Home Nation Win

Wirral U16's enjoyed a home nation win for England against Welsh opponents Colwyn Bay.

Before the match Porky had apologised for patchy attendance so far this season due to work commitments but we consoled him with the fact that we all have to put food on the table.

Annyyway, the two sides had only met once before a couple of seasons ago and it had been a close run thing with the final score a 5 all draw. That maybe explains Bay's decision to kick an early penalty and take the three points after 15 minutes of play.

Very shortly Wirral managed to turn possession over and the ball found its way to Jack who turned on the after-burners and ran one in the corner from just inside Bay's half. Conversion just short. 5-3

Wirral were now in the ascendancy and managed to work their way up the pitch when Joe drew his man and passed to Woodsy who was goal-hanging as usual and he ran one in under the posts, converting his own try. 12-3.

Bay managed to work their rolling maul back up the pitch and their final try of the half was driven over. Wirral retuned the compliment by doing the same with Sean dotting down in the corner once more. Score at the break 17-8.

Although Wirral had a number of last minute cry-offs due to injuries (notably Morgan who somehow broke his hand in his bedroom) there were a number of changes to make. From the kick off the ball was knocked slightly forward on Bay's catch and from the resulting scrum Josh picked up and avoided a number of tackles to run one in.

Bay seemed to get their act together and came back strong even though both their 9 and 10 had gone off with injuries and once more they used their maul to drive and dive to score one back. Around this time Charlie took a blow to the head, unseen by the referee, and decided to change his position to centre. Wonder why? Anyway, it worked as he made a break from the 10m line and out-paced a number of defenders to score unopposed under the posts allowing Niall to take the extras.

Bay still remained composed and continued to put pressure on Wirral and broke free to run one in making the final score 29-18 to Wirral.

It was another tough match with Wirral just managing to get the upper hand and securing a third win in succession. Colwyn Bay were no pushover and I'm sure they will look forward to a return fixture. Thanks to the coaches and boys for a spirited game and thanks must also go to Phil Stokes for such an exemplary reffing performance and for not running off the pitch at the end (a la Joubert).

A Home nation win for a change.