2ND XV RESULTS AND LEAGUE DETAILS

COLLEGIATE 35 - 29 BIRKENHEAD PARK 3

This semi-final fixture was drawn as a home game, but again due to lack of pitches at LCC or in the Liverpool area the game was played at Birkenhead Park who kindly and willingly offered to fulfil the match at Upper Park.

With the withdrawal of a key players including Paul Walsh, Adam Kilcourse and Paddy Breen a few late enforced changes were made and Ryszard Chadwick, Chris Lloyd plus others who played 3rd XV rugby the week previously stepped in and proved the strength and depth of the club, although the first 20 minutes or so had everyone rocked.

Park completely flew out the blocks and from indecisive play and missed tackles the Aigburth men found themselves 19-0 without threatening at all. From the 3rd re-start Park failed to secure the ball and from an Eddie Taylor hack forward Al Rogers was able to ground in the corner.

With Park down to 14 men with their centre sin binned for a high tackle Collegiate made the most of the advantage just before half-time, despite conceding a try with an extra man, when full back Dan Gardener was set free and dummied 2 players to cross and reduce the defecit to 9 points.

With a rousing chat in the interval the Blues came out in the full knowledge that this game was there for the taking and they began the second period with a crashing break from centre Peter Greene drawing 3 defenders to him and a clever offload to Clinton Macaskill set him free to score next to the posts which Ryszard converted. Rys then was gifted a penalty opportunity in front of the posts and the 2nd XV led for the first time in the match by 20-19.

This was short lived as Park's excellent scrum half created chance after chance and set up the opportunity for the home side to score another try. Not long after this the game changed dramatically as the Park prop Reynolds was dismissed for a frustrated punch at Martin Hoban, which he claims didn't rock him, but we know he hit the deck...Sorry Marty there were too many witnesses.

Once again with a player to spare good field position allowed our 'swift' winger Matt Swift to score an excellent try to make up for the fact half his face was left somewhere on the very hard surface and ease the pain somewhat plus give the lead back.

Soon after Peter Greene was given a good crash ball and he did just that as he left 4 players in his wake and raced 40 metres to score our 5th try and open the gap. Unfortunately, Greeney was given a 10 minute enforced break for a tackle with shoulders only and equalled the numbers again.

Not for very long though, as Martin Hoban (MOM), a constant thorn in Park's side all day long, continued his role as punch bag to the home side and the referee maintained his consistency and sent the 2nd rower to the stands to accompany his pack pal. Even so this did not prevent the dogged Park side from scoring yet another try from close range to keep the hearts racing as they snipped the gap to 30-29 with 10 long minutes to go.

With frantic and at times panicky play Collegiate tried their best to give Park a chance to take the match, as silly penalties were conceded and territory gifted to the Wirral based side, who were on the front foot. Thankfully a line out steal in our own 22 gave skipper Frankie Carroll the chance to thump the ball downfield. A brilliant chase and extremely fortunate bounce dropped into Chadwick's hands to go in unopposed, but he was unable to convert and create a gap of more than a converted try with a few minutes remaining.

The referee did his very best to give Collegiate players and supporters alike heart failure with time that seemed like eternity until he was good enough to blow the whistle and celebrations could commence in earnest. Hats off to the Park lads who were obviously gutted, but showed extreme grace in defeat and wished the 2nd XV the best of luck in the Final.

This will be on Sat 1st May at Wigan RUFC with kick off times and travel arrangements to be confirmed. Bring it on and well done to everybody!!!

COLLEGIATE 11 - 18 BIRKENHEAD PARK 3

This eagerly awaited fixture started at Sefton in fantastic fashion as Collegiate went straight at Park from the kick-off and inside 5 minutes were rewarded for the excellent start when Clinton Macaskill, on return from a month in South Africa, crossed in the corner to the delight of the following supporters.

Park forged their way into the match via the experienced and physical pack who made life extremely hard for the 2nd XV front eight all day and starved us of possession in set plays and were very good indeed at slowing down the ball preventing it being dispatched to the back line, who when given the chance caused problems. A penalty from the visiting stand off was quickly snubbed out by 2 from Paul Walsh to take an 11-3 lead in at half-time.

