Derby Day

Match Report by Tom Grieves - The Bard of Birkenhead

Saturday afternoon saw a huge turnout to welcome local rivals West Park to the hallowed (and freshly painted) turf at Crag Lane. Estimated attendance: n/a.

Derby day promised to be a big occasion and the game didn’t disappoint, bursting into life when early Leo’s pressure allowed Ed ‘the general’ Farmer to keep our local rivals pegged back deep in their own 22 with some intelligent front foot kicking.

The culmination of this early pressure came in the form of a signature interception try by ‘snakehips’ Thomas Leddy, who was only on the pitch due to an early injury picked up by Ryan. 5-0 Leo’s. Farmer successfully converted, 7-0.

New back rower Steve Costello showed his worth (free agent) with some great carries in WP half. However, a frantic spell from Leo’s allowed WP to claw their way back in the game and if not for some fantastic defensive work from Jacko at the back, they would undoubtedly have been level.

Strong direct running from the big and mobile WP pack (particularly their no. 8) allowed WP the chance to kick a penalty in front of the sticks. WP 10 obliged. 7-3.

WP 10 started to use the boot to devastating effect, pinning Leo’s back to their try line and subsequently gaining an attacking scrum 5m out. Strong running from WP 11 sees him power over from close range giving the visitors the lead for the first time in the game, 7-8. Conversion attempt successful, 7-10 to WP.

That derby day atmosphere started to boil over into a few scuffles, causing Leo’s veteran Dave Barden to use his diplomacy skills and kindly remind his opposite number that ‘it’s rugby’ – cheers Bards, top chat.

Back to the rugby – Leo’s had lost their rhythm ad WP started to really press forward through intelligent running angles and great footwork from their 12. Good distribution from WP 10 put in the powerful number 11 for his second meat pie of the day. 7-15, conversion missed.
Almost immediately afterwards another good break from WP 12 put in his centre partner after an easy 2 on 1. Visitors leading after successful conversion, 7-22. Langtree goes to the bin for Roy-Keaning the try scorer under the sticks after the try is scored. Maybe he needed Bards to tell him what sport he was playing. Visitors went into the break 7-22 up with an extra man.

Visitors came out after the break looking the brighter of the two sides and WP 13 showed his wheels to run in a try from halfway, bagging his second bit of meat for the day. WP 10 converted, 7-29.

Another good break, this time from WP 8 put the visitors on Leo’s try line before WP 7 waltzes over for their fifth try of the day, coverted – 7-38.

At this point Leo’s needed someone to stand up and put us back on the front foot: enter fullback Jack Haire. Sublime footwork and feet from hairy puts Leos right back in WP half, only for Gillman Wells to narrowly avoid decapitation. An unfortunately timed tackle, no malice – but shoulder to the head should have been dealt with more seriously than simply a penalty. Just ask Gabs.

Leo’s use the subsequent penalty to turn the tide of the derby back in their favour, and brilliant hands from Elliot K-W and Costello off the back of the scrum put in Jack Haire for a five pointer. Unconverted, 12-36.

Sonny Bill Costello pulls off an outrageous out the back door no looker to a flying JQ charging down the wing (questionable footwork from the big man but we all love a positive carry) - exemplified by Bards who led from the front carrying hard and putting in shot after shot after shot. Get that man an ice bath.

WP 7 goes for 10 after repeat offences and 15-man Leos use the advantage. Farmer nudge to the corner, Pearson flops over for a score off the back of a tight driving mall – I think that’s what they call them? Tidy conversion from the general, 19-36. Comeback on?
Bards and WP 5 go for 10 after handbags.

Scoop demonstrates top work at the breakdown stealing ball in the opposition 22 forcing penalties. WP 1 goes to the bin and Leo’s look to stage a comeback. Strong scrum using the numerical advantage and another 8-9-15 move executed to perfection puts Jim Langtree in the corner. The general converts out wide, 26-36. Only fifteen to go.

The hopes of a nation (Crag Lane) were sadly dashed as WP 12 showed his quality and pace again, slicing through the line and scoring under the sticks, converted by WP 10, 26-41. You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth - Churchill. Too little too late for the Leo train.

Top D from individuals all over the park, notably Bards, MPH, Scoop and Langtree keep WP’s elusive 12 out and a fantastic last ditch effort by Jack Haire keeps ex-Leo Toby Rodgers from scoring on his return to the lane. However, WP weren’t finished and the final piece of play saw their pacey fullback fly over in the corner to finish off a well worked try, and a well deserved win. Unconverted, final score:

Leo’s 26-46 West Park
Grievo’s MOM:
Leos – Jack Haire (Fullback)
West Park – Mason Knowles (Inside Centre).