Colne V Thornton

After putting last weeks opening defeat behind them, Colne travelled to the coast to face a Thornton side whom have had a good pre-season, coupled with their opening win against Bury.

Colne knew from previous skirmishes against Thornton that they use a solid platform set from their forwards, and with powerful, quick backs look to exploit the gaps out wide.

Colne travelled with a full strength squad consisting of props Padgett and Wade with Wood at hooker. A second row of Hesketh and Kinnane added height and youth whilst Wiper, Minshull and Vice Captain Edwards looked to add a more dynamic look to the pack.
At 9 was Hargreaves and slotting in at 10 was new signing Jim, which allowed Skipper Tindall to partner up with Sumner, fresh from his batting hand injury (Priorities Ryan!) at centre. Grindrod pushed out to the wing, partnering Bullen whilst Gane completed the 3 at Fullback.

Colne won the toss and elected to kick into the prevailing wind. A typical Colne slow start allowed Thornton to gain territory into the Colne 22 and it wasn’t long before they crossed the whitewash to record the first of many tries for TC.

As Thornton look to build on last weeks performance and the first 5 minutes of this game, they continued to pepper Colnes defensive line with some nicely worked pick and drives. Colne had to go back to basics to gain some kind of foothold in the game. The forwards worked round the corner, fed by Hargreaves at scrum half. Slowly, Colne we able to march into the Thornton 22. A period of possession from Colne looked to spark a bit of life into the All Blacks and only the final unnecessary offload or final pass brought the attacks to an end. Thornton stood strong in defence and with the wind behind and a good kick chase soon pegged Colne back.
Thornton drifted over the whitewash a couple more times before the half was up.

Matts team talk at half time was about going back to basics, not letting the communication drop and most of all keeping hold of the ball.
A half time switch brought Tom Steer into the equation at Open side, Lance Jones went to prop.

Even with the wind in their faces, it didn’t deter Thornton from sticking to their game plan. Colne looked to use the kick chase and gain territory but a ragged defence put Thornton in a good position. Some excellent defence from Wiper, Steer and Padgett did produce some turn over ball which allowed the back to finally stretch their legs. Sumner hitting the crash balls and Tindall looking for the gaps looked promising at times.

Colne upped the intensity in the final 10 minutes, some big hits and strong running lines from Steer injected some belief back into Colne. An infringement in the ruck from Thornton on their 5 metre allowed Edwards a simple crash into 2 men, over the line and record Colnes first points.

A line out on the TC 22 was won by Colne and from the resulting ruck, the half back pairing of both Hargreaves were given quick ball and a well worked training ground move allowed Tindall to draw his man, create space for Hargreaves who put Gane through a gap. A simple 2v1 in the corner put Grindrod over for the final points for Colne.
Overall a disappointing day for Colne, but some positives can be taken. Some individual performances stand out from Luke Edwards, Ryan Sumner and Tom Steer and with some tweaking, training and communication Colne will hopefully be able to record their first win.

A local derby is next up for Colne as they host Burnley at Home. K.o 3pm Saturday!

Any players wishing to play rugby, beginner or experienced, training is Mon and Thurs 7pm at Holt House. Phone Jamie on 07494 543149 for more info.