Ramsey 10-36 Ormskirk

Oct 18 2012 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

THE first 25 minutes of the game saw both sides hold long periods of possession deep within their opponents’ halves, a combination of good defence and some poor attacking decisions from both sides meant the score remained at 0-0.

It took some clever rugby and a good solo effort to break the deadlock.

From the back of a maul just outside Ramsey’s 22m line, the ball was shipped out to the left and found James Illingworth, a good angled run from the full back forced a two on one situation and a well-timed pass got Jo Hodson through the first line of defence.

Hodson did well and neatly evaded the rushing defence with a strong and agile run, crossing the line for the first score of the game, 0-5.

Ten minutes later, Kirk were in a good attacking position with a lineout inside Ramsey’s 22m line.

Ramsey judged the Ormskirk lineout well and knocked the ball back towards their scrum half.

However, the ball didn’t bounce kindly for them and flanker Mark Webster managed kick the ball towards the try line and chased after it.

The panicked defence didn’t deal with situation and Webster was able to ground the ball over the try line, 0-10.

Ormskirk started the second half with a bang. Just one minute in, centre Neil Habberfield made a break through Ramsey’s defence at Ormskirk’s 10m line, a powerful weaving run saw off numerous attempts to tackle him and he broke free into clear air, after a fair old distance Habberfield was pleased to jog in for an impressive try, 0-15.

Ramsey reacted well and after 43 minutes scored their first try of the game, 5-15. Ramsey showed good determination to come straight back with a try of their own for 10-22.

Ormskirk didn’t let this daunt them and again showed good patience and retained possession well. The backs were on form and this time Illingworth was able to run in for a try.

He slotted the conversion home and after 70 minutes the score stood at 10-29.

The final minute saw Ormskirk mount another attack, some strong play from Andy Healy saw him set up Illingworth for his second try of the game.

He again made the conversion and the final whistle blew, with the score at 10-36.

Ormskirk first team take on close rivals Vagabonds firstteam at home next Saturday.

VAL GATELEY