A great first week’s turn-out for Summer Touch - over 25 players from almost all senior teams, the ladies and some younger lads. A great laugh, good fitness and a good chance to meet others from our club. See you all next week at 1900 - 2000 Hrs on Wednesday. All are welcome; bring a friend if you have any !

Anyone who is interested should turn up on the night, or contact me on
01695 722797 / 077620 58334.

Anna

All sections of the Club were on hand to witness this historic performance, and the lads didn’t let anyone down. Strength, speed, determination, skill, a great teamwork ethic - all attributes amply demonstrated by Ormskirk on a sun-drenched afternoon.

Full report to follow - but a MASSIVE well done to everyone involved with this squad….

After such a successful season for all our senior teams, it’d be great to see loads of lads down to (a) get fit; and (b) start to put themselves forward for selection next season!

Many congratulations to the players who ended up with the following honours:-

Players player of the year: 1. Craig Ennis

                                      2. Tom Povey

                                      3. Arron Waggoner

Team player of the year :  1.Tom Povey

                                     2. Mike Quirk

                                     3. Jamie Griffiths

Most improved player:     1.Olly Hogan

                                    2. Tom Anderson

                                    3. Danny Holloran,Kyle Hoy, Harry James

Coaches player of the year: 1.Arron Waggoner

                                       2. Rob Jones

                                       3. Jamie Griffiths

To end with the mini and junior section awarded the prestigious  Jack Thomas Shield to Arron Waggoner for his outstanding contribution this season, a well deserved award for a committed and well liked individual.

To end with, congratulations to coaches player of the year, Arron Waggoner, player’s player of the year, Craig Ennis and most improved player of the year, Olly Hogan.

The match will now take place on Saturday 3rd May 2008 at 12.45pm at Preston Grasshoppers ground in Ingol Preston. This match has now become the curtain raiser to the Bill Beaumont Cup match (k.o. 3.00pm) between Lancashire and Warwickshire.

It would be nice to think that we have a great number of supporters to cheer our lads on, in this final match in the Juniors for them. It will also mean that if we win this contest, we will be the first club ever to have won the Lancashire Junior Challenge Cup 4 times in succession. COME AND SEE HISTORY IN THE MAKING!!

Also, as many of you may already know, our No 9, Ryan Glynn, who is already an England International at U16 scrum half, was presented to the stadium at Sale Sharks 2 weeks ago at the Sale vs Newcastle match, as their youngest ever signing of a professional contract, so this game on Sunday could be Ryans swansong. Let’s give him a GREAT send off.

Our presentation this year is at 11 am on Sunday 18th May at Green Lane - see you all there.

Ormskirk Ladies travelled to Vale of Lune 10s tournament on Sunday, and didn’t let the cold and rain spoil their ambition on the pitch to keep the ball the moving.  All the players put in their all, despite several niggling injuries throughout the day, that saw several players appearing in positions that they were wholly unprepared for.  Special mentions go to Lou Prescott for playing front row (again); Lotte Doyle and Claire Rylance for appearing in the front and second row in moments of need; and, Jenny Leitch for saving the day in the last game when injured.  Player of the day however, was sleepy Helen Williams.  Despite sleeping all the way to Lancaster, and between games, Helen played with immense energy and put in many of her trademark/insane tackles, before sleeping all the way back to Ormskirk.

Tale of day:

 
Newcastle Uni             Won                 10-0     (J Leitch, H Williams)
 

Short of kit (due to forgetfulness of skipper Emma Gander), the ladies turned up for their first game in various t-shirts and sweaters of various colours.  This didn’t hinder them in a fast, well fought game against the travelling university team.

Vale of Lune                Lost                 0 – 45
 

Now with the kit, the ladies fought hard against the eventual Cup winners and hosts Vale of Lune.  Vale’s fitness, experience and mobility showed; but Ormskirk fought hard and prevented several certain tries and ever so nearly scored.

