The annual Ormskirk RUFC 7s came around last Saturday with a record number of players taking part - 110. There was a mixture of experience and youth in this year’s teams with the youngest player being 11 years old & the oldest past 50.
The majority of teams where made up from Ormskirk’s present & past players, but Tarelton put out a good show with three teams & also the Manchester team Old Bedians.
The teams started off with a round robin to determine who would be contesting the cup & who would be playing for the plate. These early encounters showed what a few weeks rest can do to a players’ game with several missed catches & more than one missed tackle from each team. Tarelton junior colts put in some determined plays guaranteeing them a place in the cup. The Lions & cubs team comprising a good blend of old heads & young legs could have done with a few more games to gel before facing some of the better teams in the competition. A mention must go to young Mr Bailey Jnr who beat the Terriers defence to score a lovely try.
The in form team, Grammar Old Boys, faced the Heroes in the most eagerly anticipated quarter final, the old boys making it through with some luck from the Heroes dropping a pass over the try line. The Treble Lancs and national Champions (Ormskirk’s U16) team had the pace to sweep all before them before facing the might of the Bedians. Each score was matched by their opposite number until the cruellest of scenarios unfolded, the rugby equivalent of a penalty shoot out, a drop goal sudden death game. This was won by a terribly struck ball from Bedians that knocked out the Ormskirk youths.
The final comprised the grammar old boys V bedians. Both teams looking tired after already playing five matches. The game was going the grammar old boys way leading by 3 tries in the second half but a resurgence from the Manchester outfit saw them pull it back to within a try. The final whistle blew before another try could be scored and the old boys walked away with the silverware. The Springboks played the Black for the plate, a keenly contested match but the wealth of experience from the mainly Myerscough College players saw them take the title.
A great day for all concerned – old and young mixing on and off the pitch, and some excellent rugby. Well done to all players, and to Andrew and Anne Dean for organising the event again.
