SOUTH LANCS/CHESHIRE DIVISION 2 CHAMPIONS 2009-10

Without touching a rugby ball the 1st XV were confirmed league champions, as Oldershaw saw off Ashton-on-Mersey by 13-10 in for some a nail-biting thriller.

This match was watched by a few Collegiate members including skipper Gareth Hodges and Manager Si Taylor who will have looked extremely odd as they were jumping for joy on the sidelines when the final whistle was blown, as they were 'neutrals' on the day. Oh yeah!!!

Thanks go out to both Oldershaw and Ashton who were all extremely complimentary and gracious when it became apparent that the league was ours.

This now means there is no longer 2 nervous weeks awaiting results on the RFU website and we can expect silverware in the trophy cabinet some time soon.

Congratulations to all those involved in achieving this historic first Senior league title and we eagerly look forward to next season's challenges in Division 1.

COLLEGIATE 19 - 13 WALLASEY

After last week's performance most bystanders would have been forgiven for thinking that this match was only going to end in one result, but any thoughts of this nature were proven drastically wrong as Wallasey made the 1st XV graft right until the final whistle that couldn't come soon enough.

The pitch conditions prevented Collegiate from playing their normal style of open play and the home side made the most of a very boggy playing surface.

The first 10 minutes saw both side testing each other out and Wallasey came away with a penalty to take the lead. Following a disallowed try for Ross Smith, which clearly was fine, the ever effective line out of the Aigburth side saw an excellent driving maul from which Number 8 Mark Lucass thundered over. 8 minutes later saw Luco get his second of the day from a carbon copy position, this was converted by Nick Saunders.

The last quarter of the first half was error strewn, but tries were scored via the Wallasey Number 8 and their left winger from a raking kick from the opposite wing that bounced kindly and allowed him to ground. These tries were split by a superb Rob Connolly try which saw him leave 5 defenders in his wake to score from half-way.

The second half was a bit of a non-entity with no further scores of any kind, as the conditions took over and spoilt any chance of open play from either side. Despite this hearts were left pounding on the Collegiate sideline as Wallasey threw everything at the 1st XV but fortunately the defence held firm.

When the final whistle was blown to end the season for the 1st XV there were sighs of relief, but also cheers of joy for what has been a fantastic year. The fate of the title is in the hands of Ashton who have 3 games remaining and need to exceed 147 points in victory gaps to snatch the league away. Let's hope that cannot achieve this and we can bring Senior silverware to the club for the first time in over 20 years.

COLLEGIATE 57 - 7 WALLASEY

This match started at a frenetic pace with scrum half Dave Proctor crashing over following a quick pop pass from returning Number 8 Paul Westhead after 2 minutes. Wallasey replied in kind after 6 minutes with a break in their own half and from a deflected chip through regained by the visiting stand off set free the left winger to score under the posts.

However, this was short lived as Dave Wareing went over following a powerful forwards catch and drive. From this point on Wallasey would not be instrumental in the game as the 1st XV began to dominate. By half time skipper Gareth Hodges had crossed on two occasions and we went in 26-7 up after the first 40 minutes.

With the slope in the second half Collegiate made use of the conditions and scored a further 5 tries through Colm Evans, Ross Smith, Dave Angwin 2 and Dave Proctor, after a juggling act a circus would have been proud of, to get his second of the day. Nick Saunders had a decent afternoon with the boot slotting 6 out of his 9 conversions.

Next weekend at Wallasey will no doubt be a different matter as the Wirral side at home are a team to be reckoned with, but the 1st XV will aim to finish the season in winning fashion and leave the league title race in the lap of the gods with Ashton still having 3 matches remaining and currently a points difference in excess of 170 points in Collegiate's favour.

COLLEGIATE 22 - 7 CREWE + NANTWICH

This match was really only worth commenting about for 40 minutes and this is no disrepect to either side, but the second half was just woeful apart from some very determined defending from the visitors in a match dominated by Collegiate in all facets.

