ONE month ago Garstang Blues looked destined to be relegated from Miller Homes Four North.
With four games to go they knew that they would be relegated unless they won the lot.
They duly obliged in the first three games which set them up for a sensational finale on Saturday. The twist in the tail of this game was the fact that the opposition, Preston Grasshoppers 6th XV, were one of three teams, along with Garstang Blues and Fleetwood 3rd XV, who could fill the final relegation slot.
The Blues started the game off at a tremendous pace and they were stretching the defence and only desperate tackling and sloppy finishing prevented them from taking an early lead. However, it wasn't long before the opening try was scored. Garstang were pushing forward in the final third and released the ball to the backs. Richard Mayhew was looking to pass the ball out wide but he saw a gap in defence. He made a break for it and was able to coast through and score under the posts. Jimmy McLennan added the conversion to give the Blues a dream start and a 7-0 lead.
If the home side thought it was going to be an easy game they were much mistaken. Hoppers started to get right back into the game and they were doing an excellent job at the breakdown which was frustrating (and perplexing!) Garstang.
The Blues supply of ball began to dry up which led to them getting frustrated and trying to force things. On one such occasion they passed the ball out wide only to spill it. Hoppers pounced on it and kicked the ball forward, the Hoppers winger gathered the ball and looked set to score before falling over with the line beckoning. It was a let off for the Blues but it turned out to be Hoppers only real scoring opportunity all afternoon.
The half time break came with no further scores added. The Blues knew that their whole season hung on the next forty minutes of rugby and they came out for the second half in a determined mood. However, they were constantly frustrated by mistakes of their own making or because of Hoppers tenacious defence.
With an hour played Garstang finally made the breakthrough. The ball had gone through several phases and Garstang had managed to control a bit of possession. When it was recycled Simon Porter put in a cross-kick which was gathered by Roddy Bettaney. He made some vital yardage before popping the ball up to Guy Lambert in support. He was able to run through unopposed and score the try. The conversion went wide but Garstang had the crucial ponts (12-0).
The game now looked up for Hoppers as Garstang started to relax and play with a bit more fluidity and it wasn't long before the lead had been extended. Garstang's forwards secured more decent ball which was shipped out to the backs. The ball went down the line before Guy Lambert returned the favour to Roddy Bettaney and put him in to score in the corner. That sealed the victory and the celebrations could begin (17-0)
The final few minutes saw a flurry of substitutions as Garstang got all the bench some game time. The Blues saw out the game and secured the 17-0 victory.
For the record, the team who ended up being relegated was Fleetwood 3rd XV as they lost heavily at Fylde. Hoppers ended up avoiding the drop on points difference with the Blues just above them
Thanks to the match sponsor, The Crown Hotel, and the match ball sponsor, Hargreaves Garages.
Team: Bert Cross, Lee Palmer, Dave Miller (John Outram, 70), Dave Bosson, Tim Harries (Jean De Villiers, 70), Craig Jones, Adrian Bosson, Mark Walton, Simon Porter, Richard Mayhew, Roddy Bettaney, Jimmy McLennan, Guy Lambert, Andy Bhagat-Lowe, Simon Whittingham (Ian Davies, 75)
That was the last game of the season for the Blues but there are still a couple of games still to play within the club. On Saturday April 26 the 3rd XV are playing a Fleetwood XV and on May 17 a Club XV are due to play touring side, Edge Hill Beavers. There is also the end of season club tour to play in the Kinsale Sevens on May 2.