Sale flattered by Kirk’s fluster

Feb 19 2009 by Philip Kirkbride, Ormskirk Advertiser

ORMSKIRK slumped to their second successive league defeat in a closely-fought contest where the scoreline flattered the home side.

Ormskirk dominated for long periods but a ten minute spell in the second-half saw Sale run in three tries while Kirk were made to pay for not converting their advantage in territory and possession into points.

The Green Lane men started positively but were rocked as back-rowers Glyn Roberts and Mark Webster were forced off with injury inside the first ten minutes.

This allowed Sale to take the initiative and they scored in the corner after Ormskirk’s pack were penalised at a defensive scrum.

John Armstrong reduced the deficit to 7-3 with a penalty but then missed the opportunity to take Ormskirk to within one point.

Ormskirk dominated the rest of the half with John Curley, Andy Wilson and Gareth Little all coming close to crossing the try-line.

Superb handling skills by Chris Ashworth and Andy Healey had given Ormskirk the advantage out wide but Sale’s defence stood firm.

The score was 7-3 at half-time and remained that way until the last 20 minutes. At the start of the second period Ormskirk were dealt another blow as Luke Parker, playing on the left wing, was sent to the sin-bin after an innocuous challenge on his opposite number.

Kirk responded well to survive the 10 minutes playing with 14 men without conceding extra points but Sale soon made them pay.

Three Sale tries, including a superb effort by centre Jack Moorhouse, and two conversions in the space of 10 minutes killed off the game as Sale started to pick holes in Ormskirk’s tired defence.

Spurred on by their captain, Cliff Kirby, Ormskirk continued to attack the Sale line up until the final minutes but they could not find a way through the home side’s rearguard defence.

Ormskirk 2nd XV drew 12-12 against Trafford Metrovic with tries from Scott Angel and Mark Jackson.

The 3rd XV lost 34-12 to Liverpool St Helens, with Pete Wright crossing the try-line.

This week Ormskirk welcome league leaders Burnage to Green Lane.