3 out of 3 for The Raiders
For the second week in succession, a stern defensive performance and some opportunistic attacking style by the 2nd XV was the order of the day, with Ormskirk maintaining their unbeaten start to the season as they won 20-0 against Littleborough.
As is becoming increasingly common throughout the club, the much changed 2nd team put in another fine performance against a stubborn Littleborough outfit, in what many would agree were less than favourable conditions. Rolling back the years in the front row stood a somewhat perplexed Terry McDermott and Andrew Povey. However, little could be said about their effort and dedication, a theme which resonated throughout the squad. Added to by fine efforts from Ormskirk’s four debutants; Simon Richmond, Tom Sinclair, Matt Evans and Mike Knowles, this was an Ormskirk performance to savour.
A couple of early penalties by Barry Whalley got Ormskirk off the mark before some well worked hands got the ball out wide for Adam Glover to cross for his second 5-pointer of the season. Whalley converted. Then sadly, as Ormskirk were looking to stamp their authority on the game, opportunities for an attacking performance similar to that seen against New Brighton the week prior, dried up. A combination of Littleborough’s grasp on the game, and some, ahem, ‘debatable’ refereeing decisions saw the quality of rugby on show suffer somewhat, before a breakaway try by Paul Kearney, after his Catholic counterpart Montrose had worked hard to feed him) from all of 40 metres (although it was sure to be 80 metres by the time we hit the bar) sealed things. Again Whalley converted, bringing the day’s scoring to an end.
And so the 2nd XV’s excellent start to the season rumbles on. The day’s top three performers were, rather encouragingly, three debutants, with Matty Evans playing in the halves taking the Man of the Match accolade, accompanied closely by Tom Sinclair and Simon Richmond.
Up next for the league leaders are Preston Grasshoppers, who will no doubt be looking forward to getting their season up and running. Kick Off is 3p.m. at Green Lane.
