For the semi final game we were away against Scunthorpe, a team we have never played before,
who play in the North East Premier League. We were allowed more subs in this game (8) compared
to the usual 3.
The starting XV was the same as last week except for ROB PEARL, who was not available so JOSH
STEAD came into the team. The subs were MARK WILLIAMS, BEN BROOKS, LEWIS HAYES,
JOHNATHAN CARROL, DON CARROL, JACK WALSH, JOSH CONNOLLY and HARRY CROPPER-JOYCE.
The pitch was firm and has benefitted from recent rain and locals were hopeful of a clear afternoon.
The cricket team that share the grounds have been able to arrange to play their home game away
from here.
The early pressure came from Wirral and in the 3 rd minute took the lead with a penalty from JAMES
ANNETTS, 25m out and just wide of the posts. The early play was to Wirral’s advantage and by the
time the 10 th minute came the first try, Scunthorpe were forced into their first injury change. Just
after this breakdown a Wirral backs move saw CHRIS CROWLEY in the line, he fed JAMES ANNETTS
who made distance down the right wing before passing to DAN HARVEY who scored 5m from the
corner flag, duly converted by JAMES, 0-10 (14 mins).
The next element of pressure came from Scunthorpe who were denied a try but clear passing
enabled their winger Cian Vaughan to score in the corner, try was not converted, 5-10 (21 mins). On
27 mins Wirral were again on the attack when play was called back as another Scunthorpe player
was injured. JACK WALSH replaced PAUL LEWIS. At the next play, Wirral scored again when NICK
HEARN crossed, not converted: 5-15 (31 minutes). Two minutes later, Scunthorpe were pressing the
Wirral line and a try scoring pass was intercepted by CHRIS CROWLEY who ran up the field some
95M to score close to the posts, duly converted by JAMES, 5-22 (37 mins).
Another Scunthorpe player left the field injured and from the next play, second row, HAYDEN LONG
scored following a Wirral maul on the home line, again converted to extend the Wirral lead to 5-29.
LEWIS HAYES came on for ADAM DON. At the other end of the field the home side playing down the
slight slope scored through the chunky prop Kane Linklater wide out and well converted by fly half,
Connor Brewster to leave the score at half-time, 5-29.
At half time, HARRY CROPPER-JOYCE came on for JOSH STEAD. Wirral played a number of passes to
put NICK HEARN in for a certain try but unfortunately he managed to drop the ball with the line
waiting for him. A couple of minutes after concentrated Wirral play, CHRIS CROWLEY scored his
second try as he weaved his way down the left touchline to score in the corner, great conversion
from the touchline by JAMES ANNETTS 12-36 (54 mins).
Further WIRRAL changes saw BEN BROOKS and DAN CARROL come on for JAMES ANNETTS and JOE
ADNAMS. Following further aggression on JACOB MITCHELL (Nose bleed) the ball was kicked down
field, which JACOB picked up some 70m out and set on a run beating a number of Scunthorpe
players before scoring 10m from the posts, converted by DAN HARVEY 12-43. JACOB was taken off
and replaced by JOSH CONNOLLY. JOSH STEAD went to scrum half with TOM AKEHURST moving to
the wing and JOSH to full back in place of CHRIS CROWLEY.
After 77 minutes a yellow card was awarded against BEN BROOKS which followed two cards which
Scunthorpe had received during the game.

The final try came in the last play of the game, Wirral had an injured player yet play was allowed to
carry on which resulted in Scunthorpe scoring again through their forwards, the conversion was
missed, 17-43 (79 mins).
Wirral’s win enables them to travel to Worcester next week to play the South West winners,
Launceston. See web site for further details of the arrangements next Saturday, believed to be an
afternoon kick –off.
Richard McNeil