Match report – 1st December 2007
Ormskirk 4th XV 10 – 26 Aspull 2nd XV
Like their 1st and 2nd team counterparts Ormskirk 4th team faced the challenge of tackling the top team in their league. Allied to this they were also facing a 2nd team whose 1st XV play a division higher than Ormskirk’s 1st XV, so they entered the field of battle knowing they would be tested to their limits by a side which would potentially possess players who were expected to perform at a level much above that of a usual 4th XV opposition.
To their credit a determined Ormskirk pack led by the aggression of skipper Wallwork and a backline orchestrated by the rejuvenated Brennan pushed a talented Aspull side to the limit and had they used their control and territorial advantages better could have achieved a momentous victory. Ultimately, however, the counterattacking skills of a strong Aspull backline eventually won the day with 2 converted tries in the last 10 minutes of the game separating the 2 sides.
The first half was a very tightly fought affair with The Ormskirk forwards pushing the larger Aspull forwards around in the tight and winning the mauling battles that ensued from evenly matched lineouts. Fly Half Brennan used the wind wisely for territorial advantage and the elusive running skills of young centre, Tom King always posed a threat. Aspull took the lead against the run of play when their winger just beat his opposite number to a kick deep into the Aspull half and with the support of Aspull’s strong running full back set a counter attack in motion which resulted in a converted try. Recognising the threat from the Aspull backs, Ormskirk changed tactics and strong running off the rucks and mauls forced them into the Apull half. Electing to go blind from a ruck on the Aspull 22 yard line a deft pass from Brennan put Lee into a gap and Lee used the space to force his way to the line for a unconverted try.
The game was held up for 20 minutes when the unfortunate Aspull centre suffered a serious leg injury and the game was suspended whilst the Paramedics attended to the player. After the restart Ormskirk were slow to get back into their rhythm and Aspull again crossed the line for an unconverted try.
At half time Ormskirk retained the belief they could secure a deserved victory despite the wind being against them. It would take a hard work ethic to grind out the yards to get to the Aspull line but everyone was determined to play their part. This effort was soon rewarded with the pack going for a push over try, Lee picked the ball up to crash over to bring the score to 10-12 in Aspulls favour. Much of the rest of the half was spent in the Aspull half of the field but determined defence kept the Ormskirk marauders at bay. To Aspulls credit they continued to try to play open rugby and with their best player moving from full back to centre their backs were always a threat. Ormskirks back row of Worthington, Lee and Wordley worked hard to snuff out the threat and when Aspull resorted to kicking for territory full back Day responded with his own brand of entertaining counterattacking.
In the end Ormskirk were guilty of not turning pressure into points. When they ran it wide they often ran out of space on the wings, whilst in the tight control was lost at crucial moments. This was summed up with 10 minutes to go when Ormskirk looked like scoring from close range only to suffer turn over ball which was hacked down field. The Aspull backs responded quicker than their Ormskirk counterparts and a slick interchange of passes resulted in a well worked try. A short time later the Aspull backs again counter attacked when Ormskirk were looking threatening and in an almost identical turn of events scored a converted try for a final score of 26 –12 in Aspulls favour.
Despite their obvious disappointment, the 4th XV can take great heart from a very spirited performance and fully deserve their position in the top half of their league. If they can turn their efforts into points and cut out silly unforced errors they can and will compete with the best their division can throw at them.
