representing OP Under 10s. A format of 4 matches of 10 minutes each was agreed and with Si the only coach available it was a good job he had an early night so he could attend the crucial 9am selection meeting. It was great to see Reece back after a fractured thumb had kept him away for a month and he spent the first game watching his team mates trying to combat their giant who managed to run in most of the 4 tries they scored in the first game. However, despite not scoring one themselves there was much for Hoylake to be encouraged about because the teamwork was superior, the support was tireless and the endeavour was uplifting. James and Rudi in particular tackling their hearts out and one of the new lads Charlie Boughey ferretting for the ball like an frenzied Aussie open-side!

The second game was much closer thanks to new boy Joe Cass who has a turn of pace that would grace the Olympic 100m final. Some fantastic big tackling from George and Reece set the platform from which another fresh face to the side Harvey Herbert could demonstrate his potent attacking skills along with the experience of Luca and Jacob who took the game to Parks. The referee had a job on his hands trying to curb some of the "enthusiastic" rucking that both sides have taken to with wild abandon but it was clear that Hoylake were warming to the task with several turnovers won. Parks scored steadily and ended up with 3 tries in all but with speed merchant Joe in the side it only took an inch of space for him to beat the cover defence and score a couple of cracking individual tries, one of which came from picking the ball up at the base of a ruck and haring down the touchline! So 3-2 to Oxton Parks but the Hoylake faithful who were out in force could sense the tide was turning.

After the licking of wounds, taping of bent fingers and the encouragement of their supporters, the team to start the third game trooped on to the pitch determined to vanquish their larger foes. Charlie Kearsley was at his side-stepping best and John was as fearless as ever getting stuck into the mauling like a starved terrier down a rabbit hole. Rudi was tackling anything in maroon and blue which thanks to the rucking law that is now in force was a relief! Despite having injured his fingers in the first game, Sam was fearless in attack and created the go forward from which Rudi gathered a pass to sprint down the pitch to score a fabulous try. Parks equalised despite some brave defence before some good work in the loose from Harvey released Charlie K on a typically mazy swerving run. He got within inches of the line before being hauled down but with grim determination he pushed the laws to their limit and dotted down for the winning try!

The final game of the morning ended in a 3-3 draw. Liam bravely returned to the action after taking a heavy knock in the second game and was outstanding in defence for his side - as were Sam and George. They had to be because Parks had the bit between their teeth but Hoylake held firm. Luca's distribution in attack was pivotal as it allowed the ever strong running James to get over the try line for his first of the day. Despite a month's absence, Reece started getting over the gain line time and again which resulted in Joe grabbing his hat-trick try. With time running out it looked like Hoylake would suffer another close reverse but some fabulous work at the ruck by Charlie B saw Oxton penalised and from the resulting free pass the ball went through the hands to James who scored a great team try ensuring the honours were even at the end.

All in all a very entertaining morning. The new lads are settling in well and everyone seems to be getting the hang of the new laws bit by bit. Up next, another tough game against a well organised Ellesmere Port.