1st XV
Matches
Sat 11 Sep 2021  ·  Premier Division
Fleetwood RUFC
1st XV
42
8
Ormskirk
Fleetwood back to winning ways

Fleetwood back to winning ways

Vaughan Evans12 Sep 2021 - 12:37
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Perfect weather conditions (as ever!) greeted the arrival of Ormskirk for the first home league game since March 2020.

Match sponsors Craig and Lisa from C&L Installations and their guests were tucking into their pre match buffet and drinks while both teams warmed up in the almost tropical conditions. A warm breeze and dry conditions promised the large crowd a feast of running rugby.
Captain “Phil” Newton lead his team out determined to avenge last weeks one point loss at Oldham and the first 10 minutes of the game saw both teams testing each other out. Mistakes from both sides gave the kickers a chance with Jamie Mayall putting Fleetwood 3 points up only for the Ormskirk kicker to equalise a few minutes later. This spurred on the Fleetwood pack who were starting to take control of the game. A succession of pick and drives saw them gain ground in the opposition 22 until the industrious Chris Jones forced his way over the whitewash. The conversion was missed. 8-3. Further pressure in the Ormskirk 22 gave Jamie another penalty opportunity which he converted. 11-3. Ormskirk fought back and from a lineout close to Fleetwood’s line drove over for a try. 11-8. Fleetwood were continually pushing Ormskirk back, and from a scrum 5 metres from the opposition line Tom Evans charged down a clearance kick and dotted the ball down for an unconverted try. 16-8. Just before half time a great line break by Tom Evans put Ali Cheal in under the posts with Jamie adding the extras for a comfortable 23-8 lead. Despite the scoreline Ormskirk never gave up.

Early in the second half they laid siege to the Fleetwood line and only superb defence kept them out. After a scoreless 20 minutes , an opportunist try by scrum half Tom Evans increased Fleetwood’s lead to 28-8. The last 5 minutes saw Fleetwood press home their advantage and a drive from close range saw Jordan Brocklehurst crash over followed by a great line taken by Brad Stapleton who ghosted in under the posts. Both tries were converted for a final score of 42-8, a score that doesn’t reflect the contribution and commitment made by Ormskirk who fought to the bitter end.

It was good to see Zack Coultas back in a Fleetwood shirt. His strong running and tackling certainly rolled back the years. Coach Dan Orwin was rightly proud of his lads and the Fleetwood faithful enjoyed not only the win but the way the team played. Sponsors Craig and Lisa awarded the man of the match to Tom Evans.

Head coach, Dan Orwin said: “I’m very happy with our performance today, we were excellent. Ormskirk really came at us in the first 20 minutes, but we were patient, held our discipline and took our opportunities in attack. Our attacking shape throughout was excellent and we were able to move the ball around the pitch really well. Onto next week!”

This week thanks must also go to the Dynamic Duo of Barrie Anslow and Sam Pook for their sterling work getting the 2nds to Lostock. It was a tough game for the lads against a very good side but they soon got into the swing of things when they arrived back at the club. Thanks also to Johnny Bridges who sorted the entertainment out at the club. The bar was buzzing all night.

Match report by Steve Doherty

Match details

Match date

Sat 11 Sep 2021

Kickoff

14:15

Competition

Premier Division

League position

3
Fleetwood
10
Ormskirk
Team overview
Further reading