Onward & Upwards

Match Report Mavericks v Crosby St. Marys 12/10/13 at Malone Field. Prepared by Gordon Rodgers

The Mavericks went into the encounter full of confidence after a physical win the previous week. Fielding a very close to, if not full strength side and welcoming the return of Jack Woolley the Mavericks started the game with a bang. After a lot of hard work in defense by the forwards and winning a penalty, stand in skipper Gordon Rodger kicked for touch. Then one of most bizarre moments of the season occurred. The winger from Crosby attempted to keep the ball in and instead knocked it down into James Shallcross' hands, 22m out, to provide the Mav's the first and some what fortunate score of the day.

Try machine Willo, who was looking green around the gills, scored an excellent turnover ball try in the corner after excellent work in the ruck and slick handling. Andy Smith saw himself on the scoresheet again after barging through 5m out.

Unfortunately some lazy play led to a number of dropped balls in scoring opportunities and a couple of costly penalties led to the Mavericks line was broken to pull the score to 19-7. A somewhat undeserving score.

Another regular scorer Neil Brookes, who had a very good game deservedly scored after winning much of the turnovers throughout the game. After some more hard work by the forwards, led by Chris 'Wendell ', and Steve 'Psycho' Williams shouting spree after another missed scoring opportunity came a somewhat selfish score by Gordon Rodger. After the forwards won the scrum against the head, Gordon took the ball 5-10m out and shrugged off 2 tackles to reach for the line for the try.

At half time a short sharp discussion led by the stand in skipper who was Educating Eastham led to a fired up Mavericks.

The sloppy mistakes quickly vanished and the Mavericks took command. More bullish work by Andy Barker, Craig Brookes, Wendell, Dan Jenner & Dom Woolley led to another Mavericks try for Pack Leader Wendell. Rumour has it that it was a stampede from 50m but it was more like 10!

Andy Smith changed his game style and fuelled Lee and Del, who Yes played well, through some expertly weighted passes. Unfortunately it did lead to a slightly fortunate Crosby score. This did not stop the Mavericks who pilled on further pressure and through a Crosby mistake and expert off-loading by Neil Brookes led to Jack sniping himself over for a try.

The Mavericks continued stomp on the jugular of Crosby. Another well worked score by Neil Brookes kept the score ticking over. Tim decided to stop shopping and join the cause for a moment of glory shrugging off tackles and using his pace to find his way through for the try. After another fine win of a scrum against the head led to well finished try by James after a perfectly timed pass by Gordon for him to run in towards the posts. Although the dive resembled a dying fish bouncing on river bank.

And even after Dan Jenner laying his body on the line Crosby still crossed for one more try. It led to a comprehensive win of 60-19, which should have been more if Gordon could kick more than 50%! Stand in Skipper maintained his 100% winning recordand will continue to Educate Eastham . The win takes the Mavericks up to 4th and on the road to Hoylake next week where the good form should aim to be continued.

Just a few special mentions, Jed who kindly helped Crosby out, although he was their best player. Damian who had a very good game with the whistle. Scott who looked destined to score but the sniper got him 5m out. Nas for his 10 minutes before his leg went and Plum who made his first appearance of the season.

Try scores: James 2, Andy Smith, Luke (Willo), Neil Brookes, Gordon Rodger 1 T & 5C, Tim Wooward,Jack Wooley, Chris Wendell Davies,