The game kicks off with Marple receiving the ball, with a solid catch Marple start to get to work. A couple of phases edging near the end of the Marple half till the small lapse in concentration saw Colne & Nelson turn the ball over and unfortunately Marple could not recover. The away side converted this in to point and Marple found themselves under the cosh 5 minutes in.

0-7 Colne & Nelson

The home side shell shocked by the early try soon found themselves under pressure in the early stages of the game, while they found their feet. Soon enough Marple gathered themselves and opened up the game with end to end stuff from both sides.

Both teams playing a very attacking game soon tested the defensive of both sides that seemed to be holding strong. Marple taking a foothold in the game and kicking the travels deep in their own 22 had a couple of opportunities to convert with some catch and drives. However, a touch of line fever kicked in and the home side got stopped short and held up over the line.

The continued pressure from Marple put the travellers in panic stations and down to 14 men after one too many pentiles. The extra man and some good work from Marple soon paid off with a good set of hands that put winger Will Milton in the second try of the game.

Parry misses, 5-7 Colne & Nelson lead.

Half time, Marple trail at the half…..

A fresh word in the ears from both sidelines and the lads returned to play with Marple still seeming to edge the game. However, the travellers had no intention of rolling over in this game and were putting up a strong fight in the match.

Marple putting the pressure on and a penalty was given to the home side who then gain another 10 yards after a couple of loose lips from the travels. Marple elect to kick for points and Adrian Parry steps up and slots it home to puts Marple into the lead for the first time in the game.

8-7, Marple leads.

Marple in the lead now showing they weren’t going to let this one go with more and more pressure on the travellers. Forwards crashing up through the game line soon gave way to the back to let the other half of the Milton duo Allan in to score the third try of the game and stretch that lead out for Marple.

Parry misses, 13 – 7 Marple extend the lead.

A couple of changes for the home side and some fresh legs the game remains under the home sides control with the travellers still asking questions but being held to a minimum by a strong Marple defence.

10 minutes left in the game and Marple going for more they soon find another way through with great work from the pack. A break from hooker Cameron Hughes who crashed over for try number three for Marple.

Parry Converts, 20 – 7 Marple

Marple out of sight the travellers still didn’t give up and pushed on with the hope of a Bonus point. The last play of the game is called and Marple holding strong against the attack from the travellers. A silly mistake from the Marple Fly Half Adrian parry soon got him sent to the bin and Marple down to 14 for the remainder of the game.

Down to 14 men, the home side stood strong and soon forced the traveller’s mistake.

Full Time, 20 – 7 Marple.

Man of the Match: Camron Hughes – Another great performance from Cameron.