Hoylake 34-26 Bowden

Last weekend saw the largely anticipated first competitive game of the season come to Melrose Avenue in the form of the Cheshire Bowl competition, our opponents Bowden.

Despite a very good pre-season, the usual selection difficulties that come with a bank holiday weekend fixture were apparent as many players (old and new) were unavailable. With so many players missing and Bowden's public off season work and recruitment, the fans feared the worse. This was not the case for the 15 men on the pitch who took the game to their opponents throughout the 80 mins.

The front five was near enough as it was for last season with the front row of Matt O'Neill, skipper Jake Woods and Darren Agnew, Phil James and Neil Ruecroft made up the 2nd row. Will Dow was installed at 6 and Guy Byatt 7, Tom Corkhill moving backwards to No.8. Although there were some positional changes, especially in the back row, there was a familiarity to the pack that performed consistently last year. The backline was a different matter, players stepping up from the 2’s and others playing out of position to fill the gaps of missing regulars. Tom Selby started at 9, at fly half the 2nd XV skipper Dan O'Neill stepped in. At 12 and 13 were our converted wingers from last year Mike Webster and Conner Bradshaw. Danny Lewis and Gary Hummerston taking up 11 and 14 respectively. Joe Lavin continued where he left off last season at full back.

Now onto the game, In bright conditions with a strange cross-field breeze, occasionally gusting to force 2/3, Bowden Kicked off and started to dominate the opening stages but Hoylake's defence was strong with Will Dow standing out as did the youngsters in the centre. Bowden had two chance to score out wide but with the Hoylake defence working hard to get in their opponents faces, they resulted in a forward pass and knock on. Defence was Slowly but surely getting Hoylake into the game. Despite being half the size of the Bowden backline, Hoylake continued to press and cause errors, this resulted in the first score. Just after 10 minutes Dan O'Neill charged down Bowden's attempted clearance kick and skipper Jake Woods gathered and scampered in from 30 yards, just about reaching the line before the Bowden's defence recovered. Dan O'Neill converted well.

Hoylake continued to take control of the game and with a penalty converted by Dan took a 10 – nil lead. The Bowden pack had no answer to the Hoylake 8 as they were bullied around the park all afternoon. 30 minutes in and after a number of pick and go’s Guy Byatt broke down the blind side from a maul but with two men outside him he couldn't get his pass away when a try looked all but certain. Minutes later Hoylake got their reward, when a 5 metre scrum was selected from a penalty decision, No.8 Tom Corkhill was the beneficiary as he picked up from the base to take a simple try, converted by Dan O’Neill. But just as Hoylake appeared in total control, Bowden bounced back, From a 5m scrum on Hoylake's line the ball was whipped out to their inside centre who crashed over the line to score a converted try. Hoylake responded immediately as again more pressure was put onto the Bowden's clearance kick, which failed to find touch, it was gathered by Joe Lavin just inside the Bowden half. He ran in field, beat a couple of men on the outside, drew Bowden's last mane before releasing winger Dan Lewis to race in unopposed. 20 – 7 at half time was just reward for Hoylake's efforts.

The second half set off at a cracking pace. Hoylake received the kick off and after a couple of phases the ball went through the backs for Gary Hummerston to score a great opening try. The ball went through several forward phases before going through the backline using the overlap well. However, this seemed to cause Hoylake to go to sleep, From the ensuing kick-off Darren Agnew dropped the ball and Bowden went through a flat footed defence to score a goal. All of a sudden 25 – 14 did not seem quite so secure. Sure enough Bowden's confidence grew whilst Hoylake's first line of defence began to shake a bit. As the end of the third quarter approached Bowden scored again as they spread the ball wide and their winger eluded three attempted tackles to score. 25 – 19 and game on. As

Hoylake continued to use the bench well, with them bringing some much needed impetus. The pressure began to mount again and pay off as Bowden started to concede penalties as they grew tired, Dan O'Neill converting a couple of simple kicks extend the lead. At 31 – 19, the scoreline seemed a bit more comfortable but yet again Bowden bounced back. From a penalty Bowden ran the ball quickly and again their right winger eluded Hoylake's defence to score and with the conversion succeeding it was back to a score difference, 31 – 26. As the game approached the start of stoppage time Bowden conceded a penalty just inside their 10 metre line. Go for touch in the corner or have a go at the posts. Despite the distance Dan O'Neill stepped up to the back and hoofed the ball through the posts to seal the game 34 -26.

A very entertaining game saw Hoylake through to the semi finals to play one of the winners of the other quarter finalists (Dukinfield, Marple, Oswestry, Port Sunlight, Prenton or Southern Nomads). Hoylake's pack were solid throughout and the regular changes of personnel played to their strengths. Matt O'Neill stood out, as did Will Dow when he was on the field. Tom Corkhill looked very comfortable at No.8 scoring a try and linking well with scrum half Tom Selby. Skipper , Jake Woods, was as lively as ever and fittingly scored the opening try. The positional changes in the backs worked well with centres Mike Webster and Conner Bradshaw defending well and looking lively with ball in hand. The stand out performance has to go to Dan O'Neill at fly half, who's kicking out of hand and at goal was impressive as was his link play.

Next week sees the first league game of the season. A trip to our neighbours New Brighton, who themselves had a good win at Wininngton Park. An entertaining game will no doubt ensue and several selection headaches for the Hoylake management as several players return.