First XV Match Report – 9th September 2006
St Edward’s Old Boys 28 Ormskirk 21
Ormskirk were in buoyant mood going into the second league match of the new season after their convincing win against Wallasey the previous week. This optimism paid dividends as a good start to the game against St. Edwards Old Boys resulted in a lead of 7 points within the first 15 minutes. A successful period of driving mauls by the Ormskirk pack resulted in the backs testing their opponents. A loose ball was flicked up by inside centre Chris Ashworth to Dickie Underwood who took it on at pace but was held just short. Soon after, Steve Stone threw a great wide pass out to full back Andrew Montrose, who showed his marker a clean pair of heels to cross the white-wash. Fly half Stone had bought his kicking boots and slotted the conversion.
At the restart Ormskirk carried on where they left off. Retaining the ball and gaining yards from Number 8 Mahood picking and going. Using the wind to their advantage Ormskirk were able to kick for position and it wasn’t long until ‘Kirk were camped in the opponents 22. The dominance from Ormskirk was to be short lived. A kick down field from St Edward’s was scoped up elegantly by full back Montrose. However, with the opposition closing down on him and a lack of support he took the ball into contact and on trying to off load the St. Edwards centre intercepted. ‘Kirk were caught flat footed and it was a straight run in under the posts. With a conversion added it was apparent Ormskirk had a game on their hands. Skipper Kirby rallied his troops, and ‘kirk upped their game accordingly.
With a well placed kick off from Stone big hitter Davies thumped into the opposition. John Bennett, Glyn Roberts and Cliff Kirby were on hand to clear up. The Ormskirk pack managed to get control of the ball. Continually going forwards, popping the ball off to one another. St. Edwards had no reply. Ormskirk continued the forward momentum when 10 yards from the line Kieran Mahood broke free, handed off a couple of men and then used the ever-present Roberts – the flanker scurrying under the posts. Stone wasn’t going to miss from there and on the whistle ‘Kirk went into half time 14-7 up.
The second half wasn’t going to begin as positive as the first. Now against the wind ‘Kirk knew St Edwards would utilise a kicking game. This they did and 5 minutes into the second half Ormskirk found themselves defending their own 22. With ruck ball being won by the opposition the Ormskirk back line found themselves on the back foot as a grubber kick found its way into the try area. With the Ormskirk back line up flat the St. Edward’s winger was able to run through and score. With the scores now even, ‘Kirk were penalised for hands in the ruck and conceded a penalty. 17-14. The next period of the game found Ormskirk consistently camped in their own 22. Although performing well in the line out it was difficult to clear their lines. With a switch of tactics ‘Kirk decided to run the ball out utilising their hard running back row from the base of the scrum. Luke Cunningham broke right and fed the ball to the backs where it was distributed down the line. This would prove to be ‘Kirk’s downfall as flying winger Richard Gregg got caught in possession, St Edwards turned over the ball, made a break and scored again. The conversion was missed as Cliff Kirby gave some choice words to his surrounding team. The game was scrappy in the final third. With the referee intent on penalising Ormskirk around the rucks. St. Edwards again capitalised and 2 penalties later Ormskirk found themselves chasing a 28-14 deficit.
With minutes to spare ‘Kirk decided to up their game and it was the pack who provided the push. With exceptional scrumaging from the front row, Blackwood, Jones and Tracey the ‘Kirk pack were working their way up the field controlling the ball. A pick and go from Mahood resulted in a rolling maul. With every member of the pack contributing the attack, points were beckoning. It was substitute Tom Prescott who saw the opportunity and with St Edwards heavily committed he made a dart from the back of the maul. Cruising though the gap he slid under posts leaving a straightforward conversion for Steve Stone making it 28-21.
Time was to beat Ormskirk in the end and after a few minutes a deflated Ormskirk left the park having lost the second game of the new campaign. Ormskirk will look to up their game for next weeks cup match against Birchfield.