The first half was a display that supported the 1st XV's position at the top of South Lancashire Cheshire 2 with complete control in all areas and scoring 3 excellently created tries from Marcus Holden, Ross Smith and Dave Wareing.

The scrum half/stand off combination of Danny Oliver and Nick Saunders continues to blossom as the youngsters belie their age and managed the play superbly. That was until Danny had to leave through injury after 35 minutes, but that didn't prevent him from grabbing the MOM award. Nick kicked 2 conversions and a penalty.

Also, the forwards line out and mauling tactics were used to magnificent effect in the 1st half and the combined team had no answer as the Aigburth side rumbled on down the hill on so many occasions.

The less said about the second period the better as some 'clever' play from the visitors slowed down Collegiate ball and long periods in their 22 went unconverted and unpenalised with the penalty count massively against Crewe, but only the Number 8 sin binned for cynical play. This materialised in the backs trying to force the play and a long pass was intercepted by the Crewe outside centre who sprinted 95 metres to score under the posts.

A win is a win and is all we can continue to do to pressurise Ashton who scraped a 10-8 win away at Marple. 2 more games (Home and Away) against Wallasey cannot be taken lightly despite their league position and focus must remain.

COLLEGIATE 20 - 6 ASHTON ON MERSEY

The tension and adrenaline were almost palpable in the lead up to this game as all squad members were clearly up for what to date has been the most important game of the season.

The first half started with a succession of penalties being given against the 1st XV and it became apparent that not only the strong wind in their faces would have to be overcome. The Ashton 10 converted on of these opportunities and was a good reward for some controlled possession.

The penalty count mounted against Collegiate and by the last minute the tally was a whopping nine to two against for some very questionable decisions. However, the last penalty of the half was for the Aigburth side just inside their own half. Nick Saunders offered his services and thumped a massive 53 metre kick over the bar with room to spare and to raptuous cheers from all involved.

The second half was totally Collegiate's as all set play, loose play and defence were dominated by the Blue Boys. Ashton had to settle only for a well worked drop goal in response to another Saunders penalty, as the 1st XV stamped their authority on the game.

From the 53 minute onwards the game was completely in Collegiate's hands and with storming runs from MOM Number 8 Will Readdie setting up excellent platforms for his pack allowed play to be sent left and create an overlap which full back Marcus Holden made the most of to score in the corner. This was fantastically converted by Saunders again as the momentum completely swung in our favour.

There was an extremely nervous 20 minutes for the spectators, but this didn't seem to affect the players as they set their stall out to starve Ashton of possession and not allow any ground to be made.

As the clock was ticking down and anxiety levels were at an all time high Ashton, camped in their own 22, needed to take the gamble and spread the ball wide. But they didn't take into account the pace of returning centre Colm Evans who intercepted and ran in unopposed under the posts, which Nick converted to maintain his 100% record.

That was it as there was not enough time left for the home side to get 2 scores and the promotion was confirmed. With 3 games left the league title is well within our reach and 3 victories from the games will almost will leave us in the strongest position possible and Ashton's results will affect this, as they have 6 matches left.

This is not taking any of the remaining matches lightly as both Crewe and Nantwich and Wallasey (2 games) will definitely be trying to scupper our chances of winning our first league title.

COLLEGIATE 36 - 17 MOORE

Moore's league position does not reflect the standard of the team, as they showed in the first half and last 10 minutes of a match that could have been much closer with the scoreline flattering Collegiate somewhat.

Despite dominating territory and possession in the first stanza Collegiate could not break down a resolute Moore defence and were only offered a penalty kick, which was not taken. Thankfully, the Moore kicker did not quite have the strength in his boot as 3 long range penalties fell agonisingly short and another was pushed wide.

Not deterred by this Moore did managed on penalty and scored the first try of the game with a very well worked blind side move to send in the big Inside Centre. This was well converted and Moore held a well deserved 10-0 lead after 36 minutes.

