Ormskirk RUFC

Match Report – 22/10/06
Ormskirk 15s1st & 2^nd Team v Northwich
Ormskirk 22                            Northwich 19

Tries    
Josh Stratton

Alex Martland

John Pape

Conversion
John Pape

Penalties
Jack Calveley

Due to half term absences the whole squad travelled to Northwich with the intention of the coaches to play both first and second teams for equal game time.

The first squad started the game against a well disciplined and much improved Northwich side that on the last outing were put to the sword 98 to 7 by Ormskirk in a try fest. Both teams set their stall out early and attacked each other from the start, Ormskirk attempting to break the Northwich line with some long passes to open space, Northwich defended well and slowed the ball down, not letting Ormskirk use their speed and pace to effect. 

Some hard work by Ormskirk forced Northwich into their own 22 and eventually pressure told and Josh Stratton feinted a pass brilliantly to draw his man and ran through the gap to score, with John Pape adding the extras.  Northwich though to their credit caused some ‘hairy’ moments for Ormskirk, a deft chip close to Ormskirk line was smartly countered by Alex Martland taking quick lineout in and the ball was cleared away. Northwich put the pressure on and a strong tackle isolating Northwich player allowed the speed and pace of Ormskirk to show and defence was turned into attack with John Pape running through to score under the posts. 

Northwich tried to counter but Ormskirk quality showed and in the counter attack the ball was taken wide and moved in again it fizzed along the line for another score to put visitors 19.0.  Northwich tried to counter again from the drop out and using their excellent forwards tried to pressure a score, Ormskirk countered and lovely kick forward was smothered by Northwich player to prevent a fourth try of the half.

At half time Ormskirk brought on their second team and rested the first.  Northwich came out with a point to prove and from the start were determined to show it.  Northwich forwards once again put the pressure on and Ormskirk played like men possessed to keep them out.  They were all over the pitch resolutely defending and tackling anything in a black shirt, some parents I believe took off their black jackets just in case. As a man Ormskirk forwards played their hearts out but eventually some neat work by Northwich, and a good solid move, allowed them through to score.  This was followed quickly by a second try for Northwich following intense pressure and some excellent defending play; unfortunately a gap opened and was exploited to make it 12-19.  From the drop out Ormskirk put in some good hard driving work but found themselves in their own 22 and from a penalty they managed to defend as a team and hold the ball up, much to the disappointment of Northwich. Again the visitor’s line was attacked and despite some excellent defending Northwich levelled the score to 19 – 19. 

The fact they were being watched by first team coaches and players galvanised and rallied the Ormskirk team and they put pressure back on the Northwich line and for once the referee awarded a penalty to Ormskirk for holding on by Northwich.  This was a real pressure kick for Jack, 2 minutes to go, close to the touchline 20 metres out at 19 to 19, with coolness Jack slotted the ball over to give Ormskirk the lead at 22 to 19. 

At the end both teams knew they had played in a very entertaining game, and both had been on the end of some perplexing and harsh refereeing decisions.  Northwich showed how they have improved and both teams had respect for each other.  The second team played arguably their best rugby of the season and showed they can play as a team, with some excellent individual performances from Jack Calvely, Bryn, Johnny Evans and Alistar Valentine. 

The first team showed why they are reigning National and Lancashire champions and have such an awesome reputation and the second team showed how much they have improved and both teams should take any lessons learnt forward into their next games.