Wirral Strapped By Sandal in Keen Contest

For the last long away game of the season against promotion seeking Sandal, Wirral made a number of chances to the squad. CHRIS HUGHES came back into the front row with STEVE PENDERGAST reverting to the bench. RYAN STEAD was not available due to work commitments and CHRIS TYSON came into the second row for his first game of the season. CHRIS BURROWS was also not available and TOM PARRY came into the back row. Joining STEVE on the subs bench were GARETH BURKES and STUART DUNBAR, a new player to the club who has been playing in the second team in recent weeks.
There was a strong wind blowing diagonally across the field and Wirral playing uphill played with that advantage in the first half. The game started in bright sunshine but within 10 minutes the rain starting falling and grew with intensity during the game until the final minutes. This led to the ball being difficult to handle and a number of passes being dropped.
With good line kicking Wirral had the territory advantage but Sandal were showing that they were looking to attack with ball in hand. In the first quarter of the game, Wirral turned down a couple of penalty opportunities as they strove for tries but were finding it difficult to penetrate a well organised defence. However it was Wirral who took the lead in the 17th minute with a JAMES ANNETTS penalty from just outside the 20m area.
The lead was only short lived as Sandal moved the ball from left to right and back again which left full back James Ellar with the task of cutting inside his man to touch down, Mark Pease converted easily, 7-3 (21 minutes). For the next 10 minutes, Sandal had most of the possession and territory as they tested the Wirral defence. A series of scrums and penalties close to the Wirral line eventually led to a penalty try, duly converted. 14-3 (30 mins).
A kick to the corner flag indicated the Sandal game as they went for a line out catch and drive but they were halted, a penalty quickly taken led to a 50m break by ROB PEARL but there was no one in support but it gave Wirral possession in mid field and a further astute kick to touch by CRAIG HARVEY resulted in renewed pressure from Wirral, who attacked down the blind side and after a number of passes between players, gave TOM PARRY the opportunity to pass to CRAIG HARVEY who scored in the corner. The conversion was just missed. 14-8 (38 mins).
Three minutes into the second half, with Wirral defending, the referee (who had a poor game) deemed that CHRIS TYSON had deliberately knocked a ball down and was sin binned. Sandal had the opportunity to score but dropped the ball 5m form the line. Four minutes later when JAMES ANNETTS made a break and put a kick over the last Sandal player, was shoulder charged and the Sandal player then had a 10 minute rest- but the opportunity was lost. STEVE PENDERGAST came on for CHRIS HUGHES (52 mins).
Wirral continued to attack and created two clear opportunities to score, the second only required the player to catch the ball and cross under the posts, to give at that stage the lead they deserved but alas that was Wirral’s last real chance. On 60 mins STUART DUNBAR made his debut coming on for ADAM SHELDON.
Sandal now with more possession then put pressure on Wirral and had a period of play in the Wirral 20 area, the defence held out with many tackles but eventually Sandal created the space with their passing to allow James Ellar to cross for this second try, the conversion was missed. 19-8 (68 minutes). During this period Wirral suffered minor injuries to a number of players in the backs which reduced the team’s effectiveness; this led to GARETH BURKES on for MIKE WARREN. Sandal’s final try of the game came when the centre was running across the 20m area and passed out to winger, Alex Orr who had to dive forward to catch this obvious forward pass and then slide over the grass to touchdown in the corner. The conversion was missed but they had what they wanted, the win and the try bonus point. Much as Wirral tried to make progress in the final minutes they could not penetrate the Sandal defence.
This was a spirited performance by Wirral who gave a good account of themselves against a team who had only lost once in the last 23 games and I feel the score line flattered Sandal, who we wish well in their final matches.
Whilst Wirral did not score any points today, they had done enough during the season to remain in this league as news came through that Morley had lost at home to Sheffield Tigers. Wirral’s next game, in 14 days time, is their last home game of the season when they play league leaders, Sale in what should be an intriguing fixture- 3.00 kick off.
Richard McNeil