A brave, gutsy performance wasn’t enough for a depleted Blackpool Scorpions side as they went down 36 – 10 away to Oldham St Annes.
A lengthening injury list combined with a number of other players being unavailable, forced Blackpool to reshuffle their side, with teenagers James Cunliffe and Taylor Ramsden both handed first team debuts
A slow start to the match saw Scorpions go two tries behind within the first five minutes. Blackpool to their credit recovered from the poor beginning and began to exert some pressure of their own with Simon Runciman and Karl Davies carrying the fight to the larger St Annes pack, whilst some great defensive work from Marc Skelton, Max Rossall and Liam Wilkinson amongst others prevented the hosts from quickly adding to their lead.
Despite this improved showing, a slip in defence allowed the home side to cross for a try in the corner and a 16 – 0 lead. Again Scorpions took this setback in their stride and hit back with a try of their own, when after good work from Ben Simpson and John Parker, second row Luke Valente powered his way over to cut the deficit between the sides. Blackpool almost reduced the Oldham lead further minutes later when a fantastic break by stand off Gareth Chadwick nearly resulted in a try for youngster Joe Bullock, with the fullback just unable to hold onto the ball under immense pressure from the scrambling St Annes defence.
The hosts made the most of their reprieve and some needless penalties from Blackpool, to power their way over for two further quick fire tries to establish a 24 – 4 advantage with half time approaching. Scorpions again roared back, with James Cunliffe’s bulldozing run downfield seeing him break through a number of would tacklers and create the field position for Karl Etherington to plough over from close range/ Valente slotted over the conversion to leave the game poised at 24 – 10 at the interval.
A fired up Blackpool began the second period in a much better fashion than they had the first with a solid defensive line combined with some bone shuddering tackles keeping St Annes pinned within their own half. This allowed Scorpions to build pressure on the Oldham line for almost 20 minutes with Antony Clark and Jake Padgett amongst others coming close to reducing the hosts lead. Unfortunately, Scorpions weight of field position and possession didn’t pay off and from a debateable penalty decision, the home side where able to barge over for a try under the posts to give them a 20 point advantage. Despite the game being effectively over, Scorpions continued to battle away with Danny Jardine, Taylor Ramsden and Chris Rogers leading the way with some great defence. A further try from the home side in the final minute of play, gave the final scoreline a rather flattering look at 36 – 10.
In spite of this loss, no one could fault the effort on show from Scorpions with many of the young players in the team making a name for themselves with performances beyond their years. A number of players had fine games, but in the end the man of match award went to 17 year old James Cunliffe, who turned in a great debut at second row with some great defence and blockbusting runs in attack. Blackpool will be hoping to get back to winning ways next week when they play host to Shevington Sharks.
Team: Joe Bullock, Ben Simpson, John Parker, Antony Clark, Jake Padgett, Gareth Chadwick, Liam Wilkinson, Karl Davies, Marc Skelton, Simon Runciman, Max Rossall, Luke Valente, Karl Etherington
Subs: Danny Jardine, Taylor Ramsden, Chris Rogers, James Cunliffe
Tries: Karl Etherington, Luke Valente
Goals: Valente 1/2
