Sefton RUFC

Sat 19 Nov 2022

Liverpool Collegiate 2nd XV

26 - 32

Sefton 2nd XV

Liverpool Collegiate 2nd XV

Sefton 2nd XV

Liverpool Collegiate 22 - 14 Sefton

 A wise philosopher once used the analogy that people are either chickens or pigs. Both animals provide the main ingredients for a full English breakfast. However, whilst the chicken is predominantly involved, by providing the egg, a pig is fully committed by giving its life to the cause. 

I think I could count the pigs at Sefton on one hand, but we have a lot of chickens, quite happy to be involved when it suits them, but not fully committed. This week there were three players that demonstrated commitment issues, when they cried off Saturday morning. First was Jack Beckwith, after saying he was available, he gets a call from his work asking him to come in early. My question is, would they even know if he turned up? Next it was Phil Walsh's turn, however it was his mum that was left to explain his absence, saying she had no idea where he was. I have already erected posters around Liverpool asking people to look out for poor Phil. Come home soon Phil, your family love you, and just want you back safe. Finally, Anthony Hawksford texts just as the lads were leaving the changing rooms, saying he was in A & E, muttering about having something removed. We will say no more. 

 Unfortunately these late cry offs resulted in me taking from an already depleted third team. Campo was very agreeable for once, I think he's getting to like the nine-a-side game.

- The game – 

Despite Collegiate having a one man advantage, Sefton controlled the game well, with early possession keeping the ball away from the opposition. However, Sefton could not manage to turn this into points, allowing Collegiate to escape their twenty-two unscathed, and take advantage of Sefton’s displaced defence. Unlike Sefton the opposition were a lot more clinical and found the gaps to go through, to score a converted try. 

Sefton continue to pressurise, but again couldn't convert into points, allowing Collegiate to counterattack a number of times. It could have been a lot worse for Sefton if not for Isaac Lancaster at full back' who stopped a number of certain tries through last ditch tackles. 

- Like taking candy of a baby - 

Not that I would condone taking candy off any babies, but this is what it would be like. With Pete Johnson not helping matters when running with the ball in hand and allowing the opposition to take the ball from his grasp whilst in full stride. Him running after the ball snatcher shouting “give me my ball back” didn’t help. 

Eventually, Collegiate find the space and went through Sefton’s defence line to score another converted try. 

In the final play of the first half Collegiate increase that lead with a penalty kick in front of the posts. 

Sefton’s run of missed chances continued in the second-half, and Collegiate again took their chances. A scrum to the opposition within ten metres of Sefton’s try line went blind, and they capitalised on Sefton's shortage in the back row, going over for a try in the corner. 

Sefton eventually play to their strengths, and smash it up through the forwards. Jonny keen causing chaos whenever he got the ball in hand. 

 A sustained attack on Collegiate's five metre line eventually paid off with Matty Cunningham taking the decisive ball over the try line. Jonathan Tebbs converted. 

Sefton now started to dominate and pushed Collegiate back into their half. Some clever kicking by Tebbs pinned them in the corner. The lineouts were disrupted by Brendan McCudden jumping at two, and Collegiate were left scrambling to get the ball off the pitch. A quick line out was taken by Lancaster, and Pete Johnson takes the ball on the run, with the opposition desperately trying to stop his progress. Another siege on Collegiate’s try line ensued, and it is Matty Cunningham who again recieves the final pass to get his second try. Jonathan Tebbs converts. 

- A new man - 

What has happened to Mark Dobie? I think he has been replaced by an impostor. Not only did he make several tackles (previously unheard of), but he has reformed his 'I just push in the scrums’ attitude and now jumps in the lineouts. This is very uncharacteristic of Mark, and I’m starting to think he’s using some sort of illegal stimulant. He probably doesn’t even know where he is ,and what day it is, We have a duty of care, but I might let it slide for now.  

- SIde entry Giz - 

With another storming run by Jonny Keen, Sefton again find themselves in the corner five metres from opposition's try line. Collegiate had the ball at the back of a ruck preparing to kick It out. All of a sudden Giz comes from the side shouting “it’s out” and pummelled the scrum half as he attempted to fish the ball out between the tangle of legs. I often wonder what goes through Giz’s brain, maybe it's an army thing. Shoot first and ask questions later. Would you honestly give this man I gun? 

The final play of the match, and Tebbs puts a teasing ball into the corner for Matty Williams to run onto. It would have been a glorious finish to the match, but on collecting it he’s shuffled out of touch just before he could place the ball over in the corner. Any winger with speed would have made it, but looking at Matty I feel the prop shirt is looking very imminent. 

Another great encounter against Sefton's local rivals, with great respect on both sides. The ref had a quality game, and seemed to make all the right decisions. 

Some great performances by Sefton’s players which made man of the match very difficult. Mark Dobie putting in a unexpected performance, and Isaac Lancaster proving solid at the back, which kept Sefton in the game till the end. Second team debutant Johnny Keen did some tremendous runs, and I can understand why Campo has kept quiet about him. A two try haul however by Matty Cunningham earned him man of the match. 

I'm off now to enjoy a full English breakfast with extra bacon, before crying my-self to sleep again on my tear drenched pillow, in preparation for our next game. 

Lanky