Third XV Match Report – 17th November 2007
Ormskirk 29 V Hope Valley 12
Ormskirk keep well away from the Edge
On a cold dank day, Ormskirk came away with another ‘W’, although most purists would agree that it wasn’t the display of running Rugby that the mass crowd has come to expect from the Thirds. Indeed it was clear from the off that with captain Critchley indisposed, and Hope Valley turning up with 11, that the game would have a somewhat disjointed feel.
Alas it was Ormskirk, for today only labelled ‘Blue’ by the referee, who began much the brighter, setting up camp inside the Hope 22. Following a period of prolonged pressure, a 5-metre scrum initiated by Hope taking the ball over the line saw the now famous Third team ‘Argentina’, as Biscuit often calls it, rumble over the line and a try for the prolific Colin Sinclair. Apparently it’s the supplements.
Coulson missed the conversion, and with his strike rate just 50%, there are rumours abound that Captain Critchley will be returning with his steel-caps next week. Ormskirk continued to dominate proceedings against a decent Hope side. It is a shame for them that they could not gather a full 15 as it quickly became clear that those who had turned up had both youth and mobility on their side.
However this is often countered by experience, which clearly has no substitute. Sniping Scrum-half Sean ‘The Monkey’ Dolan was on hand to provide us with our second score of the afternoon, striking from close range after some good secure ball from the Ormskirk pack. Coulson converted for a 12-0 lead.
The Green Lane men continued to produce excellent ball retention and territory, persistently pinning the visiting Hope in their own half. However time after time, with overlaps at their mercy, Kirk squandered the opportunities. However, on the rare occasions that the ball made it the full length of the back-line, Kirk looked dangerous. Indeed it was from one such flowing move that saw full-back Adam (Surname) saunter over for the third try of the afternoon. One further score before the turn around from No.8 Sinclair saw Kirk take a healthy looking 24-0 lead into half time.
It is now almost tradition that the Thirds begin the second period in a comatose state, usually undoing any hard work laid down in the first 40 minutes. However with veteran Centre Dave Hesketh producing a rousing half-time speech, Kirk continued from where they left off, using their man advantage and some strong support play to work their way up field. Kirk effectively sealed the game 10 minutes into the second half as Fly-Half Coulson made the initial break from just outside the Hope 22, and with both Cheeseman and O’Farrell in support to recycle the ball, it was O’Farrell who flopped over the line, gaining his first try since his return. 29-0
After doing the donkey work for the first hour ‘Kirk visibly tired, and with the visiting Hope still going strong despite the one sided score line, scored two excellent tries towards the end through their centre (wearing 11), a deserved reward for their endeavour, and the 11 who made the long journey west. Kirk nearly scored late on through Front-row stalwart Stevenson, but with the Ref unsighted, an attacking scrum was instead awarded.
As the game was completed once again in near darkness, Kirk will be pleased to have progressed to the 2nd round of the cup for the second season on the trot. With many of the top sides remaining in the running for this prestigious plate, Kirk will have their work cut out if they are to claim the crown.
Scorers – Tries Sinclair (2), Adam…, Sean…., O’Farrell
Cons: Coulson (2)
