Wirral Lose out to League Leaders

I don’t know what it is about away games at Bowdon but since they got promoted to SLC1a couple of years ago I can’t remember being there in pleasant playing conditions - gale force wind straight down the pitch this time. Wirral’s team was also disrupted on arrival when Martin Bennett had to drop out due to illness. Bowdon as usual had a very powerful league of nations team & judging by their direct running style of play had some experience of Rugby League in their squad as well.

The game itself was the proverbial game of 2 halves because of the gale blowing straight down the pitch. Bowdon with the wind at their backs in the first half made much better use of the elements, especially their no. 10 with his howitzer of a boot. They scored 3 tries, only one was converted, but all of which came from short range following Wirral being driven back either by kicks or by powerful forward play. In addition Bowdon kicked 2 penalties & a drop goal.

So at half time Bowdon led 26-0 and Wirral’s forwards were struggling in the tight and the backs were having their defensive skills severely tested.

The many Wirral supporters at Bowdon were confident that given a decent amount of the ball and the rub of the green with decisions then the final score would be very close. However this confidence was dented somewhat when 9 minutes into the half the referee awarded another somewhat baffling penalty to Bowdon just outside the Wirral 22 metres & in the middle of the pitch – another successful howitzer (0-29).

However Wirral went straight back at Bowdon and within the space of 12 minutes scored 3 converted tries through skill as opposed to brute force – Adam Stephens (2), Dave Doneo jnr (1), Sam Broadbent (3 conversions). (21-29)

The remainder of the half was so frustrating for the Wirral spectators, officials & players with decisions not going their way, passes being dropped, confusion over penalties not being given and then penalties being given which resulted in another 2 successful howitzers by the Bowdon no 10 (21-35).

However we must not take anything away from Bowdon as on the day they played the smarter rugby as far as the conditions etc went. They knew they had to ensure Wirral didn’t get too many chances to play running rugby & they were successful & they won.

Team: Matt Brown, Jason Green, Steve Pendergast, Tom Clegg, Tim Hodson, Ross Paige, Rob Pearl, Ben Marsh, Ali Childs, Sam Broadbent, Ollie Atkinson, Phil Donaldson, Adam Stevens, Matt Slater, Ian White : Subs – Tom Dave Doneo jnr, Chris Hughes