This kick started the 1st XV into gear and from the restart the ball was regained and following some controlled recycling Lloydy was released into the open and he effortlessly saw off the attentions of 3 Moore tacklers to grab his 9th try of the season and go in only 5 points down at half-time.

The half-time break didn't slow Collegiate's momentum as within a minute of the game commencing a line out was won in Moore's 22 and superb mauling allowed Mark Lucass to crash over. This was short lived as Moore came back and within 5 minutes had re-opened a 7 point defecit following more good open play.

Now knowing they were more than in a match, especially with the loss of Lloydy, Rob and Rory through injury and numerous unplanned positional changes really had Collegiate reeling, but once again they showed the spirit and tenacity that has seen them at the top end of league for the majority of the season.

On 56 minutes the first of four long range tries evidenced the style of rugby that coach Tom Langford has wanted to play all season show itself when Dave Wareing crossed following a clever run around with skipper Gareth Hodges after some great ball handling. Replacement kicker Nick Saunders slotted the first of his 3 conversions.

5 minutes later and a ruck seemingly in Moore's control on halfway was turned over and Will Readdie gratefully accepted the ball and cantered in virtually unopposed to the despair of the opposition. Once more from the restart Collegiate went straight back at Moore and Simon Crowder was given the opportunity to show his full pace on the left wing and completely left the defence for dead.

The best was certainly until last in this match with Moore in possession in the 1st XV's 22 only to be turned over again and Nick Saunders sent a long pass to Ross Smith who sprinted down the 5 metre channel to pass inside that went through several pairs of hands and Jizzy was able crown a very good and vital victory with probably the best try of the season to date.

The win did come at a cost with Lloydy and Rory now out for possibly a few weeks and we wish them speedy recoveries. Next weekend is the big one as they travel to Ashton on Mersey.

COLLEGIATE 10 - 9 RUSKIN PARK

You're always guaranteed a tough game at Ruskin and this one not for the faint of heart. The out of action captain and I'm fairly sure the coach both suffered from heart palpitations on the sidelines as the win was not sealed until the last 2 mins of the match. On a day when the ball just wouldn't go to hand, or stick when there, made for a frustrating and ugly game. With the lions share of possession and territory the Collegiate side just couldn't convert it into points and, in fairness, didn't look like doing so for a large amount of the game.

Ruskin took the early lead through some indiscipline and built further on this with their inside centre dictating the midfield and blindside flanker “bending” the rules with the best of them. 2 penalties and a drop goal gave them a 9 point lead which looked enough to secure the win and deny the Collegiate side the victory they so desperately wanted in order to maintain their newly regained position at the top of the league.

The Collegiate pack had acquitted themselves well in the scrum all day long and it was from a scrum that saw the home side driven off the ball on their own 5 metre line that the only try of the game came. Quick hands through the backs saw Marcus Holden try to eat the ball before touching down and with Lloyd converting to the visitors were back to within two points with less than 10 mins to play.

A frantic last 5 minutes ensued with Collegiate pushing hard to steal the win. The chance came in the form of a penalty 2 mins from the final whistle. Lloyd, who had missed two chances in the first half, held his nerve when it mattered to give Collegiate the lead 10-9. The game however was not finished. Ruskin took a quick kick off and threw everything they had at trying to win the game.

They were rewarded with a harsh penalty when wing Rob Connolly was adjudged to have tripped his opposite number after slipping in the swimming pool that was the right hand corner of the pitch. With the last move of the game being the penalty kick at goal the Collegiate players, coaching staff and support held their collective breaths. Fortunately the kick fell short and wide, into the grateful arms of Hywel James who proceeded to put the ball into row Z. The final whistle brought cheers and relief all round.

A win is a win as it was succinctly put in the moments after the game however this was another scrappy hard fought win for Collegiate but one that yet again shows the strength of character in the side that has been built up over the season.

Credit must go to the Ruskin side who played their game well and can feel aggrieved having victory snatched away from them in the last few moments when it looked assured.

