Five-try Shottery back on track with victory over Manor Park 2nds

SHOTTERY bounced back to winning ways at the first time of asking as they ran in five tries to record a 34-24 success over visitors Manor Park 2nds on Saturday.

The Blue and Golds started brightly with young winger Matty Rose gathering possession on the right touch line and beginning a move that saw the backs spin the ball the width of the pitch.

Eventual man-of-the-match Matty Rose then popped up in the opposite corner to score the try.

Manor Park made their intentions known with a series of strong carries from their forwards, eventually forcing their way over the line from close range.

However, Shottery once again showed quick hands and slick passing through the backs to saw winger George Fox and full-back Paul Roberts cross the whitewash.

Out of nowhere, the heavens opened and rain quickly turned to hail, and as Manor Park bundled over from close range, the prospect of any more expansive rugby seemed long and gone.

With the approach of half-time came a return of blue skies and the opportunity to play to Shottery’s strengths, with vice-captain Ed Benskin racing down the left wing and beating the last defender to touch down.

The game increasingly turned into a battle of attrition at the breakdown, with Manor Park repeatedly charging at Shottery’s defenders, only to be stopped time and time again with some excellent covering tackles from the forwards.

Only once more was Shottery’s defence breached and a nervy 15 minutes followed as Manor Park tried two unsuccessful penalty kicks to try and draw even.

Ultimately, it was left for Shottery’s backs to have the final say as replacement winger Joe Lewis showed some excellent footballing skills to chase after a kick to the corner, before calmly dribbling the ball over the try line to score the home side’s fifth try of the day.

Shottery’s next game is at home to Coventry Welsh on Saturday.

Training is at 7pm every Wednesday at Pearcecroft for anyone looking to get back into rugby.