ORUFC 2nd XV 17 - 14 Oldham 2nd XV
Ormskirk’s 2nd XV (Raiders) kicked off the New Year with a hard fought, yet stylish victory over Oldham at Green Lane. Sean Fogerty’s men had to be at their best to hold off a late fightback from their high-flying opponents, who began the day in fourth place on the Division 3 (North) ladder, but ultimately triumphed 17-14 after a tense finale.
Key to the win were a number of outstanding performances, notably from full-back Joe Hodson, although resolute defence and some great link-up play between backs and forwards in the second half was enough to see them home.
The first minute of the match demonstrated the Raiders’ intent, with prop Doug McCready going on a rampaging run. With Ged Dawson at number 8, as well as strong-running centres Jason Thomas and Adam Glover, there was plenty more firepower to throw at the opposition defence - and all three made good yardage in the opening exchanges. However, the first half ended up as something of a disappointment with the home side missing four kickable penalties and failing to get over the line despite being camped in the opposition 22 for long periods. Some calm and decisive decision making from any number of players would have ensured a half time lead, but this was an Ormskirk team low on confidence after a frustrating winless streak.
At nil-nil and facing the wind in the second half, skipper Fogerty inspired belief in his troops and they responded in style. The forwards made incisive breaks - with Dawson, Tasker and Fogerty mostly involved - and half backs Croft and Gordon released quick ball to bring Ormskirk’s impressive back line into play. At this point full-back Joe Hodson took the game by the scruff of the neck and his elusive running set up two tries. The first was touched down by Jason Thomas, the second scored by Hodson himself after several dynamic phases of running rugby involving backs and forwards. Minutes later, after pressure from the home pack, hooker Chris Parlour went over and Alan Frost converted for a 17-0 lead.
Shellshocked Oldham could scarcely believe their eyes - at this point they were being taken apart by a bottom-of-the-table outfit who had registered just one league win all season! Left with aroud 15 minutes to make something of the match, they finally started to string some phases together and, with Ormskirk legs tiring, they broke through the hitherto impregnable defence to register two converted tries.
With the second of the two tries coming with just four minutes remaining, a nervous home side just needed to hold onto the ball. Scrum-half Croft, who had a fine game, went long with the restart and the Raiders managed to keep Oldham pegged back in their own half for the remainder of the match to close out an excellent victory.
After a number of narrow defeats leading up to Christmas, the Raiders finally delivered what they have been threatening to do for weeks and thoroughly deserved their win. Similar performances in the coming weeks will undoubtedy see them climb the table. Well played lads!
