HOYLAKE 33 PRENTON 22
This was never going to be an easy away fixture, but Prenton started well, playing good basic rugby driving up the pitch, gaining territory, then using it to advantage. So, the first 2 tries went to Prenton, for our big blonde number 8, and then by Knappo. Paul Curran converted one. Hoylake, though soon managed to get their act together, and came back strongly. From a 5 m scrum, they launched their very fast backs, and got their first try. Taking advantage of their speedy backs, they soon crossed over for their second try, which they converted. This put them in the lead 14 -12. Prenton were putting everything into this game, but mistakes were creeping in allowing Hoylake more opportunities. Through some sustained pressure, on Prenton's 5M line Hoylake scored again before half time, giving them a 21 - 12 lead. In the second half Prenton did put some good phases of rugby together, but most of the play was in Hoylakes favour. Prenton did however, manage a great surge, and with Craig Badley powering through, he eventually crossed over for Prenton's third try. Both sides were showing more committment now, and the game seemed to up a a gear. However it was Hoylake's speedy backs who once again got them their next try. For Prenton on came the great man ATH himself, and low and behold within 2 minutes of him stepping on to the pitch, he scored. So, at 26 - 22, Prenton still had a chance, but it was Hoylake who finished off the game with a final backs try, which they converted.
Still all in all this was a good performance for Prenton's third team, who had not had a game for quite a long time. Squad: Matt Reeve, Ben Holland, Nathan Peters, Robbie Johnson, Ben Humphries, Paul Curran, Knappo, Craig Badley, Gary Pitt, Neil Jones, Damien Badley, Dave Ball, Kyle Jackson, Big blonde guy,a n other, ATH, Barry Miller, Stephen Leahey.