Colne & Nelson           Won                 20-0     (A O’Malley, H Williams, C Rylance(2))
 

After a short break (and a sleep for Helen), the ladies played against Colne & Nelson and quickly scored to set the tone of the match.  The backs found plenty of space to run and scored all 4 tries.

Altrincham Kersal       Lost                 5-7       (A O’Malley)
 

A another break next, followed by a warm up in the rain, before the next game against Altrincham Kersal.  Ormskirk scored first when they finally took advantage of overlaps that were constantly appearing.  However, as the Altrincham team switched round at half time they were able to control the game better and finally released their lightning quick winger to score under the posts, which was duly converted.  Ormskirk were unable to respond in the dying moments of the game.

Plate Final
Carlisle                        Won                 15-5     (S Hunter, C Rylance, J Gaskell)
 

The table was consulted, and it was decided that the final first round game would be doubled up as the plate final.  This suited Ormskirk’s injury ridden side and they went on the pitch with the confidence that AK had beaten Carlisle.  Within moments Sammy Hunter was released up the wing, and looked bound to score; but a Carlisle player just made the tackle and the ball was lost, only to be hacked down field, chased, picked up and put down over Ormskirk’s line!  5 -0 to Carlisle.  Ormskirk came right back into the game and both wingers crossed before half time.  After half time both teams continued to battle, neither with the upper hand.  Then winger Claire Rylance had to leave the field after another crunching tackle ended her game.  Jenny Leitch forgot about her injury and ran onto the field, to put in a fantastic kick from the restart scrum, getting Ormskirk into Carlisle’s 22.  Ormskirk retained possession and passed the ball along the line, for prop Jane Gaskell to finish the scoring in the corner.  Final score 15-5 to Ormskirk.

Ormskirk Ladies are very proud to add to the club’s honours list for the season.

One final game is left for the Ladies against Vale of Lune: Sue Garnett Lancashire Cup Final on Monday 5^th May at Preston Grasshoppers.

Well done to everyone…..Photo to follow…………

We invited all our Year 2 players to participate, and wanted them to have the chance of Festival experience, with hindsight (what a wonderful thing); it was ambitious of us to take so many children, as regrettably, some did not get much time on the pitch.

What began as a dry but dull day soon became one of the wettest and coldest, as the lovely green pitches quickly became muddy swamps. We met Manchester first, and despite their best attempts, we were too quick for them in defence and too powerful in attack, resulting in a 5 – 0 win to us.

The next hurdle was Wilmslow (C). Having heard great things about these guys we knew we had to pull out all our tricks and skills. It was a hard played game, made even worse by the conditions, and at half time we were down. Nevertheless our gang kept their heads up and managed to come back with a 7 – 6 win, leaving Wilmslow in utter disbelief and shock.
                             
By the time we played our final group game against old rivals Lymm (B) our guys had been able to have a warm in the club house. We knew we had to win or draw to stand a chance of making it to the semi finals and the pressure was on. Unfortunately the pitch had become so slippy that at one point we had two players injured, yet the ref played on, allowing Lymm to score. This was such a fast and furious game, but we still managed to pull it out of the bag to draw 4 all.

Ten nail biting minutes later it was confirmed that we were our Group Winners – and had made it to the semis to play against Macclesfield. The problem was that our guys were all soaked through to their skins, shivering and very hungry. We had 20 mins before kick off to let them have their picnic under the cover of umbrellas, blankets, Mum’s and Dad’s coats and anything else that would provide some relief from the elements.

Macclesfield, who just happen to be the Cheshire League Champions, outclassed and out-manoeuvred us from the start. We are not making excuses, Macclesfield deserved to win, they were everything we hope to emulate, however our little troopers were tired and cold and the excitement of the day had got to them. They battled on valiantly as try after try zoomed past them. We did manage to get one back though!

