First XV Match Report – 3rd November 2007
OLDERSHAW 8-15 ORMSKIRK (Half-time 5-5)
Ormskirk racked up two more league points by beating a strong Oldershaw team away from home on Saturday. For the third week in a row the first team squad put in a sparkling performance and held out for the victory, despite the best efforts of the opposition to spoil the party.
Ormskirk had to work hard to assert themselves on the game and the pack continued where they left off the previous week - with strong rucking, retaining possession and breaking off from the sides. Jamie Gregg was in commanding form at scrum-half and enforcer Davis was happy to smash the ball up with Captain Cliff Kirby. Kirk were rewarded for the diligence on 20 minutes when recycled ball was passed down the line. Ashworth found Kirk talisman Kieran Mahood, who was too much to handle for the home defence as he stormed over the line.
Oldershaw’s reply was swift and they gained position by kicking the ball down the field. Retaining possession themselves and breaking the line they would have scored sooner had full-back John Curly not been there to put in a belting tackle. A scrambled Kirk defence was made to look un-characteristically weak when a missed tackle resulted in a try for the home team. With the conversion missed and thankfully a penalty attempt shortly afterwards missed, Kirk went into the half-time interval positive but realising they weren’t operating with the burners on full.
The second half started with promise when prop Val Gately took the high ball and ran it back with interest into Oldershaw’s pack. Kirk’s back row, always first on the scene, secured it and again went to take it on themselves, first Molyneux, then Jones. With strong defence in front of them Ormskirk found it easier to make yards by employing the boot and Armstrong managed to gain territory with some firecrackers into the corners. Kirk’s backs put the pressure on the wingers and when the ball was put into touch Kirk’s lineout would set the platform for the next score.
Armstrong took the ball and slipped a peach to winger Wroe. Needing no invitation to exploit the gap the florist rocketed between fly-half and inside centre. With the full-back to beat and a slight shimmy Wroe took the safe option of open-side Glyn Roberts and supplied him with a well timed draw and pass. Roberts was able to throw a side step in of this own and sneak in under the posts, leaving a simple conversion for Barry Michelak to slot.
The lead didn’t make the game any easier for Kirk and tensions rose when Oldershaw managed to claw the score back to 12-8 with a penalty kick. Oldershaw had moments of danger, fortunately when the ball made it to the left wing Peter Spengler was on hand to cream his opposite number. Breaks for Kirk made vital yards, especially when twinkle toes Andy Wilson got the ball. Slowly but surely Kirk edged their way up the pitch and when they were awarded a penalty in-front of the host’s posts it was a no-brainer for Kirby who elected his centre to kick for another 3 points and relative safety.
Kirk saw out the last 5 minutes with some last ditch defence and strong forwards work. Rowley added the fireworks in the pack and made it difficult for Oldershaw’s big men to put their mark on the game. The final whistle brought a massive boost to the squad who are keeping up their superb work ethic and mentality.
Next Saturday sees local rivals Southport travel to Green Lane. Another victory for Kirk would send the fireworks into another orbit.
Team: Gately (Rowley 50), Wilson, Jones, Davies, Kirby, Molyneux, Roberts, Mahood, Gregg (Healy 60), Armstrong, Whalley, Ashworth, Spengler, Wroe, Curly
Team P W D L F A Diff Pts Adjust
Dukinfield 8 7 0 1 174 98 76 14 0
Wallasey 8 5 1 2 177 103 74 11 0
Warrington 8 5 1 2 141 106 35 11 0
Sefton 8 5 0 3 128 111 17 10 0
Crewe and Nantwich 8 5 0 3 122 107 15 10 0
Ormskirk 8 5 0 3 128 126 2 10 0
Orrell Anvils 8 4 0 4 119 170 -51 8 0
Oswestry 8 3 0 5 152 159 -7 6 0
Ashton on Mersey 8 2 0 6 120 157 -37 4 0
Southport RUFC 8 2 0 6 85 156 -71 4 0
Liverpool Collegiate 8 2 0 6 102 125 -23 2 -2
Oldershaw 8 2 0 6 115 145 -30 -3 -7
