Ormskirk RUFC humbled at Hoylake

Dec 24 2008 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

Ormskirk RUFC humbled at Hoylake

ORMSKIRK ended 2008 with a frustrating 10-3 defeat at Hoylake on Saturday, writes James Illingworth.

For the second successive week Kirk’s preferred brand of attacking rugby was restricted by difficult playing conditions and they did not register any points until the 70th minute.

Ormskirk’s pack gave their side the advantage in the early exchanges as strong running from Paul Rowley and Adrian Molyneux gained valuable yards.

Mark Webster made the first break of the game after five minutes as the Flanker took a superb inside line off stand-in fly-half James Illingworth.

After Webster had off-loaded inside Hoylake’s 22, Chris Ashworth, playing on the right wing, was held up agonisingly close to the try-line. Unfortunately for Kirk it would be the closest they would get to scoring a try all afternoon.

Ormskirk were then punished for some indiscipline at the breakdown and a series of penalties gave the home side the advantage before half-time.

Hoylake’s fly-half, Steve Young, pinned the Green Lane men back in their 22 with several up-and-unders and Ormskirk’s defence finally cracked as Dan Baldock crossed in the corner.

In the second-half Ormskirk were once again made to pay for a lack of discipline as Number Eight,Ben Davis was sin-binned following an altercation with Hoylake’s Chris Whiteley.

While Kirk were down to 14 men, Hoylake crashed their way over after a drive from the back of a lineout, giving them a crucial 10-point advantage.

The last 10 minutes saw Ormskirk camped in Hoylake’s 22 as a series of penalties, this time in favour of the away side, provided several opportunities to score.

After Illingworth had slotted over one kick, further penalties within kickable range were turned down as Kirk attempted to secure the seven points needed to snatch a draw. But the home side’s defence stood firm to secure a well-deserved win.

Ormskirk’s 2nd XV lost 17-5 against Didsbury at Green Lane, Ben McCarthy with the only try. The 3rd XV also lost 43-5 a at Winnington Park, Paul Doyle scoring.

Ormskirk return to league action on January 10 when Wirral are the visitors to Green Lane.