Quinn hat-trick as Wirral overcome Sandbach

At times, of late, the match reports have read a bit like a medical bulletin. Things are, however, starting to improve. Only one new injury, albeit an important one, a missing Joe Murray left us without a scrum half. On the plus side, however, Jimmy Arnetts was back and, at long last, Will Flaherty was able to make his first appearance of the season.
Wirral were keen to avenge the defeat at Sandbach. Conditions were not ideal so the instructions were to keep the game tight and use the big pack. Initially all went very well as we dominated the early stages. A few chances were not taken before we eventually broke through as Tom Bills made an excellent break on the right before passing inside to Jack Quinn who was able to power over the line. The conversion was missed. 5 – 0. Unfortunately, however, ill discipline then let Sandbach back into the game. The ref clearly took a strict line on the definition of dissent and it soon became clear that even a shake of the head was deemed to be an offence. Unfortunately, however, Wirral were slow to learn the lesson and on no less than four occasions were marched back ten metres. This allowed Sandbach to get a foothold in the game. Even so, the Sandbach try came as something of a shock as the race to reach a kick through appeared to have been clearly won by Craig Dolan; but Sandbach were as surprised as everyone else when the referee awarded the try. The conversion was kicked to put Sandbach ahead 5 – 7. Fortunately Wirral then got back to playing rugby and were soon rewarded with a try as Jack Quinn forced his way through the defenders to score his second try of the game. Tom Routly landed the conversion. Half time score 12 – 7.
At half time strong words were had about discipline. Fortunately, with one notable exception, those words were heeded and things improved throughout the second half. This allowed Wirral to dominate territory and possession. To their credit, Sandbach defended bravely. The breakthrough eventually came as Jack Quinn made another strong run before passing to the supporting Tom Bills to score the try. Wirral continued to dominate and, with the last move of the game, Jack Quinn once again used his strength to battle his way over the line and score his hat trick try.
All in all a decent performance in difficult conditions. Clearly, however, some players still need to improve their self discipline. In a closer game, this lack of discipline could have cost us dearly.