Ormskirk RUFC

Setting off up the motorway in torrential rain, we wondered once again if we were mad to be doing this? 

Amazingly the skies were dry at the Vale of Lune, however the mud was as sticky as we had been warned (needless to say the team loved it!). The early night had made a huge difference with the squad on form and ready for action. We knew that this fixture would be the toughest of the season and would give us a good indication of how much we had improved. Last year Vale thrashed us at home and were runners up at the Preston Tournament. They defended like tag seeking missiles and charged like bulls into attack. BUT we were ready for them this time having discovered that the best form of defence is attack! 

We fought fire with fire in the first game and panicked Vale into making mistakes. Our defensive line maintained their positions and tagged their hearts out. When ball was in our possession the play was quickly moved forward and passed down the line out to the wingers, who exploited open space each time. Vale were left bewildered and 0 – 3 down at half time. 

The second half proved to be just as hard fought by both sides. However, Ormskirk started making daft mistakes by going into touch several times. Vale seized every opportunity and gained 3 trys. We matched them try for try and kept the pressure on resulting in a brilliant 3 – 6 win. 

Congratulations to the team – Will ’Lightning’ Johnson, Alex ‘Swerver’ Gaughan, Morgan ‘Dodger’ Rees, Joe ’Forrest Gump’ Delaney (who’s official team name is Faster than the Speed of Light or Forrest for short), Rahul ‘Accelerator’ Panniker, Nathan ‘Persuader’ Hardman and Tom ‘Steam Roller’ Herring. 

Trys were scored by Forrest 2, Lightning 2, Dodger 1, and Persuader 1. 

After a short break and change of team line up the second game began as powerfully as the first. We made fewer mistakes but Vale, by this time, knew our game plan and were ready for us. The end result was a 5 all draw. We think the ref must have had something in his eye for Vale’s last try as it was won by handing off while barging through players – this is a non contact sport!! No sour grapes here though – we are still celebrating!! 

Team line up - Tom ‘Steam Roller’ Herring, Alex ‘Swerver’ Gaughan, Morgan ‘Dodger’ Rees, Nadia ‘Quick Step’ Brady, Jack ‘the Conqueror’ Brennan, Paul ‘Power House’ Chinn and Alex ‘Side Step’ Lang. 

Trys were scored by – Dodger 2, Power House 1, Conqueror 1, Side Step 1. 

Man of the Match and Player of the Week went to Joe ’Forrest Gump’ Delaney - well done! 

We are delighted by everyone’s performance and really appreciate our guardian’s/parent’s support. The hard work continues with the Preston Tournament just around the corner; see you at Edge Hill on Wednesday 5^th March 6.30 pm for next training session. 

No training this Sunday – hope all the Mums have a lovely day.