First proper autumn morning of the year, first time in the amazing new changing rooms and, despite best efforts, Southport U15s first game of the season! Still the extra Sundays of training were to pay off and despite three new additions to the injury list the squad’s strength in depth showed, with Angus G, Tom St, and Lewis S agreeing to stay on late after training to make sure there were sufficient replacements to cover every eventuality.

Fleetwood showed real discipline as they warmed-up, a discipline they were to take into the game. This strong teamwork allowed them to both drift and scramble a defence for phase after phase, and to cut out a number of scoring opportunities. But I get ahead of myself.

The coaches had decided that it was time for the team to start taking more responsibility for themselves. With what was clearly a powerful motivational speech from injured Captain Charlie C and a new set-up for restarts (thanks Pugs) organised by on-field generalissimo Lewis J, there was no need to remind anyone about the ‘b’ of the bang. In some ways it was almost as if last season hadn’t ended and the team ethic that had seen the boys to victory in the Plate Final was very much in evidence.

Good pod work, fast hands from Tom Ste, and strong running from the backs set up Southport’s first try. With Charlie S working play back and forth across the pitch the ball became stuck just short of the try line, but a characteristic piece of heads-up rugby saw Louis J-F dart over the line despite strong defence from Fleetwood.

More strong defence saw Matt, Jake, Toots and Harry stopped time and time again, but pace and commitment from Nathan and Callum L, meant that the big yards remained ours and bought time for Connor and Joel, both of whom put in a big shift, to give Charlie S plenty of options. Eventually the pressure paid off and as the half wore on and legs began to tire Matt was able to score in the corner, whilst Harry burst through the centre giving Tom Ste his first straightforward kick of the match.

Fleetwood’s determination was clear to see and real strength in the scrum meant that both Olly and Joe H had to make committed tackles as the ball was moved through hands to set up good attacks. The tackles allowed the Southport defence to recover and strong work by the forwards gave James C the opening to run at the space (note not the man!) and score Southport’s 4th try of the half.
It was clear that the high intensity of the game was starting to take its toll with Fleetwood rapidly countering to score a fine breakaway try in the corner taking us to 22 – 5 at halftime.

A couple of changes brought a more direct style into Southport’s game, with Owen looking to commit the centres and Josh consolidating short yards.

Wholesale changes followed as the half progressed, Elliot and Lewis S reenergising the front row, Chip working hard under real pressure from the Fleetwood line and Angus giving the team the confidence to press. With Tom Sto almost making it over the line and good individual work from Owen, Jake and Harry, the direct approach paid off despite strong play from a resilient Fleetwood team. Lewis J was the first to benefit, seeing the space that had been cleared and taking the forwards v backs battle to 3-2. Matt, not one to let the forwards have bragging rights, saw that the hard running of the backs was rewarded with the final score of the match.

All in all a great start to the season proper played in a great spirit by two strong teams.