The manner of the performance was a significant improvement on that shown the previous week when they beat a Broughton outfit by 37-8. Traditionally, Garstang play all of their early league games away from home because of unavailability of changing rooms due to a clash with the end of the cricket season. However, this season the club had no option but to play the early season games at home due to an increased fixture list for the First XV and the Blues. This worked to Garstang’s advantage as they got the game and the season off to a flying start. Garstang were camped on the Fylde line within two minutes of the kick off and Max Everest, after some courageous defence, was able to force his way over the line (5-0). Garstang were dominating in the set pieces for the next 20 minutes of the game but they could not make their advantage tell. They were dealt a blow when Andy Blackley limped off on the half hour mark. However, this proved to be no problem to the home side as Adam Horrocks, the replacement stand-off, showed scintillating pace to break through the defence and add the second try of the afternoon. Mark Gorst added the simple conversion to make the half time score 12-0. In the second half, Garstang continued their domination and they were rewarded when Ben Greenwood collected the ball at the base of the scrum and forced his way over from close range, despite the attention of two Fylde defenders. The conversion attempt slid wide but Garstang’s lead was now 17-0. Garstang knew that they could not be complacent having seen a 17-0 lead disappear in the corresponding fixture last year so they continued to defend as if their lives depended on it. Fylde got extremely close to the line but some outstanding defence repelled them time after time. With time running down Mark Gorst made a fantastic break through the midfield before stepping and out-pacing the full back to score under the posts. The same player added the simple conversion to effectively seal the win (24-0). Minutes later the same player made a similar break before being hauled down in the middle of the park. From the ensuing ruck a penalty was awarded. Garstang elected to go for goal but unfortunately the effort slid just wide. In the final few minutes Ben Whittingham was replaced by Guy Lambert who was making his North Lancs league debut. The Man of the Match award was won by Mark Gorst who capped an excellent game with an outstanding individual score. After the game, captain Paul Brown said: "That was an excellent win for Garstang and shows everyone that this team means business this season." The views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC. | 
