Wirral 27 - Mavericks 10

Any game against our friends from Junction 4 will be challenging highly competitive and potentially rewarding and how close we came to an outcome to continue the work of Andy Smith from the 16/17 season when we won both home and away.
A strong squad was assembled by the Gaffer who produced a squad of 20 players. Covering a very broad range of skills, abilities and ages.
Wirral has a full side with subs so it promises to be an eventful occasion. Let the games begin!
The first half was all Wirral with a strong onslaught with an even strong Maverick defence. Wirral kept hitting us with their strong running back row and their pack provided a stern test for the Maverick 8. Despite all they through at us The Wirral pack could not break our line through the middle of the park.
Don’t get me wrong The Wirral team were well drilled and performed well and their four tries all came in the first half and all cane from well executed moves through the backs with scores coming as a result of ‘going round the outside’.
A dogged performance in defence on the first half inevitable took its toll with both Andy Barker and Del Alderson going off injured. As a result of these injuries the Gaffer had to use the bench slightly earlier than expected. Christian moves into the second row with Charlie coming in to allow Dion in at full back.
The second half started with some strong attacking play by The Mavs and those on the touchline could see a change in the tide in relation to how The Mavs were approaching the game. Ball in hand The Mavs started to soak up pressure and return on the attack. It wasn’t long until the lightning pace of Martyn Brown out wide paid dividends with a superbly taken try in the corner following a break from near the half way point.
The Mavericks now appeared with new vigour and confidence and started to pressurise Wirral from all points. A quick penalty taken from the exact spot for Nev Pickard and he was through unopposed to the try line only to be called back inexplicably by the ref for a re-take. A knock on by Graham when on the try line again passed up the try scoring opportunities. It was clear to see that The Mavericks had the potential to get over the whitewash and put more points in the board. The defence still stood strong and there where no further tries by Wirral, however, Neil Brookes has not finished and a quick tap and go from 15 yards and the little sniper was over.
Final score 27-10 to Wirral and small victories to The Mavs during the game. It certainly was a game of two halves with Wirral claiming the first and The Mavericks claiming the second.
A great game of rugby played in the right spirit.
A tough game next week against table toppers Christleton promises to be an exciting affair.
Players of note this week were Martyn Brown and Tom Redfearn who both provide a real impetus to the team whenever they play.Christian who put an excellent shift in when dropped unexpectedly into the second row. Another great game from Dion especially with his fearless attacking runs into the opposition line.
But this weeks man of the match goes to Gordon Rogers who (in conjunction with Neil Brookes) orchestrated the back line and connected well with the pack to keep the team moving forward . Strong in defence and good in attack a great individual performance .
A tough fixture next week against table ripping Christleton although early indication appear that we will struggle for a full team.
Thanks again for your performances this week.

Semel a Mavericus, Semper A Mavericus