Ormskirk RUFC

Sunday 24^th February 2008

Fleetwood                    12
Ormskirk Ladies           22

Tries: A O’Malley, L Walker (2), J Leitch

Conversions: J Leitch

Close league rivals Ormskirk and Fleetwood met this week in the Lancashire 12-a-side Cup semi-final.  Ormskirk were without their regular centre partnership Louise Robinson and captain Emma Gander – so out stepped last week’s flankers Kate Traynor and Kayleigh McDonnell – who had found themselves without a position, in a six man scrum.

The game started brightly, when scrum half O’Malley pounced on a loose ball out the back of the scrum and sold a dummy to the Fleetwood blindside winger in the 22, to touch down for the first score.  The Ladies dominated the opening exchanges, and a quick penalty lead to Lucy Walker crossing the line.

Before half time, Fleetwood’s substitute centre caught Ormskirk’s backs out of position at a penalty, with a bit of jink she put Fleetwood on to the score sheet.

After half time, the aforementioned Fleetwood centre did exactly the same again, this time scoring under the posts, leaving Ormskirk trailing 12-10.  A long break in proceedings due to an injury to Aussie prop Liz Brown gave Ormskirk time to discuss their failings. 
 
Ormskirk returned to the pitch with renewed vigour, setting Lucy Walker up to crash over the line from 5 metres.  Skipper for day Jenny Leitch urged Ormskirk to up the tempo again.

The final try of the game came from another quick penalty, as the ball was passed through several hands at pace.  An inside pass to Leitch lead to a try under the posts – which the scorer converted with ease.  (This description fails to describe probably the best try the team have scored all season! – oh well)

Fleetwood continued to battle, and may have scored another try had the ball not be grounded on the 5 metre line!

The win takes the Ladies through to the Lancashire Cup Finals day at Easter to face Vale of Lune (currently competing in Championship North 1 – just below the Premiership).  Supporters are requested – especially those with Premiership playing experience – bring your boots…. & if male a wig!

Reporter Sam Botfield was on his holidays this week – but he’ll get a chance to write about another Fleetwood / Ormskirk fixture this Sunday 2^nd March, this time a 15-a-side league fixture.
 
Best wishes from all the team to Liz Brown, who will be out of action for at least 3 weeks.