Mavericks 12 - 29 Ellesmere Port

Mavericks 12 - 29 Ellesmere Port – Saturday 20th October 2012

The winning streak comes to an end – but is this just a blip in the Mavericks season?

It is with a heavy heart, I report that the 6th game of the season saw the Mavericks suffer their first defeat, at the hands of Ellesmere Port 2’s.
With 11 regular players missing, it was a very different side that took to the field in this local derby.
Even in the warm-up, it was evident that the Mav’s did not have their minds on the game, and from the first whistle this proved to be the case. With early pressure, Port took advantage of the offside, & kicked a penalty. After some poor missed tackles, Port further extended their lead to 0-10 with a converted try. This put the Mavericks onto the back-foot, where they remained for the rest of the game
In a first half dogged by poor decisions, and poor execution, the Mavericks could not turn pressure into points. The scrum & line-out were dominant from the outset, but this was not used to its’ full extent, until 25 minutes into the half. A series of scrums on the Port 5 metre line, in which Mavericks drove over the Port line twice, eventually lead to a penalty try, converted by Matt Moscrop. At 7-10, you would think that the Mav’s were back in the game, but unfortunately Port went on to score another try before half-time.
Half-time score 7-17.
A very stern half-time talk from Captain Tim, saw a rejuvenated Mavericks continue to exert pressure on Ellesmere Port. Great forward pressure, and excellent backs tackling, keeping Port at bay for a considerable time. As the second half wore on Port tempers frayed, resulting in several penalties & altercations, which allowed the Mavericks to edge closer to Port’s line. After a penetrating run by Nev Pickard, which broke the line, a ruck was formed 2 yards out. This allowed Steve Williams to break off & sneak another try to the right of the posts. Conversion missed, the scoreline 12-17.
Ellesmere Port then had 10 minutes of their own pressure, creating an overlap & using extra numbers to run in 2 further tries before the final whistle.
With a scoreline of 12-29, you would think that the performance of the Mavericks was not good, but this game was against a well drilled Port side.
What they can take from this game is that, despite a poor start they can come into their own, despite provocation they can hold their own, and despite their first defeat they will endeavour to be back to winning ways next week.
Notable performances: Luke Williams in the line-out, Phil McGunigall at centre & scrum half, Nev Pickard playing with a cracked rib!
Score sheet this week: Penalty try, Steve Williams, Matt Moscrop (Conv).
Thanks to Ellesmere Port for the game, & thank you to Martin Roden for officiating the game.