Waterloo fall at the last in close game
FIRWOOD Waterloo made the short journey over the Mersey, losing 31-21 in a tightly-fought contest at Birkenhead Park.
The visitors started the match much the brighter of the two sides showing a willingness to run the ball on a benign autumn afternoon. The boys spent most of the first 25 minutes camped in Park’s half and were rewarded with the first score, a penalty scored by Daragh O’Brien.
After Park levelled, the Irishman set off on a dazzling run of some 50 metres from deep in his own half. This enabled the forwards to find space and release would-be centre, captain Jack Weare to score, O’Brien himself adding the extras.
As the game progressed the Park forwards gained in dominance to give a platform for the backs to equalise before half time with a well-worked try.
At the restart the visitors renewed their intent to play a running game, taking the lead with a try in the corner from Jonny Roberts. When in possession of the ball the Firwood Waterloo backs posed real threats to the home defence, notably through the determined efforts of Sean Colebourne who found gaps in midfield.
Waterloo’s score brought a quick response from Birkenhead Park who took the lead for the first time in the game with a converted try.
As a nod to the running of his teammates in the backs, an audacious sidestep from tight head prop Kurt Riley moved play deeper into Park’s half, the home side eventually conceding a penalty for Waterloo to take a one-point lead.
From then on, the home side took control at a crucial stage of the game collecting their restart kick to score an excellent try through their well-organised forwards.
Their bonus-point try also came from sustained forward pressure in the visitors’ 22.
Waterloo coach Stuart Turner, whilst disappointed with the result, commented: “We played so well for 60 minutes but we know what Park are good at – getting field position and keeping the ball.”
He added: “We missed a few opportunities to score in the first half with some good breaks, but there is more to come from this side.”
In reflecting on the progress of his squad since the start of the season, Turner said: “We have done well given that we have played strong teams away, but we will have home advantage when they visit us.”
Next week Firwood Waterloo are at home against Burnage, kick off 3pm as the exciting finale to a Family Day.
It begins with the televised England v France clash and is followed by Waterloo’s under 10s playing Southport at noon.
Firwood Waterloo have announced a fun-filled family day on Saturday, (October 12) called RugbyFest
With the Rugby World Cup in full swing the club is offering an exciting day of events for all the family. There will be: England v France on the big screen, kick-off at 9.15am with the bar open and food available from 8.15am (telephone Raychel Strefford to book in advance on 0151 924 4552)
Firwood Waterloo Under 10s v Southport Under 10s, kick off at noon – a great local derby
A pre-match WOPS lunch from 1pm (again, pre-booking needed)
Men’s First XV v Burnage, kick off at 3pm. And in between there will be face painting, competitions, a raffle and an ice cream van.
The club would particularly like to welcome those who have played the game at some stage in the past and just need a nudge to return.
They run three men’s teams, two women’s teams plus mini and junior teams from under 7 to under 18.
Entrance is free until 2pm when the turnstiles will operate – £5 for adults, £3 for over 65s, U18s free.
Club chairman Dominic Mackenzie said: “As a community based rugby club we are delighted to hold a family day and to showcase the wonderful game of rugby.”
Questions about the event should be directed to Raychel Strefford, Events and Commercial manager, on 0151 924 4552 or email her at events@waterloorugby.com