Fleetwood went into their home game against Aldwininans in good spirits. Despite the scoreline in the reverse fixture, the Second String had shown a good account of themselves, taking note of Aldwinians style of play.

With a host of injuries, work commitments, suspensions and Valentines Weekend seemingly taking precedent, the First team were left with little choice but to select several regular second team lads. With no third team game on, this gave some lads an opportunity to shine at a higher level than that they were use to.

As it turned out, Aldwinians appeared to have their own selection headaches, turning up with just 15 players mixed in with some third team lads of their own. With this being the case, it definitely brought some balance and evened out the game a little.

The game kicked off and shortly after a bit of a feeling out period, the away team were awarded a scrum. Aldwinians won the contest and their No. 9 picked the ball out of the back of the scrum and danced through the would be tacklers to score. Conversion missed. 0 - 5

This was too easy a try to concede early on and should have served as a wake up call. Unfortunately the warning was not taken as Fleetwood missed several tackles to allow Aldwinians to score. Converted. 0 - 12

Fleetwood eventually burst into life and attacked hard trying to make up for their sins. The Forwards tried to make their prescence be known and force themselves over the line, when that failed the backs had a go, but the opposition held firm. Eventually 'Fleet were awarded a penalty, which they elected to kick for the three. Unfortunately, Pearce missed.

Aldwinians did not spend much time licking their wounds, as they punished Fleetwood's poor luck by scoring another converted try. 0 -17

Shortly after this an Aldwinians Prop got a yellow card for mouthing off.

HT 0 - 17

At half time, Fleetwood elected to make some tactical changes as Darren Howe came on to replace Sean Kirkbride on the wing. This was either a sign of madness or genius from injured Skipper turned Manager on the day Foden. But Darren did good. He came on fired up and made a tackle.

Shortly after this Darren then intercepted a wayward pass on his own five metre line. Howe then showed a good turn of pace by scoring a full length of the try. Conversion missed, partly down to Darren being to scarred to run inwards towards the sticks, electing to score right in the corner. 5 - 17.

Just as the momentum appeared to shifting Aldwinians were award a penalty, which they slotted between the sticks. 5 - 20

This did not deter Fleetwood though as they fought their way up the pitch with constant pressure being built. Awarded a penalty, 'Fleet took the scrum, which was collapsed illegally. The official had no qualms awarding the penalty try. 12 - 20

Fleetwood looked in the ascendancy, but Aldwinians had other ideas though as they turned on the heat. Some easy running through led to an Aldwininans converted try. 12 - 27

As the tired legs started to accumulate between the home side, the opposition ran in another soft try. 12 - 32

FT 12 - 32

Scorers

Tries: Howe; Penalty.

Despite the slow start, Fleetwood showed some guts and were in touching distance of snatching a result against a well drilled side. From this though, it is fairly obvious that lads do need to get down to training and work on their fitness.

Man of the Match

There were some decent performances on show, Harry Newton and Birthday Boy Bob Barnes gave good showings of themselves in the Forwards and Howe looked focused and good off the bench. But the award goes to Jamie Hearne, despite playing out of position, made some strong hits, some good runs and a good show of determination. This might have been because his Girlfriend was watching though.

The Weekly Sam Pook Report

Despite being stand in captain last week, Sam elected to hide on a boat again and not practice his line outs. Sort it out pal.

Next Week

No game this coming week. The 2's reconvene on the 2nd March away at Preston Grasshoppers.

Squad:

1. O'Hara; 2. Jackson; 3. Wood; 4. Benson; 5. McCann; 6. Kilburn ;7. Newton; 8. Barnes; 9. Macauley; 10. Pearce; 11. O'Hare; 12. Crompton; 13. Hearne; 14. Kirkbride; 15. Jones ;16. Mangan; 17. Howe; 18. Evans.

Fleetwood RUFC

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