Sefton RUFC

Sat 9 Apr 2022, 14:15

Thornton Cleveleys

42 - 31

(HT 18-10)

Sefton

Thornton Cleveleys

Sefton

 Sometimes you wonder how the first team manage to get a team out each week, let alone promotion. After witnessing this week selection performance you will be surprised that they got a team on the pitch at all. With promotion obtained last week, both Chuckle Brothers, Liam and Alex declared job done, and haven't been heard from since.

Luckily Jack Beckwith stepped in, miraculously salvaging a side comprising of first, second, and third teamers, including a keen Brenda. The Grand National may have been a part of this lack of availability from the players that suddenly fled in the last remaining lifeboat, to leave the rest of us bailing the water out of this apparent unsinkable ship.

- The game -

Thornton Clevelys had a good start, putting pressure on Sefton who were taking a time to warm up. Thornton were first to register points when they slotted two penalties early on. A controversial try gave Thornton a further boost when it appeared the ball was held up over the line, however the ref saw differently and awarded the try.

Thornton probably had the edge in the forwards, but in the backs it was a different story, with Sefton always looking dangerous with the ball in hand.

Myles Holmes was first to demonstrate that threat with a break down the middle. Finally passing to Billy Haist who was caught just short of the line, but able to offload to Danny Johnson who dived over for Sefton’s first try.

The use of the wind by Thornton had worked well for them, kicking for field position, and then not allowing Sefton out of their half. Another try by Thornton eventually cancelling Sefton’s try out.

The high ball's kept going up, but they were caught out when Billy Haist takes a superb catch under pressure. He continues his run, curving a path through the opposition’s defence and under the posts for a spectacular solo try. Converted by Jay Evans.

Half time and the plan was to utilise the wind just as Thornton had done in the first half, kicking for the corners, and playing in their half.

Sefton got off to a perfect start, when Osborne kicked through down the centre of the pitch. The bounce of the ball fell Sefton’s way, and Jay Evans was able to scoop it up without breaking stride, and go over under the posts. He converted his own try.

An Osborne yellow card hampered Sefton's progress, with Thornton taking advantage of this and scoring three consecutive tries. Using the scrum as the base of their attack, and then sucking Sefton's defence in to create the overlap.

Thornton were met by a sudden fight back, with the return of Osborne now back on the pitch after his ten minute rest, and the introduction of Brenda which may also have contributed to this. The Aussie surprised everyone with his performance, which nearly resulted in a debut try. Luckily, he was unable to reach the line, and we have been saved from his endless stories of when he scored a try in the first team. However, clearly a nominee for the Aaron Gore Award, of giving yourself a trophy.

 It was Jonathan Tebbs who eventually got over in the corner a few phases later, with Evans again kicking the conversion.

Sefton were soon back within Thornton’s twenty-two, and a short chip over the top allowed Osborne to collect another favourable bouncing ball, and go over for a try. Converted by Jay Evans.

Within the closing minutes Sefton were pushing for a further try, but we’re unable to get the extra losing bonus point they were after.

A great performance by a mixture of all three Sefton teams. Credit was given to all the young lads that stepped up in a tough, competitive game, showing there is some promising talent coming up through Sefton's ranks., however with a number of key players missing, the usual dominance in the forwards was missing, and in the end proved costly. On a positive note for me, I am looking forward to seeing my name on that promotional plaque the first team insist on having, and putting those well known letters after my name.

The opposition we’re very hospitable after the game, though having your clubhouse away from your pitch doesn't often help entice players back, with a lot of players unfortunately leaving straight after the match and missing out on the great food.

- Karma Prevailing -

Finally Jim Heeley has met his match. As me and campo have often had to suffer Jim's incredibly long boring stories over this season, it was great seeing him have to suffer the same fate. With Jim complaining to me that he couldn't get away from someone who was apparently more boring than him. I know it is hard to believe, and I did not investigate it further, on the presumption that if Jim was under duress, it must be bad.

One more game for the first team, though it is uncertain when this rearranged Garstang away fixture will be played. There is a possibility that it will be played the day after the club dinner. If this does happen, we may yet see a lack of players making themselves available, or at least in very bad condition.

In recovery, Lanky FTW