Next week brings what is sure to be a hard game at home with Moore.

COLLEGIATE 7 - 3 MARPLE

On a day when Ashton on Mersey succumbed to their first league defeat of the season this victory could be the most important of the season so far as the 1st XV move to the top of South Lancs/Cheshire Division 2 on points difference. Ashton do hold a game in hand on Collegiate, but by grinding out ugly wins like this one against Marple for the remainder of the fixtures, including the game at Ashton on the 13 March will lead to a league title.

As mentioned this was not an aesthetically pleasing win but it was an extremely vital one. For once Collegiates' backs were at sixes and sevens in defence, as a swift Marple line made several counter attacks carving open the midfield, but last ditch defending and misplaced passes prevented the home side from crossing.

In contrast the Collegiate attacks were regularly thwarted by poor decision making and handling, plus some questionable refereeing decisions. That until Rob Connolly made a scything break from the Marple
10 metre line to leave 4 defenders in his wake and score the only try of the game. This was excellently converted by Chris Lloyd.

The second half was 40 minutes of sheer frustration, as long periods of possession and gaining territory were repeatedly snubbed out in excellent field position only to be returned 60-70 metres and pressurise the Aigburth side.

The last 15 minutes proved very twitchy, as the young Marple 10 slotted a penalty and they continued to threaten but fortunately our defence showed the vigour seen previously this season
and several superb turnovers from Joe Perks kept Marple at bay.

There needs to be a much more convincing performance at 4th placed Ruskin Park on Saturday, who have hit a bit of form recently.

COLLEGIATE 17 - 3 OLDERSHAW

In the last few weeks there has been a trend of not performing to their full ability but the 1st XV are eeking out tough victories, this game was no different against last season's league winners.

The first half was completely dominated in terms of possession and territory by Collegiate, but due mainly to manful Oldershaw defence and poor execution in good areas the scoreline was 3-3 at half-time with penalties being traded between Chris Lloyd (to take him past 200 points for the season) and Shaw's Blackmore.

The second period was virtually a deadlock with both packs battling for possession and both sets of backs tackling their hearts out. Via penalty kicked to touch for a 5 metre line out for Collegiate, the ball was thrown in and lost, but as it was passed to the Oldershaw fly half it was charged down and grounded by Joe Perks for the score. This was converted by Lloydy.

In fairness Oldershaw battled hard all game, but rarely ventured into the 1st XV 22 and certainly never looked like scoring any tries, but neither did the Aigburth side for the remainder of the game.

That was until a ruck seemingly controlled by Oldershaw on half way resulted in the ball ending, somewhat dubiously, in the hands of Dave Proctor who quickly released the back line and stand off Marc Anderson showed a clean pair of heals to outpace three covering Oldershaw defenders. Lloydy superbly converted from the touchline with less than a minute remaining.

Certainly there requires a fair bit of improvement to get back to the structured and unflustered style of play seen prior to the festive period, but we are showing our quality when winning matches like this and not getting fully into our stride.

COLLEGIATE 16 - 5 TRENTHAM

This was another below par performance by the 1st XV that several seasons ago would have resulted in a loss, but it shows the progression the club has made to be able to grind out tough victories away from home especially when not playing at their best.

The main problem of the day was inability to convert territory in Trentham's 22 into points, rather the concession of silly penalties meant the Staffordshire side were able to clear their ranks and this
happened with regularity adding to frustrations. Collegiate did obtain the majority of possession in the game but the protection of the ball was somewhat lacking preventing Tom Langford's game plan of getting the ball wide from ever really starting.

It took some 25 minutes for the first points of the game to materialise in the form of a Chris Lloyd penalty, but this lead had to be defended manfully as Trentham posed attacking threats but were constantly thwarted. Via a good steal in their own 22 the 1st XV made crucial ground following a kicking exchange between both full backs, from a line out deep in Trentham's half quick ball was obtained to see skipper Gareth Hodges crash over and Lloyd convert to take a 10-0 lead at half time.

