Sefton RUFC

Sat 3 Feb 2024

Sefton 3rd XV

19 - 26

Oxton Parkonians 2nd XV

Sefton 3rd XV

Oxton Parkonians 2nd XV

The third team is an enigma, which maybe only Campo understands. A mishmash of characters that shouldn’t be mixed together. With the Aussie immigrant in the land down under for a few a weeks, probably eating kangaroo anus, and living off his dad’s credit card, it was Matt Bland who was left to organise the team. He was under strict instructions not to jeopardise promotion avoidance.

A bonus was Phil Ingham's appearance, who managed to overcome his horrendous ankle injury that stopped him playing ‘away’ with the second team. Miraculously his recovery allowed him to play for the third team at ‘home’. It's surprising what a night’s rest, and plenty of calcium can do.

On the two wings we had the Roose sisters, indistinguishable from each other, and debatable as to which is the better sister.

The warm-up was challenging, as one prop after another attempted to lift Steve Teale off the ground in the lineout practice, with little success. It appears Steve has added some bulk over the Xmas break. My guess was they would avoid kicking the ball out at penalties.

The Game

The first try came from Parkonians in a defensive masterclass that only Campo could have orchestrated. The air tackles were sublime, of such excellence and grandeur that it inspired great admiration, and awe. One after another Sefton backs dived left and right, grasping at air, as the opposition ran through.

Sefton did hit back, with a try of their own when sHamling steps through a gap and was able to crash over for a try.

It was a tough day for our props, with Parkonians bringing a heavy pack full of experienced players. This required Sefton to switch players in and out to give them plenty of rest, like a wrestling tag team.

On the rare occasion that sHamling passed the ball, Steve Kidd made plenty of distance with a number of runs. However, these passes were sporadic, at best with the ball mainly stuck under his arm.

The Parkonians stand-off was a bit more generous when feeding his backs, using their skills to string several passes together, and finding the try line a couple of times. Sefton replied with just one try, when Matty Cunningham bullied his way over.

The second half was a more disciplined performance from Sefton, with some great passages of play, and a much more solid defence. Matty Williams was particularly commanding, returning to his fullback position, and was able to make some solid counterattacking runs.

Another try by Cunningham led to a glimpse of a victory, but Parkonians replied with a try of there own.

In the final ten minutes Lancaster came on after a long injury absence. Requesting a position that would not see much action, Blandie suggests the centres, outside sHamling. Explaining, “there’s no way sHamling was ever going to pass the ball, so you will be quite safe there”. To his word, he was correct, the ball didn’t leave his chubby little fingers.

A great game to watch, and some good performances. Man of the Match predictably went to Matty Cunningham who had his usual disruptive game, however, it was close, with Matty Williams also devastating with the ball in hand.

After the game, sitting in the bar, discussions turn to other trivia, including Brendo's tribulations on trying to find, and buy a house. I feel that Kirsty and Phil could help him find a suitable place. Apparently it's all about location, location, location. Perhaps they could find him a place near West Park rugby club?

The jury is still out as to which of the ugly sisters is best.

Lanky