THE phrase 'historic day' in a sporting parlance is often used but seldom true of meaning, however at Well Street, the home for over 100 years of Tyldesley Rugby Union Club, it could not be more appropriate.

Firstly it was the last-ever game of rugby at Well Street since Huddersfield were the first visitors way back in 1896. Second it was the first officially sanctioned game of Rugby Union to take place in England in June. And finally Tyldesley won the promotion play-off against Cumbrian side Vickers by 47-26.

Both sides had not played since the 'official' end of the season at the beginning of May, however both teams provided a highly entertaining game of open rugby.

The first half belonged to Tyldesley with the forwards controlling the ball and retaining nearly all the possession while the back line moved quickly and decisively.

The first points of the day came from a flowing backline move that saw outside centre Andy Dickinson break through the last tackler to score to the left of the posts. Winger Eddie Wallbank missed the conversion but made amends seconds later by landing a penalty following the visitors persistence in killing the ball in the rucks.

Vickers struggled to get out of their own half and another sweeping move this time down the right flank saw right wing Graham Harrop cross the whitewash for a try converted by Wallbank to put Tyldesley 15-0 up. Tyldesley continued to turn the screw and good forward drives from Danny Woodward and Lee West set up the perfect field position for half backs Lee Cunliffe and David Sivill who engineered another try for Harrop again converted by Wallbank who also added another penalty to put Tyldesley 25-0 to the good.

With seconds remaining in the half Vickers kicked deep and from the resulting lineout a neat inside pass brought them their first points of the day for a 25-7 half time score.

The second half started with Vickers in all out attack mode and another try swiftly followed. However an attempted chip over the Tyldesley line was charged down by Sivill who gathered the ball and raced in under the posts from 30 metres out. Another conversion and penalty from Wallbank extended Tyldesley's lead to 35-14 before the Vickers inside centre dummied his way under the posts.

Breathing space

The Tyldesley forwards then turned the heat up again and No.8 Darren Edge broke the line for a try to put ample breathing space between the two sides. Tyldesley made three substitutions and with four minutes remaining Steve Palin ran in for a try converted by the reliable Wallbank.

Straight from the kick off Vickers scored another try but it was too little too late as the final whistle brought victory for Tyldesley and promotion to the Lancashire and Cumbria Division next season.

It was a fitting finale at Well Street and Vickers can feel rightly happy with their performance if not the result while Tyldesley celebrated into the night and now look forward to a new season in a new home and a new league.