The second half started badly with Trentham crossing early on from a well worked line out and to make matters worse Hodges and Phil Brown both had to be leave the field through injury and with only 2
substitutes being named and Ian McParlin already being tactically subbed it meant that the last 20 minutes had to be played with only 14 men.

Despite this deficit of players the period proved to be Collegiate's best, as they played smart and kicked for corners and attacking line outs in the home side's 22. From the 1st XV winning the line outs Trentham were twice caught offside and Lloyd took advantage and slotted a further 6 points to take the game away from them.

Not the best display, but another 2 points gratefully accepted and we certainly will not be naming only 2 subs for anymore matches!!!

COLLEGIATE 8 - 3 SEFTON

This fixture traditionally never really is a spectacle and this game was not able to break that tradition primarily due to boths sides not being allowed to play their particular style of play, as the loose and tackle areas were not governed very well by the referee.

Collegiate certainly controlled the majority of ball and spoilt a high percentage of Sefton's set plays but whilst in possession they were constantly starved quick ball and frustrated by bodies not rolling away and hands in the rucks that were not penalised. This only meant a Chris Lloyd penalty was possible in the 1st half.

Despite this the 1st XV adapted to the conditions and in brief spurts showed an enterprising style of play marshalled by scrum half Dave Proctor, who was excellent on the day. Proctor created to the only awarded try of the game when Proctor boxed kicked from the base of a ruck in the right 15 metre channel, with the Sefton winger in complete no man's land and Ross Smith happily grounded unchallenged.

Sefton only managed a single penalty with 10 minutes remaining and rarely threatened the whitewash in what turned out to be a disappointing but rewarding match for the 1st XV, as they returned to winning ways following a 5 week break and keep the chase on Ashton on Mersey.

COLLEGIATE 26 - 7 DOUGLAS (IOM)

This was a match that the margin of victory should have been much larger due to the massive amount of possession and territory advantage in favour of Collegiate, but a bit of impatience and poor handling kept Douglas in with a shout.

It was only the Isle of Man's side lack of invention whilst in possession, mainly kicking the ball away, allowed the 1st XV to coast to the win. Douglas' only score came via an interception after 8 minutes which caused a bit of a scare, especially as it was really only their first touch of the ball.

The response was immediate with a line out win on the Douglas 22 was dynamically driven all the way to the try line which Dave Angwin grounded. This set the marker for the rest of the match with set pieces completely dominated primarily the scrummages which Collegiate won 90% of.

The next try came from a series of 5 metre scrums which the referee awarded for a couple of 'held up' attempts as Douglas defended manfully. However, the pressure would take it's toll as skipper Gareth Hodges forced his way over.

There was then a frustrating period across both halves of about 20 minutes when all the possession was only converted into 2 penalties from Chris Lloyd. The second half did start brightly though and a scrum was awarded to Douglas on their own 22, which the superb pack shoved them off and from Dave Proctor's nifty pass Jimmy Connolly skipped through 3 tackles to score, which Lloydy converted.

Only a further penalty was kicked and the final 25 minutes were a bit stagnant as the foot was taken of the gas, but Douglas couldn't take advantage of this and continued to kick away the ball.

Still, a very solid performance, especially up front and more of the same will be needed (but for 80 minutes) against 4th place Orrell next weekend.

COLLEGIATE 30 - 0 CREWE AND NANTWICH

The 1st XV were back in action this week, after a break from league action last week, and looking to make improvements after their loss to Aston on Mersey . The game was played on a very heavy, muddy pitch that required forking beforehand to remove surface water however this did not seem to effect the 1sts as they came out all guns blazing going 10 points up courtesy of a try by Jimmy Connelly and a conversion and penalty from Chris Lloyd within the first 10 minutes.

