Ormskirk RUFC

Warrington u14s 0pts – Ormskirk u14s 30*pts 

Ormskirk travelled to Warrington for this semi-final mindful of complacency. A victory earlier in the season over the same opponents could have proved a factor in affecting the way Ormskirk played – it didn’t and indeed the side continued their ruthless knockout form and destroyed a side whose game plan consisted of attempting to spoil any possession, and then kick everything they could.

Facing a stiff breeze and a monotonous kicking game, Ormskirk dug in and drove close to the rucks and mauls. After 4 minutes the pattern had been set and a great charge from Cecil Fairhurst, well supported by George Lightfoot, Jonny Dunn and Aidan Charlton took the ball deep into Warrington territory. An aimless clearance kick went straight to full back Gavin Griffiths who simply ploughed straight through the home pack to score a fine try. Ormskirk were trying too hard, and on no fewer than five occasions the ball as dropped when a simple pass would have created a try. Cecil Fairhurst took the ball from a ruck and charged over only for the try to be disallowed for some unknown reason. From the resultant 22 Ormskirk infringed and Warrington attempted a penalty kick that was well wide but fell invitingly to Eddie Webster. He set off from his own line to outstrip the defence and take the ball deep into the home side’s half, where he linked well with Griffiths who strolled over for his second. 10-0 at half time, the plan for the second half was simple – win the ball and run it.

The coaches’ plan was executed to perfection and following a fine break by Lightfoot, Webster powered over the line and placed the ball under the posts, Chris Nicholson adding the extras. The forwards were now bossing the game and a great strike against the head by Marc Tasker was fed to Griffiths down the blind side and he outpaced the defence to score, Nicholson added an excellent conversion. A foray by Warrington got them into the Ormskirk half, but again their tactic of kicking any possession away backfired as Azza Cheung caught the ball well and then weaved his way 50m down the wing, timed his pass perfectly and Griffiths scored again, extras  from Nicholson who had another solid game at inside centre.
Ormskirk threatened to score more tries and from a ruck near the Warrington line, Lightfoot broke free and scored in the corner. Griffiths completed the scoring with a peach of a conversion from the touchline.

The score rather flattered Warrington as Ormskirk wasted probably seven or eight chances to score and will not fear their final opponents, now confirmed as Vale of Lune, who beat Ormskirk 22-10 earlier in the season. Complacency may be their worry now.
 

Tries: Gavin Griffiths (4), Eddie Webster, George Lightfoot
Cons: Chris Nicholson (3), Gavin Griffiths
 

Team: Cecil Fairhurst (capt), Marc Tasker, Matthew Sloyan, Daniel Price, Jack Morris-Holland, Steve Maloney, George Lightfoot, Aidan Charlton, Jonny Dunn, Adam Kirk, Dan Bailie, Chris Nicholson, Eddie Webster, Aaron Cheung, Gavin Griffiths. Jonny Ford, Matthew Swords, Joe Wright, Ben Watherston