Shaw Cross Sharks 4

THE Sharks may have lost this National Conference Division Two game but they showed great spirit in the second half after being 26-0 down at the break.

Both teams could manage just one try each in the second half when the Sharks produced their best rugby in attack and defence.

Indeed they were unlucky not to add to their score when captain Andy Fawkes was held just short of the line, while full-back Pat Foulstone and hooker Tim Jones both got over the try line but were held on their backs and unable to ground the ball to score.

Eccles were flattered a little as three of their first half tries came from Shaw Cross errors of losing the ball in attack, allowing the opposing player to gather and race away to score.

The Sharks only try came from Foulstone, who linked up into attack, sprinted through a gap and raced 50 yards to score.

Ben Diskin was unable to add the extras.

The Sharks forwards played well throughout with a fine show from Zac Johnson, who led the charge and was equally effective in defence. He was well supported by Matt Myers, Adam Masson and Ash Fothergill.

Due to their injury list, Shaw Cross had to draft in two debut players – Ryan Dearden, on leave from the army, and Under-18 winger Andy Bottomley along with his joint coach Brett Turner to complete the line-up.

Half-backs Fawkes and Diskin also worked tirelessly throughout.

The Sharks have another tough game on Saturday when they entertain second division leaders Oldham St Annes (ko 2pm), when they hope to have some of their injured players back.