The rest of the half saw the Liverpool side pressuring the Crewe line, with the ball very rarely crossing back past the 10 metre line but a combination of some shocking passes, poor handling, bad decision making and some, shall we say interesting refereeing decisions meant that no further points were scored until just before half time. Centre, Ollie “Hand Grenade” Hunt crossed after some excellent recycling from the pack to take the 1sts into half time 17 – 0 ahead.

Soon after the second half began the lead was extended further after some great turn over work in the tackle by prop Hywel James released the Captain, Gareth Hodges, to trundle over, untouched, from 50 metres out. After a brief interlude to administer oxygen to the shocked skipper and for Lloyd to miss the conversion the game continued.

The match deteriorated from there to the final whistle as Crewe brought on a prop determined to punch anything in a Collegiate kit which led to a number of hand-bagging incidents instead of rugby. Furthermore a bizarre referring decision saw scrum half, Ryszard Chadwick, sin binned even though the referee freely admitted that he did not know who had committed the offence!

A 30 – 0 win, which should've been a lot more, will be taken but the squad knows they have much work to do this week in order to prepare for the return of Douglas to Riversdale Road next week. A loss in Douglas in the first game of the season still plays on the mind and the team will be looking to gain revenge come Saturday in order to keep the pressure on league leaders Ashton on Mersey.

COLLEGIATE 3 - 7 ASHTON ON MERSEY

This was always going to be a very close encounter contested to the highest degree and the scoreline reflects how well matched the two sides were.

The first half was a complete stalemate with neither side able to gain and retain territory or possession despite a few yellow cards. Collegiate having to work extremely hard with both Hywel James and Richard Abbotts in the bin to just the Ashton hooker, who was finally sent from the field for a second yellow with 2 minutes remaining.

Collegiate had the slope in the second half but the wind conspired to prevent the boot of Chris Lloyd to allow the 1st XV to really get a foot hold in the game.

Until the loss of Mark Lucass and Pete Nelson through injury Collegiate dominated the line outs, whilst Ashton had the edge in the scrums. Both sets of backs tackled like demons with only MOM Gareth Burns making any headway, which he did with regularity.

A solitary Lloyd penalty proved insufficient as Ashton capitalised on a long period of possession in our 22 to score a deserved try under the posts, which was easily converted.

Following this the stalemate recommenced and unfortunately time was not in the Blues favour and they succumbed to their first home defeat of the season.

Next weekend is a welcome rest Saturday allowing for players to recover from the toughness of this match and prepare for the trip to Crewe and Nantwich on the 28th.

COLLEGIATE 42 - 10 MOORE

This fixture traditionally has proven to be a banana skin and nothing was to be taken for granted against a Moore side who had struggled so far this season.

As with most games this season the 1st XV started much the better and were 10-0 up inside 6 minutes via Chris Lloyd penalty and a converted Pete Nelson try. But some ill-discipline and questionable refereeing decisions allowed Moore back into the game. Thankfully another penalty from Lloyd meant we went in 13-10 up at half time following a very shaky 1st half display.

The second half showed exactly what style of rugby can be played in wintery conditions, as the rain and wind played it's part. However, within the first 5 minutes the 1st XV took control of proceedings via a try from Will Readdie.

From this point onwards it was one way traffic, apart from some silly penalties that need to be removed from the equation in future games.

Further tries came from Richard Abbotts, Dave Proctor and MOM Hywel James, who was fantastic throughout.

Next week sees us welcome unbeaten Ashton on Mersey to Liverpool Cricket Club. This is a game that will certainly have a massive impact on the rest of the season and will require a top drawer performance from all 18 players and coaching staff.

COLLEGIATE 20 - 7 MARPLE

This was an encounter that was first versus third in Division 2 and was going to be a tough contest, but like so many games this season Collegiate flew out of the blocks and had scored 3 tries within the first 15 minutes, through Chris Lloyd, Rory Pollock and Ollie Hunt.

