Aldwinians 3 De la Salle (Salford) 14
With A blustery wind and heavy rain in their faces , Aldwinians started well as they ran the kick off ball from De La Salle back at them in the forwards. De La Salles forwards responded to test the defensive qualities of Aldwinians for almost 15 minutes and forced them into countless tackles, the game remained very tight in the first period and the first half ended 0-0.
Aldwinians started promisingly as they had done in the first period. A strong drive
from Rubin Holland down the middle, a couple of penalties and then a left touch line run by McMahon, offered more promise the momentum was now with Aldwinians in the third quarter.A drive deep into the 22 led to a penalty and to maximise the reward a scrum was opted for to generate a try scoring position. De la Salle offended again on 50 mins and this time James Worrall sent over the penalty for a 3-0 lead. Playing in this vein , Aldwinians were in charge, and the forwards were equal to the endeavour of their opponents.
However, De la salle hit back and took the ball and accelerated upfield through a splintered defence , set their sights on the posts and touched down on 55 mins to allow an easy conversion and a 3-7 lead. Stunned, Aldwinians remained on the back foot , as the visitors effort level increased as they sensed victory.The backs tried to pass the ball across their 22 , but in midfield a De La Salle centre had read the play , reached for the ball in flight ,readjusted and caught it,to cross the line and score the second try on 71 mins. The conversion taking the score to 3-14. In the final minutes despite immense pressure the visiting defence could not be broken despite a sequence of penalties that took Aldwinians 15 mtres from the try line.
Ashton Rugby Club chalked up an emphatice 34-0 victory away at Burnley to consolidate their second place spot in the North Lancashire Divsion one.
Dukinfield went down 21-10 in the Isle of man to Vagabonds in the South/Lancs. and Cheshire League Division Two.