Fylde u13s 48pts - Ormskirk u13s 19pts
Ormskirk completed their group stage of the Lancs EFE Junior Challenge in game that was definitely a game of two halves. From the kick off, indecision and a resultant knock on saw Fylde gifted a scrum on the Ormskirk 22. Their powerful No.8 picked up and crashed over. But the visitors then exerted pressure of their own and were rewarded with a fine try by Eddie Webster, driving over from a maul with Jonny Dunn’s conversion putting the Green Lane Boys in front. Fylde came back, again spurred on by an Ormskirk knock on from the kick off and worked the ball to their big, hard running centre who proved to be a thorn in Ormskirk’s side all match. He powered his way over for a converted try and then finished off a god handling move from a quick line out to extend Fylde’s lead. Back came Ormskirk to be awarded another good try after a great driving maul - first Alex Fitzpatrick was stopped inches short, then Webster took control and forced his way over. Dunn adding a fine conversion to close the first half out at 17-14 to Fylde.
From the kick off, Ormskirk got the bit between their teeth and worked a great try following 3 or 4 phases of possession as Liam Peate touched down in the corner. This was proving to be an end to end game, with Ormskirk looking far more assured with the ball in hand. Fylde depended on two or three powerful runners and this proved to be a wise choice as they weren’t able to handle the ball as well as the visitors. For Fylde to have a squad of 21 is a real bonus in a game like this and Ormskirk suffered with only 16. Fylde’s big centre broke away and when tackled seemed to use his elbow to extracate himself from Webster’s grasp and to the visiting supporters amazement, the try was allowed. This really knocked the stuffing out of Ormskirk and although they never gave up, the luxury of big strong runners and regular substitutions gave Fylde the upper hand and three more tries ensued. Ormskirk were down to 14 for most of the second half, with players switching positions regularly due to injuries, but still competed well in the pack - Aidan Charlton, Marc Tasker, Bradley Spencer, Alex Fitzpatrick, Aaron Cheung, Steve Maloney, Alex Finn, Ben Waterston and Eddie Webster showed great commitment and character. A number of bemusing decisions from a referee in brown shoes, who arrived a minute before kick off, didn’t inspect studs and struggled with some of the junior rules didn’t help, but take nothing away from a Fylde side who agreed that the score flattered them, but will prove to be tough opponents in the knock out phase of the Cup. Ormskirk now await the draw for the quarter final of the Plate, knowing that they have a home tie.
Ormskirk must re-group and prepare for next week’s home game with Tarleton, which is likely to be another tough encounter. Meet 9:45am, shirts and ties.
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