This wasn't the best this squad has to offer and we will see some better rugby from them this season. But, it was a competent display with the inside backs controlling most of the game.

Chris Pilgrim and Liam McGovern, at 9 and 10, were a class above the Eccles decision-makers and in mid-field, James Otutaha (12) ran hard and distributed skillfully while Ewan Nolan, outside him, showed his versatility with a good centre's performance. It is a measure of this young man's value to the squad that he has played at second row, wing and centre in successive outings when his true position is at 6.

A detailed match report will follow in the "Match Centre" but, in brief, the try scorers were; Nonu (again), Grabe, Brooks and Cummings with "The Guv" adding the extras. Chris Pilgrim spent 10 in the bin and Ant Evans was served a disputed red after just a few minutes stepping off the bench. We will examine the video which is now available to registered members on this site. Match photos (courtesy of Dave Buttery) are also up on the website.

Look out for Geoff Smith's detailed match report!