Mowden Park slipped to a bonus‑point defeat at home to Fylde, despite showing plenty of character, tempo and attacking intent throughout an action‑packed afternoon at the Arena.

After a dominant opening from Mowden, who were camped in the Fylde half it was Fylde who struck early, capitalising on quick taps and broken‑field opportunities to race into a 0-12 lead inside the opening ten minutes, with 2 tries coming from Sam Parker and Ben Turner with one out of two kicks from Will Hunt. Mowden responded well, building phases and stretching the visitors’ defence before Jacob OLIVER finished smartly in the corner to get the hosts on the board. As the clock hit the thirty minute mark, scrum half Ben Douglas took a knock and was replaced by Jacob Swan, prompting an early re-shuffle. 5-12

Fylde added a try through Ben Gould with Will Hunt converting, but Mowden hit back again. A loose kick was punished brilliantly by Jacob Swan as the blue-and-whites countered with pace, Sam CLARK finished neatly under the posts before Flynn Ward added the extras. 12-19

Moments later, Mowden closed the gap further when Reuben DYER crossed out wide after pressure forced an error from the visitors. DMP were then awarded a penalty but unfortunately, Ward’s long‑range attempt on the stroke of half‑time fell just short, leaving Fylde 17-19 ahead at the break after only 4 visits into Mowden's half.

The second half began with a strong Mowden moment as they regained possession from a box‑kick contest with Joeli VARO making a powering run from his own half, shifting the ball wide for Liam CHECKSFIELD to score in the corner. Flynn WARD converted superbly, giving Mowden their first lead of the afternoon. 24-19

However, in what has become a common theme in recent weeks the lead lasted all of two minutes, Fylde responded with a strong period of pressure, scoring several times as momentum swung back their way. Mowden continued to battle, with Talite VAIOLETI replaced by debutant Myles ALDER, who made an immediate impact with his energy and work rate. 24-52.

Despite Fylde stretching the scoreline, Mowden refused to fade. Dylan THOMPSON powered over from close range to keep the scoreboard moving, Flynn WARD adding the extras. 31-52

In the closing stages, Mowden struck again from deep, slicing through the midfield to send Liam CHECKSFIELD over for his second of the afternoon with Flynn WARD slotting the ball through in the final play of the game. 38-52

Fylde closed out the match 38-52, but Mowden’s resilience, tempo and willingness to play to the final whistle earned a deserved bonus point and plenty of positives to build on, here's to hoping that they can take the same attacking endeavour and put in a far greater defensive performance to our next opponents.

Next week sees the lads travel to the Ferens Ground HQ of Hull RUFC

COME ON PARK!!!