Fortress Riversdale Raided

Scorers: Chris Austin x2

Collegiate 2s were hoping to bounce back from last week’s defeat at Waterloo and looking to maintain the 100 per cent home record so far this season.

Collegiate started off the stronger of the sides, dominating in both possession and territory but were missing that final pass and some poor offloads not finding their targets.

When Wirral did get their hands on the ball they showed some powerful attacking play, yet were denied by formidable Collegiate defence, emphasised by Dennis O’Neill at fullback.

The defence and possession paid off for the blue and blue, with commanding forward play giving Chris Austin the opportunity to open the scoring. Jimmy Connolly converted to put Collegiate 7 – 0 up.

Wirral came back and put the pressure on Collegiate. Tackle after tackle proved in vain as ill discipline cost with Wirral going over the line.

Collegiate bounced back from this and were able to get back on the front foot. After a number of attacks in the opposition 22, Chris Austin was able to add to his tally for the day, with a quick tap penalty to put Collegiate back into the lead.

Wirral once again came back into the game after conceding, and with aggressive forward play trundled over the line. Wirral looked like they had the momentum, but Collegiate were able to hold out until the half.

The game opened up more in the second half, with both teams displaying open play and fast flowing rugby. Collegiate showed some impressive passages of play, yet and unfortunate turnover and clinical hands by Wirral resulted in them taking the lead.

With the game on a knife edge the next score would prove critical. Collegiate several times went close in getting that all important score but it was not meant to be. Despite both great team and individual moments, Collegiate couldn’t add to their tally.

Penalties once again made the task increasingly difficult for Collegiate. Wirral’s waves of attack, even with committed Collegiate defence, were not enough to stop Wirral extending their lead.

Collegiate needed a score quickly to try and change the swing of the game, yet Wirral were able to hold the ball and keep Collegiate pinned in their half until the final whistle.

It was an unfortunate result for Collegiate to not keep up the 100 per cent home record, but there were many positives that could be taken out of the game and be applied to next Saturday’s fixture.