Match Report Orrell Vs Southport

Date:	07/11/2009
Kick Off:	14:30
Half Time:	Orrell 8	Southport 5
Full Time:	Orrell 14	Southport 5

On a heavy pitch following a week of rain Orrell faced Southport who before the game sat just one league place ahead.
Orrell made a good start with Lewis Whitfield charging down a kick to give the home side good position, but the visitor's defence held firm and their tactics slowed the game down to their advantage. However following a scrum won against the head Orrell were awarded a penalty which captain Mark Hewlett converted to open the scoring.
Southport quickly responded using their strong forwards to drive over for a try.
Orrell continued to pressurise their opponents and following a good kick from Jeff Gavin, Michael Caldwell picked up from the back of an attacking scrum and scored a try to give Orrell a half time lead.
The second half belonged to Orrell and they almost extended their lead in the opening minute after a good break from Lewis Whitfield, which eventually saw Caldwell forced into touch just short of the Southport line.
Orrell dominated possession and territory but the visitors held firm restricting Orrell to long range penalty attempts with Hewlett converting after two misses to extend the lead.
The home backs were moving the ball well and centre John Presho was tackled within inches of the try line following an excellent break.
With time running out the game became a bad tempered affair with two sin binnings for each side and the Southport full back sent off.
Hewlett added his third penalty before Southport mounted their strongest challenge of the game with darkness decending. The home side defensive play was excellent with prop forward Danny Allen making several crunching tackles to deny Southport any consolation score.
Next week Orrell travel to Ruskin Park, kick off 2.15pm.