Latest news and reports from Ormskirk RUFC

Oct 11 2012 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

IT WAS another, bright sunny afternoon at Green Lane, the conditions lending themselves for an open and attacking style of rugby of which Ormskirk aspire to – and the Gingerbread men did not disappoint against Oldershaw, producing a great victory displaying strength and determination in defence and creativity and pace in attack.

After a series of dominant phases of play from both the backs and forwards straight from kick-off, it did not take long for Ormskirk to get on the scoreboard through Alex Lambie.

Just five minutes later Illingworth was able to add to the tally, running in for a try from the wing. Lambie converted, taking the score to 12-0.

Play evened out over the next 20 minutes, before inside centre Neil Habberfield broke through to score a quality solo try.

Oldershaw hit back with a penalty but Ormskirk regained composure and territory following a dominant display in the scrums by the front-row, and Andy Healy showed good strength fending of two tackles to cross the line.

The second-half seemed to start well for Ormskirk, but Oldershaw managed to turn over possession and scored a well-worked try down the left wing.

The game restarted with Ormskirk in a composed and clinical mood, the Oldershaw try spurring them on, and Illingworth showed good pace to score in the corner.

During the next 20 minutes Ormskirk completely dominated, with strong tackling displays from Webster and Rothwell and powerful running rugby from Hodson, Purcell and Charlton.

This period of dominance resulted in four well-worked tries. Habberfield got the first with another strong breakthrough effort. Dan Hitchlock found the line for the second, following a good display of dynamic forward play.

The third came from a lineout on Oldershaw’s five metre line resulting from a penalty neatly kicked into touch by Lambie.

A driving maul was formed following the lineout and a breakaway drive from the back of the maul saw Ian Merrill cross the try line.

Habberfield managed to run in the fourth try, gaining a hat-trick as he did so. Illingworth converted two of the tries and after 66 minutes of play the score stood at 55-8. Shortly after, the referee blew the final whistle.

Captain, Gaz Prytherch had these words to say following the match: “It was a good, disciplined performance from the lads today, especially after last week’s defeat.

“We really stuck at it for the full 68 minutes.”

Ormskirk will look to continue this form on the Isle of Man when they take on Ramsey.

The seconds, meanwhile, are at home against Aldwinians and the thirds travel over to New Brighton.