But similar to the week before the 1st XV seemed to relax and allowed Marple back into the game via a quick tap penalty from 10 metres out, which could not be defended in time, this was excellently converted by the Marple 10.

This time there was a quick response and within 2 minutes of conceding the Blues crossed again with Lloydy grabbing his second from some superb interplay between forwards and backs. Unfortunately Lloyd had a rare off day with the boot and was unable to add to his tally. Half-time 20-7.

The second half was a complete stalemate with unforced errors and needless penalties, which proved frustrating for both sides and spectators alike. Both defences held firm and neither team really looked like breaching.

Still a few positives to take from this slightly disappointing but effective performance against a side who like Collegiate had shocked a lot of sides so far this season having come up a Division.

Next week sees them travel to Moore, which has always proven a tough journey in recent encounters and the focus certainly needs to remain.

COLLEGIATE 32 - 22 OLDERSHAW

This was always going to be a tough encounter and lived up to it's billing in a match that saw 9 tries, 4 sin binnings and a sending off.

Collegiate started like a team possessed and completely outplayed Oldershaw in the first half storming to a 27-3 lead at half-time with tries coming from Dave Proctor, Will Readdie, Ross Smith and Chris Lloyd who also converted 2 and kicked a penalty.

The second half began at a frantic pace and the 1st XV had 2 players binned plus 1 Oldershaw player within the first 10 minutes, which during the Wallasey based side took advantage of the man extra and grabbed 2 tries to bring the score back to 27-17.

The turning point of the match was the sending off of the Oldershaw Number 8 for swinging a punch, which the referee did not take kindly to and sent him on his way.

Even so Oldershaw still threw everything at Collegiate and with 6 minutes remaining the right winger ran in unopposed. Fortunately this was not converted.

From the kick off the 1st XV sparked into life and from some excellent recycling Rob Connolly was sent free and he superbly saw of the attention of 4 defenders to ground and put the game out of reach.

A lesson will be learnt from the game, that being no matter how far a lead can be gained against opposition in this league we cannot take our foot of the gas and take any side's capability for granted.

COLLEGIATE 69 - 0 BUXTON

The 1st XV made the long trip to Buxton in the knowledge that despite the Derbyshire side's position in the league that nothing could be taken for granted and a strong performance was needed to maintain their momentum.

The first half started in explosive style with 2 tries in the first 8 minutes through Hywel James and Chris Lloyd, but concentration lapsed and Buxton were allowed back into the game. Only last gasp defence from Lloyd prevented Buxton from scoring their second try of the season.

Going in at half time 19-0 up led to a rousing 'chat' from skipper Gareth Hodges and the second half was to commence as the first half did. However, this start continued for the full 40 minutes with 8 unanswered tries were run in and Buxton rarely having any possession.

There were two hat-tricks by Hywel James and Rob Connolly, Chris Lloyd got a brace, plus 7 conversions. Other tries came via Hodges, Jimmy Connolly and Mark Lucass.

There will be a much tougher equation next weekend at Oldershaw and the same form needs to be carried into the match from minute one.

COLLEGIATE 54 - 3 TRENTHAM

As the scoreline suggests this was an extremely one sided affair which Collegiate dominated from start to finish and were rarely threatened throughout to retain top spot in South Lancs/Cheshire 2.

The 1st XV's attacking style and quick ball recycling proved far too much for the Staffordshire side as they were starved of possession and when they did manage to obtain any ball they had no option but to kick it away, due to pressuring defence in midfield.

The first score of the match came within 5 minutes when Ollie Hunt burst through on a clinical crash ball to score next to the posts. This was his first of two.

Other players who scored a brace of tries were Rory Pollock and Mark Lucass plus Hywel James and Peter Nelson crossed. Chris Lloyd kicked 2 penalties and 4 conversions.

Tries came at regular intervals over the duration of the match and apart from a few handling errors the score could have been much greater.

Fairness to Trentham they did not give up at all and showed the spirit they will need throughout the season.