In the second half Birkenhead used the blustery conditions to their favour and kicked better territory than the 2nd XV did in the first period. Their superiority in the line out meaning they had good chances of stealing and using the well drilled maul to push towards the line. They did this to great effect on 2 occasions and were rewarded with tries, in between these the stand off cleverly kicked a drop goal.

Collegiate were not given many opportunities in the second half, due to the wind and some cynical Park tactics, which went mainly unpunished. On the day the result was just fair because of Park's domination of the second 40 and experience of winding the clock down. The raucous cheers at the final whistle showed what this result meant to the visitors.

Every single player in the squad gave their absolute all in this match and although they will be extremely disappointed they should take a huge amount of pride for the effort and the fact that no team has given Birkenhead Park a match like this for some time and it showed.

Despite some Park players comments that the 2nd XV side was 'loaded' with 1st XV players, we can assure that this was not the case at all and will not be in the upcoming Plate Semi-Final where they can be certain of the same plus more, from a side seeking revenge for this defeat.

COLLEGIATE 29 - 0 BIRCHFIELD

Collegiate started well but the Birchfield defence held out for 20 minutes until Paul Walsh converted a penalty to give Collegiate a deserved 3 - 0.

One of the highlights of the 1st half was an Andy Wolfenden run from his own 22 beating 5 defenders to be stopped just before the try line, back yourself next time Andy!

The Collegiate pressure finally told and skipper Frankie Carroll was at hand to score under the posts Paul Walsh converted to give Collegiate a 10 - 0 lead at half time.

Collegiate controlled the game up front up which allowed the backs to run riot in the second half, the score line probably should have been more if Collegiate had been more clinical.

Both centres were constant threat in midfield with Birchfield struggling to keep them at bay. Peter Greene's power and strength posed too much and he ran in a hat trick and picked a well deserved MOM award.

This win means one more win will guarantee promotion for Collegiate.

Collegiate play Birchfield away in the quarter final of the shield in a few weeks and we will be expecting a tough encounter.

COLLEGIATE 28-10 SEFTON 3

It is never easy encounter playing any Sefton side with local pride at stake, as well as vital league points.

Collegiate started the match like a runaway train, with Matt Swift crossing the line in the corner after  an excellent team move. Collegiate allowed Sefton to come back into the game with a loose pass bouncing favourably for Sefton and they managed to break away and score.

Further errors and poor discipline gave Sefton a Penalty and a 10 - 5 lead. 2 penalties from Paul Walsh brought the scores to 11-10.

Second half the Collegiate pack upped their game and Sefton were unable to stop the many rolling mauls by the Collegiate forwards with Phil Brown and Mick Nutt producing particularly strong performances.

Collegiate scored a quick tap penalty by Phil Brown which was converted by Paul Walsh 18 - 10. A further penalty by Walla put Collegiate into a 21 - 10 lead.

Into injury time and Clinton Macaskill raced onto a Frankie Carroll box kick, one on one with the full back he accelerated past his opposite number to score under the posts to be converted again by Walla
and ended the game 28 - 10 to the good.

The only downside to Collegiate's  victory was the injury sustained to JJ Calvert, we wish him a speedy recovery. Collegiate look forward to the visit of Birchfield next week.

COLLEGIATE 8 - 0 CHESTER 3

Collegiate played Chester for 3rd time this season. This proved to be an another tough encounter against a very good Chester side. The 1st half saw Collegiate take the lead with a Nick Saunders penalty, only excellent defence kept Chester out.

The Collegiate pack raised their game second half and totally dominated Chester upfront. Chester could't handle the many rolling mauls and the constant pressure applied by the Collegiate forwards. Chester conceeded a penalty 5 metres out, quick thinking and a tap and go by Little John meant Collegiate scored the only try of the game. 

