North Manchester 1st XV 20 - Mossley Hill 1st XV 21
Mossley Hill travelled to North Manchester on Saturday December 12th to play against a team they knew nothing about. This is the first time these two teams have met since Mossley Hill joined North Lancs 2 this season. The game started in all too familiar circumstances with Mossley Hill slighly off the pace and unready for the challenge that lay ahead. Great tackling from the pack and Rich Mould and Rick Stoves in the centres kept us in the game at we slowly managed to get a foothold and score the first points through a penalty. North Manchester then came back strong and Mossley Hill trailed at the half. Two great tried by Rich Mould and Rich Stoves in the second half brought us back into the game. With literally seconds to play we trailed 20-18 and Mossley Hill were awarded a penalty on the very edge of the sideline on North Manchesters 22 yard line. With no time for a lineout, Rich Witham elected to kick for the 3 points (and the win!). Paul Finnegan then surprised every player on the pitch with an outstanding kick from the sideline that sailed through the middle of the posts. The ref immediately blew for full time and Mossley Hill won by 1 point. A fantastic win, even with a number of key players unavailable. Blackpool at home on Saturday will be very interesting and a win will see us redeem a poor start to the season.
Rugby at Mossley Hill It’s a Knockout!
Mossley Hill Athletic Club rugby section recently raised £750 in the Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services ‘It’s a Knockout’ competition. The event held on 28 June, to mark the LCVS centenary year was hosted at the club and was attended by a number of regional and national charities who collectively raised £10,000 by entering teams.
The Rugby Team were attracted the highest sponsorship and as a result were awarded the prize of £250 which has also been donated to the RNLI That makes a total from the team of £1,008 plus souvenir sales at the event and some smaller donations along with a previously received donation (£50) which was a workplace prize for one of the team.
Chairman of Rugby Keith Smith said “We were happy to have taken part and raised this money for the RNLI. They provide a service that none of us had used but one we always wanted to know was there. It is going to be an exciting year for Rugby at Mossley Hill. The club plans to start a junior section with Under 9s and Under 11s and hold a series of ‘friendly’ veterans’ games throughout the season. RFU development officer for Liverpool, Mark Sutcliffe today said, “There is not much competitive club rugby union played in Liverpool. Its good to see Mossley Hill starting a junior section, following in the successful footsteps of other local clubs Liverpool Collegiate and Sefton. This is great for the city. The RFU encourages all rugby development initiatives – particularly those in a football-loving place like Liverpool. Photo shows Mossley Hill secretary Edie McCarthy presenting the cheque to the RNLIs Steve Pearse.
