U13 Ormskirk vs York (Away)

Not quite a full York turn-out this morning, with only 14 players managing to stay off the ski slopes. Keighley very kindly lent us a couple of lads to make up the numbers.

How lovely to see the return of Mr Harrison this morning, who managed to sneak out of the house in Mrs H’s best suede booties. The true mark of a match-made-in-heaven, when you can interchange clothing freely in the relationship – though if you ask me, the boots looked a bit big on Mr H; I can hardly believe he managed to stay on his feet.

It was decided to play 3 games of 15mins each way. First up was Ormskirk vs York.

On with the Game.

Game 1 - Ormskirk

First Half

York kick-off and it’s not a great one, handing an easy opportunity to Ormskirk to run it back, but York manage to win the ball back. Leo and Will K combine well to run play up to the Ormskirk 22m line. Andre takes it on further and looks as though he might break through, but is stopped a few metres out; before he goes down though he off-loads to Steele and the ball stays in play, coming across the pitch, with Samuel passing through to Barney to score in the corner (0-5); no conversion.

Ormskirk restart and Tom makes a great run back, making use of his teammates in some nice supportive interplay by York. Andre runs the ball to 10m from the Ormskirk try-line before he is tackled, but Tom is there in support and scores by the posts (0-10); Connor converts (0-12).

Ormskirk restart and Fraser takes the ball nicely. Good close rucking by York, as they work the ball back up the field, forcing a knock-on by Ormskirk. The first scrum is to York, which they win. Steel and Andre combine well again to take play deep into Ormskirk territory; some nice passing play and clever thinking by York, with the ball eventually coming to Barney to run it in again (0-17); no conversion.

Ormskirk restart, but knocked-on by Fraser. Scrum to Ormskirk at the York 10m line, which they win (big strong pack). York then penalised at their 10m line, and the resulting penalty is kicked to touch. The Ormskirk line-out goes too far though; Ormskirk try to ruck it back, and then infringe. Scrum to York is wheeled, so Ormskirk get the scrum, which they lose. However, the Ormskirk Full Back gets the ball and runs from his 10m line through the York defence at an impressive sprint and scores; great try (5-17); converted (7-17).

York restart, and follow up well. Fraser is benefiting from the loss of 7 stone of hair, and makes it first to the ruck to steal the ball back. York pressing hard deep in Ormskirk territory for this last minute of the half, but can’t get through. Half time.

Second Half

Ormskirk kick-off. Joe runs it back to the half-way line, but is tackled into touch before he can get further. The Ormskirk line-out is not straight; scrum to York on half-way, which they win. Andre runs the ball up to the 22m line, before he is stopped; Zak in good support picks it up and moves it on a little further; the ball comes across the pitch then for Steele to push through and score (7-22); no conversion.

Ormskirk restart. York run it back across and up the pitch to the half-way line, but then knock-on. The Ormskirk scrum is won against the head by York though, who show good technique to drive the bigger pack off. Leo runs the ball up to 10m from the Ormskirk try-line, but is tackled well; Connor picks it up and tries to get further but is taken into touch. The Ormskirk line-out is won by Leo. Fraser nearly gets through. Line-out to York now, which they lose, but they recover the ball and try to get a maul going; the Ormskirk pack hold them though, so York send the ball across to Andre and the Backs who try to find a way through the stout Ormskirk defence. It looks like the attack will not be a fruitful one, when suddenly Steele bursts through to score (7-27); no conversion.

Ormskirk restart, and the ball is kicked back and chased by York; Fraser again stealing the ball from the ruck. Leo makes another great run through the defence, deep into the Ormskirk half. Ormskirk knock-on and York get a scrum which they win. Leo is there again to move play on; nice rucking by York and Tom comes away with it to score (7-32); Connor converts (7-34).

Ormskirk restart, and York kick it back and great chase by Tom to the Ormskirk 22m line. York infringe and Ormskirk get a penalty, York soon win the ball back though and Andre is unlucky not to break through the defence, getting taken into touch at the Ormskirk 22m line. Ormskirk win their line-out, but play ceases with the final whistle.

Final Score Ormskirk 7-34 York

Congratulations to both sides for a hard fought, tiring, and good-spirited game.

York grab a quick drink before getting ready for their next game against Keighley.