Armstrong is the star of the show as Ormskirk RUFC beat Dukinfield

Nov 20 2008 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

Armstrong is the star of the show as Ormskirk RUFC beat Dukinfield

ORMSKIRK secured a 29-18 win against a committed Dukinfield side at Green Lane on Saturday.

John Armstrong scored 19 points, including two conversions and five penalties, for the second successive week.

Inside centre, Matt Johnson, crossed for a try in the first half, while hooker Andy Wilson scored in the second.

Before the match, both teams observed a minute’s silence for founder of Ormskirk’s junior section and stalwart of the club, Louis Ttofa, who passed away this week.

Dukinfield, who have not won a league fixture this season, started the match the stronger of the two sides and took a 3-0 lead after Ormskirk infringed in front of their own posts.

But the home side got on the scoreboard soon after, as Johnson pounced on a loose ball before sprinting 40 metres to score under the posts. Armstrong added the extras as Kirk led 7-3.

Ormskirk then failed to secure the ball from the restart and following a break from scrum half Daryl Cornthwaite, Dukinfield forced their way over Ormskirk’s line for a try.

Before half time, both sides exchanged penalties meaning Ormskirk went into the break 13-10 down.

At the start of the second half, a period of sustained pressure from Ormskirk’s pack allowed Wilson to sneak over the try line after a pick and go from the back of a ruck. Armstrong added the conversion and soon added another penalty to give Ormskirk a 20-13 lead.

With 15 minutes remaining, Dukinfield played themselves back into the match as they scored in the corner following a deft chip through from Fly-Half Gareth Callan.

With the score 20-18, Armstrong took control of the game by pinning Dukinfield back inside their own 22 with some long range tactical kicks.

As a result, Dukinfield’s pack lost discipline and conceded a number of penalties in the closing stages, which allowed Armstrong to slot over three superb penalty goals to secure victory for the home side.

Ormskirk’s second team’s fixture was cancelled, while the third team lost 14-5 at Warrington, but the fourth team won 44-0 against Marple.

Next week, Ormskirk travel to Winnington Park in the third round of the EDF Senior Vase.