Sunday 1st February 2015
Ormskirk RUFC 5 v Liverpool Collegiate RUFC 30
What a difference a week makes. Seven days ago we had a healthy 16 man squad for the Lancashire Cup match against Waterloo. Contrast this with today’s Journey up the M57, to the home of Ormskirk RUFC, and for which we were two players short of a full strength team. However, and with a show of true sportsmanship, two volunteers from the Ormskirk squad offered to help cover the shortfall.
It can be a somewhat daunting task for a player to compete with his, or her, own teammates. For their part, today's volunteers George and Harvey played with a passion that is usually only reserved for combat between the fiercest of rivals, rather than against your own team. A further difficulty is that neither player had any previous knowledge of playing alongside their new acquaintances. But you would never have guessed that this was the case, as the pair instantly gelled with their new teammates, and they were both thoroughly deserving of the applause, which was given to them by their temporary teammates at the final whistle.
Squad: Finbarr, Sonny, Mathew, Big Jack, Luke, Jack, L., Fintan, Leo, Ruary, Dan and Oli. (Guest appearances from Ormskirk’s George and Harvey)
First Half
A quick glance at Ormskirk’s website showed that between October and December of 2014, which is not all that long ago, they had inflicted two defeats upon Waterloo RUFC. After a comparison of our recent results against Waterloo, we knew that we were in for a tough match, not least, as we had a number of key absentees today. However, our patched up squad courtesy of the two band-aids, in the shape of George and Harvey, totally turned this contest on its head as we dominated the first half from beginning to end.
In previous weeks, the boys have been guilty of starting slowly, often falling behind, before waking from the slumber to play catch-up. This was not the case today; however, as the boys came flying out of the traps in spectacular fashion, and took the game by the scruff of the neck, in what can only be described as an excellent all round display of "total rugby". The support play was first class and allowed Collegiate to dominate all of the rucks. The forwards Finbarr, Sonny, Mathew, Luke, Big Jack and Jack Lewtas suitably tamed the opposing pack, during all of the scrums, providing a platform on which to build each devastating attack after attack. These are all sure signs that the high-performance levels, which had been observed prior to the Christmas break, are hopefully returning just in time for the remainder of the Lancashire Cup.
In addition, our handling of the ball and the ability to move it quickly, along the line was particularly impressive today. The ball was used efficiently and with a fluidity that is usually only associated with high calibre teams such as the New Zealand All Blacks. All of the players were effectively drawing the tackle before offloading with timely precision. For this, credit is due to John and his coaching prowess, but also to the boys, who proved that they do actually listen in training.
With the full width of the pitch being utilised both of our wingers, Dan and George (Ormskirk), engaged in telling runs that put the Ormskirk defence on its back foot. The first try to be scored, however, was courtesy of Leo, who embarked on a fine run down the left flank to cross the try line in the corner.
Following on from this, the ball was quickly moved between hands, from left to right, in a sweeping move that culminated with the onrushing Oli collecting to score, what can only be described as, a fantastic team try. There was a consensus today that Oli, playing at fullback, might just have found his ideal position where, he not only excelled, but also looked like he was enjoying his rugby again.
Our third try was delivered by Finbarr, which was closely followed by a try from the very impressive Harvey (Ormskirk). Mathew was the second forward to get in on the act with a powerful run to get over the line and the first half was topped off by the obligatory try from Jack Lewtas. Fintan unusually, failed to make the score sheet. However, his contribution cannot be overlooked, as he constantly battled for supremacy, with his opposing number 9, and was usually at the crux of each attack.
Ormskirk RUFC 0 v Liverpool Collegiate RUFC 30
Second Half
The second half was a much tighter affair and Ormskirk showed why they had triumphed in their previous games against Waterloo. Ormskirk fought back with determination and were duly rewarded with a try for their efforts, whilst sufficiently restricting the Warriors from adding any further tries to their first half haul.
Ormskirk were a much tougher proposition in this half and the Blues had to exercise some resolute defending at times with some outstanding tackles being made. As the game wore on the Warriors were struck down by a couple of injuries, namely to Jack L and Ruari, but they still managed to maintain their 25-point cushion.
Well done to all the boys today for what was a thoroughly entertaining game of rugby and a big thank you to Ormskirk, George and Harvey for the sporting manner in which they approached the game.
Ormskirk RUFC 5 v Liverpool Collegiate RUFC 30
Ste (Sonny’s Dad)

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