This Is Cheshire

Poor tackling proves costly

From the Guardian Series, first published Thursday 27th Feb 2003.

POOR tackling and a failure to capitalise on their chances cost Congleton 1st XV dearly on Saturday.

They went down 29-11 at home to fellow strugglers Wallasey after taking an early lead.

Fly half Liam O'Doherty slotted a penalty in the opening minutes, only for Wallasey to land a converted try in the following minute.

The visitors extended their lead to 12-3 10 minutes later with an unconverted try, although O'Doherty reduced the deficit with a penalty kick on the half hour.

Wallasey stretched their advantage to 15-6 almost on half-time with their second penalty.

Congleton's plight worsened early in the second half when a move went badly wrong behind the posts, and Wallasey grounded the ball for a converted try.

Congleton scored their only try of the game when a rolling maul enabled them to move deep into opposition territory and enable skipper Stan Handley to break through the visitors' defence.

Wallasey crossed over for their final try five minutes before the end.

"A lack of tackling and a failure to finish opportunities led to our downfall," said club press officer Dave McCaddon.

Congleton travel to Liverpool tomorrow to play Collegiate OBs.

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