All the latest action from the Skem Sunday League

Oct 25 2012 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

ORMSKIRK were disappointed having narrowly missed out on continuing their run of good home form with a mixed performance against Isle of Man side Vagabonds.

It was a very frustrating first 20 minutes for Ormskirk which saw the visitors cross the line four times with breakaway tries.

In the 21st minute Kirk were awarded a penalty within kicking range, James Illingworth slotted the ball between the posts, taking the score to 3-26.

The first ten minutes of the second half continued in the same vein, with both sides holding possession well. Vagabonds conceded a penalty during a period of pressure from Ormskirk, Illingworth kicked for goal and took the score to 13-26. The visitors responded swiftly, pouncing on a dropped ball within Ormskirk’s 22m line, they were able to capitalise on this mistake and run over the line for a try. After 50 minutes it was 13-31.

Ormskirk were not shaken and played controlled patient rugby for the remainder of the game and slowly closed in on Vagabonds’ lead. This was aided by good tackling performances from flankers Glyn Roberts and Martin Rothwell and strong bullocking runs from Prop Ryan Purcell. Purcell scored the first try of the half for Ormskirk, following some good open play down the right wing. Illingworth made the conversion taking the score to 20-31.

The backs had now found form and Jo Hodson was able to finish off a good move and score under the posts, 27-31. Ormskirk gave a penalty away within kicking range allowing Vagabonds to go seven points ahead.

Winger Luke Parker was able to finish of another good backs move and score in the right corner, the score stood at 32-34 with five minutes remaining.

The game came to a nail biting finish, the last play of the match saw Ormskirk awarded a penalty kick just inside Vagabonds ten metre line. Unfortunately for Kirk, the kick was off target sailing just wide of the left post and the final whistle blew at 32-34. Omskirk’s mistakes in the first 20 minutes were their downfall, but they should be encouraged by the strong fight back and heart shown in their performance.

This Saturday, Ormskirk are away to Southport, while the second team host Southport’s second team. The thirds are away at Ellesmere Port II and the fourths are at home to Birchfield.

VAL GATELEY