Ormskirk finished off their home programme for the season with a visit from Altrincham Kersal over the weekend. As usual the team were hampered by a lack of substitute backs even though as usual we had a good stock of quality replacements for the pack.
As the whistle blew Ormskirk shot out of the starting blocks and put Altrincham under immediate pressure. With the ball bobbing around in the opposition 22, Harry James ,with his recent new-found confidence, took control of the ball and dodged through Altrincham’s defence to score. Mike Lea as usual stepped up to convert. After this the game ebbed and flowed with both teams having their opportunities. Ormskirk are now developing the skills of other teams and this was highlighted by the ability to steal the ball in the tackle and good mauling skills shown by props Aaron Waggoner and Tom Travis. The game was soon all square however after some  weak tackling let in Altrincham for their first try which was then duly converted leaving the score at seven points each at half-time.
The second half was akin to the first with both sides sides sharing possession and territory. Now against the wind Ormskirk’s forwards kept the ball tight with numerous pick up and drives.This however kept opportunities for the backs to a minimum although whenever fly half Robbie Jones collected the ball he kicked intelligently , keeping the ball low. Altrincham continued to match our play with some solid tackling. Craig Ennis again showed his strength and pace with some powerful running. This was eventually rewarded after another fine drive by Craig resulted in him breaking several tackles and going over for the first try of the second half and again Michael Lea made the conversion look easy. The play continued to ebb and flow until Altrincham gained the upper hand and scored a converted try after some good back play. Ormskirk were not downhearted and straight away came back to pressurise the Altrincham try line and even though they encroached on two occasions the line was held. The final whistle blew concluding the game as a fair draw.
The boys are blending their now famous effort with some skilled play. We look forward to the forthcoming April tournaments with some optimism.
Ormskirk 14 Altrincham Kersal 14
