Hoylake v Bowdon

Hoylake 3
Bowdon 21

Hoylake paid the price for too many players being unavailable for selection on Saturday, against fourth placed Bowdon. Hoylake competed throughout in the forwards but were left wanting in the backs due to the unavailability of four 1st XV regulars, including their three first choice kickers. This having been said, had the team played to their strengths in the forwards a victory would not have been out of the question.

As it was, Bowdon took an early lead when they exploited an overlap after 20 minutes. Chris Whiteley gave Hoylake some hope with a well struck penalty and the hosts remained in contention up until half time.

As Bowdon stepped up a gear in the second period, Hoylake began to fall off tackles and again the visitors used their superiority in the backs to score two tries. In the end, with just fourteen players on the pitch due to injuries suffered in the match, Hoylake finished the game firmly on the back foot.

In the end, Hoylake’s coaching team were pleased with their side’s endeavour and attitude but somewhat disappointed by the inability to follow the game plan and work to their strengths.

In the end, there were solid performances from Byatt, McCulloch and O’Hanlon on the back row and Jack Collister (Hoylake’s fourth captain of the season!) who did his best to lead from the front. Dale Willis also deputised for fellow youngster Mike Kearney to good affect in the full back berth. It was also pleasing to see that 17 year old scrum half, Joe Lavin, didn’t look out of place deputising for the other Kearney brother, Dominic, at scrum half. The sponsors man of the match though, went to 2nd row Tom Corkhill after yet another solid performance.

Next week, Hoylake travel to strugglers Winnington Park but will be expecting a tough encounter. The coaching staff will be hoping for some speedy recoveries from the likes of Dan Baldock, Eddie McCulloch and Corkhill who all had to come off through injury.