U16s run Eccles close

Bolton Under 16s 10 v 24 Eccles Under 16s

Tries: Ryan McClusky (2)
Parents’ MOM: Ryan McClusky
Coaches’ MOM: Chris Brownlow
Coaches’ POM: Cecilia Kazmi

Bolton Under 16s welcomed Eccles to the Theatre of Trees and also Chris Brownlow who made his debut. Eccles are a good outfit and you could definitely tell that their inside centre was a member of the Lancashire team as he strolled through a gap to open the scoring. Bolton roared back with Ryan McClusky breaking several tackles and then tip-toeing along the touchline to score from a good 60m. Tom Hill’s kicking boots were having an off day so the score was unconverted. Eccles scored again but were not having their own way as Bolton tackled well and ran with conviction.
Ryan McClusky scored again in what was becoming his very own corner of the field. This time from close range after a good pick up and drive from the base of a scrum by Tom Hill, quick hands by Joey Gore and Josh Holmes gave Ryan the inch of space he needed to crash over.
At half time the game was poised 14-10 to the visitors.
The first 15 minutes of the second half were “hammer and tongs” with neither side taking a backwards step and playing some great rugby. Bolton’s rucking was top drawer and they constantly stole Eccles ball or made them infringe. Chris Brownlow introduced himself to the team with a couple of strong runs and one bone crunching tackle while Jacob Walker drove the ball forward and George Weston also was to the fore.
Eccles scored two tries but sadly while supporting the scorer of the second the visiting scrum half Jordan Smith was knocked sidways and then caught by a stray boot leaving him prone on the try line. Taking every precaution for a lower back injury the game was called off at this point with both sides looking forward to the return league encounter after Christmas.
An ambulance was called and Jordan was taken off to hospital where thankfully the specialist gave him the all clear, no rugby for 2 weeks and a very sore back but the best news of the day was that he had no serious injury.
A great game played in lovely conditions by two well drilled and exciting sides. Just the right amount of teenage testosterone on display by almost 40 players who encapsulated all the good things about Rugby Union and especially care and concern for an injured colleague and new Bolton friend.

The injury took put a bit of a dampener on the game with parents and players all taking a few moments to reflect on what is important. It was great to see both teams back on the field and checking on the injured player after getting changed and talking together whilst watching the Colts game on the adjoining pitch. It showed 40 lads with great maturity who were all far more concerned with Jordan’s injury than anything else; players, coaches and supports from both teams should be commended on their behaviour and attitude and Cecilia was the star of the hour for her first aid work and deserved the Coaches’ Player of the Match award and also the gratitude of the Eccles team which was freely given.

Score when the game was ceased Bolton Under 16s 10 v 24 Eccles Under 16s

Back to the subject of rugby there were some superb performances all around the pitch. Tom McCormick was exemplary both in tight and loose and to win at least 1 scrum against the head against such a strong visiting 8 shows how he is progressing week on week. His propping team of Matthew Ashton, Joseph Partington, Harry Kay and Jacob “Sonny Bill” Walker were superb and are offering so much more in all aspects of the game these days. The Eccles’ coaches kind words about rucking skills were very much due to this crew!
In the seconds, Joseph popped up again to help George Weston and Will McCambridge. George’s work rate was brilliant and he offers no little skill to go with it while Captain Will was, well Captain Will, and absolutely brilliant as always.
The back row of Ryan McClusky, Jordan Ashton and Tom Hill hoovered up possession around the park, robbing any ball that wasn’t nailed down tight – and some that where. All ran well and strongly, tackled like demons and kept Eccles on a short leash.
With Harry Stocks again side lined (see you in the new year mate) it was back to the dependable twins Joey and Josh at half back. It’s great to see Joey backing up his excellent distribution skills with much more vim and vigour though Tom McCormick sometimes has to take care not to blink at scrum time with the speed of the put in! On the back of Joey’s delivery Josh seemed to invariably have time on the ball and used that time well to make some excellent decisions, strong runs and timely passes to feed his outside backs.
Mikey Latham, Connor Orrell and Chris Brownlow thrived on the slick service and all had the chance to impose themselves on a high class centre pairing in Blue and White; it was certainly one of the key battle areas.
Out wide David Warren and Yousef Sharif both played well and had a few chances to run and when replaced by Jake Lever, Levi Walsh and Firth Lord it was “normal service resumed” as Bolton showed off how spoiled for riches out wide we are.
At the back Adam Kazmi was a sure and safe as always and attacked with real venom and conviction never once being caught by “the first man” and always looking dangerous with ball in hand.

The whole team have really come on in leaps and bounds over just a few short weeks and it was again kind of the Eccles Coach to confirm that.
More hard work on the training ground this week under the vigilant eyes of the coaches; keep up the hard work and improvement lads and keep doing yourselves, coaches and parents proud.

A last word of thanks for all involved at the game for looking after Jordan Smith and making a tough and worrying time a lot easier to cope with. Thanks to Eccles, see you soon, thanks to all the parents and helpers, especially thanks to all the lads from both teams but most importantly thanks to the medics for their efficient, friendly and first class work.