Sefton RUFC

It was the first home game for Sefton 2nd team, who hosted Mossley Hill in a local derby. With blue skies, and a freshly mowed grass, it was perfect conditions for running rugby.

Missing this week was Matty Williams who had child duties, much to my disappointment, having to step in to cover for him. Also, an absent Joe Clarke who preferred to go and watch Rugby League than help his fellow comrades.

New faces have arrived this season, including Joe Nice who played at second row. I am yet to have an opinion as to whether Joe is nice, or not. Also, returning was Charlie Renshaw, after a year abroad. I suspect he hasn't prioritised rugby whilst away, but maybe has over indulged his alcohol consumption.

Joining Charlie at the back of the scrum, was Tom Fletcher and Wayne Banthorpe, creating a dynamic back row partnership, if not a little mentally unstable. With a quick back line, it promised to be a fast paced game.

The pace was fast right from the start, with Mossley Hill not allowing Sefton any leeway. Captain Mainwaring tried to keep it simple in the set pieces, with everyone still getting up to speed with the new lineout moves. These didn't exactly go to plan, with some players going off script. Players were jumping in the wrong position, and running when they shouldn't. This is still a work in progress, and I suspect it will be a little time before everyone is reading from the same book, let alone on the same page. I think some are reading 'The Art of War' whilst others are still on 'Pat the Cat'! A personal favourite book of Dan's.

All of this was good entertainment for the away supporters who weren't short with their 'encouraging' advice on the side line. Thankyou, I will take it on board.

Initial play was a little stop, start with Sefton forwards trying to compress the opposition defence, but finding no way through. Mossley were quick to get hands on the ball, and able to turn the ball over a number of times.

Fortunately, Sefton had their backs to get them out of trouble, as well as Mossley derailing their own progress with some backchat to the ref.

Once the ball was released out to the backs, they looked threatening, and gained considerable ground. The first try came from this area, with speed and quick hands allowing Callum Rossiter to go round the outside, and through under the posts. Andy Farlie converts from in front of the posts.

Mossley Hill put Sefton under a bit of pressure, and spent a considerable amount of time in our half, pushing deep into the red zone. However, a handling mistake allows Seb Hannibal to get hold of the ball in our twenty-two. Now, I don’t think Seb knows where he's going sometimes, his running style is like his driving skills, a bit irratic, and unpredictable. So it's quite difficult to anticipate which direction he will go. He started in a meandering sideways direction, which takes him wide out on the wing, before stepping inside and racing off under the posts. We followed him as best we could, but it turned out he didn't need our support. Andy Farlie converts another easy kick.

Mossley Hills complaining finally caught up with them, and a yellow card was issued.

A quick break by Isaac Lancaster brings the backs into the attack again, with slick hands taking the ball wide again. Ben Wayman had the option to pass to Seb Hannibal outside him, but opted to kick through, which proved to be the wrong option, going out of play. Ben Wayman should not kick!

A penalty in the final play of the half allows Sefton a chance to practice their set move within ten metres of the opposition line. I can’t say it was perfect, but it caused enough confusion for Ben Wayman to snipe from the back of a ruck, and sneak through a gap to score under the posts. Farlie converts.

At half time Daniel Craig and Martin Lancaster come off, and Ben Webster, and Tom Rainey come on. I must admit I was relieved to come off, having avoided any serious damage.

From the restart, Mossley Hill go on the attack, taking the ball deep into Sefton’s half again. A period of sustained pressure leaves Sefton defending their line, and the opposition were denied a try when Dan Harrington executes a perfect illegal high tackle. Mossley were rewarded with a penalty try.

Five minutes into the half and Wayne Banthorpe fained a head injury, and goes off for some treatment. Mrs Lanky is there straight away. With no Joe Clarke to look after, she went for the next best thing.

I look to Daniel Craig who is sat down with ice on his knee, trying to avoid eye contact. So I'm going on am I, Dan? These young lads don't have any respect.

Some good breaks through the back line again caused problems for Mossley. Dan Harrington gets the ball out wide, but his speed lets him down. I fear he has possibly bulked up to much during the Summer, and though hits with more venom, should now perhaps consider a lower numbered shirt.

Finding an escape route out of the twenty-two, Isaac Lancaster attempts a clearance kick, which barely goes ten metres. This lands in the grateful wingers hands. Isaac Lancaster should not kick!

Defence was good on both sides in the second half, with Tomos Hughes and Callum Rossiter solid in their centre partnership. Sefton only managed one try in the second half. Some hard fought territory by the forwards got them within 10 meters of the opposition’s try line. It was Ben Wayman who was again able to sneak through a gap created by Sefton’s pressure, and was able to stroll through under the posts. Farlie converts.

Man of the Match could have gone to a number of players, all the back line had exceptional games. In the end the captain chose Callum Rossiter who's defence and attack prooved decisive. Dan Harrington was told he was a close second! Why not just kick him whilst he's down, Kev?

A great start for Sefton 2nd team, with two wins now under the belt. Mossley Hill were difficult to break down, and should do well in this League. Next week the seconds are away at Birchfield. Another difficult contest.

I have already shamed Matty Williams for his absence. I hope he enjoys his spot in the third team next week, or is an away trip to Birchfield a better punishment.

The jury is still out on Joe's niceness.

Yours, Lanky.