Ormskirk u15s 26pts - Warrington u15s 7pts
This was a repeat of last year’s semi-final, but that’s where any similarity finished. It was a great game with both sides giving their all, no quarter asked or given, but still played in a very sporting fashion. Warrington arrived with confidence and this season have made a number of large recruits, so much so that they were the biggest side by a fair distance. This spurred the Ormskirk boys into a great performance of character with the display of high skill, commitment and that little bit of magic that wins games like these.
After a very even 20 minutes, Ormskirk got good second phase ball at last and a charge by Cecil Fairhurst created a great platform for the backs who handle the ball brilliantly to release Gavin Griffiths to score under the sticks, with Chris Nicholson adding the extras. Back came Warrington with some big forward drives, resulting a couple of penalties in the Ormskirk 22, but the defence held firm, until a 5m scrum gave the visiting No.8 the opportunity to break away and score a good try, well converted to tie the scores at 7-7 at half time.
Ormskirk had the breeze at thier backs in the second half and astute kicking from Griffiths and fly half Dan Bailie kept the game in the Warrington half. The forwards, well hounded by the softly spoken Adam Kirk at scrum half, began to gain the upper hand and desperate defending by Warrington kept the scores level until a typical charge from Fairhurst saw him plough through defenders to score. From the kick off, Ormskirk virtually sealed the game as a marvellous catch over his shoulder by Marc Tasker, added to his awareness in spotting Griffiths in space gave Gav the opportunity he relishes - space! He blistered up the field to score a try that knocked the wind out of Warrington. They still battled valiantly, but the Ormskirk lads showed true grit and put in some big hits, notably Fairhurst and a bone cruncher from Nicholson. Ten minutes to go and George Lighfoot, who was a constant pain to the visitors all match, found space in the blind side and scored in the corner. Nicholson added a peach of a conversion that proved to be the final score of the match. It was due to Ormskirk’s fantastic defence that they kept Warrington at bay for the last 5 minutes as the visitors camped on the Ormskirk line but never got near to scoring. When “Tane” Wilson smashed the Warrington prop and drove him back 15m, Ormskirk knew it was their day and soon after the referee’s whistle confirmed a great win.
All eyes are now focussed on the final against Fylde at Tarleton RUFC on April 5, kick off 1:30pm.
Tries: G.Griffiths (2), C.Fairhurst, G.Lightfoot. Cons: C.Nicholson (3)
Team: C.Fairhurst, J.Ford, J.Morris-Holland, M.Wilson, A.Charlton, S.Maloney, J.Wright, G.Lightfoot, A.Kirk, D.Bailie, J.Bradshaw, C.Nicholson, G.Griffiths, J.Dunn, A.Cheung; M.Bradbury, M.Swords, J.Reade, S.Brazier, A.Morrell
