Round two of the new season drew a repeat of last seasons Grand Final. As expected, Ince Rose Bridge played their part in what proved to be an enthralling encounter.
Despite delays to their match day routine, some players unavailable and others taking to the field carrying injuries, there was a quiet confidence pre-match.
This was tested right from kickoff. A lack of communication allowed the ball to bounce dead in goal. What followed was a 20 minute spell the coaches would prefer to forget. Lacklustre defence and panic pushed passes in attack, combined with a heavy penalty count against led to a score line of 16-0 at the 20 minute mark. Thankfully the lads managed to turn the tide, some good attacking kicks and better defence started to push Ince back into their own half, meaning Orrell were able to start asking questions of the Ince defence. On 26mins Scrum half Adam Lavin broke the line and was unlucky to be tackled. A quick play the ball and Stand off Adam Kay again pushed forward before slipping a lovely short ball to Hooker Danny Fallon supporting on the inside, a short burst to the try line to register the first try of the afternoon. Fallon converted his own try. 16 – 6. Just before half time Ince responded with another try and conversion, giving a halftime score line of 22 – 6.
Halftime gave the coaches the chance to get the lads back on track. The team took to the field for the second half with a steely determination to pull the game back by playing the calibre of rugby that we all know they could produce.
Right from kick off in the second half Orrell built the pressure. On 46mins Second Row Matty Gee produced a typical powerful burst after some good teamwork to dive over wide out. 22 - 10. More questions were asked of the Ince defence and on 50mins it was broken again Second Row Jake Williams the try scorer. Fallon converted 22 – 16. Orrell were now playing with belief and for each other and the Ince try line was broken again, on 58mins Williams gleefully taking his second of the afternoon. Fallon calmly added the extras to make it 22 -22. The last 10mins were from this point always going to be frantic. Orrell were desperate to finish the job, whilst Ince were trying to plug the hole. Penalties could again have cost Orrell dear. Ince had three attempts on goal successfully converting one on 65min, 24 – 22 with 5min to go. This squad have stuck together through thick and thin and have pride in their shirts so the sideline knew they would keep going until the final whistle. With the seconds running out Orrell regained possession, quick plays took them to the Ince try line. The ball moved accurately through hands until it got to Winger Dan Lacey who did well to take the pass and dive over in the corner for the match winning try. Fallon’s conversion drifted agonisingly wide but it didn’t prevent the victory celebrations as the referee blew the final whistle. Final Score 24 - 26
This was certainly a game of quarters. The first being one to forget, the second and third giving the lads belief in each other and the final quarter showing to everyone watching what the lads think of both the badge that they wear with so much pride and the coaches that stick with them through all of it. As the victory song goes “I want to be an Orrell .............”
Every player who took part in that victory played their part but special mentions today go to; Prop James Ryding who gave his all before leaving early to go straight to work, Full back Ryan Parkinson who played on despite a broken nose, Joe Turner made his debut for the club and certainly played his part. Man of the Match today goes to Hooker Danny Fallon whose contribution today the coaches described as outstanding, his distribution and direction around the field so influential alongside a well executed kicking display and hard hitting defence.
Two wins from two games should give this talented group the belief they will need for the new season. Next week will be the first home game v Wigan St Pats.