Keeping the Welsh out would be good enough this week.

For the second game of the season both Wirral and Chester had suffered a close defeat in game one and were looking to make amends. Matches played at the amphitheatre that is the Hare Lane ground are always a gladiatorial contest.

Indeed, the Cestrians were ready and waiting, rippling with anticipation of the forthcoming battle under their body armour and leather-like head gear; only missing a shield, trident or mace. The sun beat down on the dry earth as the crowd gathered to see the spectacle of a immense physical confrontation that was to take place very, very soon. The atmosphere was electric.

Well.....it would have been....but the Wirral boys chose to fart-about in the changing room until just before kick off, showing each other inappropriate material on snapchat, wiping bogeys on each other's legs and listening to Bruno Marrs. When they did bother to come to the pitch/arena, we informed them that they were very naughty boys. One word from us....and you know the rest.

Anyway, with a number of players out due to rotation, unavailability or injury, we made some last minute line-up changes and prepared for the off. As is usually the case, the early exchanges seemed very even, each side vying for dominance. After the immense tempo of the Ruthin pack last week, Wirral knew that they would have to up the intensity this week to get the better of the Chester forwards.

After retaining possession for a number of phases, Wirral seized their chance and Joe made a break through a gap and ran all the way to the line to score. Building on this forwards momentum, Wirral continued to put phases together, despite tough opposition from Chester and their own indiscipline at times. Their efforts were rewarded when Donny went over at short range to make the score 0-10.

But Chester responded to the challenge with well-placed kicks and their own strong pack affording them a break and score from the 22. With minutes of the half left, Wirral turned the tables once more and Jack ran one in making the half time score 5-15.

At half time Wirral made some changes and very shortly we were of again. It's this bit where things get a bit hazy about what happened exactly when but Chester scored two more good tries, one of which was converted and Wirral tries came from Jack, Tom, Josh, Jamie, Jack and Steve. Our only conversion was a drop kick from George under the posts as our usual kickers were not on the pitch. Final score 17-47.

Items of note were:
- great intensity from the pack providing a solid platform
- great running and support running from the backs
- solid defence all round (but could do better)
- Great support runs from Tom who scored & Lucius who only just missed out.
- big hits from Morgs again
- fantastic breaks from Ben T (think I'll have to call him Tommo as we also have Ben H)
- strong breaks & finishing from Jack, Joe, Jamie, Josh and Ste
- strong scrum & lineouts
- Solid TEAM performance

Chester were no slouches, put up strong performances and are obviously well drilled. Our medic, Dave "I'm not a doctor but I'll have a look", was kept busy throughout. We will give Chester the respect they deserve on the return fixture.

Thanks to the Chester coaches and players for a tough game and also their hospitality afterwards.

To finish on the Roman theme, quotes from Julius Ceasar:
Experience is the teacher of all things. The die is cast.

Wirral RFC

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