Wirral Tame the Tigers ... Just!

The team played as selected with the only changes to last week being KEITH MAHON coming off the bench to replace CHRIS BURROWS, who returned to the bench. JOE MURRAY came in for JOSH STEAD, who had a good game at Huddersfield. With CHRIS HUGHES nursing a calf injury, JACK YARKER returned to the squad after his injury joining JAMES REEVE on the sub’s bench.
This was the only match played in our league today and one of the few being played in the North of England. Credit must go to Dave and his team in the preparation for this match as no matches had been played on the pitch since the Waterloo game and thus was not churned up. Given the weather during the week, there was only a light drizzle at the start of the game and the match finished in fine weather. To avoid bad light at the end of the game arrangements were made for a 2.00pm k.o.
This match carried great importance given that it was second versus first and a win by Sheffield Tigers would have increased their lead at the top to 20 points, thus it was important for Wirral to maintain their 100% home record.
From the offset, Wirral were on the defensive as from the kick off, their clearance kick was charged down giving ST position in the Wirral 20m area. Fortunately the danger passed and Wirral through their backs were able to advance downfield and maintain pressure on the away side in their half of the field. On 12 mins from a scrum some 22m out, ROB PEARL picked up and drove at the ST defence and was through before drawing the full back and putting in DANNY HARVEY for a try under the posts, brother Craig kicked the conversion. 7-0 (12 mins).
Within 5 minutes, ST were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and took the points through Mark Ireland 7-3. Thereafter with the majority of possession and territory Sheffield were able to exert pressure on the Wirral 20m area with the home side looking to relieve pressure with touch finding kicks. Including a superb 60m clearance from JAMES ANNETTS, which gave Wirral territory in the Sheffield way. The drizzle increased at this stage and ball handling was difficult in close contact. With the continued pressure coming from ST, who made progress by probes from their forwards with occasional use of the backs and in the minute before half time, reduced the arrears through mark Ireland with a further penalty from in front of the posts. Half time 7-6.
At the start of the second half, JACK YARKER came on for STEVE PENDERGAST. Wirral commenced the half with some enterprising play put could not press home any advantage as they laid siege to the ST line whose defence was equal to that of Wirral. For the time being play was contained in mid field as Wirral defended and held their own. On 54 minutes, JAMES REEVE came on for PAUL LEWIS.
Continuing pressure from ST came to nothing as dropped passes at vital stages enabling a relieved Wirral to at clear the ball up the field. On 61 minutes a penalty opportunity by Mark Ireland from 32m was missed, but 2 minutes later he had the opportunity to put ST in the lead with an easy kick from in front of the posts. The penalty was awarded for a technical offence by JAMES ANNETTS which resulted in a sin binning. 7-9 (63 minutes). A further penalty on 67 minutes was also missed. CHRIS BURROWS came on for CHRIS SPEED.
The game changed when a dropped ball by a ST back was kicked forward by JOE MURRAY, thus relieving pressure but putting Wirral back into the ST half. There they were able to keep possession and push forward as the penalty count swung in Wirral’s favour. Such a penalty was awarded after 76mins some 40m out and left of the posts, up stepped the returned , JAMES ANNETTS and the ball just cleared the cross bar to give Wirral the lead.
The game was not over as the Tigers roared back with play outside the Wirral 20m area as they applied the pressure seeking that elusive break. Full time came and went and in the 4th minute of additional time a penalty was awarded to Wirral and the ball was kicked to touch and the match was over.
Thus Wirral have reduced the Sheffield Tigers lead at the top of the table to 13 points with a game in hand but praise must go to the awesome defensive display put in by all the players to deny the best attacking side in the league and to prevent them from scoring a try for the first time this season. Tigers are still favourites to go up as champions. Next week Wirral are away at Cheshire rivals Lymm subject to the ground conditions.
In the clubhouse after the game, CRAIG HARVEY was presented with a tankard by Director of Rugby, ANDY McKINNEY for scoring his 1000th point for the first team during the match at Huddersfield last week.
Richard McNeil