A promising start to 2024 for Orrell U15's this week at home against Aspull.

An early try from Seb, converted by Joe put 7 points on the board for Orrell. Next an excellent drive from Dan to set up Seb for another try, skilfully converted by Joe, putting Orrell in the lead at 14-0.

Aspull responded quickly with an unconverted try, closing the gap to 14-5. This was always set to be a fiercely contested match and resulted in a few off the ball clashes and heated exchanges, but this fired Orrell's passion more and next Harrison showcased skillful ball movement, extending the lead to 19-5 at half time.

To their credit, after a chat from the ref, both teams came back in the second half with cooler heads; but Orrell still had fire in their bellies. Despite a denied try from Harrison, Tom T managed to get over the line following some great team play through the hands, bringing the score to 24-5.

Orrell struggled in the ruck at times and allowed Aspull to win the ball back again and score another unconverted try. But Jack M then orchestrated a brilliant try through skilful passes, converted again by Joe, pushing the score to 31-10.

Seb's powerful drive under the sticks for his hat trick was again precisely converted by Joe and solidified Orrell's lead at 38-15. Aspull answered with another try before the final whistle, converting it to make it 38-22. The second half saw more evenly matched play but still concluded with Orrell securing a well-deserved victory at full time.

Despite the game meaning so much to both teams due to local rivalry, it was played in the right spirit and ended as it should with both teams shaking hands and clapping each other off pitch with no hard feelings. A proper game of rugby for Jack E who came away with a well-deserved MoM for leading the forwards, and some not so well-deserved war wounds!

Tries: Seb (3), Harrison, Jack M, Tom T
Conversions: Joe (4)  
MOM: Jack E