JJ Calvert picked up the MOM award for finding the form that won him player of the year last season.
Collegiate play Birchfield away in the next round and continue to push for promotion against rivals Sefton on Saturday.

COLLEGIATE 12 - 10 RUSKIN PARK

The Collegiate 2nd XV are under no illusion that  the final games of the season are all going to be tough  and that is why we have a strict meeting time policy  of  12 o'clock to make sure we're all prepared and focused on the game in hand.  

That  is why Frankie "the Captain" Carroll  set  a fine example arriving at  12.30  shoving two chicken pasties  in his gob, we all know he can fit more in  but  two before a match is  just the right  amount !!. 

Collegiate left  the club  with a full strength team   led by  Granpa Walsh driving the half strength mini bus (it only does 40mph)  and travelled  to Ruskin Park  with  a positive  attitude   having  got  lost on the way  because  Granpa Walsh's  Alzheimers  is getting worse.

We arrived at  Ruskin  with just enough time to prepare, the pitch looked in magnificiant condition  far better than the Ruskin Park pack,  however,  the  Ruskin Park boys  put up a magnificent  display  of rugby  in both halves  bashing  and bull dozzing  themselves  throughout,  this was definitely a game  for the forwards with both packs  driving the ball up the field on there possession  but with no team able to take advantage  it was  left to the  kicking ablity of Paul (I'm not past it yet) Walsh to put the points on the board,  two penalties in the first half...to one unconverted try  for Ruskin Park.  

The second half  of the match was much the same with no team able to get there back line moving and Collegiate defending the line constantly  and  kicking  for territory  to relieve pressure,   Collegiate took advantage of the Ruskin indiscipline  to put a further two penalties over in the second half.  

The final ten minutes  were,  shall I say 'squeaky bum time' for Collegiate  as  Ruskin added  a second  try  to their score but their kicker was unable to convert either try, so  the Collegiate boys  came out  12-10  on top.  Bashed and bruised at the end of another tough encounter, this was a close one  for the two's with the rugby not as  flowing as usual  it shows  we can win ugly.

This was a match we could have easliy lost  but for  the pack  and  good defensive  play  from  all in the squad.  Next week  its a break from the league  fixtures  and a cup game  against  Tyldesley.

SPECIAL MENTION  TO ADAM  KILCOURSE  WHO SHARTED  IN THE WARM UP. WELL DONE MATE  NEXT TIME,  I HOPE THEIR ISN'T ONE  MY ADVICE  IS DON'T TELL ANYONE  THEN IT WONT  END UP ON HERE !!!!!

COLLEGIATE 18 - 6 CHESTER 3

This was always going to be an extremely difficult match for the Collegiate two's with Chester out to avenge their earlier defeat at home, and there intentions were clear from the moment the whistle was blown.

Chester had sent a young strong side to Liverpool and straight from the start they were putting the Collegiate team under pressure with Collegiate spending the first fifteen minutes in their own twenty two however Collegiate showed there defensive qualities with the backs steady and strong in the tackle and the forwards harassing for the ball at every breakdown, however Chester persisted. it was only the cultured boot of Grandpa Walsh that gave Collegiate breathing room.

With both forward packs battling in the ruck and scrum like lions, it was not going to be long before the referee penalised the Collegiate pack for persistent infringements and Chester took the lead with a penalty, 0-3 to Chester. It was then the Collegiate team started to get their game together with the Collegiate pack led by Little "you are all my brothers" Jon aka (Yoda)  and backed up by Dominic "I didn't get sin binned" Hoban (mom) pushing the Chester pack backwards and forcing mistake  after mistake giving Collegiate a penalty to level the game up  3-3.

Two further penalties in the first 30 mins one each took the score to 6-6, however it was the Collegiate team were now turning the screw and the backs started to get more and more into the game forcing mistakes from the Chester backline and lack of invention from their stand of kept forcing him back inside to the forwards, who were now relishing the battle.

