Patient approach ends Boro interest
LITTLEBOROUGH RUFC exited the ADM Premier League Cup last weekend when they travelled to Widnes.
In what would most likely be the furthest journey of the season, The weather for the game was dark and overcast, with a strong cold wind followed by a spell of light rain during the first half. Nevertheless, the pitch was in tip-top condition and ideal for some free flowing rugby.
Boro were quickly into their stride, kicking off and collecting the ball to go on good attacking runs via Matthew Goldthorpe and Jack Whittles.
They were rewarded for their fine start with an early try from winger Liam Lloyd.
Boro again went on the attack and kept play in home side’s half of the pitch with yet another good attacking run by Goldthorpe taking play once again up to the host’s tryline. It was a golden chance to stretch their lead but Widnes managed to win the ball and kick clear.
It was collected by Boro fullback Nathan Coop who made a great attacking run and shortly after converted a penalty awarded to Boro, handing them an 8-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes.
Unfortunately for Boro, the home team then got into the game and took over for the rest of the afternoon
It took a long range touch finder from Josh Kenyon to finally awake Widnes from their slumbers, and when they did, the ball was switched smartly down the right hand flank to get Josh Salter in at the corner for a try to open their account.
Widnes got their noses in front with a second try which did have a touch of good fortune about it. The Boro defence looked to be in control, but they somehow allowed Kevin Leadbetter to wriggle his way over the whitewash despite the stand-off seemingly having nowhere to go.
With Andy Owens on target with the boot, Widnes were now in front for the first time.
Boro did hit back with another good winger’s run from Lloyd but he was stopped bty a superb diagonal tackle from Kevin Leadbetter.
When ‘Boro attacked again through Adam Wayne they looked set to score, but a timely interception and 60 metre dash from Keiron Arndell allowed the Wids pack to get to work close enough to the line for Tom O’Neill to pick up at the base of the scrum and crash over for their third try, making it 19-8 at the break.
Boro opened up the second half as they had the first, looking the better side.
Goldthorpe capitalised on a sudden rush of blood among the home defence, placing the ball over the line for Boro’s second try. Unfortunately the wind once again took the attempted conversion outside of the posts.
The score appeared to lift Boro spirits, but a superbly timed diagonal run at pace from Aaron Duggan, who went 35 metres, saw the ball recycled quickly and flashed along the back line to get Jamie Patient in at the opposite flank for a much needed pressure relieving try.
And when Boro tried to force the pace in an attempt to salvage the game, Patient was again on hand to intercept a loose pass and race clear for his second try that finally put the game - and the result - to bed.
While Boro were unable to maintain their fine start to the game, there was some good, positive rugby played with Jack Whittles man of the match for making a success at playing stand off for the first time.
This weekend Boro are on the road again, this time in the league, at West Park St Helens.
The seconds are also away, at Preston Grasshoppers 3rd XV, while Boro’s third team will have the advantage of a home fixture against Broughton. All games kick off at 2.15pm.