Sefton RUFC

Sat 19 Mar 2022

Sefton 2nd XV

29 - 57

Littleborough 2nd XV

Sefton 2nd XV

Littleborough 2nd XV

It just shows you can’t take the big guys for granted. A shortage in front row this week left the second team with only one prop. Where are they all, are they all at a secret prop convention, talking about the fine art of cheating, and the best conditioner for back hair? This shortage happened against the worst opposition, with Littleborough matching Sefton admirably in the scrums the last time we met, cancelling each other out in that respect.

So who would fill this unforgiving role? I could go in myself, but that would bring up another problem, I would have to put Campo in at hooker. Campo's understanding of hooking, is that once he has knocked the ball back his job is done. Brian Gardner described his performance perfectly, when he said, he's like an ornament you hang on your fireplace, dangling there all glittery, but of no use at all. 

Fortunately, up steps Matty Williams, untill now hidden away making sandcastles at the full back position. Though he’s added on a number of pounds over the years, I doubted that was a qualification for such a task. “I played prop at school” was his reply, “I know what to do”. This statement, though slightly reassuring, didn’t fill me with confidence, it sounded more like a nonchalant, ‘how hard can it be’ statement. With no other option, he was given the nod.

Littleborough started slowly and Sefton took advantage of this in the first quarter of the match. Sefton’s back line was again on fire, with plenty of options available. A great running line allowed Wayne Osborne to put Jonathan James (JJ) through under the post to open the scoring. Converted by Gorgeous.

Sefton were able to increase their score shortly after with another great backs display this time noticing space out wide. The ball was passed through the hands and out wide for Isaac Lancaster to score in the corner.

Other players were less aware of there surroundings, with Brando totally miscalculating the path of the ball, and using his head to great effect as it bounces off it, and into touch.

Sefton could have possibly increased their score with a tidy dink over the top by Wayne Osborne. This was chased up by JJ who was only denied another try by his visible lack of pace in his veteran legs, and the covering defence who just got his boot to the ball before it could be grounded. On avoiding a third try Littleborough gathered a bit of composure, and started to play with a bit more structure. Their forwards worked well, and were able to keep the ball moving with some good offloading, which resulted in the first of their tries.

The new found confidence lifted their performance and their increased tempo brought them back into the game, pulling the scores level, and then going in front.

A fourth penalty in a row, resulted in a team yellow card for Littleborough, which was a bit harsh, and left the ref now having to keep his strict discipline regime consistent. This resulted in Adam hunter also getting a yellow in the closing ten minutes of the half.

In the second half Sefton just started to hold their own in the scrums as the opposition started to tire. However they still manage to put pressure on Sefton’s defence in attack, and punish them when they failed to bring the opposition down by the legs. The scrums finally broke Matt Williams when it collapsed five metres from the line. However, this gave Sefton a much needed advantage, finally giving them steady ball at the back of the scrums.

- Whose team is he on? -

You have to question Sean muirhead’s loyalty. Just as Sefton were getting a foot hold in the game, and Sean gifts a ball straight into the hands of their winger, who races away down the pitch to score.

A second yellow card for the unfortunate Littleborough player meant they had to go down to 14 players, and this helps Sefton attack the space.

An opportunist try for Gorgeous came from a quick tap, stepping through and over the try line before a sleeping Littleborough could react. Converted by Anthony Hawksford.

A fourth try came soon after as Sefton found a resurgence. A superb cross field kick by JJ allowed Harry Osborne to run onto the ball, and collect it on the bounce, going over in the corner.

- Redemption -

With Littleborough pushing for another try, Sefton managed to steal the ball within their twenty-two, a break by Anthony Hawksford had the opposition scrambling back in defence. Finally halted on the halfway line, the ball is quickly recycled, and even though a poor kick was put through, it favoured Sefton who beat the chase to the ball. Gorgeous quickly shifts the ball out to Sean Muirhead, who runs it in under the posts unimpeded, to add a try to his earlier assist. Converted by Anthony Hawksford.

- Tackle of the game -

In the closing minutes of the game, Littleborough make a line break down the left touchline. As Sefton look on, expecting them to have an easy run into the corner, Kev McCombie races across from the other side of the pitch and hits him like an exocet missile, tackling him into touch, five metres from the try line.

In the end, a good game for Sefton against a side currently fighting for top spot in the League. Sefton started dominantly, had a rocky middle period, but ending the game strongest. A five tries to nine difference, just highlighted Sefton’s need to improve their defence, but also showed they had good attacking options even without a steady base from the scrum.

A fine performance from our young Padawan’s, with the back three of Lancaster. Osborne, and Hawksford, demonstrating a rappid attacking threat, and Drakeley commanding the lineouts. However, the Man of the Match could only go to one person, putting his body on the line, and probably not able to bend down to tie his shoe laces for the week. Matty Williams, welcome to the dark art of scrummaging, start growing your back hair.

Harry Osborne still hasn't had a shower, I worry about his hygiene.

Based on true events,

Lanky