Late in the second half a well place kick into the Chester corner by Grandpa Walsh forced their winger to catch the ball and step in touch giving Collegiate the line out. it was from the line out the pack drove the ball towards the Chester try line and with precision timing captain Frankie Carroll spun the ball to flanker Paul Westhead who dissected the Chester back line like Dr Kildare to score under the posts bringing much joy to the 1000's on the line.

The second half was much of the same with Collegiate, having to play the game in the pack and the backs being limited to defensive duties, however 10 mins into the second half it was Collegiate winger Andrew Wolfenden showed great speed but also football skills after Chester fumbled on the touch line to kick the ball down the line and score on his debut. (I don't think he bought a jug)

Chester did not fold and showed great passion and commitment. The final twenty minutes saw the introduction of Martin Hoban making a triumphant return from his exile in Australia (having been deported back to Britain for being found in a compromising position  with a kangaroo) and he still has the qualities he  possessed when he left a year ago, (he was still trying to split anything that had a red shirts on, apparently  Skippy was seen wearing a lions jersey!!! ) and also the introduction of the fattest winger in the world who shall remain namelesss (Jon Gill ) bolstering the Collegiate defence. This game was certainly not the flowing rugby Collegiate are capable of but it showed they  can be defensively astute and play tactical rugby when required.

Next week, Ruskin Park are the opponents and Collegiate expect another tough encounter.

COLLEGIATE 36 - 7 EAGLE

Despite this being a top versus bottom of the table encounter this was never going to be an easy game for Collegiate. The 2nd XV played well in patches when they were allowed to!

JJ Calvert was outstanding especially in the lineout stealing a large amount of opposition ball.
Jon "I can't believe I can run this far" Gill made a 40 yard break and decided to stop within sight of the try line out, well done Jon back yourself next time mate and of course Dom was sin binned, for well, being Dom.

Overall a game with plenty of positives, Collegiate look forward to the trip to Southport next week     

COLLEGIATE 20 - 14 POLICE

Collegiate came out winners 20 - 14 against the Police side, who's league position doesn't do them justice!

This was a very dour affair in difficult conditions made even harder by a tough Police pack who kept Collegiate under pressure throughout.

Tries from Chris Austin, Danny Oliver (who also converted a try and kicked a penalty) and Daniel Gardiner. The 2nd XV stay in the hunt for promotion and travel to Widnes next week. 

COLLEGIATE 68 - 0 BIRCHFIELD

The 2nd XV continued to keep the pressure on Southport and Birkenhead Park with an excellent win against Birchfield. Collegiate started well with a try from Al Rodgers off the 1st phase of play from a line out deep inside our half.

That was followed by tries from Frankie Carroll, Clinton Macaskill (5), Phil Brown (2), a penalty try was awarded for a Birchfield player obstruction, Chris Austin and Matt Swift completed the rout. There were 4 conversions (for Danny Oliver, I think!!!) 

Collegiate ran out comfortable winners but credit must go to Birchfield who never stopped trying and did their best to make it a difficult afternoon for Collegiate. MOM was Danny Oliver who came in at 10 and distributed the ball extremely well. 

Collegiate have a break from the league programme next Saturday but face a difficult trip to Oldershaw

COLLEGIATE 26 - 6 SEFTON 3

After a slow start, Collegiate upped the play and thoroughly deserved to beat their arch rivals.

John Tilly scored a brace and Dave Wareing scored the other Paul Walsh added two penalties and 2 conversions.

Collegiate travel to Birchfield next week.

COLLEGIATE 93 - 3 MOORE

Collegiate totally dominated this game from the start. A special mention must go to Tim Lynch and Neil Greig for playing for the opposition.

Trigger put in an excellent performance playing for the oppostion and tried his best to stop his mates running riot.

COLLEGIATE 22 - 6 WATERLOO 3

There were 4 changes to the Collegiate back line, with all the new players coming into the side doing really well, showing how much strength and depth there is throughout the club.

Another good team performance from the 2nd XV. Despite a slow start the 2nd XV went into half time with an 10-6 lead thanks to a Joe Perks try and Paul Walsh penalty and conversion.