This was an extremely pleasing performance following the excellent victory at Sefton. We will need to retain this form in forthcoming weeks against Buxton, Oldershaw, Marple, Moore and Ashton if we really want to be considered as true contenders by other sides in the League.

We all know we are the real deal this season and have certainly surprised a few people up to now, but the hard work has only just begun.

COLLEGIATE 30 - 22 SOUTHPORT

This performance will give players and coaching staff great heart after the 1st XV showed what determination and commitment they have for the shirt.

The match started in good style with the Blues controlling territory and possession and deservedly took the lead through a Chris Lloyd penalty. However, this was short lived as some weak defence saw the Southport 10 waltz in under the posts without a finger being laid on him, which he also converted.

More defensive frailties in midfield saw the home side extend their lead not long after. Via the restart Collegiate managed to turn the ball over and win a scrum on the Southport 10 metre line. A pick up from skipper Gareth Hodges was fed to Dave Proctor whose cleverly time passed put Rob Connolly in the clear and he excellently finished the opportunity.

All the good work was lost when Southport yet again took advantage of poor tackling to score in the corner, despite the touch judges flag being raised for a foot on the line, and went in 19-8 ahead a half-time.

Following a stern half time 'chat' from Tom Langford the Blues came out with added vigour and really took it Southport despite being dominated in the scrummage, but sheer tenacity and guile in the tackle area saw them turn over the ball. This lead to good pressure and via line out the ball was mauled superbly to let Hodges crash over. Southport replied with a penalty.

Southport from this point were on the back foot and seriously flagging in terms of fitness, plus the introduction of Will Readdie and Andy Cowan gave added pace and destruction in the breakdown. This resulted in a penalty being kicked by Lloyd to take the score to 22-16

With 8 minutes remaining the order was given to run everything and from a line out on their own 5 metre line the ball was thrown right and Rory Pollock took us to the half way line. Quick recycling sent the ball back left through all backs hands and sent Simon Crowder loose and his pace left Southport defenders in his wake to score next to the posts, which Lloyd converted and gave the 1st XV the lead.

Instantly from the restart Collegiate regained possession and were quick to exploit Southport's tiredness and again Pollock made a scything break which led to Rob Connolly being given the ball 30 metres out and with a lot to do. Well obviously it wasn't a lot at all, as he fended off 3 covering defenders to ground in the corner. Lloyd managed to convert from wide out, as the final whistle was blown.

With 2 disallowed scores and one debatable Southport try, the scoreline did not reflect the amount of effort and commitment given in gaining this result, as the margin of victory should have been larger on the day.

COLLEGIATE 22 - 29 SOUTHPORT

The first game of the season showed what levels will need to be achieved in fitness and physicality as Southport dominated the first half admittedly with the assistance of a very strong wind, which meant the home side camped in the 1st XV half.

A penalty came directly from the kick off when Collegiate were turned over and conceded 3 points immediately. Despite the domination in possession Southport only managed to score 1 try in the first half and this gave Collegiate real hopes for the second period with the strong wing now in our favour.

The only problem was the 3 forced changes due to injuries of Tom Loftus, Ross Smith and Chris Austin, but this didn't prevent a 5 minute onslaught from the Blues who quickly took the lead thanks to tries from Pete Nelson and Ryszard Chadwick plus a conversion from Chris Lloyd.

All the good work was quickly wiped out as from the restart a seriously dubious penalty was given for not rolling away in the tackle with both players on their feet and no Southport players anywhere near the ruck. This was tapped and the Southport centre went in unopposed.

Further injuries of Ollie Hunt and MOM Peter Nelson further disrupted the momentum Collegiate had. Even so, from a tap penalty on the 10 metre line by Rory Pollock put Chadwick in for his 2nd try. Yet again Southport went back to the other end and scored under the posts. Further tries were traded with Chris Austin scoring with time over.

Some positives were evident, but work in specific areas are definitely required if we are to mount a competitive challenge in South Lancs Cheshire 2.

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