04/02/24
Bury U15 v Orrell U15
Quarter final
FT: 3-19
Unfit pitches at Orrell meant this weeks U15's quarter-final clash was reversed to Bury. The first half was attritional, forward dominated, and defensive, and set the tone for a closely contested battle. The wind in Orrell's face didn't help, nor did penalties for high tackles which led to Bury securing a penalty kick and put the first 3 points on the board. Orrell managed to keep Bury out with impressive defence; and then finally a try from Mason just before the half time whistle was exactly the boost Orrell needed, although challenging wind conditions thwarted the conversion, leaving the halftime score at 3-5.
The second half witnessed a surge in tempo and intensity from both teams. Seb's try, skilfully converted by Joe, set the tone. Orrell continued their momentum with a remarkable team effort, initiated by Mason at the ruck. Seb's impressive 40-yard run, involving slick passes to Harrison and finally Will B for a try under the sticks, was flawlessly converted by Joe.
In the last 10 minutes Bury were camped in Orrell's 22, and looked like they were set to make a come-back, but Seb made a fantastic try saving tackle which then led to repeated penalties for high tackles on the line but Orrell managed to keep Bury out.
As the final whistle blew, Orrell emerged victorious in a hard fought 19-3 win, securing their spot in the semi-finals. The score line doesn't reflect the nature of a the match where Orrell were under pressure for sustained periods but their defence was impressive.
Man of the match deservedly went to Shay for being a constant thorn in Bury's side; great tackling, running, and scrummaging, Well done Shay!
Tries: Mason, Seb, Will B
Conversions: Joe (2)
MoM: Shay