Boro beaten by old rivals Toc H
DUE to the Lancashire RFU changing the fixture structure in previous seasons, this was the first meeting between these two old rivals for quite some time, with the honours going to the home side on this occasion.
Boro started well enough, applying early pressure to the host’s 22 metres, followed with further positive attacking play.
But a mis-pass allowed Toc H to mount an attack which they maintained up the field and eventually they broke away on the left wing to score the first try of the day.
Boro’s attempt to hit back was undermined by poor passing in the threequarters and eventually further pressure from Toc H brought them their second try, this time a converted effort, to make the score 12-0 in the first quarter of the game.
Confidence boosted, the home side increasingly took control of the contest and further pressure from their scrum led to their third try.
Renewed energy from Boro got them up to the opposition tryline, but try as they might they just couldn’t take advantage of the position and cross the line which was ultimately the difference between the teams.
When Toc H came back on the attack again up to Boro’s five-metre line they showed how it should be done, crossing over for yet another converted try.
Once again Boro got the ball and made a great effort to get into the game but couldn’t quite make it and the first half ended with the score 24-0.
The second half started with the host team bossing possession and on the attack once more.
Within ten minutes a long pass to their right winger, who had been left unmarked, brought them their fifth try and conversion to stretch their lead.
Boro shuffled the pack with several changes and one of them, Richard Taylor, made a great break when in host half.
He was tackled but quickly regained possesion and crossed the line for Boro’s opening try.
There now seemed a sea change in the match and this was confirmed only five minutes later when George Roberts crossed the line for Boro’s second try, this time converted by Nigel Coop.
But just as they appeared to be gaining a foothold in the match, back came the host team and within ten minutes they crossed Boro’s line again, this time an unconverted effort from the left wing.
Unfortunately the host team again kept up their ball possesion and pressure and right on full time they crossed the line again for their seventh try.
This match confirmed what Boro had already suspected – that this new league will be tough.
But there were signs of promise in the latter part of the game, after adjusting player positions and bringing on their reserves they did perform very well, especially Paul Fino, Mark Murgatroyd, Stuart Bairstow, Sam Dickinson and Richard Taylor.