Bede's Lose War of Attrittion

Old Bedians started the New Year on a positive note with unprecedented levels of availability giving captain Mike Gallagher a selection headache. More good news followed with the return of Richard 'Larry' Thompson from injury and Jon Swift from safari. Going forward the impressive form of players at training and in recent 2nd team fixtures means selections will hopefully continue to prove to be much tougher in the coming weeks.

Bede's went into the game confident, although admittedly very ring rusty, with the first team not having played since early November. From the kick off it was clear that this layoff and the strong wind was going to play a big part in dictating how the game would be played. Bede’s had the better of the early running and kicked themselves into good field position. Unfortunately sustained pressure proved difficult and a mixture of infringements and turnovers meant Mossley were able to escape without conceding any points. With kicking proving difficult Mossley were able to relieve pressure time and again through their hard charging inside centre who was to prove a big problem throughout the game. Bede’s spent most of the half deep inside the Mossley 22, however, when opportunity did present itself to use our strong backline, Mossley were able to shut this down in the ruck before our backs could get a chance. With five minutes left in the half and scores still locked 0-0 Mossley again broke out through their centre and after a couple of well worked phases were able to open the scoring by driving over from close range.

The talk at half time was positive and Bede’s were quietly confident of being able to get out of second gear. The half started well with Bede’s able to regain possession straight from their own kick off. Play was kept tight and strong running particularly from hooker Mike Tarling kept Mossley on the back foot. Unfortunately injuries reared their head with No 8 Mark Coles, prop Sean O’Rouke and centre Vince Betty having to be replaced in quick succession causing further disruption to the already rusty team. As a sign of how the game was played centre Betty was replaced after 50 minutes without having had a run with the ball.

The second half played much like the first. Generally, a few phases broken up by a penalty or infringement meant the game felt like it really didn’t get going. The few opportunities the backs did have showed their potential with fullback Loz Smith and winger Ben Owen making decent inroads. Mossley though took the bit between their teeth and stepped up the physicality of their game. Although Bede’s defended with good application Mossley had a strong 20 minutes scoring one try and kicking two penalties sending the scores to 18-0; being denied two other tries on the line through some desperate defence including one incredible tackle from lock Ali Webley on their hard charging centre.

Bedes went back straight back off the kickoff kicking deep and finding touch ten metres out from the Mossley line and earning the throw. From the lineout Bede’s were able to set up a driving maul from which replacement Pat Willis was able to score, the conversion, like the two attempted penalties before it, went unsuccessful. With time running out Bede’s had another chance in the Mossley half. A trademark move put fullback Smith into space with good support from the outside backs however, with the line beckoning, our execution was not where it needed to be and the ball went down literally a metre out. Mossley weren’t particularly keen on giving us any more chances and the game ended soon after final score 18-5.

With a certain try missed and conversions and penalties the scores could have been tighter but in fairness it the better side won. Bede’s tried hard but the reality is Mossley are a tough side and we won’t beat them or teams or their ilk playing that far below our potential. Back to the drawing board at training and hopeful a bit more composure and cohesion against Newton le Willows next week. The good news is regular fixtures are now upon us so hopefully we can now build some momentum.