There was a drastic improvement in the 2nd half with two further tries, the first an excellent solo effort coming from new winger Ali Swan. The other coming from Phil Brown (I think) Dave Wareing picked up a MOM award for another solid display.

Jon Shrimpton picked up tw*t of the day just for being Jon.

We look forward to another difficult game away to Moore next week.

COLLEGIATE 34 - 0 RUSKIN PARK

Another good performance despite not being at it's best the 2nd XV showed their attacking prowess in parts and excellent defence.

Excellent performances from Phil Brown & Joe Perks, Dom Hoban picked up thoroghly deserved MOM award.

The 2nd XV look forward to Waterloo next week.

COLLEGIATE 27 - 5 CHESTER 3

An excellent team performance against a very good Chester Side. The whole pack were tremendous and thoroughly deserved to share the MOM award.

COLLEGIATE 59 - 14 CHRISTLETON

Collegiate showed a positive response to last week's defeat at the hands of Birkenhead Park. By running out 59 -14 victors against Chrisleton.

One of rugby's strange events occured during the game, that not even Nostradamus would have predicted. It was of course, a Leon Bown hat-trick (which included a side step)

Yes I am telling the truth, it really did happen and due to the fact Leon is moving to the Cayman islands we may be allowed to forget about it happening!

Even though comfortable winners there is still much room for improvement from the 2nd Team. Dom Hoban put in an excellent perforrmance and thoroughly deserved MOM.

We wish Jon Shrimpton a speedy recovery from the injury he sustained during the week falling down some stairs. We look forward to the next game.

COLLEGIATE 7 - 55 BIRKENHEAD PARK 3

Collegiate travelled to Park very optimsitic after a series of good results but were this young side were taught a lesson by an experienced Park pack, who dominated for most of the afternoon but Collegiate stuck together and even though were second best on the day managed a late Tom Loftus try.

It was an off day for us and congratulations to Park who are a very good team. These are the games we want and look forward to the rematch at our place.

COLLEGIATE 16 - 0 SOUTHPORT

No disrespect to previous opponents but Collegiate faced their sternest test of the season so far against a very good Southport side.

Southport had beaten a weakened Collegiate side in pre-season and we were out to prove a point. Despite Southport's physical size advantage Collegiate's young guns (& Paul Walsh) never took a backward step and overall were deserved winners. Jon Shrimpton scored the only try with Walla getting 3 penalties and a conversion.

The 2nd XV is improving week by week and we have scored 153 unanswered points.  They face another massive challenge away at Birkenhead Park next weekend but if continue to play with spirit, character and determination shown in the first 3 games we will be a force to be reckoned with.   

COLLEGIATE 81 - 0 EAGLE 2

The day did not start well with Jon "I know where i am going, Knight Rider" Gill driving the Minibus and getting us lost on the short jourmey to Great Sankey.

We finally arrived at Eagle about 25 minutes before Kick Off. What followed underlined why the 2nd XV will be a force to be reckoned with this season. 

Eagle virtually never touched the ball in the 1st half with Collegiate scoring freely and putting the game out of Eagle's reach in the 1st half. Credit must be shown to Eagle who kept on playing despite the scoreline.

The only downside of the day for skipper Frankie Carroll, was apart from being stung by a wasp during the game, was having to buy a jug after scoring a hat trick! Simon Crowder was MOM after a fine display running with pace and pinnache throughout. The 2nd  team romped to an 81- 0 victory and continue to improve.

After 2 games we sit top of the league scoring 137 unanswered points but the feet our still firmly on the ground, bring on Southport next week.

COLLEGIATE 56 - 0 ORMSKIRK 3

The newly promoted 2nd XV started the league programme in fantastic form. The whole team played extremely well with Luke Cobb impressing on his return to the side at hooker. 

Paul " Granpa" Walsh rolled back the years with an accomplished performance bringing his much younger colleagues into the game exceptionally well. Ryan Walsh and Rob Connolly both caused havoc all day to the Ormskirk defense.

All 2nd XV information will be updated on a regular basis, please click on the applicable buttons to view results/league tables and player stats.