Waterloo win the battle eventually
BY PETE CURETON
THE North 1 West league continues to serve up close and exciting games for supporters.
Last Saturday’s game between Firwood Waterloo and Altrincham Kersal was no exception with the Merseysiders coming away with a 16-12 win.
A tightly fought contest in the first half produced a try for both sides.
Joe Bowmer crossed the line for Firwood Waterloo and their earlier penalty kicked by George Perry gave them a slender half time 8-7 lead.
Loo started the game in their second strip and by the end of the first half their shirts were indistinguishable from their opponents.
The wet and muddy pitch (not helped with the earlier Women’s match) took its toll. They played the second period in full club colours of myrtle, scarlet and white.
The change of strip did not initially help the hosts as the visitors found space to score a try following good mauling work by their powerful forwards to take the lead which they held deep into the game.
Firwood Waterloo responded by camping deep in Altrincham’s half but their excellent defence held firm.
Successive phases of play severely tested their defence forcing them to concede a number of penalties.
Spurning chances to kick the penalties, Loo persisted with their pressing game.
The magnificent Kurt Riley time and again found space to punch holes in midfield and gain vital metres.
To the concern of the vocal home crowd who believed that fewer than two minutes of the match remained, Alex Ward opted to kick when another penalty was awarded. After the match he confirmed that the referee had said there were seven minutes left.
His score still left a deficit of one point.
From the restart Firwood Waterloo renewed their efforts with great patience and were rewarded with a try by Chris Cunningham who received the ball from the ubiquitous Riley.
They retook the lead and saw out the game as the visitors continued to infringe in their endeavours to score.
After the match, centre Sean Colebourne commented: “It was good that we were able to grind out a victory.
“We can be more clinical and we’re looking forward to the games in the run up to Christmas.”
Coach Stuart Turner added: “I was pleased with the mental toughness of the squad.
“They showed great game management in taking the final penalty knowing that they were in the ascendancy.
“They still had plenty of time to take the win”.
He particularly commended Dom Coe at full back and Luke Clifford, freshly returned from Japan and playing out of his normal position on the wing.
Next week, Firwood Waterloo have a rest week before returning to action the short distance at Warrington who have yet to register a victory this term.
BOOTLE manager Joe Doran could be forced to bolster his attacking options after losing two forwards in two days.
Fan favourite Ryan Cox was first to depart to the Berry Street Garage Stadium on Tuesday night, with the former Runcorn Linnets man signing for Vauxhall Motors in the first division.
Cox first joined Bootle in the summer of 2016 before leaving the club two years later after scoring 73 goals in 103 appearances.
But following a short spell with Runcorn Town, Cox rejoined the Bucks last season and went on to score another 12 times.
Then, just 48 hours later, Chad Whyte departed for Ashton Town.
Whyte only joined the Bucks in the summer from Burscough and scored just once in 10 appearances.
The Visiter understands Doran is open to bringing in a new addition to strengthen his forward line and that the duo’s departure was nothing personal but simply tactical.
Doran’s side were without a game on Saturday after their fixture fell foul of the weather and are also without a game this weekend.
Bootle return to action against Rylands in the Liverpool Senior Cup on Wednesday, November 6, with the game kicking off at 7:45pm at the Berry Street Garage Stadium.