Quinn Brace Ensures a Win for Wirral

First thing Sunday morning the likelihood of this fixture going ahead looked remote. The weather was poor, cold with intermittent hail storms, the pitches were partially frozen and cut up due to use the day before and the opposition had a long journey in prospect with the risk of no game at the end of it. Fortunately, the weather improved, Vando was thankfully out early and did tremendous work to ensure we had a playable pitch and Stoke were prepared to travel despite the risk of the game being called off.

All this meant that the usual good numbers of supporters were provided an excellent competitive game of rugby. At kick-off Wirral had 16 players available with some notable absences meaning players were played out of position with no cover for injuries.

Both sides started strongly with Stoke’s determined play not reflective of their lowly place in the league. They were aggressive in the loose, had an excellent line-out and mauled very effectively. It was obvious that this was going to be a tight game with the result always in doubt right up to the final whistle – this proved to be the case.

The scores for Wirral were as a result of another dominant No.8 performance by Jack Quinn whose speed and strength within the opposition’s 10m line proved to be Stoke’s undoing on two occasions. Strong running from stand-in Centre James Reeve provided the other try between the brace of Quinn scores. A Tom Routly conversion provided the other Wirral points.

Although Wirral were mostly defensively sound and held out the majority of the strong attacks, particularly from the Stoke forwards; it was 2 defensive errors which led to the opposition tries. On both occasions Wirral failed to clear kicks into their in-goal area and enthusiastic ball chasing by Stoke resulted in scores – the first of which led to a well taken conversion.

Unfortunately another knee injury to Josh Griffin while he took the first opportunity to take one of his trademark barnstorming runs mid-way through the first half and a gash to Joe Laddle’s eyebrow in the second half meant that Wirral had to hold out in the last Quarter with only 14 men on the field.

In summary, despite the opposition, at times, providing a lesson to Wirral on play in the loose, mauling and how to kick chase effectively the Colts managed an excellent win in this close-fought battle through good defensive work, strong running in the oppositions half and putting in a lot of individual effort in heavy conditions. Thanks go to a young Stoke side who were prepared to travel despite the weather and provided worthy opposition in an entertaining game – with youth on their side it looks like they will have an excellent Senior Colts team next year.