Little Hulton Reds travelled to a sweltering Manchester Rangers in a rich vein of form, with nine points from nine and three wins on the bounce.
Over the last few weeks a 72-6 demolition of Bolton Mets, a convincing 44-10 win over Culcheth and the 38-16 takedown of Salford city rivals Cadishead Rhinos put them fifth in the North West Men’s league Division 4.
As the match kicked off in the blazing heat it was clear Little Hulton were on top but Manchester held their structure and didn’t allow the Reds’ near-constant attacks to phase them.
The defending side had the better luck of the passing.
As the 25th minute approached with the match at stalemate, Manchester’s speedy backs worked a little space centrally and raced away for the first score of the match out wide.
The Reds dominated possession again for the next five minutes, but players were left shaking their heads when a missed tackle gave Manchester the invitation to go in under the posts.
Little Hulton were livid and couldn’t comprehend being 10-0 down and playing so well.
Some were also visibly wilting in the heat.
Channelling this into their line-play, it was big Danny Jones who fired the first salvo, crashing over next to the posts.
With Little Hulton’s regular kickers not available the plucky front rower Ken Sackfield stepped up to slide the ball over the posts, much to Manchester’s surprise.
Chances were now coming thick and fast as Little Hulton upped the tempo: Chris Gaffey and Danny Parkinson each made clean breaks that came to nought,
Little Hulton took control with Foster, Hessian and Mike Jones in charge in the middle of the park, and another score had to come.
Again it was powerful front rower Sackfield who forced himself over the line and added the extras as well to make it 10-12 at half time.
Manchester threw everything at Little Hulton as the second period kicked off, but could get far enough with the impressive Hargreaves nailing his opposite number on every occasion.
Rangers were constantly kicking from their own half, just to have their hearts broken by the free-running of Mark Parsons at full-back.
The Reds managed to cross the Manchester line three full times only to see each score go uncounted: Aiden Heaton’s disallowed for a forward pass and Danny Jones and Mike Bolton crossing but unable to ground the ball to the referee’s satisfaction.
Manchester nearly pinched it when the speedy left wing got in the clear – only for Little Hulton’s superb cover defence to wrestle him into touch to leave the final score 10-12 in their favour.
The Reds came off the field with many wounded heroes and displayed immense courage to complete a very difficult task. After the match, the coaches remarked how proud Little Hulton should be of this team.
Little Hulton Reds will try to carry on the party vibe on Bury Broncos on Saturday 11 June at Peel Park, kick-off is at 2.30pm.
