SEFTON 34 LIVERPOOL COLLEGIATE 0

Starting Team Positions
Backs :-Dan(Full back), Oli (centre), Fintan(scrum half), Jack (centre), Finlay(full back ), Ruari(wing), Leo(fly half), Gabriel (wing)

Forwards: -Finbar(prop) , Sonny(hooker), Mathew(prop), Frank(2nd row), Chris (2nd row),

From the outset we knew we were in for a tricky match.
The weather was horrendous, (torrential rain, sleet and strong gusting wind), we were against our strong local rivals with their star scrum half and we were four first choice forwards light, (James retired, Ellis injured, Ryan and Awesome Callum unavailable).
Our back line was solid with a first ever rugby union match for new lad Gabriel, (not what you would call an easy start to his rugby career).
The first half kicked off and Collegiate charged into the Sefton half, pushing sefton back and looking dangerous.
This territorial domination lasted a good 5 minutes before the Sefton superior scrum took charge and forced us back to whence we came.
Once back in our own half two poor defensive errors allowed Sefton’s scrum half to skip through unopposed to score twice.
Both tries were converted leaving us 14-0 down.
We played out the half well but unfortunately conceded again and finished at 19-0.
Just before the half time whistle we were assaulted by 10 minutes of driving rain and hail and the three coaches,( John, Sean and Rob), whisked the boys off under cover for a much needed pep talk.

The second half unfortunately didn’t provide any easier competition for our previously unbeaten team.
The referee suspended kicking at the posts, due to inclement weather , but Sefton were still able to score a further three tries. The match wasn’t all Sefton and Collegiate had a number of attacks which showed we were up to the task, but the lack of our strong , fast forwards led to an overall weakness that we were unable to overcome this time.
Late in the second half poor Leo got stood on, but bravely managed to stay on pitch to defend, until a break in play allowed him to get to the side lines.
This led to another forced scrum change and Dan had his first taste of 2nd row.
The final whistle blew as the rain stopped and the sun came out on the bedraggled parents and players.
Not quite as bad as Rochdale, but pretty close.
I didn’t find out who was voted man of the match, but my personal observations go out to Fintan and Jack who were their usual boisterous, lively selves and to Sonny who constantly shouted and gave encouragement to the under pressure forwards.

Hans as usual didn’t disappoint with a lesson in sartorial elegance: wellies, mustard coloured corduroys, barbour jacket and a cowboy hat. Ye-ha!

Match correspondent, (and Dan’s dad),Aitch