Sunday 8th February
Liverpool Collegiate RUFC V Leigh RUFC
Today’s guests Leigh brought a sizeable squad for today’s fixture, thus, to allow each player a run out, the game took the form of four 10 minute periods.
First Period
LCRUFC 0 v LRUFC 21
The initial exchanges, between these evenly matched teams, suggested all the spectators were in for another fantastic game of rugby. Both sides demonstrated an attacking propensity during these early skirmishes and forays into each other’s territory. However, Leigh made the initial breakthrough and scored first. Liverpool needed to be at their best defensively, at this point, to prohibit a strong Leigh team, whose tails were now well and truly in the ascendency. Huge tackles flew in from Jack H, Ruari and Harrison. However, during this passage of play Leo stood out following the completion of three tackles in quick succession. However, all this hard work could not prevent Leigh from adding a second try to their tally. In response, Collegiate mounted more sustained pressure and attacked Leigh, intent on gaining a foothold back in this match. Unfortunately, a timely interception was made by a Leigh player deep in his own half, and after collecting the loose ball broke clear unopposed to score their third try. All three tries were converted to provide the visitors with a commanding lead.
Second Period
LCRUFC 0 v LRUFC 21
Starting the second period, 21 points adrift, there was a real danger that heads would drop, and the prospect that the game could be effectively over after the first period. However, these boys remain much tougher than that, and they came out fighting to dispel this fear with a much tighter second period display. Leonardo and Mathew came on for Jack H and Finbarr. The match restarted and Collegiate were immediately under pressure that they defended resolutely, for an eternity, in the right hand corner, and immediately in front of the try line. Managing to stow Leigh’s ferocious onslaught the Blues progressed to drive up the field, towards the Leigh line, thanks to a determined run from Jack Lewtas. Leigh won back possession, deep in their own half, and eventually kicked long and clear to relive the collegiate onslaught.
Debutant Leonardo contributed with a tackle of considerable force which set up a further collegiate attack. Leigh kicked long again to ease the mounting pressure, however, Oli collected superbly at fullback and drove straight back at Leigh down the right flank. However, he was bundled into touch by last ditch Leigh defending. This was an improved showing, from the home team, and demonstrated their fighting qualities, in the face of adversity, to the highest degree.
Third Period
LCRUFC 14 v LRUFC 28
Buoyed by their earlier performance, the Warriors come out with a determination to claw something from of this match, and they didn’t disappoint. The forwards, were showing their dominance in the scrum, and this allowed Jack Lewtas to escape with the ball and drive over for our first try which, he duly converted. The forwards were working their socks off with Finbarr, Sonny and Jack H all putting in telling tackles. The latter allowed Ruari to capitalise and score and Jack Lewtas converted to put Leigh firmly back in our sights. At this point in the game, all the boys were showing excellent form, and everyone could sense their belief that they could win this game. However, Leigh remained a formidable opponent, and replied with a try, and conversion of their own, extending their lead to back 14 points in the process.
Fourth Period
LCRUFC 21 v LRUFC 35
After a little rest and recuperation, required after he injured his arm in the first quarter, Harrison returned and immediately disrupted Leigh’s rhythm with a fantastic tackle. This provide the platform for Jack Lewtas to mount another Collegiate counter attack with a clever offload to Harrison out on the wing. Harrison’s run, at the Leigh defence, terminated after he was pushed into touch near to Leigh’s try line. Nevertheless, Calum was able to capitalise, from the resultant line out, stealing the ball, and powerfully driving through a mob of opposing players in a show of pure brute strength, to score a try. Jack Lewtas successfully kicked the obligatory conversion to bring the deficit back to 7 points.
The Blues turned up the pressure on Leigh’s defence and they responded by kicking long to clear, to relieve the pressure, at every given opportunity. However, and not for the first time today, Oli collected with aplomb and again drove up the field to put the pressure firmly back on Leigh. Another fabulous Harrison Young tackle, and great support and rucking from Sonny failed to be enough, however, to stave off one final attack from Leigh, resulting in a demoralising try, and conversion to effectively finish all hopes of a comeback.