came close to scoring as Carnforth opened the half well. Harrison made another superb break into the heart of the LSH defence before the ball came out to the backs, Haddow did superbly before Hall was able to burst through for a determined try.
Five minutes later and Hall turned provider, his run down the pitch saw a superb offload to Murray, the centre had plenty to do but this he did as he finished superbly to give his team a 24 - 0 lead. Carnforth maybe should have run away with the game but the visitors refused to buckle and they kept coming back at Carnforth - their rewards came with a well taken try from a penalty move out wide. Back they came again and the defence had to be alert again - Tomlinson and OConnor both making breaks from defence.
With 10 to go Carnforth made certain of the points when Blenkharn was rewarded for his hard work all afternoon with his 7th try of the season as he scampered through the defence to score, Short added the two for a 31 - 5 victory.
Again another no show by an away team at the clubhouse - we apologise to them for the clubhouse not being in the vicinity of the pitch - we wish them well for the season. Saturday we face a tough task away at Chorley.
Man of the match - Sam Tomlinson
Match sponsor - PW Building Contractors Heysham