Those that were there when these teams last met at “the battle of the Clay” looked forward to the match with an appetite to match Big Sean’s at Fletchers wedding feast!

Despite a short sharp shower before kick off the teams entered the paddock to bright sunshine, a slight breeze and the applause of the waiting crowd.

Bowdon received from the kickoff with their backs to the clubhouse and immediately failed to keep hold of the ball as young hooker Hines on his return to first team action allowed his nerves to get the better of him.

Early exchanges saw Orrell strong at the ball on the ground with some energetic rucking and quick release as they tried to move their backline. Bowdon competed well but were a little lacking in shape in the forwards as the rearranged pack searched for some cohesion. Armstrong at ten kicked to space well returning the pressure to the opposition. The Bowdon midfield coped well whenever Orrell probed this area, with Stephane, Setta and Armstrong tackling swiftly and precisely. Gomulko, who improves with every game, carried the ball well as did Calveley and Davis. It was from such a run from Gomulko that a penalty was awarded as Orrrell went over the top at a ruck. Armstrong converted the opening 3 points of the match 10 minutes in. Orrell continued on the offence out muscling their opposition on many occasions. However slowly but surely the work rate of the Bowdon forwards coupled with the guile and invention of Armstrong, Setta and Stephane began to assert Bowdon dominance. Calvevley was unlucky not to score after good work by himself and the rampaging Landman and Baldwin but it was the precocious wing Bau who scored the first try of the match as he burst down the right’ pouncing, like a panther surrounded by snakes, after an opposition handling error presented the opportunity. [8 – 0]

Despite losing the ball in contact on a few too many occasions the Bowdon forwards began to gel and the backs constantly threatened. However, the score in the remainder of the half was increased by 2 penalties alone as the teams turned around for the second half 14 – 0 to Bowdon.

From the restart Bowdon increased their tempo and were awarded a number of early penalties which were used for field position and even more pressure upon the visitors. Flowing work from Staphane and Gare in the backs lead to a forward drive near the Orrell line and a cheeky try form the artful dodger Hines. [I’m Back!]
Armstrong converted 21 – 0.

12 minutes into the second half and Gomulko left the field to be replaced by Lamb.

Orrell responded to the situation well and moved menacingly up field as Bowdon reorganised. A scrum and a drive created a hole in the Bowdon backs that the Orrell centres seized upon completely out manoeuvring the static Bowdon defense.
21 – 7.

Within a minute of the restart Bowdon’s reply was devastating as Armstrong showed the ball, passed to Stephane who in turn moved the ball with immaculate accuracy to fullback Ryan – Clarke coming into the line to finish the move with a try. 26 – 7

As the home side grew in belief and dominance they couldn’t totally stifle this impressively determined Orrell side and let in another try on the Bowdon left as they were done for pace. 26 – 14.

Chasing the bonus points some inspirational handling down the Bowdon backline was only thwarted by some desperate tackling from the Anvils but finally the walls were breached by Captain Blackwell who scored on the right following some good forward work. This ensured the victory and the bonus point for Bowdon before the tricky trip to Ormskirk next weekend.

This was a very entertaining encounter both sides playing some good rugby in the spirit of the game and refereed well by Mr Singer who had no recourse to his coloured cards.

Man of the match –

some good performances particularly from Staphane, Gare, Ryan Clark and Collinge but this week it goes to an awesome performance, about time though, Callum Baldwin.

Personal performance scores to follow -: