Match Reports
Wirral 1’s v Manchester – Saturday 14th February
WIRRAL 14 MANCHESTER (MCR) 59
Snippet from Rich McNeil's report
Despite the rain we have had this week, the pitch at Manchester was in excellent order, even the sun was out at the start of the game and there was no wind to affect the game. This was a match Wirral needed to win to stay out of the bottom 4 relegation fight. Wirral had a number of changes to their team, bringing back JAMES ANNETTS into the team at full back, JOE FURY (prop) played in the second row and on the subs bench were DAN HARVEY back after injury, HAYDEN BROWN (making his debut) and DAN CARROL.
After a positive start by Wirral, when MCR had the ball their bigger pack were able to make progress up the field and on 10 minutes, scored their first converted try when they mauled their way over the line, 10m from corner flag, 7-0, this was followed 6 minutes by a second try scored in the same nature as the first, 14-0 (16 minutes). The third try for MCR came when possession close to the Wirral line enabled the MCR team to pass the ball wide to the right winger who had a walk in for the third try, which was not converted , 19-0 (29 minutes). Finally, Wirral made progress up the field with good runs from MARK WILLIAMS and BEN BROOKS only for the latter to be tackled just short of the line. Wirral continued to press but a knock-on curtailed Wirral’s hopes, but eventually pressure led to RHYS JAMES scoring close to the posts and duly converted to reduce the lead to 19-7 at half time.
In the first attack of the second half, MCR had a penalty and again their forwards pressured Wirral’s team and scored close to the posts, giving MCR their try bonus point, 26-7 (43 mins). On 48 mins, errors by Wirral enabled MCR to put in cross kick collected by the right winger who had a run in for another try to extend their lead to 31-7. MARK WILLIAMS made another 50m break but no one was in support to take the run further. This was followed by further pressure from Wirral but did not have the forward power to get over the MCR try line and MCR again clear (54 mins). Four minutes later, good play by MCR enabled their winger to cross for another try, again converted, 38 -7 (57 mins).
In the final period of the game, MCR continued to play competitively and scored 3 further tries to extend their lead to 59-7. Just before the end of the game a further break by BEN BROOKS enabled a pass to MARK WILLIAMS who scored close to the posts, which was converted by MARK himself to give Wirral some compensation at the end of the game.

Wirral Ladies v Oldershaw
Wirral Ladies 0 – 36 OldershawLadies
Wirral Ladies travelled to face Oldershaw knowing they would face a tough afternoon, arriving with the bare 15 players available due to a combination of work commitments and injuries. Despite the challenges before kick-off, the squad showed incredible commitment and determination from the first whistle to the last.
Oldershaw, recently strengthened by the addition of several players from Birkenhead Park following BHP’s departure from the league, started strongly and looked to use their added depth and experience. However, Wirral’s defensive effort in the opening exchanges was immense, with every player putting their body on the line and refusing to take a backward step.
The first half was a fiercely contested battle. Wirral’s defence absorbed wave after wave of pressure, tackling relentlessly and scrambling bravely to deny further scores. At the break, Oldershaw led 12–0, but the scoreline did not fully reflect the heart and resilience shown by the visitors.
Early in the second half, Wirral suffered a significant setback when Ellen Mitchell was forced to leave the field through injury. With no replacements available, Wirral were reduced to 14 players for the remainder of the match. Oldershaw declined to match numbers, leaving Wirral to face the daunting task of defending a player short for the majority of the half.
Fatigue inevitably began to creep in as the game wore on. Oldershaw capitalised on the overlap and the extra space out wide, taking full advantage to add to their tally. Despite this, Wirral’s effort never dipped. Every player continued to battle for each other, embodying the spirit and unity that defines this team.
Oldershaw ran out 36–0 winners, but the result tells only part of the story. Wirral Ladies are a squad built on home-grown talent — players who have not featured in higher leagues but who have developed together over the past three seasons. Week by week, they continue to grow, improve and push themselves as a collective.
The coaching team could not be prouder of every single player who pulled on the shirt. Their resilience, teamwork and commitment are laying strong foundations, and there is a real belief that their success is just around the corner.

Next Pre-Match Lunch – Saturday 28TH February v Bowden
Saturday 28th February 2026 is the “VICE PRESIDENTS LUNCH” Wirral V Bowden – 2.15pm KO. Lunch 12.15pm
Special VP price £17.50.
Admission, Programme and Lunch - £19.50 per head or Table of 10 - £17.50 per head.
Payment details:
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: "your name" & date of the meal you are attending

Wirral Tigers Touch Rugby
The Tigers returned on Wednesday 4th February (8pm - 9pm) at Vauxhalls.
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

Blind Wine Tasting – Saturday 21st March
Always a great night, save the date. Profits being split between the club and Versus Arthritis.
If you have any raffle prizes you could donate that would be great. Please contact Janine Ludbrook or Stu Gratton.