The 2nd XV continued their progress with a win away to Preston Grasshoppers 5th XV who fielded an strong experienced pack endeavouring to keep the ball to themselves throughout the game rarely allowing their backs any possession. On the few occassions they did release the ball their No10 caused us problems and had they used the backs more and kicked to touch less we may have found the game a little more tricky.

As it was our forwards proved equal to the task with Andy Stenhouse showing strength and pace around the pitch and Andy Crebbin giving the aggression we now expect from him. At 2nd row Jack Richards and Sean Hastewell controlled line outs and with Alan Hughes Toby Armstrong Ant Evans (back row) all having good games we had a solid base.

12 minutes into the match pressure told and following a foul on Toby Chris Wells scored a penalty. Just a minute later Ian Gill at hooker (a real prospect for the future) made a great pick up of a loose ball and ran in a 30 metre try. Only 4 mins later we again broke from midfield ,with goood back play Alan Hughes scored. The purple patch continued with a second penalty on 20 mins again slotted by Chris Wells.
Half time 20----0

The referee before the start having agreed roll on roll off subs gave us the opportunity to introduce Chris McGowan so for the remainder of the match the 3 props were rotated every 10--15 minutes. Andy Povey took over from Ian Gill and as is our practice ,with so many good young backs, the wingers were changed Andy Wilkinson Ryan Williams coming on for Fergus Magennis and Tom Redfern.Unfortunately Lee Jones had again tweeked his knee so as a precaution he came off with Kieran Dennis taking his place, happily Kieran seems able to fit in whereever required..

Following the break it seemed we may have made a change too many for PGH scored a try , not converted, followed up with a penalty 20---8. Yet we regrouped with Chris Wells getting a try. Our last change for the final 15mins was to relieve Connor Mulloy at scrum with Nat Redfern taking over. To complete the scoring Andy Wilkinson ran in our last try to take the result,including 3 CW conversions, to 37---8.

Another good all round performance with fine attacking play led by an excellent back row and determined defence ably marshalled by Neil Turner at fill back.
A big thanks to all came and supported and lets not get complacement the season has a long way to go.