Sils were back in action at Copt Heath for their third game of the season on Saturday. After a difficult match against Bridgnorth the previous week, Sils were looking to bounce straight back against a Long Eaton side also boasting a win and a loss so far. The game had all the makings of a tight match-up and that’s certainly what the fans were treated to.

After a dominant opening 15 minutes, Sils broke the deadlock; Harry Jones did well in the centre of the pitch to draw a challenge before offloading to Josh Reynolds (whose brilliant all-round display earned him the player of the match award). Josh swung the ball out to Louis Roach who darted inside, in typical Louis fashion, past a couple of diving challenges to put Sils 5 points ahead.

A penalty kick from Tommy Lee increased Sils’ lead and it wasn’t long before there was a second try to cheer about. Again Louis’ forward driving ignited the move, coming in-field to open the play up and set Tommy on his way. Long Eaton managed to make a last-ditch challenge on Tommy but Josh was on hand to receive the pass and drive into the gap ahead of him to score his first try of the season.

A conversion from Tommy put the Sils 15 points ahead but Long Eaton weren’t to be discouraged. A big push for the remainder of the half saw them rewarded with two tries and one conversion, meaning the score at half-time was now only 15 – 12 to Sils.

The second half was a nail-biting watch for anyone connected with the club. An early penalty from Tommy provided a 6 point cushion but Long Eaton proceeded to attack again and again. Sils struggled to find their earlier fluidity in attack but stood strong in defence, making a couple of fantastic try-saving challenges to maintain the lead.

But eventually Long Eaton’s persistence was enough for them to break through and score a try. The following conversion was kicked successfully meaning they took a 19 – 18 lead with less than 20 minutes to go.

As time ticked on, Sils managed to grab a hold of the game and come forward with wave after wave of attack themselves. Cheered on by a now rapturous home crowd, the lads earned themselves a lineout with just a couple of minutes to go. Patiently working it from left to right and back again the ball ended up with Josh who flicked it on to Harry. Harry rode a few challenges and after a series of mauls, the ball was excruciatingly close to the try line.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man – Tim Trace dives for the line and just manages to squeeze the ball over, putting Sils ahead with barely any time remaining. From the tightest of angles, Tommy completed the conversion to put the side 25 – 19 up, meaning Long Eaton needed another converted try to regain the lead.

All they were met with however was a brick wall as Sils defended tenaciously to see the game out. It was an incredibly tense, hard-fought victory for the lads but one that the leadership team of Rod Petty, Stephen Hall and captain Fred Howard couldn’t be prouder of. It leaves the Sils with 2 victories from 3 so far this season, representing a very good start to this new league.

UTS