What a brilliant end to a fantastic season, we could not have asked for more from our Super Heros. We have all learned so much and just hope that we can keep building on the foundations already laid. With huge amounts of talent, drive and determination in our squad, we are sure that it will not be long before we start bringing home the silverware.

Team Line Up –
Alex (G), Will, Nathan, Nadia, Charlotte, Ben, Joe, Jack, Rahul, Paul, Tom, Morgan.

Try Scorers were –
Alex, Will, Nathan, Joe, Rahul and Morgan

Thank you to everyone involved, and to Wilmslow for a great sporting day.

Training continues at Green Lane each Sunday until the 11^th May (End of Season Presentation and Mum’s and Dad’s Tag Tournament). Wednesday training is also at Green Lane 6pm – 7pm and will run throughout the summer.
 
Best wishes
Phil, Allan, Karen and Dave.

Thanks.

Dave Evans, manager

As the curtain fell on another season for the third team there was a sense of eagerness in the changing room on Saturday - not just to get the game over with and get out for their end of season night out, but to get the result the team felt they were cheated out of on their visit to Widnes earlier on in the season.

The troops gathered early as requested and were out warming up by 2.15pm - even Dave Hesketh was out well before the kick off! Captain Critchley even ventured out himself but couldn’t resist going through the warm up without a cigar in his mouth. The idea of warming up and building themselves up ready to start the game didn’t exactly go to plan. Nothing worked. People weren’t communicating. Headless chickens was the order of the day! Nevertheless - things couldn’t get any worse. Fortunately Paul Waywell got the guys together and with another pre-match talk managing to get them focused on the job in hand.

At the coin toss Birchfield won and then in the interests of fair play knowing that they were already promoted informed Critchley that they would not allow the home side to use their 8 subs, meaning that 3 kirk players would not get a game - how churlish. This only increased kirk’s determination to stick one up their opponents.

From the off kirk played with real passion, early pressure resulting in a penalty for kirk, duly converted. Then 5 minutes later with the opposition still getting into their game, a turnover from Birchfield gave kirk the ball in the opposition 22 and with some quick handling the ball was spun out to McKeown who sprinted past a couple of half-hearted tackles to score in the corner.

Referee Kinney known as the great leveller then seemed to favour the opposition who were in his defence whinging like primary school children. With numerous penalties awarded against kirk it was only a matter of time before the opposition got some points on the board, albeit a 3 point kick. The game they became a real tight affair, kirk’s forwards were dominant as ever but were just lacking in speed getting to the rucks. Great defence on numerous occasions thwarted Birchfiled’s attempts to get level right up to the end of the first half. Unfortunately kirk’s defence was breached and the scores were level at the break.

No changes were made but there were 5 subs needing a game, kirk wanted to get ahead but no matter what they threw at the opposition they couldn’t break through. The opposition were just as determined to achieve the same and gave it their all, Hesketh made a crucial try saving tackle to keep the score level.

Changes had to be made and the replacements knew that they had to hit the ground running, and not let the game slip. The game continued in the same vain with both side determined not to draw again. It was going to be a case of whoever wanted it the most would run out the winner. From the touchline there was a lot of worried faces - could kirk up their game and be the victors or would they fall at the final hurdle? It was going to be a great climax to the season.

Just when it was looking like kirk were beginning to flag there was suddenly a surge of energy throughout the team, Jackson must have passed around some of the white stuff amongst the players. Kirk had point to prove and boy did they prove it, again pressuring the opposition into mistakes that man McKeown caught the ball cleanly and broke through to score under the sticks, Coulson adding the extras, 15 – 8 to kirk. From the restart and with 5 minutes to go you would think Birchfield would have chased the game, they didn’t get a chance, kirk went for the jugular and with the team drawing on its last reserves of energy pummelled the opposition pushing them back up the field with forwards and backs combining seamlessly. Ainscow and Jackson ran hard at the opposition and with O’Farrell chasing after every opportunity the ball was popped up perfectly into his arms for him to crash through for a fantastic try between the sticks. Coulson again faultless in his kicking duties.

