Birkenhead Park come up short

Well this is getting to be a habit now. More rain, more mud and poor playing conditions. The Mavericks welcomed Birkenhead Park to Malone Field for what promised to be a heated encounter, and the heat on the pitch was the only warmth felt as the gaffer and associated alacadoos suffered on the touch line. It was refreshing to see so many braving the weather to support the Mavs despite the torrential rain from on high so thanks to all concerned.
The game started with The Mavericks playing towards the clubhouse with the wind at their backs hoping to secure points advantage in the first half, however the big ‘taxiing’ pack from Parks had other ideas and within the first ten minutes had lumbered their way over the Mavericks whitewash to secure a 5-0 advantage. The weather at this stage was not conducive to successful kicking and the conversion was duly missed. 5-0 it stayed for the next 15 minutes until a neatly worked back move finished off by a perfectly timed line break by Ollie Loveday saw the first points secured for The Mavericks and the score clicked over at 5-5. The Mavs continued to play to the conditions attacked and defended with equal tenacity and after another ten minutes and relentless forward pressure Tyler Brookes steamrollered the Birkenhead Park pack to drive over from close range. 10-5
Park returned with a vengeance and played some hard confrontational and physically charged rugby but the Anselmians pack soaked up the pressure and the half time whistle blew with the score in favour of The Mavs.
Second half started as the first half ended with Park battering the Maverick forwards and the Mavs taking it all in their stride. This pressure from Park led to another forward try and the score was all even at 10-10.
It was about ten minutes into the second half when the tide turned and due to the Mavericks relentless pressure Park started giving penalties away which put us in the driving seat. About 15 metres out and a quick tap penalty a rapid step and a head down drive and Chris Wellls went over for The Mavericks third try 15-10. The final try went to the ever alert Olive Loveday who’s constant line speed attacking, defensive hits and illusive running piled the pressure on a scrambling Park defence and the ball was pounced upon over the try line, the final score of 20-10 to The Mavs was a fair reflection of the game and well deserved by everyone who played.
This weeks Man of the Match goes to Ollie Loveday, not only for his performance but on the effect he had on the opposition. The timing of both his tries hit Park at the perfect time, first half made Park stop and think this isn’t going to be as easy as they first thought and second half put the nail in the coffin to secure clear air between us and then . Well done Ollie.
Noticeable mentions firstly to Nairn who was an unused substitute, it’s always difficult for me when making decisions on substitutions and I had a long chat with Nairn and explained the reasons for my decision. Thanks for turning out Nairn it was very much appreciated. Other noticeable performances include the back row trio of Chris Wells, Ben Evans and Andy Smith who stepped into an unfamiliar position at short notice. A great performance from all three in very difficult and hostile conditions. The back line in its entirety where on fire and in any other conditions would’ve torn the opposition apart.
Thanks again guys for another fantastic, committed and strong performance it was great to watch (even in the torrents that seem to follow is around).

Semper a Mavericus, Semel a Mavericus

The Gaffer