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Tommy sets the tone

27/ 9/2001

AS USUAL, this contest between two old rivals proved to be a close affair with the Gorton Street side narrowly claiming the points, writes Paul Flemming.

Amidst ever-expanding surroundings, it was a young and rapidly developing Eccles side that set the tone early on. Stand-off Tommy McGuiggan had an excellent afternoon as he overshadowed his illustrious opponent, ex-RL star Martin Birkett.

With winger Matt Bateman, making a welcome return to the Eccles First XV, and second row forward Con Warren scoring a try apiece, McGuiggan showed all the composure needed for a drop goal, conversion and penalty.

With over half the Eccles side under 25 years of age, and the rest under 30, it's a solid foundation that coach Trevor Parrott continues to build and improve.

Based around captain Glen Cahill at number eight, it was his exemplary performance that was followed by the likes of prop Danny Taylor, flanker Chris Shaw and man-of-the-match Phil Kearsley at full back that produced the winning display.

Elsewhere, the Second Team suffered a rare defeat against a strong Broughton Park side. The Thirds beat their Burnage counterparts 17-10 with stand-off Paul Ruddock and Kevin Travis the scorers.

Fourth XV skipper Henryk Getz led his side well, but they just lost out to Village Spartans 23-12

In the junior ranks, the u14s travelled to Sedgley Park and came away with a 26-5 victory courtesy of two tries from centre Mike Davies. The highlight, though, was a length-of-the-field effort finished off by full back Sean Spencer.

At home, the u16s suffered a 17-14 defeat at the hands of Wilmslow.

The game was a closely contested affair and Eccles could have won but for a series of handling errors at key moments.

Back row forwards Stenstrom and Wilson scored for the home side.

Sunday's first league outing for Eccles Ladies provided coach Mike Truran and his players with possibly their biggest test to date.

In a thrilling game it was the Gorton Street girls who came out on top, 29-24.

Performances of note came from prop Angie Dean, who crashed over for a try from short range, and North West squad star Zara Morris.

The Ladies section continues to grow but is always on the lookout to recruit new players. Anyone interested is welcome to attend training at the Gorton Street club on Tuesdays (7.30pm) and Sundays (1.30pm).