Wilmslow RUFC 10 Chorley RUFC 19 CHORLEY prepared for their vital clash with Clitheroe this Saturday with a win at Wilmslow at the weekend.

Coach Martin Peacock said he was very pleased with the result against a strong side.

He said: "The main objective was to finish in a positive frame of mind which will set us up for the promotion deciding fixture against Clitheroe."

The Wilmslow result was achieved with excellent concentration and team spirit.

In defence, they worked with determination and strong tackling. In attack they were aggressive with very strong individual runs and good ball retention and excellent rucking from the forwards.

The backs looked fresh and alert with strong running and good handling. Tries came from Alcock, Jones and Taylor.

Martin added: "Every player is fully aware of the importance of the Clitheroe game. We have a strong squad to choose from and selection will be very difficult. Some good players will be left out."

Both Chorley and Clitheroe are playing for promotion to Lancs North Division One at Brookfields on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Martin urged supporters to turn up and cheer Chorley on. Bar facilities are available.

CHORLEY Stags were the senior home side on Saturday and their match against Sandbach was a real treat.

Although both sides fielded players in the autumn of their careers, they had plenty of spring in their step to keep the crowd entertained from start to finish.

Chorley's main strength was up front where big number eight Pete Bridge lead from the front.

The home pack broke tackles, rucked with aggression and generally took the game to Sandbach at every opportunity.

Chorley led for threequarters of the game only for Sandbach to come back and steal the win as the clock ran down.

The first half was a close fought affair. Stand off Reilly put Chorley ahead early on with a well worked try, converted by big Bob Hatton.

But they could not increase their lead and Sandbach eventually came back to score a try of their own not long before the half-time break.

As the sides changed ends, Chorley led 7-5.

Chorley kicked off the second half and went straight on the attack, with Sutton and then Reily scoring his second in the third quarter.

Sandbach replied on the hour with a breakaway try form the base of a scrum.

In an astute change of tactics, Sandbach then stepped up a gear and began to attack Chorley on the flanks - thus avoiding the stronger Chorley pack.

This proved to be the turning point in the game. The Stags continued to fight bravely but the inexorable Sandbach overhauled their score and went on to win by five points.

Team: Skerritt, Binding, McCready, McGuigan, Sutton (c), Reilly, Grassington, Witts, Thomas, Critchley, White, Hatton, Martell, Brown, Bridge.

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