Hoylake 43-19 Ruskin Park

The bottom two clubs faced each other this week, both teams knowing that a bonus point win would only be enough to keep in touch with Bowden and Manchester Medics. A defeat would surely make it extremely difficult to survive the relegation fight. In truth, there was only one team in this game with Hoylake being dominant across all fronts.

Hoylake had made only a couple of changes to the side that came so close to beating Northwich a couple of weeks ago. Tom Corkhill having recovered from a back injury coming back into the 2nd row and Jamie Russell, having impressed from the bench in recent weeks was selected in at the centre with Ben Sparke moving out to the wing in Mike Webster's absence.

It was a perfect spring day for rugby, the sun shining with only a breeze across the pitch favouring neither side. Ruskin Park kicked off but it was Hoylake who started the livelier with some well-structured patterns of play. However, it was Ruskin Park who drew first blood. From a scrum in the Hoylake’s 22, the ball was passed through the back line, one pass bounced along the deck, which wrong footed the Hoylake defence and the Ruskin centre touched down under the posts.

From the restart Hoylake kept the pace of the game at a high tempo. This intensity and the heat was already having an obvious effect on the Ruskin pack. At the end of the first quarter, a Hoylake lineout just inside their own half was secured by Tom Corkhill. The Hoylake eight then marched their opposing pack backwards at a rate of knots stopping just short of the try line after being brought down illegally, the ball was recycled quickly and fed to Ben Sparke to dot down in the corner. Ben converted his own try.

Five minutes later, Hoylake extended their lead in a super switch move involving Jake Woods, Matt O’Hanlon and Joe Lavin. The Hoylake pack again used their power to drive their way into the opponents 22 via several pick and go’s. A double switch move straight from the training paddock resulted Joe Lavin waltzing in under the sticks untouched. The extras were added by Ben Sparke. Hoylake were now in complete control and playing with confidence. On the half hour Hoylake disrupted a 5 metre defensive scrum with the ball having to be touched down in goal. From the resulting attacking scrum, Hoylake easily powered over the line and No. 8, Matt O'Hanlon dotted down for his first for the afternoon, the conversion was missed so 19 – 7 at half time.

Hoylake kicked off and Ruskin enjoyed some rare possession. A scrum, close to Hoylake's line saw their No.8 pick up and drive for the line, held up just short, the Ruskin Prop picked up and spotted a gap to place the ball down over for the try. The Ruskin comeback was short lived though as 5 minutes later and Hoylake's lead was restored. A Park clearance kick was gathered by Joe Lavin who ran it back, and with space and numbers to the right he opted for the narrower side and eluded several would be tacklers before releasing the ball to the support and quick hands saw scrum half Tom Selby score a bonus point earning try, which Ben Sparke converted. 10 minutes later and Hoylake's forward superiority reasserted itself. Another Park scrum was driven back overs their own tryline and Tom Corkhill claimed the 5th try of the day. Park were now clearly demoralised and Hoylake were playing as good a rugby as they have done all season.

From the Hoylake lineout which had been functioning well all afternoon, the ball went through several phases and Matt O’Hanlon used his quick feet to outstep his opposite number and score his 2nd. 31 – 12 and there was no way back now for Park with only 10 minutes to go. A badly swollen ankle saw Matt O'Hanlon replaced by Coach Rob Kurton and Conor Bradshaw came on for Ben Sparke. Hoylake were still bubbling and as the ball was won from a scrum on Park's 22 the ball was spun through the backs to release winger Dan Lewis who ran in to score a well-deserved try. James McLaughlin added the extras from the touchline. Park had the last laugh scoring a consolation try just before the final whistle, the final score 43 – 19 to the men in red white and green.

Although the man of the match could have gone to several players this week, The Russell brothers took the spoils. Mike working endlessly in his knew found role in the 2nd row and his younger brother Jamie, who’s attacking lines and defensive displays was something to marvel all afternoon

Other mentions go to skipper Matt O’Neill and front row partner Jake Woods who were destructive in open play and in the tight. Full back Joe Lavin who's twinkle toes were a delight for the supporters to watch. Rich Young is rejuvenated on the blind side and Matt O'Hanlon's ability also shone through all afternoon..

Next week a home game sees Hoylake entertain Sefton, another must win game as the season draws to a close. Another big crowed is expected, so please make every efforts to come down to support your team in a bid for survival. Kick-off is 3pm.