Moor deserved to approach this match with supreme confidence following the great display against Dukinfield on the opening day of the season. A near-full squad turned up at Glossop and looked keen to take the park.

Moor dominated the early exchanges and were particularly impressive up front in the loose, clearing rucks well and giving Kingsley good ball at scrum half. First up tackling was also impressive, led by skipper Ireland and supplemented by Jones and Edwards in the backs. The Moor pack turned over Glossop ball with efficiency in the early rucks and mauls, with Taylor and Fitz (Caveman) prominent. Glossop kicked untidily from open play, often presenting Moor with counter-attack opportunities.

Edwards made good use of the boot to keep Moor in Glossop’s half, and the pressure eventually began to tell. Tries from close quarters by Caveman, Ireland and Stott gave Moor an early lead. Glossop replied with a well-worked try to power over near the sticks. Moor looked to be in control as the first half came to an end, but they were guilty of too many unforced errors and some poor lines of running. Indeed, the only part of Moor’s game that functioned well was the scrummage. Lineout was scrappy and open play was becoming a free-for-all.

To be fair, Glossop contested well, and their tactics weren’t too far wide of the mark – cause defensive disruption then kick and chase – it almost worked! Their first-up tackling was very good, and they competed with heart and aggression in the rucks, but Moor just managed to edge the contest. Following sustained Moor pressure in the Glossop 22, Ireland pounced for an opportunistic try as pressure ball was squeezed over the home try line, and the victory was almost sealed.

Glossop came back, all guns firing, to contest the last 15 minutes, and they were unlucky not to score on many occasions. The Moor defence held its line and managed to spoil Glossop attacks through good tackling and competing for the ball in loose situations. Eventually the home pressure told, and Glossop deservedly registered a try beneath the sticks which was subsequently converted.

Moor hung on to the grim death and eventually ran out winners, 14-24, having gritted their teeth, showing immense pride and commitment, to win the match. Two wins out of two matches – and a training weekend next Sunday. The coaches could not be more proud and impressed with the team’s commitment, and we look forward to hosting Ellesmere in 2 weeks time.

MOM – Shane Mageean – the hooker was everywhere he should have been, and sometimes where he had no right to be! His decision making in the loose, and as a ball carrier in our ruck play, was truly fantastic – he took responsibility! A born leader who knows the game!

A truly typical Colts encounter - full-blooded but no dirtiness. This game was a great example of what Colts rugby is all about.