The final whistle blew and a resounding cheer was heard as far away as the clubhouse at least, Birchfield were well and truly beaten and with their finely pressed shirts were sent packing probably still whinging about something.

Ormskirk kicked off the first half and were soon in the thick of the action looking to drive the ball forward. It was evident from the early exchanges that West Park were going to be a difficult side to beat and the ‘Kirk forwards were going to have to get to grips with some large and powerful opposite numbers. West Park began to turn the screw and only scrambling defence saw Ormskirk keep them out. ‘Kirk eventually cleared their lines but from the resulting line-out Ormskirk were asleep which allowed one of their big forwards to burst through and score. From the kick-off the ball failed to go the required ‘10′ but sensibly West Park played the ball and went half the length of the field through some, what can only be described as, weak tackling to go in at the corner. From the kick off there was a good kick and chase which saw Ormskirk in a good attacking position. Unfortunately the ball came loose at a ruck and West Park counter-attacked superbly. A try looked inevitable but the ever hard working Craig Ennis brilliantly tackled his opposite number by taking both man and ball. However to everyone’s surprise, including the West Park contingent, the referee blew his whistle and ran under the posts to award a penalty try easily converted for an extra two. To be fair to the referee he was a distance away and on the ‘wrong’ side and did not get the excellent view that the crowd and coaches had and obviously felt that the tackle was high.

This however seemed to be the kick up the backside that Ormskirk needed and they came fighting back with some attitude with the forwards especially Arron Waggoner and Craig Ennis leading the charge. It was then no surprise to see a well worked ‘Kirk try. A quick tap penalty by Robbie Jones saw him attack the line before passing out wide to Tom Anderson to go in at the corner. At the end of the half Ormskirk were doing well in terms of keping some spirited West Park attacks at bay.

Half-Time:   West Park  17     Ormskirk  5

This was now the time for Ormskirk to show what they were made of after a half of disappointing play by their new high standards. The half started well with two good early runs by Pat Lloyd and Tom Anderson keeping West Park busy.Eventually good ‘Kirk pressure bore fruit after the forwards secured good possession near the opposition line and the ball was passed out to centre, Olly Hogan, to go in under the sticks the extras being added by Tom Povey. Ormskirk now felt like they could take the game to West Park and from the kick-off the ball found its way to Olly Hogan for him to outpace the defence and go in for his second try of the game. West Park are not in the Lancashire final for nothing and came firing back at Ormskirk and a well worked move saw them go in at the corner to take the lead again.

With Ormskirk winning plenty of ball West Park again found themselves on the back foot. Good runs by Rob Hall and Kyle Hoy put pressure on a tiring home side and eventually the pressure told when Tom Anderson again sliced through some desperate West Park tackles to go in under the sticks and with Matt White cooly adding the conversion it put Ormskirk into the lead for the first time in the match. Unfortunately it was not to be a fairy tale ending. West Park summoned up what ever strength they had left and attacked the ‘Kirk line for one last time and eventually scored in the corner after some excellent back up play re-cycled the ball after a bone crunching tackle by Olly Hogan had prevented a certain score.

Full-Time:  West Park   27     Ormskirk  24

Even though this was the second defeat in as many weeks the coaches could hardly have been happier as it showed that the lads can now compete in in the highest of circles. Their only criticisms will surely focus on a very slow start when one or two players were not as switched on as they could have been and this let the game slip away from them a little. However the second half performance was a real bonus and showed what the lads  can achieve when they play to their potential. All that is left now of a very long but succesful season is a home match against Blackpool next Sunday followed by our presentation evening at The Shamraat later on that same day with no doubt many tales to tell.

Ormskirk travelled to Dukinfield knowing that a win would guarantee promotion into South Lancashire/Cheshire I next season. They made hard work of it, but in the final analysis – and by the narrowest of margins, ‘kirk did indeed secure promotion…….. But it was all down to a phone call at the end of a game! The traveling Green Laners were frustrated and angry at nor being able to beat Dukinfield today, but knowing that Sefton had to beat Southport - and wipe out a points difference of 24 points – kept their hopes high.

