Hoppers hopping mad
to the pitch.
It seemed to matter not when soon after Danny Banks broke the defensive line twice.
The first was disallowed for crossing but the second under the posts did count with Mann this time adding the extras.
At 19-3 Southport were easing to the break and a renewed assault in the second half. However, the plot completely changed in the last play when the way team breached a slumbering defence and added the conversion.
At 19-10 the second half now became another story.
And it was not a pretty one as Southport struggled to reassert themselves and Collegiate sniffed blood. If they could have got the next score it may have proved crucial to the outcome of the game.
However stout Southport defending kept them at bay, and as in the first half as the game wore on the home side looked the more likely but just couldn’t apply the text book finish.
That was until, to neatly bookend the first minute, Dan Cresswell penned the last lines to power over in the far corner with Mann converting. On paper a win and five points to move up the table is a good read. In reality Southport made hard work of it so plenty to work on if they are to get anything out of the game at second to bottom Hoylake on Saturday.
But there is plenty of ink in the pot and a heathy spirit to build on including a quiet but encouraging home debut performance from newcomer Dominic Allen at second row who will come more to the fore as he finds his feet. Man of the match though was the redoubtable Jack Parker at inside centre. BY GRAHAM WHITE
Saturday saw Brian Henry’s charges once again head down the M57 to take on the strong arm of the law.
Boosted by a good result the previous week and the return of Lawrence Abood at 9, confidence was high Abood electing to play, having only returned to the country hours before.
Also making their season debuts were second row Nick Henthorn and father and son duo Shane and Mathew Cook.
This being Mathew’s first senior game.
Unfortunately, once the match kicked off, all Southport’s hopes and expectations were quickly dashed.
Southport starting the game poorly, finding themselves three tries down within the first 15 minutes, some sloppy play and mistakes, pounced upon early by Merseyside’s excellent 9 who was brilliant throughout the whole game.
It was late in the first half when Southport finally got on the score sheet, some great running by Luke Monaghan, saw him dodge past hapless defenders to score under the post from 30 metres out.
More errors from the visitors cost them dearly as the home side scored another two tries before the half.
Things had to improve for Southport in the second half, and they did.
A great kick off from Dave Helmsley meant the same player recovered the ball from the restart and Southport took advantage immediately.
Some great forward play meant the ball was played to the backs, the ball passed quickly through hands for Mathew Cook to score his first senior try in the corner.
The visitors’ joy was short lived however, as from a breakdown at a ruck the home team’s 9 dummied brilliantly and played an exquisite pass for the inside centre to score under the posts.
Southport responded immediately, with young Cook again scoring in the corner after some excellent play from the backs.
Unfortunately this would be his last major action of the game as a shoulder injury forced him to retire.
A great debut performance from the youngster.
This did not deter Southport as shortly after, Graham Whyte scored on the blindside after some good work from the forwards.
Lewis Johnson can count himself unlucky shortly after, as he crashed over for what looked a certain try, only for the referee to rule that he’d been held up.
This spurred him on as minutes later he scored from a near identical piece of play.
Much better from the visitors. One more try for the hosts finished the scoring at 47-27.
Again a much better second half performance by Southport.
Great to see the younger lads improving each week.