Moor handle conditions with aplomb

THIS game was played in horrible wet and windy conditions and although Moor looked the stronger team throughout, Wilmslow were gradually finding a way back when the referee called a halt to proceedings after 51 minutes.

It was decided on safety grounds after an injury on each team and although frustrating to both teams, it did make sense.

But both teams applied themselves admirably and there were some huge hits and a lot of very attractive rugby.

Heaton Moor came to life very quickly and after only five minutes, second row Shane Ennis scored his first try in a Moor shirt after some great work by the pack.

Wilmslow hit back within five minutes, a handling error at the back gifting an attacking scrum to the visitors and they took advantage running in a great try under the posts which was duly converted.

The game was pretty evenly balanced although Moor looked very strong up front, pressuring their opponents on every scrum.

Asa Bottomley and Andrew Badrock were starting to get runs at the visitors and one such break from Bottomley led to Moor’s next try.

Jake Barrett thought he had scored for the second week running only to be stopped on the line but as the play progressed, quick thinking from a penalty by James Bellis gave Heaton Moor a three-point lead.

The hosts were buoyant now and just before half time, a wonderful pick up from a loose pass by Asa Bottomley and the talisman was scorching forward for a terrific score leaving the Wilmslow defence decimated.

A great end to the half.

The conditions in the second half slowly deteriorated but both teams kept going despite the ball resembling a bar of soap.

Dom Rafferty was punching holes with some intelligent box-kicking but both sides were finding the high balls more than a little tricky.

Indeed, a couple of Wilmslow kicks at one stage were blowing back over their own heads such was the strength of the wind.

But they kept battling on, unfortunately Cameron Kilbride who had replaced Angus Boothroyd just before half time then succumbed to a nasty knee injury, the substitution reversed.

But almost in the next phase of play, Wilmslow were looking dangerous but as their second row went into contact, he slipped and under pressure, sustained what looked like a serious injury.

After a delay and some consultation all round, the referee, perhaps wisely, decided to abandon the game with nineteen minutes remaining.

Wishing both players well and hope injuries are not as bad as feared.

So, after last week’s creditable draw with Kersal, a good victory and a long trip next week to Kirkby Lonsdale.