Another match that we could so easily have won goes begging.
For the manner in which we lost this game, I was initially thinking ‘cut and paste’ part of the Leeds match report i.e. Playing well, getting into positions to press on and win the match but we lose 2 vital line-outs, However, whilst true, that would not be fair.

Whilst we dominated the opening phases of the match and looked up for the match, on 8 mins Fylde’s first meaningful attack saw Ben Turner touch down, all too easily, in the right-hand corner. Conversion by Patrick Bishop. 7-0.
Less than ten minutes later, Fylde scored an almost a carbon copy try as Turner again squeezed into the right corner but this time Bishop couldn’t add the extras. 12-0 and we were looking vulnerable on the right.
The HI’s scrum was working well and the forwards were getting the better of the early exchanges but we did seem to lack penetration through the middle.
On 30 mins, Fylde’s Trippier produced a clever pick-up off a lineout and scored Fylde’s third try of the game. Conversion by Bishop. 19-0.
At this point, those of us watching could not really understand why we were 19 points down but, it is becoming all too familiar. We were once again being penalised or losing possession in an attacking position and unable to score.
Mr Charlton gave a flurry of off-side decisions during the match and on 36mins Lewis Minikin scored HI’s first points from a penalty. 19-3.
HI’s forwards were now in control and why we were not awarded more scrum penalties is a mystery. On 40 mins, Ben Stephenson finished off a well-orchestrated forwards try but Lewis could not add the extras. Half Time 19-8 and, we were encouraged. Fylde were by no means 11 points better than us.

2nd half started well. Cam Burnhill had made a couple of nice breaks and was unlucky not to score in the first half. On 48mins Cam broke through again to score a good try but Lewis could not convert. 19-13.
On 55 mins, HI’s forward dominance again produced a well worked try for young Archie Upton, who had come on for Ben Stephenson a couple of minutes earlier. Lewis converted. 19-20.
We had reason to be confident but HI’s lead was short lived as on 63mins Fylde scored a try from their first attack of the 2nd half. Conversion missed. 24-20.
It was now that HI’s had the opportunity to win the game but our attacking line-out was taken by Fylde, who pressed quickly up field to score a try in exactly the same manner as we had been trying to do at the other end of the field. Conversion was good. 31-20 with 4 mins left.
HI’s did not give up at all and on 80 mins Minikin finished of a move to score between the sticks and convert himself. The final whistle went. Full time 31-27 and 2 losing bonus points.

Once again we have some good play to point to and enjoy but we are again on the wrong end of a defeat because we create game changing positions which we do not finish off.
I thought HI’s forwards performed well. The scrummaging was very good and when we see the dominant scrum gain penalties week after week, it was difficult to understand why we had to wait until the 2nd half for Mr Charlton to award one.
Great to see Scott Westwood back and, young Archie Upton coming on and playing well. Both providing further front row options and even more strength in depth.
Joe & Cal added the weight and they are clearly our best 2nd row partnership.
Whilst any team would miss George, I thought our back-row was outstanding on Saturday, with Lucas Powell again the pick of the three.
However, it has to be said that we really do need to find a way to complete our attacking lineouts.
For me, our backs were not as good as against Leeds. Sam was as industrious as ever and Smithy put in some useful kicks for position but, outside we lacked the penetration and purposeful running that Fylde showed. I am sure we can sort this out with a bit more consistency.

So where does that leave us.
After 16 games we sit 7th in Nat 2 North, which is a strong league this year.
IMHO, any Club outside of the top four could still be drawn into a relegation battle. I note that we are the only Club outside the top four that has a positive points difference, so we must be doing something right. This is further evidenced by the fact that Lewis Minikin is the top points scorer in the National leagues, with 202 pts. That is 71 pts above the next best in Nat 2 North and 6pts above the next best from any of the other National Leagues. A big well done to Lewis and a big well done to those lads who are putting Lewis into scoring positions.
Stating the obvious, we need to get some results from these close games. When ‘push comes to shove’, losing bonus points will be useful but, on their own, they will not be enough.
We need a few wins.