First XV Match Report – 28.10.06
Ormskirk 21 Ashton-On-Mersey 15
Ormskirk were hosts to Ashton on Mersey in a fixture described as a potential 4 pointer by coach Phil Harland before the start of the game. With a run of poor results behind them ‘kirk were determined to make this game a turning point of their season.
The home team gained control of the game and looked to play the ball out wide knowing that the faithful back row of Roberts, Molyneux and Mahood would get to any break down quickly. All was going well until an intercepted ball was run in from the half way line by an Ashton player. The conversion was a formality and Kirk began to wonder if they were ever going to get the rub of the green as Ashton were awarded a penalty kick in front of the posts.
After 15 minutes of graft Ormskirk were chasing a 0-10 deficit. This probably spurned the team on. Jamie Wroe was kicking superbly well and hoisted the ball high at the restart. Ormskirk pressed forward and pressurised Ashton to clear their lines. Graham Bowling brought in at hooker delivered good ball into the line out that was taken cleanly by Lenny Bennett. Creative back row Mark Webster was trying his hand at inside centre and proved to be an extremely versatile player. He punched the ball up and outside centre Chris Ashworth went into retain possession. Ashworth made a half break through the middle but was taken down. The ‘kirk forwards, working tirelessly, were on-hand and rucked Ashton clean off the ball. Kieran Mahood at the back scooped up the ball and decided to go it alone. From the 22 he beat several players and went under the sticks. Jamie Wroe slotted the kick, 7-10.
Ormskirk continued to play expansive rugby. Andy Wroe was making a mockery of his opposite number on the wing so where possible the backs exploited this by shipping the ball out wide. This would be the format for the second half but with the wind advantage ‘kirk opted to kick for position when in their own half. On the 50th minute a line out on the 10 yard line was won by Ormskirk. Andy Healy ensured his pack were giving him good ball and he distributed it to Jamie Wroe. With Webster proving the dummy run a well timed switch ball to Andy Wroe opened up a gap in Ashton’s line. With only the fullback to beat and a 2 on 1 Wroe flipped the ball to Roberts who angled his run away from the ensuing back row and with pace on his side scurried under the posts. A straight forward conversion for Jamie Wroe put Kirk in the driving seat, 14-10.
The screw had been getting tighter all game and ‘kirk weren’t going to stop turning it now. Strong up front, the Pack was wheeling scrums, driving mauls and rucking anything on the ground. Youngster Val Gately made his mark at prop and had a super game in this his first start at 1st team rugby. Captain Kirby led from the front making the forwards work in their pods. On 65 minutes Kirk would pounce again, From a scrum ball a miss move in the centres was taken forward by Ashworth who drew his man and passed to fullback Nick Gordon. Andy Wroe eager to make the score sheet gave the long left now call and Gordon obliged. For the umpteenth time he sprinted around the winger and cruised under the sticks for 5 points. With his younger brother converting, a spirit surrounded the team that had not been around for some time. This was the winning feeling! 21-10.
Ashton continued to ask questions but these were mainly from the flyhalf / inside centre channel and with super up front tackling notability from Webster and Player/Coach Adi Molyneux it seemed Kirk would hold out. Any kicks over the top were dealt with in an attacking manner by the back three Gordon, Hopley and Wroe. Despite a consolation try for Ashton on Mersey the home team felt a mixture of relief and pride as they gained a crucial 2 points for their league campaign.
After the game head coach Phil Harland put the win in perspective. Players knew that this would have to be the start of something and with the next league game in 2 weeks time will look to continue this form.
