Runcorn RL arrived at Culcheth sporting a 100% record in the league and cup, playing 6 games and winning 6; however their unbeaten run was torn apart by a dogged and determined Culcheth Eagles that showed both strength and skill to eventually win the game 30-12.

The pitch was in immaculate condition and Culcheth opened the scoring after 7 minutes. Strong defence had led to Runcorn turning the ball over near their goal line and the opportunity for points was pounced upon by Eagles' number 9 Sam Purslow as he dove over from 3 metres over. Captain James Wilde converted leaving the score at 6-0.

Purslow almost added a second moments later after great work from Culcheth's half backs. Wilde chipped the ball through and Max Hewitt showed great tenacity to chase the ball down, forcing a goal line drop out. However, Purslow was denied 1 metre short and possession was coughed up. Eagles went close again moments later after another kick from Wilde, this time from his own half, bamboozled the winger and full back, allowing Ryan Elkin to stride in with his pink socked legs to gather the ball. Runcorn managed to fell Elkin and stopped him scoring however the momentum was clearly with the home side and this was confirmed 10 minutes later with centre Luke Jones provided two bone crunching hits to force an error from Runcorn. Purslow again capitalised, scoring again from 3 metres out. Conversion successful and Eagles led 12-0. Runcorn scored a try with 50 seconds to go from a scrum to make the half time score 12-4.

The second half deadlock was broken by Purslow again, with the hooker from West Leigh again pouncing on poor marker work to scamper over from 2 metres out. Wilde converted again to leave Culcheth 18-4 up. No sooner had the referee blow for the convention than he was blowing again as Greg Wilde cut through the defence like a hot knife through butter, and brought the ball under the sticks for a brilliant try and enabled his brother to convert another try easily leaving the game at 24-4 to the Eagles.

Unsavoury scenes followed the restart as Runcorn's number 13's fist collided with Eagles loose forward, Adam Heggie's head. However it was Heggie that would have the last laugh, as 30 seconds later he provided a silky smooth offload to Greg Wilde, that sent the full back under the sticks again. Runcorn scored two late consolation tries however the win was Culcheth's.

Full time score was Culcheth 30 - Runcorn 12 with Adam Heggie receiving the man of the match award.

Culcheth Eagles Rugby League

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