Rugby Union: Bowdon 29 – 15 Littleborough Colts

Littleborough Colts fell to a 29-15 defeat to Cheshire side Bowdon, in their first game in a new league.

Littleborough travelled to Altrincham hoping to continue their winning form, having been promoted into this league alongside some big names in North West rugby.

Conditions were almost perfect aside from a slight breeze. After a slow opening period, as both sides came to terms with each other and the referee, Bowdon struck as their elusive out half broke through to open the scoring with a converted try.

This was the start of a dominant period for the home side as their big ball carriers broke through the defensive line to go forward. Littleborough managed to hold out with strong defence from the likes of Harvey Ashworth, Ben Stott and Charlie Holmes though the latter unfortunately had to withdraw with a shoulder injury before half time.

Littleborough also lost their number nine Robbie Nolan to the bin for a tip tackle and the home side then added another try before the break, capitalising on a forced pass which went to deck and turning it into another converted score.

Disappointed in the manner they conceded the turnover score, the visitors weren’t going to let the opposition have it all their own way though, as Stott and Ollie Duke made some good carries to take Littleborough in to the opposition half.

This drew a penalty which Jacob Harrison expertly kicked to the 5m line. From the line out Littleborough were unable to make the most of their position as Ben Stott was stripped of the ball and the home side had a let off. This period of play did give the Colts some belief they could seriously challenge in the second half.

Littleborough started the second half as they finished the first, putting pressure on the defence with strong ball carries from Brody Hartley, Stott and the irrepressible Charlie Sutcliffe.

Again, this gave Littleborough field position, but they were unable to capitalise as their link play and inability to make overlaps count again let Bowdon off.

Littleborough were also unable to adapt to the opposition’s jackal threat at the breakdown, resulting in either a turnover or being pinged by the referee for holding on, further giving the home side some respite.

Eventually though, Littleborough managed to click and cross to score with only 15 minutes left.

Jacob Harrison took a short ball off out-half Liam Heap on the Littleborough 10m line and cut a line straight through the home side midfield; he also beat the fullback before being snagged by the covering Bowdon winger.

This gave Littleborough a platform and quick ball which David Mills made use of by crossing out wide. Harrison was unable to convert after his lung-busting run.

The try provided a real lift for the side and they continued to dominate. The changed front row of Damion McCormick, Matt Bradbury and Jack Ratcliffe was solid at set pieces as Bradbury linked well with Ashworth in the line out.

Another score quickly followed as Sutcliffe struck from distance, beating a couple of defenders to scorch through. Again, the conversion was unsuccessful.

After a strong five minutes, Littleborough were well and truly in the game but instead of keeping their foot on the gas, some miscommunication in midfield allowed a Bowdon player to pick off an intercepted pass, making Littleborough pay, quickly stretching the score to 22-10.

Littleborough managed to peg Bowdon immediately back with minutes remaining on the clock. Again, Sutcliffe scored with a trademark long range try.

Littleborough were now within a score of winning the game, and at worst, in bonus point territory. However, with the last play of the game, Bowdon took any glimmer of points away from the side.

Frenetic play whilst chasing the game let the Bowdon replacement snaffle up a loose ball to dummy his way over to score with the last play.

The final score was probably a little harsh on the away side, and Bowdon definitely had a fright in a nail-biting finish.

For the Colts, there was a lesson in playing for the full 80 minutes, the importance of conversions and playing with control and composure.

The side will learn from the game and feel confident they can challenge in their new league.