Match Report by Fred Swarbrick:

The Bowness Bay Brewers Ltd. Division 3 North in The Halbro North West Leagues

Joe Harrison
Brett Cooper
Glen Summers (Skipper)
Shaun Stewart
Stu Middlehurst
Jack Speight
Josh Sloan Lewis
Shannon Morgan
Ben Simms
Ollie Cousins
Ben Wallace
Matti Short
Connor Hall
Dave Penrice
Kaine Winder
Jack Fisher

Dave “Robbo” Robinson The following played for the Orrell side :- Koran Banga – Tom Greaves – Harry Fretwell – E.T. Macky – Martin Pye – Rob Richardson. ( Dave Robinson played for both)

“The Orrell spirit never dies.”. They arrived at the Vale with only 10 players and a manager. On the day the Vale side had numbers of players and as above a number were willing to turn out for the Orrell side and the game commenced with 15 a side. At all times our Referee for the day Aaron Goodlad was updated with the situation. See above the lads who played for Orrell.

From the start of the game it was obvious that the vast experience of the Vale side would be enough to produce a victory. The Orrell side were indeed a youthful team and the vast experience and ability of the Vale XV would tell on the Orrell side as the game progressed. The “off field” enthusiasm of Scottie and manager Paul (Paulie) Peters never ceases and the lads react to this source of encouragement.

The game kicked off, and immediately the physicality of the Vale XV was to be seen as Joe Harrison burst through the Orrell defence to score, this after only 3 minutes. Ollie Cousens was to convert – he was to enjoy an outstanding game at fly half – A natural player is Ollie !!

Glen Summers as Skipper was encouraging at all times being the senior member of the side. With the front row of Glen - himself, Brett Cooper and Joe Harrison the Orrell 8 were in for a torrid time. Brett Cooper followed Joe Harrisons try with a 5 pointer, Brett is an integral part of the 15.

Behind this dominant front row, Stu Middlehurst and Shaun Stuart were locking the scrum, providing a solid controlled scrummage for scrum half Ben Simms to “do his stuff”. One break from Shaun S. in the 2nd half produced a burst of pace we’d never seen before. The back row of Jack Speight, Josh Sloan Lewis and the indomitable Shannon Morgan were causing mayhem in the Orrell side driving continually into the Orrell defence. Shannon of course has the natural ability to beat would be defenders before the link to his support. He never takes a step backwards…

The game was moving on and after a strong drive by Stu Middlehurst the link was made to winger Ben Wallace who crossed for a try. This followed by a break by Ollie C. linking up with Matti Short to score a try after some controlled play, with Ollie adding the 2 points. The side were sharing the scoring opportunities and Connor Hall was to cross for a five pointer. Connor improves every game of course he has examples to follow in Liam and Callum both excellent players in their own right.

At this stage the Vale were clearly on top but a break through the middle by possibly Orrell’s best player linked up with Dave Robinson (a loanee) to score wide out. 5 points to Orrell. Later of course after switching back to Vale Dave was going to score for his own side. (Is this a record ?)

The game was moving on but the Orrell side were under pressure at all times, the Vale XV were, and are, a strong experienced side, now moving up to 3rd place in the League. Wingers Ben Wallace and Dave Penrice weren’t seeing a lot of the ball but of course Ben enough to cross for his try. At fullback Kaine Winder was enjoying a barn storming game with some powerful swerving runs into the heart of the Orrell defence.

The Vale XV were in command and Joe Harrison was to cross for another try using his immense strength before actually crossing for a fourth try. He had a fifth on hand and your scribe had his name down but taking his eye off the game it was big Glen Summers celebrating the score. Joe had popped the ball up to him in support.

A try for the Skipper and deservedly so !!! As above the Vale side now move into 3rd place in this competitive League. The Fylde Vandals XV are at the Vale in December, unbeaten at the present time so, all hands on deck that day lads.

Now there is a break of two weeks to allow knocks and strains to recover before the most difficult month of December. A number of lads deserve the accolade of M.O.M. but really a player who scores 4 tries must deserve the award so step forward Joe Harrison you are the Man of the Match…