The fourth game of the season brought local rivals Dukinfield to Wood Lane and may we say what a game it was.

Both teams got out to start with a healthy warm-up to prepare for the game. The ref gave both teams a briefing and with the flip of a coin the game was underway. Marple received the kick and start on the front foot marching up the field towards the visitor’s half.

The Home side marching forward into a strong Dukinfield defense was soon put under pressure in the ruck. Marple soon got caught sort and gave away a silly penalty. The away side kicked down deep into Marple's territory and started their attack.

The away side caught the line out with a double-dummy lift and caught the Marple side off guard. The ball comes down and Marple soon found themselves defending their own try soaking up some unwanted pressure that soon lead to the first try of the game for the visitors.

Conversion Missed – 0-5

Marple still trying to get a foothold in the game soon found themselves back in their own half due to a couple of silly pens. Dukinfield kicked the penalty deep into the Marple half and another strong line out from the away side caught and drove to the Marple line. However, a slight miss judgment saw a penalty Try award to the travelers, and Marple’s number 12 Andrew king found himself award a yellow card and 10 minutes in the bin.

Penalty Try – 0-12

Marple down to 14 men and following a tough start. The Marple lads started to get things rolling and the game started to get flowing for both sides with some end-to-end stuff both teams showing off the skills they have.

Marple getting things following and back to a full 15 soon forced a penalty and gain territory with a beautiful kick into the corner from the home side Fly half. Marple set the line out and set to catch and drive towards the away sides line. Brake from the Marple prop Alex Jenner off the back of the maul took the ball over the line but a good bit of defense from the away team that managed to hold the ball up and stop the Marple try.

More end-to-end stuff from both sides stopped by some great work in defense started to bring the game to life. Once again Marple got another penalty and kicked the for the coroner. A catch and drive from the line out the home side found themselves 5 meters out and again the big man Alex Jenner at the back of the maul broke for the line, open the scoring for Marple.

Parry converts, 7-12

Marple starting to get grip on the game soon found them getting down to business and showing what they can do with the pack making the platform for the backline to show off their skill to stretch the Dukinfield defense. Unfortunately, a strong Dukinfield side managed to recover the ball back at the ruck and put them on the front foot. However, more great work from the away sides pack found them breaking through to extend their lead.

Kick Converted, 7 -19 Dukinfield.

The first half drawing to a close Marple starts to kick back and start putting things together. Great work from Marple soon found winger William Milton flying down the wing to score Marple’s second try of the game just before the half.

Parry misses, 12-19 to Dukinfield lead that Half.

The second half starts and with some fresh words in Marple’s ear from the coach. The lads start showing what they can do with attack after attack. This strong work soon found them deep in the Away side’s half and with some great pressure from Marple the discipline of Dukinfield slipped and conceded the penalty that was slotted home by Adrian Parry.

3 points added - 15-19

Marple on the front foot going forward took full advantage and got the travelers pinned back in their own 22. The forwards repeatedly hitting the ball up and sucking, all of the Dukinfield players in to hold off the attack. This soon left space out wide for the Marple backline and with quick hands out wide to Adam Supan who dived in and put Marple ahead for the first time in the game.

Conversion missed, 20-19

This late try did not go unanswered as Dukinfield came straight back at Marple slowly chipping away to then get the ball wide and score their 4th try of the game with only 10 minutes to go.

Conversion missed, 20-24 Dukinfield lead

Dukinfield taking the lead late in the game put the wind back in the sails Marple who kicked on downfield with more great work and a silly penalty from the away side allowed Marple number 10 the opportunity to kick Marple into a strong attacking position.

A quick lineout from Marple saw a quick ball off the top and out to Marple's outside center and captain Kieren Malpus. Who crashed thought to Dukinfield defenders before handing off a scrabbling defender to dive over under the post and seal the victory for Marple.

`Parry Converts 27-24 to Marple, Full Time!!!

Man of the Match: Alex Jenner – Jenner played a vital role at prop controlling the scrum and driving Marple on. He also added a well worked try for Marple.

Great game to both watch and play in.