SOUTHPORT CLAIM GOOD WIN AGAINST NEIGHBOURS

Ormskirk were in a confident mood and were pleased to see a full squad for the match. The home side got the game underway and were soon on the attack after a good kick downfield set up a lineout in Southport territory and were dominating the game until Southport took advantage of lost possession to race clear and set up a good position close to the 'Kirk line. Good tackling saw Ormskirk hold firm until eventually Southport knocked on. From the scrum the ball was moved wide and excellent ground was made down the touchline winning a penalty. From a quick tap the ball was spun wide but just as it looked as if 'Kirk would go over in the corner the ball was knocked on. From the scrum Southport kicked the ball clear allowing Ormskirk to counter-attack. As the ball went into a ruck 'Port were penalised allowing the home team to kick the three points on offer. Unfortunately this was the best we would see from Ormskirk in this half. For the last fifteen minutes Southport upped the gears and scored two well worked tries to put them in control at half-time.

Half-time: Ormskirk 3 Southport 12

With only a gap of eight points Ormskirk were still well in the game but needed to up their game and physicality if they were to turn things round. From the kick-off Rob Hall took the ball well and charged forward to set up an attack. Ormskirk set up a series of moves but all too often 'Kirk were too slow to the breakdown and possession was lost in good positions. Southport again looked the more lively and again made better use of the possession they had to record another two tries. Ormskirk finished the game off with a try of their own follopweing a brilliant cross-field kick.

Full-time : Ormskirk 8 Southport 26

Ormskirk can have no argument with the result as Southport were far the better team on the day and took their chances when they arose. Ormskirk lacked any sense of cohesion or intensity and it was clear that after several blank weekends were very ring rusty.Again though it was great to see a full squad after a few games where because of injury, exams and work commitments the team was down to the bare bones. Hopefully Ormskirk can now bounce back in the league with a home fixture against Eccles next weekend.

Thanks to Patrick White, Ormskirk RUFC,for a very gracious report.