Pinley 7 Nuneaton Old Eds 34

Pinley away is always a challenge and the Eds knew they needed to play to their levels if they were to secure a win on their first away match of the season. After the opening exchanges. Eds’ No 9 Brad Darlaston opened the score with a penalty: 0-3. This prompted Pinley to launch a sustained assault in the Eds’ 22, showing fantastic ball retention over 18 phases. However, the waves of attack crashed upon the rock of Eds’ defence eventually forcing a grubber kick which was taken by Eds’ No9 Jake Holder. He took the ball into contact from which Eds’ moved the ball speedily to the left wing. The backs were passing and supporting each other at searing pace and it was No 13 Craig Jones who touched down under the posts. Darlaston added the extras: 0-10 after fifteen minutes.
From the restart, the Eds’ won their lineout to set No6 John Graham onto the first of several effective carries. Again, quick ball enabled No10 Ryan Southall to scythe through the defence and slip the ball to Jones on his perfect support arc for his second try, again improved by Darlaston: 0-17.
Pinley came back strongly and again camped in the Eds’ 22, only to be stopped under the posts with possession turned over. The Eds’ pack was beginning to dominate at scrum-time, and it was No2 George Parker pass that sent No12 Jack Darlaston deep into Pinley territory. A quickly-taken penalty enabled No1 Gareth Cartwright to rumble over from 10 metres on the left touchline. Darlaston’s excellent conversion took the score to 0-24. Another Darlaston penalty saw the half-time score at 0-27.
Pinley began the second half in a more expansive mood, and a great break from the Pinley No9 took them into the Eds’ 22, and the same player featured again when a Pinley centre off-loaded to him in midfield. Again, Pinley were pounding away at the Eds’ line and, again, were met with solid resistance. The ball was released to the back who were met with a determined defence. Pinley were forced to kick and lost possession. They earned their just reward when their No22 crashed over from a 5m penalty: 5-27.
The closing minutes of the match saw a Pinley kick well taken by the Eds, who quickly moved the ball the width of the pitch for Southall’s pass to Jones who cut through several defenders to score his hat-trick try, and the Eds’ fourth for the bonus point. Final score: 7-34.
Key to the Eds’ success was their strong pack, organised defence, and speed and accuracy with ball in hand. They kept forward’s phases to a minimum and focused on setting the backs loose with forwards also involved.
Old Eds’ Scorers:
Tries: C Jones (3), G Cartwright
Conversions: B Darlaston (4)
Penalties: B Darlaston (2)
Old Eds First Team: G Cartwright, K Parker, D McAdam, R Singh, B Carter, J Graham, P King, R Hatch, B Darlaston, R Southall, L Roberts, J Darlaston, C Jones, D Elkerton, J Holder
Subs: Z Cooper, S Johnson, D Oldham,

Next Match: Silhillians (Home) Saturday 05/10/19 3:00pm KO
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