SOUTHPORT 17 – 12 PRENTON
(30/12/06)
In dreadful conditions, Dave Merrills lead a strengthened 3rd team a gainst an equally strengthened Prenton side on a very muddy Waterloo Road last Saturday.
Early Southport pressure lead to a penalty under the posts which was converted by Andy Boland. However, Southport failed to capitalize on this early pressure, and a period of Prenton dominance then ensued for the next 20 minutes. Southport produced a fine defensive effort to keep Prenton out, with every player playing his part in defense.
Strong runs from Matt Astwood and Gareth Lang kept some Southport pressure in the game, and it was from such a run that Southport won an attacking scrum. More strong running from the back row allowed the supporting Mark Garner-Jones in for his 1st try of the season, converted by Andy Boland for a 10 – 0 Southport lead at half time.
Southport started the 2nd half well, and it was again a scrum that lead to the second Southport try. Hooker Paul Pavier, excellent all game, won a ball against the head, allowing scrum half Boland to cap off a good display with a try. This was converted by Steve Hales.
Other Southport chances followed, and both Vic Norje and Pete Smith came close to adding more points for Southport following good moves through the backs.
Prenton finished the game the stronger side, scoring 2 tries with strong running, especially from their fly half, but a poor failed conversion attempt and yet more strong Southport tackling ensured that Southport won the game 17 – 12.
All in all, a strong effort by Southport in defense, and the ability to convert their chances meant that they secured a deserved win for the club. Happy New Year!
Thoughts also go to Martin Bailey, who spent New Years Eve in a hospital bed following a leg injury sustained in the game. Get well soon Martin.
David Merrills
Southport 2nds 64 – 5 Kendal 3rds
(23/12/06)
Southport entertained Kendal last weekend with a determination to triumph in the last game of 2006 to retain and capitalise upon second place in the Miller Homes league. It only took a matter of minutes for the forwards to stamp their authority on the game as Si Parr ran through the centre of the pitch crashing through two Kendal defenders and carrying both them and ball over the line to open the flood gates.
Andy Boland then dazzled the home supporters with a sniping run from the back of a ruck, looking to offload he vexed the opposition; side stepped and created his own try in at the corner which, was superbly converted by Chris Greenhalgh.
Si Parr and Jason Keating worked in perfect harmony gaining yardage and breakage tackles through out the game which, allowed the graceful Colin Toohey to bulldoze his way through from 5 yard line like a sledgehammer. Converted by Greenhalgh.
As the forwards continued to inflate the score the backs provide the yardage from a kicking visiting side, thus ensuring Kendal were kept deeply in their own half. However, Jason Keating was unstoppable with ball in hand, scoring a hat trick of tries in the match, and completing an 80 yard run for Mike Jones to finish off under the posts. 3 out of the four were converted by Greenhalgh.
In the second half the backs saw more of the ball with Martin Bailey leaping through tackles like a gazelle, Keating as usual was in support and Matt Purnell took the ball over the line in a smooth and controlled manor. Converted by Greenhalgh.
Matt Astwood on loan to the visiting team ensured that the score would not remain a whitewash by direct running and driving through tackles, showing what a talent he will be in the future for Southport.
This only pushed Southport further and from a long restart, Rik Potter collected and found a gap in the pursuing pack, with Keating at hand to collect the ball and offload to pack leader Henry Brain to score in the corner. Another fantastic kick by Greenhalgh was received to the delight of the crowd.
With Ten minutes to go Anthony Little on the wing took a run at the opposition, scoring two symmetrical tries in quick succession. Both were started in his own 22 and both involved speed Linford Christie would rejoice in, with well timed stepping he made his opponents look insignificant as he left them in his wake and dropped both tries under the sticks to Greenhalgh’s delight.
Jason Keating was undisputed Man of the Match, with Dave Gairn taking the Donkey of the Day award.
Scores: Parr, Keating, Boland, Toohey, Jones, Purnell, Little.
Conversions: Greenhalgh.
Match Report : David E Snape
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