Sat 8 Jan 2022
WPRFC v Southport
8th January 2022 – Park rewarded with another great win
WPRFC 31 – 7 Southport
The first game of 2022 was not without its challenges, this time the weather tried its best to put a dampener on the day but with a small army of new groundsmen armed with forks, brushes and giant sponges the game was confirmed on 10 minutes before kick-off. This week we welcomed Southport for our return fixture and wanted to build on our close win (25 - 29) over them back in September.
Park started the stronger side capitalising within 2 minutes for a Southport indiscretion at the ruck by the boot of Cam Flanagan. Park piled on the pressure with great handling skills in both the forwards and backs in the heavy underfoot conditions but could not quite find that first try. On 17 minutes, Park were awarded another penalty for Southport illegally using their feet in the ruck and Cam Flanagan slotted in over with ease.
Park continued to dominate the game showing their prowess in the scrums and giving the backs a great platform to play off but could still convert this pressure into tries. The conditions were not great but Park showed great skills in the backs with sublime passing through the hands which was great to see.
Southport continued to make errors and gifted Park another penalty for holding on which again was slotted home by the boot of Cam Flanagan. On 38 minutes, Park were rewarded with a Joe Cook try after some excellent forward dominance which was converted by Cam Flanagan.
Half time score 16 – 0
The second half started similarly to the first half with Southport giving away a kickable penalty in first few minutes which again was slotted home by Cam Flanagan. Park continued to play some great rugby but failed to capitalise with tries and Southport started to find their rhythm and on 10 minutes scored a converted try after some better phase play.
A few minutes later, Park hit straight back with a great backs play with Will Morrillo breaking through and fixing the defender and off loading to Cam Flanagan to score a great try which he converted. Park were now dominating the game and after some great forwards play, Alex Glendinning scored a great unconverted try sliding through the surface moisture (one for the photo album!).
The final quarter of the game was a tale of missed opportunities for Park as they continued to dominate all facets of the game but could not find that bonus point try. The forwards continued to dominate the scrums and were giving Park great opportunities but Park were forcing each phase and failing to extend their dominate performance. It was a great team performance and with another win under our belts we can certainly look forward to build on this to aim for a top 3 finish this season.
Final score WPRFC 31 – 7 Southport
Team: Lee Allmark, Josh Allen, Will Morrillo, James Johnson, Alex Burrage, Cameron Flanagan, Matt Cross, Ross Morris, Andrew Evans, Shaun Underdown (Captain), Dave Cross, Ben Cann, Matt Treacy, Liam Gough, Alex Glendinning, Chris Southern, Joe Cook, Tom Wager
