Ormskirk u13s 7pts - Tarleton u13s 7pts
Earlier in the season Tarleton came to Green Lane in the Lancs Challenge Cup and went away worthy 15-0 winners. Maybe they came on Sunday expecting another straightforward victory.
However, boosted by a great improvement in the past few weeks Ormskirk didn’t want to surrender as easily. Matches between these two side have always been close, hard fought and good to watch. This was no exception. Tarleton who are an imposing side, started well and from the kick off camped in Ormskirk’s 22. A dropped pass in the centre was collected by their powerful pack and the ball moved to No.8 Dan Cromack, who needed little incentive to charge for the line. The big forward stepped his way between two defenders and scored a fine try, improved by Niall Crosley. The warning signs were out for Ormskirk. However, the home side swept back with a number of flowing moves, adopting the simple game plan of moving the ball from one side of the pitch to the other in an attempt to expose gaps. This happened on three occasions, but the chances weren’t taken through a mixture of indecision and firm defence from the visitors. Half time came with the balance of possession and territory even, but the home side with nothing to show for their endeavour.
The second half belonged to Ormskirk, as they mounted waves upon wave of flowing attack from all over the pitch. Liam Peate was instrumental in most and Jordan Dawson streaked 40 metres for the line but was hauled down just short with a high looking tackle that wasn’t penalised. Tarleton’s defence held fast with some tough last ditch tackling. Dan Price nearly forced his way over but the deserved score came from Eddie Webster, who had moved into the centre after Liam Peate was forced to leave the field with a calf injury. On came Robbie Jones from the u12s. He took up his position on the wing and never looked out of his depth chasing kicks and tackling well. Ormskirk’ pressure eventually paid off when, following a succession of rucks, Webster took the ball towards the line before stepping inside past three would-be tacklers to score. Jonny Dunn ignored all the pressure and calmly slotted over a great conversion. Ormskirk tried as hard as they could to score a deserved winner but Tarleton held out for a draw with great character - under the kosh for most of the second half, but they defended brilliantly. Once again Ormskirk’s pack stood up to a set of forwards much bigger then them with Marc Tasker, Steve Maloney, Aidan Charlton, Ben Watherston, Bradley Spencer, the improving Dan Price, the returning Connor Thomas and Aaron Cheung all excellent again.
One incident knocked the gloss off the whole game as following a kick out of defence by fly half Adam Kirk, Tarelton’s centre James Crosley was tackled and suffered a broken wrist. All at Ormskirk RUFC wish him well for a speedy recovery.
Team: Watherston (Thomas, 25), Tasker, Spencer, Price, Cheung, Maloney, Webster, Charlton (c), Dunn, Kirk, O’Brien, Peate (Jones, 35), Dawson, Gosling, Bailie
Try: Webster, Con: Dunn
