Ormskirk beat Wirral in ten-try thriller

Jan 22 2009 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

Ormskirk beat Wirral in ten-try thriller

ORMSKIRK opened 2009 with a thrilling victory over third-placed Wirral at Green Lane on Saturday.

In a high-scoring exhibition of attacking rugby, John Armstrong capped an excellent performance by scoring 23 points, including a try, three conversions and four penalties.

Ormskirk made a flying start and were 15-0 up after 10 minutes. Number 8 Ben Davis crashed his way over from close range for the opening score before Mark Webster, playing at flanker, rose to collect a cross-field kick to score in the corner minutes later.

After Armstrong had added a further penalty, Wirral claimed a breakaway try as Kirk’s inside centre Matt Johnson, spilled the ball after falling badly having twisted his knee.

Chris Ashworth replaced the unfortunate Johnson and Ormskirk soon extended their lead with two further Armstrong penalties, including one slotted over from the half-way line.

Wirral responded with another try as their number 8, David Doneo, broke through Kirk’s defensive line from the back of a lineout. Ormskirk led 26-12 at half-time.

Wirral started the second-half just as Ormskirk had the first, scoring 13 unanswered points with a converted try and two penalties.

As the half went on the game became an end to end affair with each side displaying impressive phases of attacking play. Ormskirk again established a lead after Armstrong released Luke Parker, playing on the left-wing, who scored in the corner.

John Curley then extended Kirk’s advantage scoring the try of the match. Kirk’s outside centre sliced through the defensive line and then outpaced Wirral’s full back with a 60-yard dash to the line.

But each time Ormskirk seemed to have sealed the match by going more than one score in front, the away side responded. As the game entered the final ten minutes Wirral had clawed their way back to within four points.

With five minutes remaining, Armstrong eased the home side’s nerves with a well-deserved try after strong running from Glyn Roberts and Andy Wilson had given Kirk excellent field position. Armstrong evaded three tackles to place the ball on the try line with his fingertips.

In a nail-biting climax Wirral added an extra three points but Ormskirk’s defence held firm.

Ormskirk 2nd XV lost 59-10 at Buxton while the 3rd XV beat Chrisleton 22-17, Chris Tracey with two tries. The 4th XV lost 41-0 at Upper Eden.

This Saturday Ormskirk travel to Wigan, who are three places below them in 10th, in Euromanx South Lancs Cheshire One.