Lancashire/Cheshire 1 Season 2019/20

On a hot sunny day at the DR1VE Medicals Arena, Orrell RUFC welcome Congleton RUFC to St John Rigby College for the opening game of the new season. With Orrell at full strength and Congleton eyeing up a upset, the scene was set for a great game of rugby.

Orrell took the game to Congleton from the kick off and had two early opportunities to put points on the score board from the boot. Skipper Dan Huxley chose to run the ball and kick to touch to set-up a line-out opportunity. Orrell lose the line out and Congleton clear.

With 16’ on the clock and both teams looking at the referee to stop play, quick thinking from Skipper Dan Huxley picks up the lose ball and runs clear to score under the posts. Try given and conversion kicked by James Ratcliffe, Orrell lead 7-0. Josh Grant replaces Steve Ormisher after a shoulder injury. 29' another substitution Kieran Herbert for Adam Worley.

Congleton finish the half the stronger side and score on 36' try & with the conversion game is tied at 7-7. More pressing from Congleton have Orrell on the back foot and 44’ referee awards Congleton a penalty for offside which is kicked and half time score sees Congleton lead 7-10.

Half time at the Dr1ve Medicals Arena Orrell 7 Congleton 10

2nd half under way and from a knock on by Orrell, Congleton press Orrell’s defence and with penalty given Congleton extend lead 7-13. Orrell forwards re-grouped and took took on the Congleton pack and were rewarded on 50’ with a Andy Kelly try and conversion took Orrell to within 1 point, score 12-13. 51' Max Huxley comes on for his first game of the new season substitution Max Huxley for Josh Grant
, 60' penalty visitors extend lead to 12-16.

Orrell ramp up line speed and up pressure on Congleton who struggle to keep pace with Orrell. 62' Jack Granby scores and conversion by James Ratcliffe 19-16 to Orrell. Congleton have no answer to Orrell’s tenacity on 66’ James Ratcliffe score & conversion extends Orrells lead and the contest seems to be over with score 26-16.

Congleton regather troops and score on 70’ with a fine try & conversion score 26-23. Orrell reply virtually immediately from the kick-off and Jack Granby try secures victory with scoreline Orrell 31-23 Congleton. A great game from both teams and we look forward to the return match at Congleton at the end of season.

Full time at the Dr1ve Medicals Arena Orrell 31 Congleton 23.

My MoM for ORRELL was Jack Granby superb in the loose and two tries from the game.

John Huyton.