Match Report: Heaton Moor 29-22 Glossop RUFC

After a very equally matched opening period, the home side eventually opened the scoring by touching down out wide to lead 5-0.

Glossop quickly responded through the boot of Tom Dearnaley to reduce the score to 5-3.

Both teams were playing very direct hard running games but Moor found space on the left wing to sprint over and convert to extend their lead to 12-3.

Glossop responded quickly, through robust centre Greg Bonser, who powered his way over, taking much of the home side defence with him.  Dearnaley converted to reduce the score to 12-10.

Glossop continued to pressure the Moor defence by good handling in the backs and great ball retention.  This pressure payed dividends just before the break as prop Jack Bailey crashed over.  Dearnaley converted to give the Hill Men a 17-12 lead.

After the break Heaton Moor quickly looked to redress the balance and following a scrum in their own half, they span the ball wide to give their speedy left winger space to cross in the corner.  This tied the game at 17 all.

After this the home side had a spell of domination in both possession and territory and this resulted in a try from a quickly taken tap penalty.  This was converted to give Moor a 24-17 lead.

Shortly after this Glossop replacement forward Alex Marchlewski was yellow carded and this gave Moor a chance to pile more pressure on and score again on the left wing to lead 29-17.

The final score went to George Kooper of Glossop following a scything line break by winger Cassell, to give Glossop a losing bonus point and an unlucky 29-22 defeat.

This was a much better performance from Glossop, with captain Round in particular giving a dominant mid-field performance.

After the game coach Dan Clark said "I am incredibly proud of the strides we made this week.  Our patience in attack was much better and the team showed real belief in our game plan.  The link-up play between our backs and forwards was great to see, showcasing the 15 man rugby we have been working towards in attack.  Our interior defence remains a massive plus, but we recognise there is still work to be done, especially in tightening up our defence out wide.  Overall, it is a step in the right direction, and we will continue to build on this progress".

Next week Glossop travel to Liverpool St. Helens.

Glossop 2nds had a resounding 20-7 home win over Tyldesley.