Hoylake 1st XV v New Brighton

Hoylake 12
New Brighton 5

Report by Dan Gleeson

A great day all round for the club who hosted New Brighton for the second time ever in a competitive league fixture. A well-attended pre-match meal the week before even though the fixture was postponed meant that there were a good number of supporters from both sides, contributing to the local derby atmosphere.

Both sides were without key players, due to injury and unavailabilty as a result of the hastily re-arranged match. Hoylake had experienced the the morale sapping, last minute defeat at the hands of New Brighton earlier in the season, so it was a determined Hoylake side that took to the field against their local rivals.

The hosts started the better and the platform was set by the aggressive forwards, who contested in the loose. They were well marshalled by Matt O'Neill, and even without Rich Young, the backs had no problems in cutting loose when required, marshalled outstandingly well by the returning James McLaughlin.

Hoylake were on the scoresheet first. Following a break from Steve Young, James McLaughlin, crashed over the line missing the ball but getting a penalty try which was subsequently converted by Young.

The visitors rallied in the latter part of the 2nd half and continued to try and play a short game, using their forwards and centres to try and break the gain line. Eventually, centre Vinnie Dutton shook off some weak tackling and stepped on the gas to score a good try close to the posts making it 7 - 5 with the home side retaining the advantage.

The second half followed a similar pattern, but the difference was boot of Steve Young which on 3 or 4 occasions made 40 or 50 yards which seemed to sap the life out of the New Brighton pack. They continued to try and break the Hoylake line but the defence was resolute. Eventually, the game was secured by a try from McLaughlin, coming from handling errors by New Brighton and the quick reactions of Mike Kearney, as a result of the defensive work of the Hoylake back line. McLaughlin had enough strength, pace and ball control to punish the visitors. The last quarter belonged to New Brighton but the defence was impressive from the likes of Matt McLaren and kearney in the back line, coupled with the tireless effort of the pack, well marshalled by back rowers, Byatt, O'Hanlon and Fielding. The last 5 minutes saw Hoylake release the shackles and finish the game on top with good breaks by substitutes Martin Williams and Will Dow. A thoroughly entertaining local derby that Hoylake just about deserved to win.

It was a day that all involved with the club can be proud of. From the previous week's hospitality, the support and singing in the bar afterwards, to the preparation from the coach and the performance on the pitch. No doubt that New Brighton will be kicking themselves for the under-par performance on the pitch, but Hoylake deserved the victory with a passionate, structured performance. If only we could emulate this every week!

Mike Kearney thoroughly earned his MoM award with a typically tireless and abrasive performance in defence. James McLaughlin put in a match winning performance and O'Hanlon was a dynamo on the back row, but it was one of those days when it was unfair to single out individual players. There wasn't a bad performance from 1 to 18. Had Stephen Young brought his place kicking boots, then the margin of victory would have been greater but nonetheless, a satisfying victory.

This Saturday, Hoylake travel to Broughton Park who are a tough nut to crack, particularly at home. Hoylake will again have some changes to contend with so a similar performance is going to be required if the victory is going to be secured.