IN A GAME that was perfect for either the neutral or the partisan Manchester fan, the Rugby Union third team opened their league campaign against none other than...Manchester's fourth team. To their relief, they ran out 10-5 victors, having been well tested by a new-look fourth team.
The fourths, having been promoted last season, now find themselves in the same league as the thirds, so this game took on the air of a slightly confusing practise game.
The players themselves, of course, had everything to play for, as both sides sought to cement or improve their position in the pecking order.
As it turned out, it was a frustrating event for participants and spectators alike. A lot of effort was expended for relatively little reward, as many players, desperate to impress in this odd scenario, forced the issue slightly.
Trailing 7-0 at the break, the fourths soon reduced the arrears to 7-5 through a try from their left-winger, who had picked himself up after hurling himself onto the tarmac path just minutes before. Though fly half Aleks McCarthy missed the conversion, the fourths picked up their game. McCarthy had an increasingly impressive part to play as the second half went on, kicking out of hand well and making some darting breaks to exploit any defensive lapses.
In the end, the difference between the teams was experienced third team fly half Ollie England, whose conversion of Craig Nicol's try was supplemented by an excellent drop goal from wide on the right to make the game secure.
As an indicator of what to expect this season, this game gave little away, yet there was enough to suggest that both sides will be forces to be reckoned with in Northern Conference 2A.
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