Typically for early in the season, the Eagles were a little disjointed and frustrations came to a head with the referee having cited both players and the spectators for unnecessary backchat. The penalties conceded allowed Accrington to camp close to the line and they were able to force over in the corner to register the first score. The conversion was missed, 4-0 to the Panthers.

A prompt response and decent support play allowed George Bradburn in under the posts. Jack Glover added the extras and the Eagles were in front, 4-6.

Following an exchange of penalties and surrendered possession, solid goal-line defence and a willingness to work well as a team paid dividends as the under-18's were able to repel the home team's attacks and then move purposefully up the pitch. Liam Pleavin ran onto a crash ball to force himself over their try-line, 4-10 with the Eagles looking more comfortable.

More decent approach play led to Brad Morris scoring from dummy-half. Liam Pleavin added the extras and the Eagles were comfortably in front, 4-16.

Jack Bamford and Liam Pleavin collided in making a tackle and a clash of heads left Jack with a nasty gash on his eyebrow which ended his contribution to the match.

Hard work in defence repelled several attacks but eventually concentration dipped and the home side were able to mount a response. The defence looked tired and just before the end of the first half the Panthers scored on the left side. The conversion was made and the teams turned around 10-16.

Fired up by the coaches and eager for their first win, the young Eagles were playing well and some slick passing saw David Thomas put through a gap on the right side to score. Liam Pleavin again made the kick and the gap was increased, 10-22.

On a subsequent Accrington attack, Ross Ashton intercepted a pass intended for the Panthers centre and was able to hold off the chasing defenders to score a long-range try by the sticks. Pleavin again good with the boot and the game was almost over as a contest, 10-28.

With the match almost over, the hosts reminded us that they could play and were able to score out on their left. The conversion was missed and the gap narrowed to 14 points, 14-28.

The game ended in a fitting way as Liam Pleavin scored in the corner to round off the scoring. Despite missing the conversion from out on the touchline, his personal haul of 14 points had ensured that the Eagles finished 32-14 to the good.

Three players were mentioned by the Accrington coaches as having had influenced the game: Liam Pleavin, Sam Purslow and Jacob Maxted.

Tries: Bradburn, Pleavin (2), Morris, Thomas, Ashton
Goals: Glover, Pleavin (3)

Culcheth Eagles Rugby League

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