Liverpool Collegiate 4 Ellesmere Port 8

Ellesmere Port kicked-off and a melee of rucks and mauls followed with each side testing the others resolve. The early exchanges were evenly matched. Ryan, Leo and Jack were noticeably keen to get stuck in. It was from the one of these early exchanges that Jack was able to rip the ball from the depth of the ruck and dart through for the opening try.
Ellesmere Port wasted no time in lodging an immediate response. Calum, Ellis and Fintan provided continuity before releasing Jack who was pulled up short of the try line. An unfortunate fumble of our own try line was quickly pounded on by Ellsemere Pork as the last action of the first quarter.
James and Finley C were straight into the action at the start of the second quarter. From their own line-out, Ellsemere Port produced an excellent try ending with a powerful run straight through the heart of Collegiate’s defence.
Finbar responded with a good run and was well supported by James. Ellesmere Port's defence stood solid even though it was tested by strong running by Fintan and a weaving run by Adam. Ellsemere Port led 1-3 and the end of the second quarter.
The third quarter prooved to be a decisive period which saw Ellsemere Port running away with a very strong all-round performance. Three quick tries opened up a four-try cushion. Even though the tide was against Collegiate boys, there were noticeable contributions: an excellent run by Finley C; a superb tackle from Finley P; Ollie ferreting hard at the foot of the ruck. There were also flashes of flowing rugby with a well work move involving Ellis, Leo, Danny and Adam.
Collegiate re-gathered with glimpses of hope: a wonderful run by Leo, strong tackling by James and Finley C was unlucky not to score a much needed try. Their efforts were finally rewarded with an excellent try from Finley P. The quarter ended with another try by Ellesmere Port to end the third quarter up 2-7.
The fourth and final quarter started promising. Jack showing the way with a charging run into heavy traffic with the pack in close pursuit. Fintan set off on a good run with support from James. The try came as just rewards – Fintan retrieving ball from foot of scrum and catching Ellsemere Port defence wrong footed.
Ellsemere Port responded swiftly with another powerful run and try. James delivered a strong tackle to prevent another try. Fintan, having received good ball off Tomos produced a mesmerising run that deserved a try. Jack start a link between Adam and Fintan with a deserving try by James to cap a good move.

Full-Time: Liverpool Collegiate 4 Ellsemere Port 8

Congratulations to Ellsemere Port. A very good team; possibly one of the strongest team that we’ve met this year.

Player of the Match: Calum – strong all-round performance.

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