Defences Down

Chorley 20-16 Haven

By Dave Farrell
Date: 17/12/2001

Haven suffered a disappointing defeat to a rejuvinated Chorley. Minus the injured Aaron Lester , Mark Jackson starting and with Mark Cox back we looked to continue our bright start to the new season but must have been surprised by a composed and motivated home team.

Optimism is in the air at Victory Park and that was evident in the way Chorley took the early play to the Haven .

We had hardly settled when poor tackling allowed Warrington Loanee Dale Cardoza to race in from 20 yards , the extras were added . But we were back on terms 10 minutes later with a good touchdown from David Seeds . Paul ONeill converted and it was 6 all. However even then we didnt look convincing . Rob Purdham tried to take the team forward but sadly no one else was able to do the same as the absence of Aaron became increasingly apparent .
Poor defence saw another Wolves loanee John Duffy score a converted try after 27 minute . But worse was to follow two minutes later , a harmless kick on the last tackle was not cleared up by the Haven defender and the Chorley winger Redicliffe nipped in to pick up the loose ball and score 16-6 . A converted penalty saw Haven 18-6 in arrears at the half and with a second half mountain to climb .
The second half started with haven showing much more enthusiasm , though they were now playing catch up football and continued to make mistakes . The introduction of subs Phil Sherwen and Gary Smith gave the team rather more go forward . Indeed it was strong running from Gary for a try that saw us reduce the gap with 20 minutes remaining .18 -12 . On a rare visit into our half Chorley were awarded a dubious penalty but converted to extend their lead to 20-12. Then with 8 minute remaining David Seeds got his second try to round off sustained Haven pressure 20-16.
We looked as though we might do a Town when Mark Jackson charged down a Chorley kick and set off hacking the ball towards the Chorley goal line .He was obstructed by several Chorley defenders , but by the time we got the ball back in ball the opportunity had gone and the homesters hung on for a suprise win.
Paul Cullen decribed the perfomance as miserable , he now has a massive job of rallying the team for the crucial Boxing day derby with the Town , who after today must be fancying their chances at the Recre .