Mismatch against Wigton Wanderers (2nd XV)

Hoylake 89
Wigton Wanderers 0

A much changed Hoylake side welcomed Wigton Wanderers to Melrose Avenue in the 3rd Round of the EDF Energy Senior Vase. Several forced changes, particularly in the pack meant that there was a nervous edge in the Hoylake camp before kick off.

However, just minutes into the match scrum half Dominic Kearney settled the nerves with a typically powerful burst from a five metre scrum, registering the first try of the match. The opening score settled the nerves and the hosts relaxed into an expansive game. Soon after, 19 year old flanker Matt O’Hanlon scored a well worked try quickly followed by fullback Mike Kearney who crossed the whitewash after a crisp backs move.

The remainder of the match was a complete mismatch in reality with Wigton failing to breach Hoylake’s 22 at any point during the game. A further 13 tries followed, with the Kearney brothers and O’Hanlon completing their braces. There were also tries for Mark Wylie (2), Matt McClaren (2), Matt O’Neill, Andy Fielding, Steve Young and Chris Whiteley. Special mention should go to 17 year old Joe Lavin who scored a try on his first team debut having replaced Dom Kearney with 15 minutes remaining. He gathered a neat crossfield kick from his brother Tom to round off the scoring. Steve Young registered five conversions on the day and Chris Whitely kicked two.

Next week, Hoylake will be expecting a much sterner test as they return to league action against form side Widnes, who are currently flying high in 2nd place in the table.