A snippet from Rich McNeil’s report - As has become the norm this season, Wirral were forced into making changes to the line up due to injuries and other commitments. Given the amount of rain we have had over the past fortnight one has to comment on the good condition of the field for rugby.

Initially play was in mid-field and on 8 minutes with play in the Wirral 20m area, BB maintained the ball, moved forward and then they broke a tackle to cross close to the posts and duly converted, 0-7 (9mins). Wirral quickly replied when from a 5m line out they pressured the BB line and led to ALFIE KIMPTON running through to score close to the posts and converted by MARK WILLIAMS, 7-7 (12 mins). Blackburn scored again (7-14) but Wirral's period of pressure could not be converted into points, leaving the half time score as 7-14.

The second half began well, Wirral attacking with more interest and soon have a 5m line out in their favour resulted in MATT RINGER crossing after great push forward from Wirral. 5m from the touch line the conversion by MARK WILLIAMS was made to equalise the scores at 14-14 all (43 minutes). A controversial try by Blackburn was then awarded but the conversion missed (14-19). Pressure then led to Wirral being awarded a penalty in front of the posts and was goaled by MARK WILLIAMS, 17-19 (54 mins).

The match was then decided with Wirral on the attack and a pass down the line was intercepted by the BB full back who then had a clear 55m run to the try line thus extending the BB lead to 17-26 (62 mins). Wirral continued to attack and a kick through by ZANE PRETORIUS was chased by WILL MORRIS with TOM CROFT behind. Pressure on the BB player resulted in the ball coming loose, the Wirral players raced forward over the try line and at first it appeared WILL MORRIS has touched down but the fact is that TOM CROFT was the scorer. The try was 5m from the touch line and the conversion just missed the posts, 22-26 (72 mins). Wirral continued to apply pressure but BB just held onto the ball ploughing up the middle with their forwards until the final whistle.

Wirral 2s v Chester - Saturday 13th December

*Wirral 2nd XV vs Chester 2nd XV*
It was a tough day at the office for our lads this weekend as we ran out against a stacked Chester side. That said, there were plenty of positives to take. We absolutely smashed their pack in every scrum, showing real dominance up front and our back line fronted up against a back line stacked with seasoned players a huge credit to the lads for their grit and determination.
We’ll admit it wasn’t our best overall performance there were a few errors here and there but one thing’s for sure: we never gave up. With a timely coaches’ chat reminding us of our mantra no regrets, there were no sizing downs and we hit the changing room proud of the effort, enjoyed a well-earned coaches’ beer, and found a Christmas present waiting for everyone. #ItsOkNotToWin

Man of the Match goes to Mr Collier, our South African centre, who absolutely played out of his skin. A standout performance full of heart and determination!

A huge thank you to Martin Bennett and Ali Baker for joining me this year and by heck, what a job we’re doing! The lads are providing great options for the 1st XV and as said above, love playing for the club and for each other. Legends one and all.

Despite the result, the lads are loving their rugby and playing for each other, which is what it’s all about. We’re already looking forward to 2026, ready to come back fresh, right some wrongs and make our next home game one to remember.
From all of us at Wirral 2nd XV, Merry Christmas and see you in the New Year!

Wirral 3s v Ellesmere Port – Saturday 13th December

Wirral 3s 49-31 Ellesmere Ports 2s
The 3s achieved one of our seasonal targets on Saturday when a 50-year age gap between youngest and oldest players on the pitch was hit. Recent birthday boy Greg Fields (67) was joined by three 17-year olds (two of whom on debut). There were actually eight under 19s playing for Wirral in total, along with the older heads - just what this level of rugby is all about.

It's nice to be able to help other teams out, too, so thanks to Richie and Harry MacMillan for playing the first half for Port as they awaited further players to make up their 15. It was also fun to watch Wirral with a median age of 19 years versus Port with a median weight of 19 stone in a 'clash of styles'.
I assume a game of rugby also occurred, because Kaleb Le'Gall produced a jug in the changing room after the game for his hat-trick - good man Kaleb. Phelo was on the score sheet yet again and shout out to Bailey Pendergast who was just held up over the line with half his family watching on the side-lines and the other half playing for the Port!!

Ansies derby at home next week - nice stocking filler for Christmas

Junior Colts v Chester – Sunday 14th December

Chester 22 Wirral 14

Sunday 14th December saw Wirral Junior Colts travel to Chester for their next league match. The hosts have always been stiff competition but great form from the Wirral lads this year meant confidence was high, and the first half confirmed expectations with Wirral leading 5 - 7 at the break. The hugely physical game continued in the second half but Chester managed to pick up the pace and quick ball out wide worked well for the hosts, adding points to the board. Wirral finished the game only 8 points behind but it was only small margins that denied them the win. The home fixture next year is already eagerly anticipated.

Next Pre-Match Lunch – Saturday 10th January v Derby RFC

2.15pm KO, Lunch at 12.15pm. The cost is £19.50 per head or £17.50 per head for a table of 10

Please pay by BACS here are the details: Payment to be made to:

Payee Name: Wirral Club Ltd.

Sort Code: 60-17-08

Account: 85536822

Reference: & date of the meal you are attending

Date for Diaries

Vic Proudman Cup – Saturday 27th December

Going to try a different approach to try to allow as many people as possible to get involved and also reduce any potential injuries!

Format will be a 10 a side full pitch touch rugby match. (Not England touch, just the touch you’d play at training). Everyone (ladies and gents) welcome to get involved, we will have rolling subs so everyone can play as little or as much as they want.

Will kick off at 11 and play two 30 min halves. After that we will be back in the bar for the usual court session led by his honour (Greg).

Always a good laugh and a good way to run off all the turkey and mince pies! More info to follow next week. Please contact Josh Connolly if you are interested in playing

Wirral Tigers Touch Rugby

The Tigers have gone indoors for winter with a much-earned break and are set to return in February 2026 with sessions booked on Wednesday evenings (8pm - 9pm) at Vauxhalls. Tigers now have a well-established core of regulars, many of whom are current or retired Wirral RUFC senior players, and we're also developing a great core of women players.

Touch Rugby is a mixed-sex sport, so there is no need for separate men's or women's teams. This makes it a fairly unique sport and something we're keen to develop further. It's also a fantastic way to get or stay fit while remaining part of the rugby community. Games are fast-paced, end-to-end stuff, 6-a-side with rolling subs, and at the elite level, it's pushing for a place at the 2027 Olympics in Australia. The southern hemisphere has been playing this form of touch rugby for many years, with many league or union internationals starting or finishing their careers this way. We welcome new players for 2026. Our sessions are adult-based currently, and if interested, please get in touch with Jezz Ellis at jezzellis@gmail.com or drop him a message on 07789403742.

Wirral RFC

Newsletter

16th December