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Eccles let advantage slip after Danny Boy's opener

22/11/2002

RU: Burnage 38 Eccles 20

ECCLES travelled to Burnage with high expectations after their recent winning form - but gave up a good second-half lead.

After a bright start, forward Danny Kirkham went over for the first try after good work from number eight Cahill. Mike Ince converted but soon afterwards a lapse in concentration allowed the Burnage winger to run the length of the field for an interception try.

The stand-offs traded penalties to leave Eccles 10-8 up at the break.

Eccles made several changes at half-time and they paid off immediately as Kirkham raced over for his second try, converted by Mike Ince. But Eccles relaxed on their lead and the Burnage wingers ran in three more tries, separated only by an Ince penalty, before the final whistle to ensure a comfortable win for the Manchester side.

Second Team captain Neil Webb praised his threadbare squad after their 17-14 home win over Burnage. He said: "It would seem some players are incapable of using the telephone. If anyone does have a problem, then please call our helpline on 0161 789 2613."

Eccles had only 12 men five minutes before kick-off, but the others did not let themselves down. Eccles' try scorers were Stuart Wainwright and Andrew Clayton. Sharing the man-of-the-match award were Timmy McGuigan and 50-year-old Alan Chettoe.

The Third Team's fixture against the Village Spartans (pictured) was a high-tempo affair which saw the Spartans race to a 12-0 lead before Eccles got on the scoresheet through Sandy Howarth. Paul Thorp fed Andy Davis for Eccles' second to make the half-time score 17-12 in the visitors' favour.

Spartans scored two quick tries in the second half but were pegged back when Rob Fahey crossed 15 minutes from the end.

The well-organised Spartans side proved too strong for the second time this year and scored two late tries to win 38-17.

Adam Holder won the man of the match award for Eccles with a fine defensive display.