When Ormskirk found out that they had indeed been promoted by virtue of a superior points difference of just 9 points, the mood in the camp was improved somewhat! Beating Dukinfield on their own patch (and a muddy patch at that) would have been sweet and would have given ‘kirk a psychological edge for next year – but it wasn’t to be today.

Ormskirk put in a terrible performance. They let Dukinfield play tough up front rugby. There was nothing fancy about their performance, it was just basic tactics done in their typically thuggish way! With a strong wind and a slope to contend with Dukinfield’s fly half controlled the game for most of the 80 minutes. His kicking for territory was well executed and he had runners working off him all day. Kirk once again gave away more silly penalties, and after 15 minutes they kicked one of these to go 3-0 up, then another one hit the posts and bounced back straight into the Dukinfield attack, but the kirk defence stood strong. Moments later they scored a try from close range and then kicked the extras to go 10-0 up. Leading into the last 20 minutes of the half, kirk now started to take control. They weathered the storm on their own line, and gradually moved up the field (and up the hill at the same time!) The forwards worked well, and were unlucky not to score, basic errors from both sides keeping the score at 10-0 after 40 minutes.

With the strong wind and playing down the slope, Kirk were in confident mood. They used the tight game, made good yardage, and should have finished off 3 chances. Dukinfield’s defence was good, and when they came back at kirk they scored another try from a rolling maul. The missed conversion making it 15-0. This made kirk more determined, and knowing that the points difference was tight, they again attacked, John Curley out pacing his man on 2 occasions was unlucky not to score. Then a moment of brilliance from Andy Wilson. The young hooker took the ball out wide, skipped round 2 defenders and side stepped another to score a superb solo effort. The conversion was missed, making it 13-5. The game became scrappy, and moments before the end the home team kicked another penalty to finish the game off at 18-5.

The lads were gutted, knowing that they put in one of the worst performances of the season. Coach for the day Adi Molyneux tried to get the Sefton result over the phone, there was a nail biting 10 minute delay before the good news came! It’s a credit to the 1st team squad that even though they had been promoted they were still frustrated with their performance. But then the beer started flowing…..and flowing……

They got on the coach, and sang a few traditional rugby songs with titles that are not printable here. The antics carried on back at Green Lane, this was a big occasion and the lads wanted to celebrate in typical rugby fashion. Boat races were won by the forwards (the backs were handicapped as they had to take General Troutmen to make up the numbers) but later, with their slimline physiques they made up for it by winning a very competitive game of ‘Bar Diving’.

A good end to the season, and Kirk have got what they deserved. With both the 1st and 2nd teams getting promotion there is a lot of hard work to be done in pre-season, competition for places will be high, as Kirk will want to go into that top league with a bang!!!

This coming Saturday will see the annual ‘John Winn’ trophy being played for as Ormskirk host fellow rivals Southport at Green lane. Kick off 3pm

South Lancs/Cheshire 2

Team P W D L F A Diff Pts Adjust
Dukinfield 22 16 1 5 391 313 78 33 0
Ormskirk 22 13 2 7 376 270 106 28 0
Sefton 22 14 0 8 358 261 97 28 0
Orrell Anvils 22 13 2 7 372 313 59 26 -2
Crewe and Nantwich 22 11 1 10 271 279 -8 23 0
Wallasey 22 10 2 10 437 324 113 22 0
Southport 22 11 0 11 305 318 -13 22 0
Warrington 22 10 1 11 396 326 70 21 0
Ashton on Mersey 22 10 1 11 335 325 10 21 0
Oswestry 22 10 0 12 340 414 -74 20 0
Liverpool Collegiate 22 3 0 19 242 484 -242 4 -2
Oldershaw 22 5 2 15 246 442 -196 3 -9

