Sat 30 Oct 2021
A much changed 3’s welcomed the league leading Ormskirk 3rd XV to Burrows Hill looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat over the fence. Selection reflected the choice to give game time to a few returning players, hopefully bolstering the whole club in weeks to come. With skipper Tony King recovering from injury, Roger Raynor took charge of a strong Park team.
Park started brightly, good tempo and pressure in the visitors half. However it was Ormskirk who eventually opened the scoring under the posts. Park fought back, youngsters Tom Wager, Tom Dodson and Jake Cornwall using their speed and energy to cause Ormskirk all sorts of trouble at the breakdown. However it was the speed of thought of veteran Steve Berg that reaped the reward with a very sharp quick penalty tap from the 5 metre line. 5-7 after an attritional 1st half, with a few knocks on both sides.
Park knew they would have to lift their game in the second half. The Ormskirk pack was coordinated and experienced, their backs looked rapid but hadn’t seen much ball. Sadly after the incredible efforts of the first period, Park eventually started to tire as the second half became a more open affair. Ormskirk running more ball and bringing their excellent back three into the game. Two quick tries allowing them breathing space. A further penalty stretching the lead to a comfortable 24-7.
Park kept fighting hard. Both sides now with just about 15 fit players left, showing how hard the game had been played. Mark Phoenix got a 10 minute “rest” for a bit of “experience” at a ruck, but with 14 men Park made a rare visit to the Ormskirk 22 count, Liam Gough powering over. That was it for the scoring, both sides pretty much exhausted. Park finishing down to 14 again, Rick Shaw with an accidental high arm.
Final score Park 12 “Kirk” 24.
Congratulations to Ormskirk. The better team won. They played like a settled team, a wily pack with pace to burn behind them. The game was played the right way. Respectful and played hard, and really good banter on the touch line I may add. We look forward to visiting you next year.
A great effort by Park, good character to keep playing and fighting back. The opposition skipper commenting afterwards that it had been their hardest game all season by a long way.
MoM - Tom Wager. Great game from the very promising youngster. Brilliant work at the rucks and fantastic energy all game.
DoD - Honourable mention for Pheeno, for his yellow and copping a blow to the Crown Jewels when he should have possibly scored. However last week in the pre-game huddle a certain player was heard to say “In all my years, I’ve never beaten this lot”, he still hasn’t. Over a Guinness after this game he informed me “Do you realise I’ve never won as Captain!!!”
The award goes to Roger “Lucky” Rayner!!
Burnsy
