| RUGBY CLUB 2 FIRST INN 2 |
| First took on Rugby Club, eager to avenge October's 10-2 defeat. James Howard opted for one up front, with Mike Headlam the suprise choice for lone striker. Grisedale and Webster dropped to the bench while Andy Wardill and Dean Abbott returned to the five man midfield. First worked hard in the middle of the park and broke quickly and within ten minutes had the lead. Howard's long ball found Mike Headlam who raced down the right before driving a clinical angled drive across Dobbs and into the net. Club were still dangerous on the break but First worked hard to minimise the threat with the defence outstanding. Then, First added a second when Dean Abbott raced down the left before hooking a magnificent shot into the top left corner of the Club net, giving Dobbs no chance. Rugby Club then came at First, who were penned back in their own half for the remainder of the first period. Club eventually won a corner and somehow the ball was deflected past Jackson and into the net for 2-1 just before the break. Later, Chris Headlam's looping header was caught by Dobbs from Wardhill's cross. At half-time, Howard took all his players into the dressing room and reflected on a game plan that had worked, referring to their counter attacks. But Club were keen to kick off the second half, and within twenty minutes had scrambled home another scrappy goal to equalise. Steele bicycle kicked superbly off his own line but the ball was finally forced home with even some calls for a penalty, much to the disbelief of the First players. The end to end game could have gone either way with both sides having chances. As the game became more physical, Usher and Club's Danny Howard squared up, with Locker also getting involved. Usher left the field in protest, replaced by Steve Grisedale. A complaint has been filed by First Inn regarding the incident. Right at the end, Headlam's cross was cleared off the line and Grisedale saw his close range effort saved. All in all, this was a good performance from First Inn, with most players in superb form against very physical opponents. Though, for the second successive match, Tose was outstanding. Effectively marking Jobling out of the game. Jackson, Steele(Hunter), Thomas, Tose, Usher(Grisedale), C.Headlam, A.Wardill(Webster), Owen, Howard, Abbott, M.Headlam. |
| Sunday December 15th |
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