Sefton RUFC

Sat 10 Sep 2022

Aspull 2nd XV

35 - 24

Sefton 2nd XV

Aspull 2nd XV

Sefton 2nd XV

Another season upon us, and it doesn’t seem to get easier, with limited players willing to put their boots on without a gentle nudge of forceful persuasion. With a total of twenty players for the seconds and thirds making themselves available at Tuesday night selection, there would have to be a lot of player whispering over the next few days.

Miraculously, Sefton scraped together something that resembled three teams.

The seconds had a tough fixture away at Aspull, whose first team just beat our first team by four points the previous week. We arrive at Aspull with our team still intact, and I think for the first time ever no cry-off’s, and no crying on the Sefton Wailing Wall for me. There was a rumour that Aspull’s first team game had been cancelled, and I would have to get my brown shorts out again, but it was their third that had no game.

An oversubscribed back line, and a lack of forwards meant that a few places were filled in by overconfident backs, Sean Muirhead at 2nd row, and James sHambling at back row. Despite this handicap the forward started well with veteran Paul Walker on hand to steer these hapless glory hunters in the right direction. An early push into Aspull's half was succeeded through a number of crash balls, and this resulted in JP Ellis crossing over the try line, but held up. However, in the refs eyes it was an illegal high tackle and a penalty try was awarded.

This seemed to wake up Aspull from their deep slumber, and maybe left Sefton a little bit relaxed in defence. The opposition where soon pushing deep into Sefton’s half, and from a number of penalties they managed to reply with a try of their own.

Sefton where right back on it from the kick off and kept the pressure on within Aspull’s half, with the backs enjoying plenty of possession and moving the ball around. The ball eventually goes out wide on the left, and Isaac Lancaster comes into the line from full back timing his run to perfection to take the ball and dive over for try in the corner

Sefton seemed to be comfortable at this point, enjoying a lot of possession, and giving centre partnership Jack Lewtas and Lawrance Gillen plenty of time to run at Aspull. Unfortunately, a loose pass out by Jonathan James ending up in the opposition’s hands. Despite a last ditch tackle by Isaac Lancaster they managed to get away and score under the sticks.

The remainder of the half was filled with a series of should haves. Steve Teale getting over the try line, but is deemed to have used a double movement. A break through the defence by Jonathan James almost resulted in a try, but he’s tackled short of the line and is unable to get the ball away. Great runs by Isaac Lancaster and Harry Osborne get Sefton deep into Aspull’s territory, but the opposition managed to scramble back in defence.

- Kicking update -

 I don’t like to highlight kickers, because this just encourages them, but I will mention Sean Muirhead whose first kick was thoroughly discouraged. This obviously didn’t register with Sean, as minutes later he again puts foot to ball. Another dressing down occurred and we hoped that was that, however, not deterred he tries again and he is immediately put on the naughty step.

 The act of kicking the ball away allowed the opposition to run the ball back, and put unnecessary pressure back on Sefton. The Aspull second row received the ball on a nice line, but he should have never got through the middle with an easy run under the posts.

In the second-half a rampant Faris Ejimofor terrified the opposition every time he got the ball, consistently breaking the defensive line with each of his runs. This eventually pays off, with Aspull unable to bring him down before he reached the try line.

At this point Sefton seemed to be the favourites to take the win. With another period of pressure on the opposition's line they were close to scoring another try, but another way ward pass allowed Aspull to race away and score a try against the run of play.

Not deterred by their misfortune, Sefton press again and are rewarded when Jonathan James kicks the ball through allowing Lawrance Gillen to dive on the bobbling ball for a try. Anthony hawksford converts the kick from wide out.

Now four points behind again, Sefton push for the win, and again camp on Aspull’s line. However, despite Sefton being awarded a number of penalties, and ample opportunity to score they allow the opposition to escape and kick the ball downfield. Frustration is increased by giving away a number of penalties themselves, which again allowed Aspull to score another easy try.

Despite their best efforts, Sefton couldn't correct their mistake before the final whistle, possibly suffering from first game fitness, and the opposition able to replace their tiring players with fresh legs from the bench.

A great first game for Sefton with lots of potential, but vital they cut out the mistakes which allowed the opposition back into the game, and crucially take the victory. JP Ellis again showed great energy around the park, and Isaac Lancaster produced a faultless performance at full back. However, man of the match went to Farice Ejimofor for his devastating runs that seemed to terrify the opposition whenever he had the ball in his hands.

I'm of now to try and persuade Sean Muirhead to admit he has a kicking problem, and ironically needs to kick the habit.

Looking forward to another year of tears.

Lanky