Hoylake 1st XV v Orrell - Match Report

Hoylake 20
Orrell 5

Hoylake welcomed newly promoted Orrell to Melrose Avenue for the first time in 7 years. In what proved to be a scrappy affair, too frequently punctuated by the referee's whistle, the hosts were worthy winners in a hard fought contest.

The first half was frustrating for Hoylake as they continually found themselves on the wrong side of the refereeing decisions. Steve Young unusually missed 9 kickable pints off the boot and it was Orrell that went into the second period with the lead after a poorly advised chip by Hoylake was gathered by Orrell and quickly resulted in their right winger rounding the defence to register their only score of the match. The highlights of the first half for the Hoylake supporters were undoubtedly the trademark big tackles raining in from 2nd row, Phil James. On 3 or 4 occasions, he knocked the wind out of Orrell's big runners with some bone shuddering hits.

Despite being behind, Hoylake were confident of being able to overturn the deficit. Orrell enjoyed a decent amount of possession but rarely threatened, despite having a capable set of backs. It wasn't long before Steve Young got Hoylake back in the game with a penalty and Liam Rushworth dotted down after a searching kick by Tom Selby-Milic. Having taken the lead, Hoylake never looked like surrendering it.

Soon after Rushworth's try, James McLaughlin, fresh from the sin bin, barged his way over from short range after Joe Lavin was scragged a couple of metres from the line. As thoughts turned to a bonus point, the game became increasingly punctuated by injuries to the Orrell players. However, with 5 minutes to go, veteran centre, Rich Young, was faced with a two on one with the Orrell fullback. With support outside, he threw a dummy which the fullback unbelievably fell for. He then had the gas to outstrip the covering defence to round of the day for Hoylake.

At 20-5, Hoylake were worthy winners but felt that they could have got more from match. Having said that, credit should go to Orrell who are an awkward team to play against and who stuck to their task manfully. They will undoubtedly take some scalps in this league over the course of the season.

Coach, Gareth John, selected Rob Shaw and Phil James for a joint man-of-the-match award. Both put in massive defensive performances. It was also good to see one time first team regulars, Andy Fielding and Dan Gleeson returning to the fold. Both of whom still have plenty to offer and are well capable of giving the selection committee a real headache over the coming weeks.

Next week, Hoylake travel to Ormskirk, seeking to continue their winning run in what is usually a difficult away encounter.