Lancashire RFU have invited us to attend their annual Awards Dinner @ Preston Grasshoppers on Friday 13th June. Tickets are £25 - contact Monty if you’re interested

Reminder - we play against Southport in the John Winn trophy match @ Green Lane on Saturday 26th April

Reminder - our all-conquering Under 16 lads play in their 4th consecutive Lancashire Cup Final @ Sefton RUFC on Sunday 27th April

Reminder - this year’s Presentation Evening will be at The Beaufort on Saturday 7th June. More details to follow

Monty

Preston Grasshoppers, Fylde, Manchester, Liverpool Collegiate & Ormskirk are all represented at these finals.

The event is to be filmed, but there is trouble locating a suitable filming platform.

If anyone has access to a small amount of scaffold or a piece of stage block that can be erected to 4 to 6 feet high by 4 to 6 feet square or anything else that may well be suitable as a filming platform and is prepared to donate the use of this for the day please contact Alan Coleman at Sefton RUFC, who’s details are below.

alancoleman62@tiscali.co.uk

0151 226 0480
07809 375 033

Tuesday 14^th May 2008 at 7.30pm
 

All ladies over 16* are welcome to join in.  The emphasis is on fun!  No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to get stuck in.

For more information please contact:

Jane Gaskell (Ladies Secretary)              janiejane69@hotmail.com

Anna O’Malley (Junior Ladies Secretary)            01695 722797 / 077620 58334

*13-16s are welcome if accompanied by an adult

Ormskirk entertained a much improved Blackburn side that played with a great deal of spirit, but got rid of the bad memories of their Plate Final defeat to run out clear winners in a match they dominated despite missing four of last week’s side through injury.

After just 4 minutes, Cecil Fairhurst charged over after good work from Aidan Charlton, who following a No.8 pickup, made ground before linking with the prop who had nipped out of the scrum quickly sensing a try. Despite winning the majority of ball, the Ormskirk forwards still failed to exert themselves physically on the game, their driving at the rucks and mauls was satisfactory - more desire would have brought quicker ball to their exciting back division, who were tackled well by the Blackburn midfield. From a lineout on the visitors 22, good hand by the backs moved the ball to Simon Brazier on the wing, he used his pace to great effect and was stopped just short of the line.

Quick ball gave Chris Nicholson the chance down the blind side and he crashed over, converting his try to put Ormskirk 12-0 up. From another flowing move, the Ormskirk backs looked odds on to score, but Dan Bailie’s pass to a surprised Aaron Cheung went astray. Another chance a few moments later went begging as the pass to Dan went behind him and the Blackburn centre hacked the ball downfield. Despite the efforts of Webster and Griffiths, Blackburn got numbers to the breakdown quicker and another fly hack resulted in a converted try.

Ormskirk came back with one of their special moves and Griffiths popped the ball to Webster, he linked with Nicholson and the centre was over for his second try. The second half saw many changes in the Ormskirk line up both personnel and positional. Dan Bailie moved to fly half, Adam Kirk to scrum half, Jonny Dunn to full back - but the flow of ball to the backs continued, such is the versatility of the team, the backs can play in virtually any position without affecting their potency. Griffiths scored two tries, one down the blindside and then one from great hands by the back line.

The final score came from another of Ormskirk’s champagne moves as the ball flew to Griffiths - giving Gav the ball in space puts the shivers up any defence and he duely obliged by scything through the heart of the Blackburn to score a fine try.

Trys: C.Fairhurst, C. Nicholson 2,  G.Griffiths 3. Cons: C.Nicholson

Team: M.Sloyan, M.Tasker, S.Higgins, M.Swords, M.Bradbury, S.Maloney, E.Webster, A.Charlton, J.Dunn, A.Kirk, A.Cheung, C.Nicholson, G.Griffiths, S.Brazier, D.Bailie; C.Fairhurst, J.Wright, J.Ford,