SHIPWRECKS ARE GO (OR IS IT GONE?)

The salty sea dogs navigated their way up the Rainford by-pass on Friday evening and came back with their sail between their legs.

Guest reporter Peter Rawlinson, ex St Edwards Old Boys RUFC and current LSH Vet logs the voyage as he saw it from the other side although in in his words "it's not much of a report as I played for far longer than I hoped (came on 10 mins into the game, and stayed on until the end!) and as I didn't know who scored where or when, just an approximate final score (forty something to twenty something win for LSH, or thereabouts).

The Shipwrecks got travelled with fifteen players to take on LSH who had the luxury of nineteen bodies to choose from. Mind you how many on either side had pulses is another question. Suffice to say there were several who started the game in LSH colours finished in Southport colours.

The temperature was high, the ground firm, it all added up to perfect conditions for running rugby - something that most Vets teams try to avoid!

With a sympathetic ref, the game was split into 4 quarters with the last quarter seeming to be shorter, and less energetic than the first 3. The first quarter saw LSH getting the better of things while the bodies were fresh and able to respond to signals from the brain. but for some robust defence from Southport, the first quarter could have been a whitewash whereas the scoreboard showed a reasonably comfortable lead for LSH.

During the second quarter the player attrition rate gained momentum, with both sides losing players and reshuffling needed. The physios will see an upturn in business this coming week. With a more balanced pack, Southport began to see a little more ball and were picking and going from the rucks crossing the game line with seeming ease (or at least that's how it looked from the wing). Southport may have edged the second quarter with the hardworking forwards earning their beer tokens for the evening.

The third quarter was a point of near exhaustion for many (except the very fast & lithe left wing for Southport (Chris Dresher?), and maybe Simon Worsley in the LSH centres). At this point the exhaustion took its toll and those faster paced, fitter personnel were able to carve openings up past flailing arms and lactic acid infused legs. Of note was the aforementioned wing who finished off a try from just outside his own 22yd line through the defence and under the sticks. It was a point to note that LSH had more players left able to run support lines and hence finish of these breaks with option runners creating space. The third quarter was one for LSH to take the spoils from.

By agreement, the referee had decided to run the clock for the final quarter in accordance with the requests of a front row member or two (nobody even questioned it). At the close of the fourth quarter the score was of little consequence, but that the game had taken place, competed strongly and in a spirit that was respectful and enjoyable was what mattered most. The beer festival and band awaited the sore, aching bodies, with isotonic stout and energy fuelled pies to aid the recovery process. Well done to one and all.

Thanks Peter. See you at Sports Tours.