Sefton RUFC

Sat 12 Nov 2022

Sefton 2nd XV

19 - 45

Littleborough 2nd XV

Sefton 2nd XV

Littleborough 2nd XV

A surprising influx of players appeared this week, to boost Sefton’s numbers in the seconds and thirds, including an overexcited Liam Brown, who was unable to make the away game for the first team due to having to sign some house exchange papers. A feat that could only be done on Saturday, during game time. This in itself may be concerning, however, I would be asking the question who would want to live with Liam in the first place? Is he even house trained? Imagine the safety locks you would have to put on all the cupboards, and you would have to take him out at least three or four times a day to get rid of his excess energy.

With a strong pack and a quick talented back line, Sefton were confident they could put in a real good performance. Within 30 seconds Sefton were a try down as Littleborough collected the ball from kick off and passed it along the back line to score in the corner. I would have to rethink my game plan. Maybe I could issue order 66, in which Campo suggests we make them score in the corner, so they struggle with the conversions. Whatever the plan, it was going to be a long day.

 Surprisingly, after the initial shock of the first score, Sefton managed to hold their own, and the game became a battle of wills. With a late cry off by Steve Dwyer, Sefton called on the services of Matty Williams in the front row. Not the best game for the novice prop to be involved in, with Littleborough always turning up with a solid pack. However, Matty held his ground, and although not the usual Sefton dominance the ball was won, if not a little unsteady.

Imagine our surprise when Lawrance Gillen skips through a gap in Littleborough defence, and scores under the posts. With the kick converted by Anthony Hawksford, Sefton found themselves in the lead.

Speed was how Sefton stayed in the game, and even when Littleborough ground out another score, Sefton bounced back almost immediately with another quick counter attack by Laurence Gillen.

With half time arriving Sefton were holding their own. However, another early try going into the second-half scuppered Sefton.

A spilled ball by Littleborough and again this allowed Lawrance Gillen to kick the ball through, then race towards the try line, and would have been favourite to score if not tackled off the ball by a defender. For this the referee gave a penalty try.

At this point it was still a closely contested contest, but a head injury to Anthony Hawksford took him out of the game. How he got it, was suspicious, with the sly punch while on the floor a possibility. However, the high tackle shortly after sealed his fate.

With 20 minutes to go Sefton's resolve finally broke, and Littleborough ran in a number of tries in the last quarter of the game.

It was only after the game that we learn that a couple of Littleborough’s players were playing with their dad, and also happened to be signed up to the Bradford Bulls professional rugby league side. A little bit of a kick in the teeth for rugby morality I think.

A number of great performances, including Harry Osborne who stepped in at scrum half after Hawksford went off injured. Tom Fletcher (not the original flavour, but the new improved version) put in some great hits on the wing, and Isaac Caine did some great carries. Man of the Match had to go to Lawrance Gillen, although there was a hint of jug evasion when he allowed himself to be tackled when going for his third try.

Next week the seconds are away at Liverpool Collegiate for the local Derby. We expect another tough game.