With weather conditions not expected to be conducive for fast, running rugby, what transpired was a thoroughly entertaining clash between two sides anxious to perform to their full potential, warming the two sets of supporters on a cold November afternoon.

Both teams handily placed at the top end of the league table, with Fylde losing only one more game than visitors Mowden, the collision that followed was a credit to both sets of players and their respective coaches.

The home side started the busier, attacking from the off, monopolising possession and it was no surprise when they opened the scoring when after fifteen minutes Mowden’s defences were breached when home winger Ben Turner eluded would be defenders to score wide out (5 – 0).
It took several minutes for Mowden to respond, as they gradually forced their way into the contest. Although honours were even at scrum time, Mowden edged lineout possession and it was from a lineout on one side of the pitch that paved the way for Mowden’s opener, with lock Kieran FORBES crashing over to level (5 – 5).

In view of the wet conditions underfoot, players’ handling of the wet ball was excellent and though several attacks from both sides were promising up until the red zones, due to some impressive defence, neither side was able to add to the scoreboard at oranges.
After the break, it was imperative in such a tight affair that whoever scored first on resumption of play, may have the edge and again it was Fylde who grasped the nettle, with centre Dan Cassidy crossing after a decent attack (10 – 5)

Mowden responded when winger James BENT scorched over the line (10 - 10) and with Flynn WARD adding the first conversion of the games, Mowden were edging it (10 – 12)

However, Fylde replied almost immediately. The home side hit back after a poorly received kick-off reception was badly collected by Mowden, allowing Ben Turner in for his brace, and with Cassidy converting, the Mowden lead was cancelled out just as soon as it was taken (17 – 12).

As the game entered the last quarter, Mowden dug deep and produced their best period of the game. With constant pressure on Fylde’s line. Mowden battered the try line but were time and again thwarted by a mixture of admirable defence and the conceding of multiple penalties, which although awarded, were a constant interruption, failed to attract an appropriate sanction.

Mowden Vice Captain Liam CHECKSFIED cut an excellent line, on one of the few occasions the ball was flung wide from the forwards and scythed over the line for a well- deserved team effort try (17 – 17). However the winning conversion did not materialise and again, but Mowden attacked again from the restart and in the dying embers, due to Fylde’s persistent offside, secured a penalty.

On a miserable day for conversions, it was not to be and when Fylde regained possession, they were more than happy to kick the ball off the field, settling with the draw. Therefore, two points apiece on a day when perhaps neither side deserved to lose.

SO ON TO NEXT WEEK AND A HOME GAME AGAINST OLD FOES HULL RFC.

COME ON YOU MOWDEN