I hate you Butler!

In a moment of advanced lubrication the Wirral U14 Elite Coaching Team decided it would be a good idea to get a bus to Stockport for the Cheshire Plate Quarter Final. This decision was based on a number of important factors such as enhancing the players experience, allowing the players to focus their minds before the game, allowing the players to relax and recover on the homeward journey and the fact that we could have a few pints after the game watching the 6 Nations match. Mission accomplished!

We had played Stockport earlier in the season and despite the fact that they were generally giants, we enjoyed a convincing victory on that occasion. That said, Wirral were not complacent and were acutely aware that Stockport would be up for it and would have a better measure of us having played recently.

The list of injuries and unavailabilities had grown considerably. Sean is still out with his shoulder injury, Joe still had his broken pinky, Tay broke a rib in last week’s game, Reece broke his elbow during the week, Skips had a reoccurrence of last week’s ankle injury during the warm up, Nults was on a trip to London and David was heading up a diplomatic attaché negotiating peace in the Middle East.

With Skips injured Will took the role of captain and Wirral started the first half with the wind advantage and the sun to their backs. Wirral started strong and before long were able to create an overlap with the ball going along the back line all the way to Conman on the right wing who backed himself and dotted in down in the corner, unconverted, his first for the club this season. Minutes later after concerted forward pressure, the Stockport fly half took the ball into contact a few yards out from his own line. Harv made the tackle and Matty spotted the opportunity to rip the ball and drove into the Stockport pack accompanied by Donny allowing Matty to dive to the ground for an opportunist forwards try. Will converted.

Wirral remained in the ascendancy having a number of chances that remained unconverted into points. With a huge overlap and Ste in the clear the final pass didn’t go to hand; Woodsy appeared to be clear through on the left wing but was ushered into touch less than 5 yards out; Ste chipped ahead and then grubbered on towards the line only for the ball to bounce up awkwardly and catch his hand causing a knock on; Stef made one of his trademark breaks wrestling his way through a number of tackles, forcing his way over the line and dumping the ball on the ground with both hands only for it to be disallowed as from the ref’s vantage point it appeared to have been lost forward. Had any of these opportunities been converted into points, the outcome would have been very different. Just before the break Stockport made a break from halfway, created a huge overlap and ran one in which they then converted. Half time and Wirral were winning 12-7.

In the second half Stockport had the wind advantage and used it wisely with some mammoth kicks to keep Wirral pinned in their own 22 for much of the half. The powerful number 8 was able to force his way over from short range and their centre broke through shortly afterwards. Wirral realised that they needed to make a comeback and time was running out. Towards the end of the half Wirral began to apply pressure and made a number of breaks culminating in Ste taking a mazy run down the left wing stepping a number of defenders and braking tackles to score in the corner. The clock ticked away and despite Wirral keeping the pressure on Stockport took possession and kicked the ball out to win 21-17.

It was a great match to watch and a fantastic comeback from Stockport. Thanks to Danny and the players and thanks to the ref who did a good job.

Other points of note:
- Another good game at hooker from Donny, dummy kick again
- Some great breaks and support from The Niallator
- Great support and rucking from Morgs
- Huge tackles from Sauna prior to taking one in the testosterone zone
- Ben’s trademark take of the high ball
- Great play from G-Man
- Nice break for some hard yards from Big-G

So, it was close, Wirral failed to capitalise on their chances, Stockport did close down theirs and deserved the win. Good luck to them in the Plate as Wirral now go into the Shield.

Get that bleedin bus out!