Fylde on receiving end as pressure pays off

A STRONG second-half performance from Cambridge earned them a deserved victory.

Conditions at Woodlands suited a running game, but typical early-season rustiness caused knock-ons and misplaced passes.

However, it was an oldfashioned forwards effort which earned Fylde their first try.

Hooker Tom Burtonwood crashed over from a driving maul, but George Brookes failed to add the extras.

For Cambridge, lock Rob Conquest finished well out wide, but Penfold put his conversion wide in the final act of the half.

The second half burst into life with two tries and a yellow card awarded in an electrifying five minutes.

Cambridge turned defence into attack when full-back Joe Green picked up a loose ball inside his own 22, then ran the length of the field to score after Fylde committed too many men forward. Penfold added the extras.

A penalty try was awarded to Fylde three minutes later after Cameron Keenan deliberately intercepted a Greg Nicholls pass, resulting in a yellow card for Keenan and an automatic seven points.

Fylde tried to force a late score, but their eagerness resulted in errors.

Cambridge’s defence soaked up the pressure, until they cut loose and scored a late try to confirm the victory after Michael Ayrton had touched down in the corner.