Ormskirk 4ths celebrated the end of 2006 with a victory over Bury 3rds. With this fixture re-arranged from September, ‘kirk knew in advance that this was a ‘must win’ game in order for them to gain valuable points and climb up 3 places in the league.
On a dismal day in Bury, and playing on a wet and extremely muddy pitch, it was the visitors who started the game more upbeat. Kirk’s forwards worked tirelessly despite the heavy conditions to secure good ball to allow their backs to maximize the gaps in Bury’s defence. It was from a well worked maul that ‘kirk gained their first try of the afternoon. Ormskirk’s backs - under the guidance of seasoned veteran Pete Purdy - had made good ground and stretched the home sides defence before the ‘kirk pack got together and set up the rolling maul before prop Fogarty broke free and bulldozed his way over the line in the corner. (0-5). It wasn’t long before ‘kirk were rewarded again. With the back row of Worthington, Dawson and Sinclair working tirelessly around the park supporting the backs, it soon became clear that kirk’s intentions were to score more points. The ball was worked out to the backs and with great support and slick passing Centre Mark Jackson crashed over the line for his 1st of the day. (0-10)
Despite defending well Bury were stretched on several occasions but with slippery conditions underfoot ‘kirk couldn’t capitalise on the sustained pressure they were putting on the home side. This was until some good close support allowed Dawson to break the Bury defence and pop the Ball to Dave Worthington to score under the sticks. Carl Day converted the extra’s (0-17).
The second half saw a change in personnel for both sides and kirks inevitable sluggish start to the second half gave Bury the incentive to attack the visitors’ defence. Kirk’s defence seemed to be slow in reacting and soon allowed Bury the opportunity to score a converted try. (7-17) The match seemed to be at a stalemate for long periods of the second half as players were tiring in the almost swamp like conditions. However kirk’s strong point remained the lineout. Guy Crosse and Colin Sinclair took the own ball and disrupted the Bury lineout as much as possible. Eventually ‘kirk got their break through when Sinclair gathered the ball from the lineout and set up the maul before scrum half Pete Purdy released Champagne Charlie Gray who bobbed and weaved before offloading to Jackson who swept aside all would be tacklers and even sent the full back tumbling with a handoff to be proud of, before grounding his second try of the day. (7-22)
It was only through the valiant efforts of Bury’s defence that the score line remained the same until the final whistle.
Full time Bury 3rd XV 7 Ormskirk 4th XV 22
Captain Dave Jonsson praised his side for all their hard work and effort in what was a difficult and energy sapping encounter. He added, that if the team continued to play with the same drive and determination then the 4ths could, and should end the season in a respectable league position.
Try: Jackson 2, Worthington, Fogarty Con: Day
Team: Stevenson, Jonsson, Fogarty, Walker, Crosse, Dawson, Worthington, Sinclair, Purdy, Gray, Allcock, Jackson, Jones, Day, Lyon, Selfe, Silcock, Waterhouse.
