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Glossop RUFC 20 Loughborough 12

Sam Wilkinson
5/ 3/2008

GLOSSOP recovered from two disappointing games to complete the double over fourth-placed Loughborough.

With the strong wind in their favour during the first half, Glossop began positively as Pickerell’s break ended with him offloading to Thompson who went over for a converted try with assistance from Tamplin.

They added to their tally within minutes when a series of rucks put Glossop on the opposition’s line where Sonczack popped the ball up to the rapidly approaching Shirt who bludgeoned his way through three defenders to score.

Loughborough rallied well though, pushing Glossop back into their own half where a series of penalties ended with the Leicestershire side being held up over the line thanks to Howard’s trysaving tackle.

However, they were not to be denied from the second wave of attack, using the maul to force their way over and make the score 12-5.

Glossop responded well though, working their way upfield where a sliced clearance fell into the arms of Horbatchewskyj who outpaced his two defenders before touching down in the corner.

With a lead worth defending against the wind, Glossop saw the decisive moment come late in the first half when they won a penalty.

However, instead of kicking for the corner in a bid to score another try, they successfully kicked at goal to go three scores in front.

The second period was not pretty with Glossop pinned back inside their own half throughout, conceding countless penalties and put under a relentless stream of pressure.

Winger John Murphy was unluckily sinbinned for the team’s persistent offending, and down to 14 men, Glossop showed some dogged defending to keep their opponents from scoring.

Their defence was finally breached with seven minutes remaining, but time was not on Loughborough’s side, as an injection of fresh legs in the shape of Danny Morris made all the difference for Glossop.

This was by no means a classic, which had a lot to do with the conditions, but the two points keep Glossop firmly on track for a fifth-placed finish.

Coach Adam Waters was pleased with the determination of the Glossop players, but realises next week’s fixture away at Lincoln will require them to have more ambition in attacking areas.