Glossop kicked off their league campaign against old rivals, Aldwinians in the “Counties 1ADM Lancs/Cheshire” league.
New captain Zak Round’s men were put under pressure following his kick off, by a serious of driving mauls and then swift hands from the home sides backs, saw them cross on the left wing early on, for a 5-0 lead.
Aldwinians big forward pack were causing Glossop problems by keeping the ball tight and scored their second try when their fly half ghosted in from the half way line.
This was converted to give the home side a 12-0 lead. A long range penalty saw the lead extend to 15-0, before The Hillmen got on the scoreboard through the boot of fly half Tom Dearnaley. Half time score 15-3.
After the break, Glossop brought on some big guns of their own in the shape of Joe Dearnely and Mikey Lancaster and this gave the visitors some parity in the close quarter physical battle. However, Glossop were failing to secure their own ball in the scrums and lineouts and this problem was compounded when lock Connor Grime was yellow carded after a series of penalties were conceded by Glossop.
This was a shame as coach Kit Bremmer’s men had started to gain some parity around the pitch.
Aldwinians took advantage of the extra man and again crossed on the left wing and converted to lead 22-3.
Glossop weren’t about to lie down though and a period of sustained pressure by the forwards saw lively scrum half Chris Sonczak spot a gap on the blind side close to the Winnie’s try line and he put number 10 Dearnely in for a try, which he converted himself to reduce the deficit to 22-10.
The home side got the final try of the match though, through some fantastic handling in their backs, which saw them cross the line on the left wing.
Final score 27-10.
This is a new Glossop side under a new coaching team of Dan Clark and Kit Brammer and this leaves the squad with plenty to work on.
Next week Glossop host Aspull RUFC at Hargate Hill.
A hat trick from home winger Alex Hurst saw the hosts home after Ashton had looked comfortable for most of the first half at the F.Ball Community Stadium on Saturday.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have continued their mission to overhaul Manchester United’s finances by announcing that the club would be increasing season ticket prices by around 5%, an average of £2.50 per game.