Colne & Nelson 17 v Crosby St Mary’s 5
Today’s match up at Holt House was a somewhat poignant affair following the untimely death of former club captain Stewart Wilkins. A minutes silence prior to the game was meticulously observed by players of both teams and spectators alike.
A typical Holt House pitch saw both teams having to work hard in the muddy conditions with Colne having most of the early possession. In the 15th minute some hard work by the Colne forwards saw birthday boy Gary Kenyon wriggle free from the Crosby defence and cross the try line. The kick was converted by Jordan Cardwell leaving Colne leading by 7 points to nil
Despite having most of the ball Colne were unable to add to their score in the first half and that was how it remained at the halfway mark.
The second half started in a similar fashion with Colne having most of the possession. The 45th minute saw Colne awarded a penalty but despite a valiant effort the ball slid wide of the upright.
This seemed to spur Crosby on and they made some inroads into the Colne half. Their pressure paid of and in the 55th minute Crosby scored a try right under the posts. The kick was not converted leaving Colne still 2 points in front.
Colne regained their grip on the game and with some better handling would have been a couple of tries in front. They maintained the pressure though and in the 65th minute a delicately weighted chip by Kyle Hargreaves into the corner saw Alex Bullock first to the ball and with some degree of downward pressure claimed the try. Kick not converted which left Colne in front 12 points to 5.
The final score of the game came from veteran John Hargreaves who with a bit of deft footwork was able to sidestep the remaining Crosby defender and claim The try. The younger Hargreaves then opted to take the kick which didn't go to plan and actually ended up further away from the posts than when it started!
A superb win for Colne and a hard, cleanly fought match that was played in the highest traditions of the game. Our thanks go out to Crosby for their courtesy and consideration both before the match and afterwards in the clubhouse.
This result extends Colne's unbeaten win for 2018 and leaves them just a point off a promotion place.