Southport u13s 10pts - Ormskirk u13s 39pts
This was the first fixture between the sides for 5 years, and the weather was somewhat warmer too. The rugby was excellent and although outclassed for much of the game Southport never gave up and contributed to an entertaining match.
From the kick off it was clear that if Ormskirk won their share of the ball, then their backs would have the upper hand, and so it proved. Within 3 minutes stand-in fly half Gavin Griffiths cut through a weak defence to score wide out. Straight from the kick off Eddie Webster ploughed through tacklers and great support from the pack saw the ball moved out wide to the left. A good tackle halted winger Chris Boylan, but the pack were on hand to secure quick ball and great hands saw the ball moved right and Aaron Cheung went in for the second try. Ormskirk’s next attack again saw good support play from backs and forwards enabling Liam Peate to stretch his legs and breeze over with Griffiths adding the extras. Right on half time the home side scored a try after some good pressure that tested the Ormskirk defence.
The second half saw Ormskirk score four more tries from Peate, Griffiths (2) and Webster. The foundation for this great performance was the pack’s rucking and mobility. Time after time they got to the breakdown quickly and the support and linking play was top class. Aidan Charlton led his pack well and with Eddie Webster they got the ball out quickly. If they weren’t there then Bradley Spencer normally was and with only a short rugby career to date, he showed great awareness in taking the right option and releasing the ball to the backs. Dan Price also had probably his best game so far as he won ball in the lineout and disrupted Southport’s line all through he match.
This was a great all round performance that the side must take into next week’s final Lancs EFE Junior Challenge Cup group game at Fylde.
Next fixtures:
Sunday Feb 4 - Fylde (A). Meet 9:00am at ORUFC. Sunday Feb 11 - Tarleton (H). Meet 10:00am. Sunday Feb 8 - Collegiate (A). Meet 9:00am at ORUFC. Shirts & ties please.
