Culcheth secured their place in semi-final of the North West counties Shield competition after a tough and physical encounter against local rivals Cadishead Rhinos. Full-Back Greg Wilde grabbed a hat-trick to help the Eagles progress however tough defence and a monumental performance from the forwards, especially Colin Mitchinson, Damien Twizell and Darryl Appleby won them the round.

The deadlock was broken by Culcheth after 12 minutes, a fine passing move lead to Wilde being put through a gap and under the sticks and Wilde's brother, James converted the try to provide Culcheth with the lead that they never gave up. Both sides piled on the pressure however it was Culcheth that extended their lead on the 31st minute. Deep in their own half, Adam Rainford took the initiative and rolling back the years, scooted from dummy half to provide Culcheth with a 3 on 2. Quick hands from Rainford and a sublime flick pass from Luke Jones sent Ryan Elkin away, and with 80 metres ahead of him, the tree-feller was not caught and thanks to another conversion from James Wilde, Culcheth led 12-0. With 2 minutes of the first half to go, Cadishead managed to trouble the score line, crossing in the corner. However Culcheth lead 12-4 at half time.

The second half was dogged by ill discipline and aggression as Culcheth stretched their advantage to put away a strong Cadishead side. With 6 minutes of the second half gone, and Culcheth on the Cadishead line, James Wilde threw a hospital pass to his half back partner Paul Martin, however Martin managed to keep the ball, and provided Max Hewitt with a quick play the ball. Hewitt darted from acting half and scored a brilliant individual try to bring the Eagles to a 18-4 lead.

2 sets later, and Greg Wilde was again under the sticks after another brilliant Culcheth team try bringing the scores to 24-4 and this was extended moments later after a slick move from inside the Eagles own half allowed loose forward Adam Heggie to storm downfield and out pace the Cadishead wingers to score. The following set and Culcheth were again under the sticks, a long kick allowed Greg Wilde to chase the ball and forced the Cadishead winger into a knock on, not contempt with a scrum, Wilde kicked the ball forward and scored under the black dot. The Eagles would have capped the game off with a brilliant team try, had second row Sam Cooper not received a case of White-Line fever, bombing a 3 on 1 to be tackled 3 metres out. However Charlie Hewitt spared his blushes to round off a fantastic Culcheth performance and secure their place in the next round.

Culcheth Eagles Rugby League

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