Ormskirk pushing Wigan all the way for title glory
ANOTHER efficient and strong performance saw Ormskirk inflict an eight try to one defeat over a game visiting Bury team at Green Lane last Saturday.
The bonus five point win keeps them one point behind league leaders Wigan who themselves had a similar convincing victory over Ashtonunder-Lyne.
As with their previous game at North Manchester, Ormskirk were slow starters, allowing the visitors plenty of early possession and territory which tested their own defensive qualities and resolve.
Most of this early play saw the ball in the hands of the Bury forwards with their number eight being particularly robust and eager going forward.
Ormskirk were happy to contain the Bury forages and looked to force quick turnovers at the breakdown to enable speedy counter attacking play.
They looked to have scored from one such counter attack following a turnover in midfield but winger Alan Sinnaman had his foot in touch as he put the ball down in the corner.
Ormskirk had now found their attacking mojo and used any penalty opportunity given to take the ball on quickly as the opposition retreated.
Penalised ten metres out for hands in the ruck, Bury were slow to organise themselves as the ball was again taken quickly through the forwards before reaching lock forward Aaron Ferry to crash over for the opening score.
Converted well from out wide, Matt White looked to have his kicking boots on as he increased the lead to 7-0.
The Bury forward’s bustling runs were being ably contained, good tackling stopping any significant ground being gained.
Number eight Lee Arrowsmith picked up at the back of a scrum and, going on his trademark run, rode the tackles of the opposition to set the ball moving.
Speedy ball from a ruck reached fly half Kieran Beswick, who, showing two outrageous dummies, waltzed in for a score which Matt White cleanly converted. A half time score of 14-0 to Ormskirk but the home spectators thought it should have been more and were critical of quite a bit of poor handling which had prevented further scores, keeping Bury in the game. The home side upped their game after the restart and their strength in the tackle and at the breakdown began to bring rewards. A strong tackle by Lee Arrowsmith on his opposite number eight dislodged the ball which he gathered up and attacked up to ten metres out where he was brought to ground. Winning the ball at the ruck, Bury tried to relieve the pressure with a kick to touch but the poor kick only found the hands of Alan Sinnaman who ran it straight back at them. Bury, although managing to bring him to ground, were penalised at the ruck allowing fullback Liam Thompson to take the tap and go in under the posts unopposed.
Wanting the fourth try bonus point, the home side attacked straight from the restart with Lee Arrowsmith once again leading the charge.
Receiving the offload ball centre Jake Hodson made further ground before Jake Kinrade crossed for 26-0 and a bonus point try.
The game was not done and dusted as far as Bury were concerned, rolling up the field through their forwards and, helped by some innocuous play and unnecessary penalties from Ormskirk, they had an attacking lineout well inside the home 22.
A good catch set up the maul which drove towards the line and, as the Ormskirk defenders fractured off, the ball was popped up on the blindside resulting in a score at the corner.
This stung Ormskirk back into action, turning over the ball immediately from the restart they attacked the Bury line through both forwards and backs, the resulting pressure brought a penalty from the visitors which allowed Liam Thompson a Deja vu moment as he once again took the quick tap and scored under the posts, 33-5 following Matt White’s conversion.
Ormskirk were now well on top and the remaining 15 minutes saw a beleaguered Bury defence ship three more tries.
Liam Thompson collected his third from another similar position converted by Mike Knowles, the seventh after good harassing forced a turnover at a breakdown which Kieran Beswick kicked ahead for Alex Gaughan to touch down in the corner.
The final try was probably the best of the afternoon as both forwards and backs combined to feed a break downfield for Jake Hodson.
Recycled ball was then moved down the line to find forward Tom Travis on the left wing, taken on before being switched inside to Lee Arrowsmith who popped it up for prop forward Tom Hudson to go over unopposed under the sticks.
Mike Knowles added the final points to a competent 52-5 win as the final whistle blew.
With three league games remaining it is still nip and tuck as to who will clinch the league title, Ormskirk being in prime position to step up if Wigan falter.
Next week sees Ormskirk at home at Green Lane to Clitheroe, kick off 3pm.