Bongs move away from relegation zone (From Leigh Journal)

Bongs move away from relegation zone

7:00am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in Sport

Tyldesley 2nd 23 Eccles 2nd 14

TYLDESLEY entertained a young Eccles side looking to kick start 2013 by moving away from the relegation zone.

Substitute Martin Wallbank slotted a drop goal 10 minutes from the end to take Bongs two scores in front and although Eccles threw the kitchen sink at Tyldesley they were not to be denied a fantastic victory with some resolute defending.

Great performances all round but special mention to the middle age brigade who rolled back the years – Simpson, Elliot, Wallbank and West all added the nous needed to compliment the running and enthusiasm of the youngsters.

With the first-team game cancelled, team manager Mark Johnson resisted the temptation to load his team and the players repaid his faith over a talented Eccles side pushing for promotion.

After 10 minutes full back Todd Appleby slotted a penalty to put Bongs on the board.

Fly half Littlewood and captain Jones combined well on the Eccles 22 before full back Appleby joined the line at pace to score by the posts. He converted to extend Tyldesley’s lead to 10.

Two well-executed Eccles tries suddenly saw the shift of power.

Tyldesley dug deep and Appleby’s second penalty allowed Bongs to reduce the arrears to one point at the break.

The second half was nip and tuck with Bongs controlling possession but lacking the end product.

Lee Davies was cleaning up in the line-out and the introduction of Andy Dickinson provided some no-nonsense running which gave man-of-the-match Darryl Appleby some room to work and he made a number of great breaks.

However, the forwards laid the platform for the deciding try and after incessant pressure the ever impressive wing forward Aldred picked up from the base of a ruck to step over from 10 metres.