Liverpool Collegiate vrs LSH
Sunday, 19th February 2012

A brisk Sunday morning in late February and we welcome Liverpool St Helens (LSH) who have always provided stern opposition.

A four 10-minute quarter game.

LSH kick-off strongly and if it were not for an excellent tackle from Fintan would have scored in the opening minute. Ellis was quick to picked-up a loose ball but LSH defence was solid. Ollie helped out with a bit of muscle with support by Leo to relieve early pressure. James was also strong in the mauls.

LSH suddenly got the better of the exchanges in the ruck and raced through for the opening try. Collegiate respond swiftly with a try from Jack having been set up by Fintan. Good interplay between Ollie, Ellis and Jack put Collegiate in the ascendancy and released good early ball for Fintan to fly down the wing for an excellent try.

The game was flowing at this stage. Collegiate scored a wonderful try from Ollie; picking up a cleaver off-load from Jack and catching it near his laces. LSH scored two tries immediately from the restarts to take us into the break at three tries apiece.

Collegiate licked-off the second quarter which saw Calum power through the middle and was unlucky not to score, but quick thinking Ellis was to hand to pounce over for a try. LSH restated and scored straight away; a replica of the two tries they scored in the first quarter. From am advance position, LSH produced a text-book try from a solid scrum; a flowing move from scrum-half to the wing.

Collegiate responded positively with good run from Leo and then from Tomos to set up a maul some 5 metres out. James and Fintan tackling was tenacious to keep the pressure deep in LSH half. And from stern defencing work, Fintan took advantage of open space to race through to tie the game at 5-5 and the end of the second quarter.

Collegiate boys started the third quarter so quickly that the scribe missed the try scorer (sorry!). Finley P produced good ball having forged hard for the ball deep in the ruck and was able to release Fintan who then passed it on to Ellis to maintain early pressure on LSH. Collegiate were beginning to boss the game, with strong tackles from Finbar and Jack. Finley C produced a positive weaving run and Ellis was as ever quick in support. Finbar presence in the ruck was immense, and together with Danny, Ryan and Ollie was pushing the momentum forward. Leo being one who took advantage with a good run.

The try eventually came with a fine finish in the corner off Fintan. A very good quarter which saw Collegiate take a 7-5 lead.

Collegiate kick-off the last quarter with Tomos producing a waving run straight into the heart of LSH defence. Finbar continued where left off the last quarter and was able to produce good ball to Jack, who dual took advantage of an opening to race through for a try. The enthusiasm from both sides continued. Jack and Fintan full of running still as they relentlessly pursued another try. And it came from Fintan as he power through from 5 meters out.

LSH to their credit never gave up, and was rewarded with an excellent try for their endeavours.

Full Time: Liverpool Collegiate 9 LSH 6

Apart from the need to tighten up on restarts (LSH scored three tries straight from restarts), this was a very strong performance by Collegiate. The boys are certainly stepping up their game in the rucks and mauls, and this is providing good platform to released their dangerous runners. Very impressive all round.

Player of the Match: Finbar. Powerful performance

Team: Adam, Calum, Danny, Ellis, Finbar, Finley C, Finley P, Fintan, Jack, James, Leo, Ollie, Ryan, Tomos