24th February 2007
Rossendale 3rd XV 20 Ormskirk 4th XV 10
Ormskirk 4ths made the long journey to Rossendale a player short of a full complement. The Gingerbread Men therefore knew that they would be up against a solid outfit who had not only numerical advantage but home advantage also.
It was the home side who took advantage of their extra man and started to create overlaps to stretch the ‘kirk defence. Kirk’s 7 man pack didn’t look they would be troubled too much during the game as they remained solid despite being a man down. Paul Wallwork on his first game back after injury demonstrated that he had not lost his lust for the game as he made a number of charging runs at dale’s defence. Dale did eventually break the deadlock, when a quick tap penalty caught kirk napping and their player crossed for his try. It wasn’t until kirk had conceded a second try that they upped the tempo and started playing good rugby. Paul Doyle was again at his very best in the lineout as he towered head and shoulders over the opposition to claim plenty of ball to give kirk the attacking edge.
Kirk continued to pressure the Dale defence and were rewarded when Anthony Cardwell broke from the back of a maul to crash over the line for his first try for Ormskirk. The game was in the balance and at times Ormskirk looked as if they could go on to win the match. But for some poor tackles and silly penalties they should have done. Kirk were given more hope when they crossed the line for a second time after some good driving from the forwards ended with a mass pile of bodies on the floor. Dave Jonsson was credited
with the try.
Kirk then became their own worst enemy when they gave away a penalty within kickable distance. This was converted and Dale stretched their lead to 5 points. Despite kirk’s relentless attacks Dale’s defence remained solid and shut kirk out for the remainder of the match. And when kirk gave away another penalty and were caught watching, Dale broke free and scored in the corner. Kirk remained upbeat about their performance as they showed great strength and teamwork despite having to play with reduced numbers.
