Sefton 26 - 17 Hoylake

With both teams suffering two defeats to open two league fixtures, this game was seen as a must win from both sides to get their seasons up and running

A couple of changes from last week, with Tom Corkhill absent, Steve Crone partnered Phillip James in the 2nd Row. Guy Byatt was also away this week, so Matt Evans came into the starting squad. In the backline, there was a first start Alex White at 13. With Squad rotation in place, Danny Lewis settled for a place on the bench with Connor and Ben Turner starting wings.
Sefton kicked off and within 5 minutes were a penalty to the good which their kicker had no problem in putting between the sticks. Hoylake slowly started to control the game and began to establish some continuity but were guilty of conceding penalties in the final 3rd to let Sefton relieve the pressure. The game ebbed and flowed, neither team were able to take control of the match, however, as the game drifted into the second quarter Sefton kicked aimlessly into Hoylake's half and as Joe Lavin scampered to cover he couldn’t quite reach the ball before it bounced. The saying, never let a ball bounce could never be a truer phrase spoken as the ball bounced wickedly away from Hoylake and straight into the Sefton's winger arms, enabling him to cruise under the post for a converted score. Hoylake responded positively and put Sefton under pressure so much so they began to concede penalties. With Dan O'Neill’s placement kicking being prolific recently, taking the points on offer was an easy choice. However, both seemly simple penalty kicks drifted agonisingly wide.
Minutes later Hoylake pack worked on the pick and go which created an overlap out wide but Hoylake were unable to exploit it and the opportunity slipped by. Just before half time they did get their just reward simple lineout saw Phil James scoring a deserved try out wide. The conversion was missed. Although Hoylake controlled most of the game, they just couldn’t convert their chances and trailed 10-5 at half time. Hoylake coaches would have been pleased while frustrated but knowing if Hoylake stuck to the game plan, chances would come.
Hoylake opened the second half but as in the first half allowed Sefton to take the initiative. Simple hands created an overlap down the blind side. Sefton didn’t waste their opportunity and scored in the corner, the impressive kicker slotted the conversion. Again Hoylake responded positively through the forwards and took the game to Sefton, again setting up camp in the Sefton 22 but just couldn’t break down the last man in defence. Sefton's No.8 was sin-binned for yet another penalty conceded in his 22. Hoylake opted for the 5 metre scrum but were held up but Sefton offended in doing so. With Sefton a man down Hoylake went for another scrum but in trying to drive Sefton backwards committed a penalty and Sefton were able to clear their lines.
The next 15 mins saw Hoylake try and breach the Sefton defence but time and time again were pushed back, until a rolling maul saw captain Jake Woods score despite the call from some players of double movement. Dan O'Neil converted and now 12 – 17, the game was very much there for the taking. However, when Hoylake need to find another gear, they just couldn’t. The pace of the game and the heat of the day seemed to drain the Hoylake pack who began to look tired, the lack of urgency allowed Sefton to take control of the game. Sefton now raised their game and as Hoylake failed to find touch from their 22, Sefton were quick to reapply the pressure, forcing Hoylake to concede a couple of penalties. Sefton converted one to make Hoylake needing 2 scores to wind the game and yet again Hoylake were quick to respond with Joe Lavin joining the line at pace and created an overlap and put Ben Turner over in the corner, only to be called back correctly by the ref for a forward pass. With Hoylake trying to gain possession back, they gave a couple of penalties away in the ruck, two of which Sefton converted to lead 26 – 12. With a couple of minutes left Joe Lavin had the last word as he gathered a kick through by Sefton, chipped Sefton's defensive line and gather to outpace the cover to score in the corner. The score now 26-17, a tricky conversion would have given Hoylake a deserved losing bonus point but it wasn’t our day and the attempt missed its intended target. On another day, this would have been a comfortable win, but Sefton were good on the counter and deservedly took the spoils.
Darren Agnew and Matt O'Hanlon were the pick of the forwards today, both taking the ball on at depth which made a huge difference. Ben Turner again impressing from the wing. Hoylake need to break this losing streak and fast. This starts next week with a trip to our friends at Glossop who are very formidable at home.