Vintage Port win Derby

Helsby RUFC entertain Ellesmere Port today in an eagerly awaited first friendly of the 2016/2017 season. This will be a real test and also great indication of how well the Helsby players have trained since last season’s historic championship win. Lots of new faces amongst familiar faces which should make this game very interesting against Helsby’s local rivals, a game which will be Chris Goggin’s first competitive game as team captain- obviously we wish Chris and all the team the very best for the forthcoming season- all the best lads!.

The game starts and within 2 minutes Dan Thorpe jinks through the Ellesmere Port defence to score a superb try for Helsby. Helsby winning 7-0 and with lots of jubilation from the team and supporters. Helsby are looking slick, quick and the passing sublime then Liam Rowland surges forward down the left taking about four Ellesmere Port players with him and looks to have scored another try for Helsby but the referee pauses for a few seconds…….. and deems that the ball isn’t properly grounded- gutted. The domination by Helsby seems to shake the hornets’ nest with Ellesmere Port applying huge pressure on the Helsby backs- the momentum suddenly and dramatically shifts in favour of Ellesmere Port. One try soon becomes three tries and Helsby are now losing 19-7, but there is no panic, Helsby are not down and still have pace and precision in the team with Luke Jones characteristically flying down the left wing to score a try for Helsby, its 19-12 at the break.

The second half continues with Helsby applying pressure and looking stronger and stronger- the summer training is now starting to show with Liam Rowland looking really impressive but Ellesmere still look menacing and clinical and score another try to make it 24-12. However Helsby don’t wilt in the warm sunshine - in fact they surge forward galvanised by Captain Chris Goggin – Kyle Robinson gets the ball and has a three man overlap but to the derision of the players and fans Kyle decides not to pass- the hit comes in from Ellesmere Port but then Kyle offloads to Joe Wilkinson who scores. The game could still go either way at 24-17 with both teams missing their kicks. Helsby are looking superb again and a lovely subtle kick and run by Chris Goggin sees Chris get the ball down for another try to Helsby- the game is now rising to the occasion with the referee explaining to both teams that the score is now very close at 24-22 with just a few minutes remaining. Then Ellesmere Port make one last surge and score to make the final score 29-22 in a hugely competitive and exciting game of Rugby Union. So many positives in the game by Helsby even in defeat. Young players like Tom Owen stepping up for the Juniors to be awarded Man of the Match has to be a huge positive- also new faces giving added dimensions to the team. Superb display by Helsby and I really can’t wait for next week’s friendly against Congleton 2nd and 3rds! My only concern is the amount of balls we are losing over the fence and Lewis Ainge running around on a knackered knee trying to retrieve them- we gotta get more balls!

Written By Duncan Cowley