Field struggles go on as Fylde prove just too strong
IN a game in which Huddersfield had their chances and share of possession, Fylde proved much more decisive in the final third to secure a comfortable 38-5 victory at the Woodlands Memorial Ground.
Field conceded six tries as the home side moved up to third place in the National 2 North table.
“I don’t think the final score was a true reflection of the game. Fylde are a good side and clinical when given opportunities. However we produced some good moments but couldn’t convert our pressure into points,” said Huddersfield head coach Gaz Lewis.
Field made a bright start and had a try disallowed just two minutes in. Having pegged Fylde back to the five metre line with a penalty, the lineout ball was taken cleanly and driven over. However, the ball was judged to have been held up and Fylde were able to clear.
But Fylde Number 8 David Fairbrother scored the first try of the game 15 minutes in, grounding the ball at the back of the maul, while fly half Greg Smith added the conversion.
Field responded positively with Kian Stewart, Liam Stapley, Cameron Catleugh and Ross Thornton all making promising breaks. Although Fylde were pressured into a series of penalty concessions in their own half, the visitors were unable to take scoring advantage.
With half-time approaching, Field brought Lewis Bradley off the bench for his 150th appearance for the team, but even his experience couldn’t stop Fylde doubling their lead.
Centre pairing Joe Bedlow and Carleton combined well in a burst down centre field, gifting the final pass to flanker Harlon Corrie for a try under the posts. Smith’s conversion concluded the first half.
Five minutes after the interval an unconverted try by winger Tom Grimes extended Fylde’s lead with Field hitting back with their only try of the afternoon five minutes later. Lock Nick Sharpe was Huddersfield’s scorer, powering over from a lineout close to the Fylde line.
The home side, however, ran in three more tries in the final 15 minutes, aided and abetted by some carelessness by Field. Overthrown lineout balls and an overly ambitious flick pass gifted possession to the home side who punished the mistakes.
The first of the three was scored by Henry Hadfield. The pacy wing man had been a threat throughout and his corner flag try was just reward for his afternoon’s work. Bedlow and lock Matthew Garrod scored the final two tries, both of which were converted by Ben Gregory.