Garstang 17 Orrell 24

After a close game at the DR1VE Medicals Arena at the start of the season, Orrell expected a tough game against Garstang RUFC.

Chris Brand started and Harry Atkinson would make his Orrell debut as a late replacement for Dan Huxley.

With both teams attacking hard in the opening quarter of the game, it was Orrell who took the early lead as a great set move allowed winger, Matt Stott, to crash over for his first of two tries and put the visitors in front.

The visiting side wasted no time in doubling their lead, as four minutes later back-row forward, Wilbur Harris, gave a sublime dummy to finish off some good handling from the forwards.

The end of the first half saw the home side hit back, quick reactions from Garstang following an Orrell mistake brought them to within a try of the amber and blacks. However, a great try saving tackle from Matt Stott was the difference to the teams going into half time level and Garstang having to settle for a penalty.
It was apparent that the two sides were going to be locked in an arm wrestle for the entire game, but it was the away side who got the first points in the second, as James Ratcliffe pushed Orrell’s lead back out to seven with a penalty on the hour mark.

With Kieran Herbert starting to dictate play Orrell finally broke a strong Garstang defence and Matthew Stott scoried his second try. Ratcliffe’s conversion meant he was 100% from the tee kicking four goals.

With time almost up the home side added a late try but it was too late to stop Orrell securing the win, but it allowed to home-side to pick up a losing bonus point.

The victory means Orrell continue their unbeaten run pushing them to nine wins from nine games.

Orrell Rugby Union – 24 (14)

Tries - M Stott (20, 72), Harris (24)
Goal(s) – Ratcliffe (3C, 1P)

Team: H Atkinson, C Brand, L Davies, B Garner, J Granby, J Grant, T Halsall, W Harris, Ki Herbert, Ky Herbert, M Huxley, M Johnson, C Owen, J Ratcliffe, A Stott, M Stott, A Worley.

Garstang RUFC – 17 (10)

Tries – (34, 79)
Goals – 3

MoM – there were some fine performances from Max Huxley and debutant Harry Atkinson, but this week’s award goes to Matthew Stott for his two tries and try saving tackle.

The next game for the Amber and Blacks is 2:15pm on Saturday 30 November as they welcome Cockermouth RUFC from Cumbria to the DR1VE Medicals Arena at St John Rigby College KO. This game is the first pool match in RFU Vase Competition which leads to the final held at Twickenham in the 2020.