With storm Erik subdued and winds gone, Orrell 1xv return to action against Marple at the weekend. Orrell visited Wood Lane in good form and ready for the 3rd versus 5th in league. Marple started brightly and it took Orrell 10/15 minutes to launch its first attack into Marple territory. Orrell solid in defence in the middle of the field and forward charges from Wilbur Harris and Josh Grant opened up Marple defence and slick handling allowed Tom Halsall to score in the corner. Conversion followed by Craig Thomas 0-7 to the visitors.

Tom Halsall finding his scoring touch, grabbed Orrell’s 2nd after a defence splitting pass from James Ratcliffe. Not to out done by Tom, Chris Owen crashed over the try line after good work from forwards setting the platform for Adam Worley’s pass to put Chris in at the same corner again.

Half time whistle Marple 0 Orrell 17 to the good.

A spirited opening to the second half by Marple delayed Orrell advancing and exchanges in the forwards and kicking from both fly half’s saw the game seesaw in defence and attack. James Ratcliffe crafting the third try for Johnson with a kick to the left. Substitutions 2nd half allowed some game time for the returning Max Huxley, Andy Kelly, Alex Gaskell and Alex Glover. Kyle Herbert’s late addition into the team for injured Mark Williams allowed him to gain some excellent match time and this was rewarded by a superb break from Kyle in the middle of the park and a sublime pass to Jack Granby to score under the posts. With conversion kicked the score moved onto 0-24 to Orrell.

Final score Marple 0-24 Orrell. My MoM was Kyle Herbert.