Wirral 2XV were hoping to continue their winning streak that saw them comfortable winners 22-10 v Sandbach and 27-19 v Whitchurch, against a competitive Liverpool Collegiate.
On a hot and sunny day you could see in the preparation the boys were up for it. The fines for being late are starting to work and it looks like Phelo actually slept in his kit due to the fear of being late.
Wirral were fielding a strong team and it was good to see JASON GREEN start his first match in a while, playing in an unfamiliar position of 6.
Playing on Twickenham, due to cricket/treatment on the front pitch and in front of a bumper crowd of 25 Wirral received the kick off and then proceeded to play some good rugby with ball in hand but going side to side rather than penetrating the Collegiate defence.
The pitch was playing hard and the Wirral defence was harder as wave upon wave of Collegiate pressure was being thwarted by text book tackling. This resorted in the collegiate 10 kicking away possession on many occasions.
The first significant Wirral move came on 8 minutes when MIKE LUDBROOK replaced MIKE WARREN who was injured. After that Wirral started to excel.
The first score came on 13 minutes where some good interchanges saw BEN BROOKS, making his first appearance of the year, burst over from 5 yards out. The conversion was kicked from near the touchline by JC and Wirral were 7 nil to the good.
On 19 mins BEN BROOKS was at it again , this time taking the ball in the centre of the pitch , unsurprisingly dummying a switch pass to MARK GIDMAN (much to the captain's relief) and then stood up, or rather stood over , the opposition winger to score again. The conversion went over: 14 – nil.
On 22 mins a dazzling break by KEIRAN COOK saw him with a simple 2 on 1 to give Gidders a free run to the corner. However, the 2 on 1 was butchered but a perfectly timed offload to JOE ADNAMS saw him score against his former club, showing great respect by not celebrating.
Conversion was missed and 19 – nil
On 40 mins the fun of the fair continued when, from one of many steals from MATT RINGER, saw MIKE WARREN ‘GOBBLE GOBBLE’ up the ground and then offload to ADAM SHELDON who rounded his winger to score in the corner. Good to see Sheldon running hard as it means he is too tired to talk. The Conversion missed and half time Wirral were 24 – nil up.
There had been too many interchanges to mention up to this point but we stayed focused as it took only 5 mins before the scorers were bothered again. MATT RINGER with a bulldozing run set the ruck up, two more phases and then TOM STEVENS hit a stunning crash line to go over the whitewash. Conversion was kicked by JOSHUA CONNOLLY and Wirral were 29 – nil up.
It was then our turn to show our defence capabilities as Liverpool Collegiate had their best period of the game. The Collegiate 10 was starting to run the show, selling more dummies than Mothercare and the Wirral defence were falling for them. This resulted in a try for their 12. 31-5.
At this point KEIRAN COOK was replaced by MARK GIDMAN stating as he walked off the pitch ‘I HAVE BROKE MY LEG’. Needless to say that wasn’t the case and I we are hopeful his sprained sock gets better in time for Burnage.
The Collegiate try seemed to have awoken a sleeping beast as Wirral then responded on 70 mins. The tackle of the match saw JOE ADNAMS smash his opposite number turning the ball over. This was followed by some neat hands with the final pass going to skipper MARK GIDMAN to score under the sticks. It was nice to see the skipper turn up on time today and not hungover. The conversion was a beauty from JC and 38-5
Collegiate scored again from the same centre but we finished the game off in style when the veteran GRAEME PHELAN showing the pace of a 40 year old ran in from 20 metres out. If I am honest I think the collegiate boys thought that due to his age it was just grab touch as they paid no effort to put him down.
Wirral were 43-12 up. Conversion missed and the whistle was blown.
The Wirral defence was outstanding and with so many attacking options on the pitch we will score plenty of points this year. Great performance and even the ‘Alacadoos’ on side line were asking what time the coach is for Burnage next week.
MOM was MATT RINGER who has been outstanding in the few weeks we have had him, and we wish him the best of luck at University. Big hit of the week goes to JOE ADNAMS.
Much thanks for GARETH BURKES aka John Terry for getting fully kitted up for the photo even though he wasn’t playing.
Next week v Burnage away and hopes and expectations are high.
Donno