Blackpool Scorpions picked up their first league points in 2010 with a fantastic 34 – 16 win over Latchford Albion.
Blackpool made a number of changes to the side that had lost to Folly Lane seven days earlier, welcoming back Luke Valente, Joe Bullock and James Cunliffe, whilst handing debuts to Jordan Schreiber and Nick Settle.
A tight opening quarter saw the defences of both teams on top with some excellent tackling from Karl Etherington and Liam Wilkinson amongst others, denying the hosts the chance to take the lead. Scorpions were forced to rearrange their side when centre Settle was forced off after suffering knee ligament damage bravely diving in to claim a loose ball. The game finally burst into life on the twenty minute mark as second row Danny Barr smashed through two would tacklers on his own 10m line and then embarked on a lung busting sprint downfield to score a fantastic solo try. Hooker Luke Valente slotted over the conversion to give Blackpool a 6 – 0 lead.
Unfortunately Scorpion’s lead did not last long, as aided by some poor tackling and a fortunate bounce of the ball Latchford forced their way over from close range to level matters. Minutes later, the home side claimed the lead as a towering kick to the corner resulted in another converted try for the hosts and 12 – 6 advantage. Blackpool took this setback in their stride and they came close to levelling matters just before the break as a great run and offload by Antony Clark almost resulted in try for loose forward Phil Mitchell.
A clearly fired up Blackpool began the second half like a house on fire. Powerful runs from Ben Simpson and Ryan Fuller carried Blackpool within yards of the Latchford line, before stand off Gareth Chadwick scooped up a loose ball and dived through a host of players to touch down. Valente added the extras from bang in front to level the score. The hosts retook the lead minutes later when a Blackpool mistake close to their line allowed Latchford to squeeze over in the corner for a 16 – 12 advantage.
Scorpions were determined not to let their game slip from their grasp and soon took a lead they would never surrender with a fantastic team try that stretched from one end of the field to the other. A fantastic run by youngster Jordan Schreiber, was followed by a great break and offload by Max Rossall which sent Phil Gamble haring down the right hand touch line, before the centre drew in the fullback and released the supporting Mitchell to touch down under the sticks. Valente again added the goal to put Blackpool 18 – 16 in front.
Despite losing the injured Simpson (ankle) and Etherington (groin) for the remainder of the game, Blackpool looked to be well in control and looked capable of scoring every time they had the ball. It came as no surprise when they extended their lead as powerful drives from Karl Davies and Joe Bullock created the platform for Barr to power his way over from close range for his second try of the afternoon. Valente slotted over his fourth goal of the day to give the visitors a 24 – 16 advantage.
It wasn’t long before Blackpool were over the whitewash again as good work by Antony Clark and James Cunliffe carried the team deep into the Albion half, which allowed Valente to burrow over for a well deserved try in the corner. There was still time for one more try and after Davies and Fuller had been halted just short of the line replacement Lloyd Garrad powered over from close range in the final minute with Valente adding his fifth goal for a final scoreline of 34 – 16.
In a great team performance, every player deserved prise for the effort and hard work on show. A number of players could have claimed the man of the match honours, but in the end it fittingly went to prop Ryan Fuller, who carried the team forward at every opportunity and lead the way with some thundering tackles in defence. Scorpions will be hoping to build on this win when they play host to Wigan St Patrick’s next Saturday.
Team: Antony Clark, Ben Simpson, Phil Gamble, Nick Settle, Joe Bullock, Gareth Chadwick, Liam Wilkinson, Karl Davies, Luke Valente, Ryan Fuller, Danny Barr, Karl Etherington, Phil Mitchell
Subs: Max Rossall, Lloyd Garrad, James Cunliffe, Jordan Schreiber
Tries: Danny Barr (2), Gareth Chadwick, Lloyd Garrad, Phil Mitchell, Luke Valente
Goals: Valente 5/6
