The 2nd team took the centre stage this weekend as they travelled south to face Tyldsley 3rds in a 5 North bottom two clash. Carnforth travelled with a squad of 18 players to face a squad assembled at home of 20 players. Tyldsley have an excellent set up, a superb clubhouse overlooking the main pitch with the 2nd pitch next to and both in perfect playing conditions.
Carnforth were confident of gaining a third victory of the season with the hosts looking for their. Phil Aldridge made another appearance for the team but this time was his first as a 65 year old - congratulations to Phil on his recent birthday.
Bouyed by a decent crowd it was the hosts who started well but once Carnforth found their feet they moved downfield to take the lead via an Edmondson penalty. The hosts hit back and were unlucky not to score when they were held up over the line. They had some quality players in the squad and its hard to understand why they are languishing towards the bottom end of the table. If they can keep their 1sts and 2nds from taking their key players they will surely rise the table.
Dale Lowrie made a break for Carnforth as they looked to increase the lead. Tyldsley missed two simple penalty attempts and 20 minutes it was Carnforth who double the lead with a 2nd Edmondson penalty.
The hosts hit back before half time with a penalty and a superb try from their impressive No 7, the flanker gliding through the defence to score.
8 - 6 down at half time and Carnforth knew they had to start well but their opponents take control in the backs. In the forwards though Carnforth had a decent day with Shaun Hodgson, Keith Lovering and Clayton Stevens a match for their bigger opponents in the front row. Lovering had a great game from the line outs with Alex Albiston and Donald Haddow taking good clean ball.
The home backs, along with the flanker, started to run the game and it was no shock when the impressive outside centre weaved through for a try, also converted and minutes later a well taken try from the lock forward took the game away from Carnforth. Many thanks to the home scrum half who as a physio attended to a Carnforth injury - cheers for that.
Good luck to Tyldsley for the remainder of the season, keep this squad and there will be no problems, Carnforth have a break for a couple of weeks.