CHORLEY RUFC 2ND XV 22

TARLETON RUFC 12

THE Black and Whites' second string got their revenge for an unexpected defeat before Christmas with a fine victory over close neighbours Tarleton at Brookfields.

With the first XV without a fixture due to the Five Nations, Steve Richardson's XV took centre stage.

But it was Tarleton that took the lead with a forwards try under the posts which was duly converted. Back came Chorley with a very similar try. Wing forward Sean Gustard forced his way over from close in. Then a slick three-quarters movement led to a try by Phil Hatton after good work by Phil Clarke and Dave Hickman. Chorley led 12-7 at the break.

The second half saw more good play especially by the forwards. A constant stream of possession found its way to Clarke who kept his side going forward with some deft kicks.

From a line-out on the visiting line, evergreen prop Dave Muir picked up and drove hard at the Tarleton defence, slipped the ball to his captain who reversed a pass to John O'Riordan who scored a try which had the front row union in a raptures.

Chorley's victory was clinched by Rob Walsh. The winger weaved his way over from 60 metres and it was enough to cancel out Tarleton's consolation late on.

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