2nd XV Match Report – 16.02.08
Bolton 7 Ormskirk 8
With Ormskirk’s 2nd XV now closing in on promotion, early season flair and panache has, on occasions, made way for some good old-fashioned grit and determination as they strive to hold on to second place in the league.
Yesterday’s encounter at Bolton was a case in point, as ‘The Raiders’ dug deep to hold off a strong challenge and plunder the two points available. It was not a game for the purists, although the first 15 minutes suggested otherwise. With a strong forward platform, half backs Mark Essex and Alex Lambie fed quick ball to the back line. An early score seemed inevitable although Keech, then Montrose, were both dragged down inches short.
The home side became increasingly unable to compete with Ormskirk’s strong pack led by the skipper Dawson and also featuring such hard hitting luminaries as Paul Kearney and Phil Davis. Kirk’s up front presence forced Bolton to throw quick ball to the backs and this paid dividends when, after a couple of pacy breaks, a diagonal kick was touched down in the corner. With the conversion a success, it was back to the drawing board for the visitors - not helped by the departure of scrum half Essex who left the field with a knee injury.
As half time approached, repeated infringements from Bolton’s forwards presented Lambie with a simple penalty in front of the posts – which he calmly drop-kicked- to leave his side trailing by just four points at the break.
The second half was a gruelling affair for both sides and commitment was evident from 1 to 15, as Ormskirk sought to grind out a victory. Davis in particular relished the scrap and his huge hit on the opposition scrum half was the evidence - the lad was seeing stars. Finally the breakthrough came - with Ormskirk’s backs stacked on the other side, Jackson broke from the scrum in acres of space. Displaying the sort of talent usually bestowed on fleet-footed backs, he then threw a floated, inch-perfect pass to Karne Green who raced over in the far corner.
With the conversion missed and a Bolton player dismissed for repeated foul language towards the referee, Ormskirk closed out the game to win by the narrowest of margins. A great result and an ugly win, but who cares? Surely it will be crucial come the end of the season - well played lads! The raiders entertain Eccles at Green lane next Saturday – onwards and upwards!
