Market Drayton travelled to Linley and Kidsgrove with a mix of first team regulars and fringe players, two of whom had never played for the club before.
Linley, who play at a higher level in the Cheshire and South Lancashire League, fielded an ‘A’ side with a mix of first and second team players.
The outing provided Drayton with their first opportunity this season to play in difficult, boggy conditions which were much better suited to Linley’s highly experienced but mobile pack.
The host’s back line also showed impressive handling skills throughout in pretty appalling weather for running rugby.
Although Linley enjoyed the majority of the possession in the first half, Drayton defended resolutely and gave a pleasing exhibition of tackling all afternoon.
However, the breakdown area was a different matter and the Ravens were turned over time and time again, due partly to highly skilled work by Linley’s third man which also slowed Drayton’s ball when turnover was not achieved.
Of greater concern though was counter rucking when Drayton had secured possession but were too slow to distribute, thereby allowing Linley to drive through the gate.
This is really basic tactical naivety and Drayton will have to commit more forwards to the ruck area in heavier conditions to ensure retention.
Against the run of play after half an hour, Drayton pressure forced a rushed clearance kick which left winger Gareth Williams gathered and ran in to touch down in the corner to cap his best performance for the club to date.
Shortly afterwards, right winger Dewi Griffiths was unfortunate to have what appeared to be a legitimate try disallowed as the referee failed to see the grounding, so the green and blacks went in at the break with a slender 5-0 lead.
In the second half Drayton, with centre Neil Miles at the fore, found holes in the Linley defence but were unable to turn breaks into points.
Either wrong options were taken or support was too far away from the ball carrier to facilitate distribution.
Nevertheless, Linley once again enjoyed the bulk of possession and profited when new centre Bailey turned his ankle, slipping before being able to secure a loose ball.
This allowed his opposite number to run in and level proceedings.
Both sides cancelled each other out until the end when Drayton appeared comfortable in possession but were again turned over by heavier opposition.
Linley were awarded a dubious penalty for offside 35 yards out and an excellent kick from a quagmire hit the post and went over for an 8-5 victory for the home side.
The Williams brothers, lock Steve O’Neill, flankers Daz Middleton and Jack Tavernor, and Miles all had decent games but everybody will have to step up to the plate and play with greater urgency when the Ravens travel to Hanford in a vital league game this Saturday.
Hanford are notoriously difficult to score against so it will be a real test of Drayton’s retention skills and patience.
Skipper Chris Spencer, full back Tom Lavender, lock Chris Cook, and back rowers Daz Middleton and Rich Murison are all unavailable for the trip.
However, forwards Gordon Gray and Gra Mason and backs Matt Eardley, Jamie Spencer, Ally Mackintosh and Dave Adams all return.
