Perfect start for 1st XV

Hoylake 33
Vagabonds (IoM) 7

Despite the pre-season injuries and disruption, Hoylake fielded a strong but slightly experimental side for the league opener against their Manx visitors.

With notable absentees such as the injured Phil James, Chris Whiteley and Rich Young and the pre-season departures of two key players, the Hoylake faithful could be forgiven for feeling slightly pessimistic for the fixture against the historically tough Vagabonds side.

As it was, the visitors arrived with an experimental side of their own and Hoylake's young team played with confidence and eventually secured a convincing victory.

Hoylake cruised into a 19-7 half time lead with a Rob Kurton try sandwiched between two outstanding team tries, ably rounded off by Captain, Steve Young, who was playing in the unfamiliar position of outside centre. Young also added two conversions.

The second half was a scrappier affair with Vagabonds dominating in the scrums but Hoylake looking dangerous on the counter attack. Young slotted a further 3 penalties before he completed his hat-trick of tries with 10 minutes to go. Another well taken score, initially set up by the diminutive Matt O'Hanlon (who belied his lack of stature all day in the lineout)with a quick ball off the top and sharp hands by the backs, leaving Young to do the rest from 40 metres out.

All in all, a good win to ease the nerves for what will undoubtedly be a tough season. Other than points machine Young, who finished with a personal haul of 28 points, there were notable performances from Vice Captain and Prop, Matt O'Neill (who was the sponsor's Man of the Match) Ian Griffiths in the 2nd row, veteran centre, Dan Baldock and wings Gary Hummerston and Matt McClaren who were defensively aggressive all day.

Hoylake have one or two selection headaches going into Saturday's match away to Wigan but hope to welcome back the likes of Phil James, Richard Young and James Edwards. 3pm kick-off.