This was Wirral’s first match against Long Eaton (LE) who were lying a couple of places below Wirral
in the league, they having played previously in the Midlands league at the same level.
Wirral had to make changes to the team that played last week; BEN BROOKS and HARRY HAWLEY
were not available due to work commitments, however Wirral were able to introduce MARK
WILLIAMS back into the team at fly half for his first game of the season. RHYS JAMES played at
centre alongside ALFIE KIMPTON with WILL MORRIS playing at full back, TOM CROFT and TOM COLE
playing on the wings. In the pack JAMES LEVENE came into the second row. The substitutes were
JOHN RALPH, ALEX WILLIAMS and the veteran ALI BAKER (42).
The match kicked off at 3.00pm as we played under floodlights, showery (but not heavy) and little
wind.
At the first scrum, LE pushed the Wirral pack back, this seemed ominous and after 5 minutes LE took
the lead with a penalty from 30m, 3-0. Wirral’s first score came when a kick was charged down and
the ball was picked up and passed down the line allowing WILL MORRIS to score in the corner, the
conversion was missed, 3-5 (12 minutes). On 17 minutes, ALFIE KIMPTON was sin binned for a late
tackle, this put Wirral under pressure as LE pressed home their advantage and from play close to the
Wirral line, LE crossed wide out, the try was not converted 8-5 (20 minutes). On 22 minutes, JOHN
RALPH came on for DAN CARROL.
Wirral were now able to put pressure on LE but twice playing close to the try line they lost the ball
and gave away penalties, KIMPTON back on the field.
WILL MORRIS with ball in hand kicked ahead and jumped to catch the ball, again Wirral attacked
only to lose the ball close to the LE line, helped by strong defence by LE. Another penalty gave LE
play deep in the Wirral half. On 35 mins, LE attacked dropped the ball, picked up by RHYS JAMES
who then passed on to TOM CROFT who raced down the touchline, cut inside the full back to score
from 60m, the conversion by RHYS was made to give Wirral the lead 8-12. 3 minutes later, good run
by MARK WILLIAMS cut through the LE defence to score under the posts and converted by RHYS
JAMES to extend the Wirral lead to 8-19. In the last play of the first half, Wirral were awarded a
penalty 30m out, an astute kick to touch gave them a 5m line out, duly caught by Wirral and MATT
RINGER following the maul touched down, the try was not converted This gave Wirral a try bonus
point and a lead at half time of 8-24.
The second half started with LE again attacking and Wirral had to dive over the line to stop LE from
scoring. On 44 minutes a LE ball down the line was intercepted by RHYS JAMES and he had a clear
run in from 50m to score under the posts to extend the Wirral lead to 8-31. Strong tackling by Wirral
was now keeping LE at bay as they now keen to attack. On 60 mins, ALEX WILLIAMS came on for
HARRY CROPPER-JOYCE with MATT RINGER moving to the back row.
On 64 minutes, LE are in the Wirral 20 area and after pressing the line a long pass to the left winger
gave LE their second try which was well converted to leave the score 15-31. ALI BAKER comes on to
the left wing in place of TOM COLE (67 mins).
On 69 mins, HAYDEN LONG is sin-binned and although under pressure in the line out Wirral without
HAYDEN survive. On 73 mins a penalty awarded to Wirral 40m out is converted by RHYS JAMES 15-
34.In the last play of the day a kick downfield is not collected by LE and quick play by WILL MORRIS

enables him to pick up and scamper a few metres to score, duly converted by RHYS JAMES to end
the match. Overall RHYS scored 16 points in this game, which enabled Wirral to move up the table
by 1 place to 7 th . Next week Wirral are at home to Burton, who lie 3 rd in the table. Kick off will be 2.15
pm.
Richard McNeil