Wirral 24 Firwood Waterloo 10

FOR the first time in their 79-year history, Wirral defeated Waterloo in a match they dominated from start to finish.

As the match progressed, the rain got increasingly heavy but astute kicking from Craig Harvey and James Annetts kept Waterloo pinned back in their half.

Wirral took the lead as early as the seventh minute when a dropped pass by Waterloo was picked up by livewire scrum half Joe Murray who drove deep into the opposition 20m area and got his pass away to Sam Broadbent who used his height to stretch over the line.

The try was converted by James Annetts.

In the closing minutes of the first half, and after Waterloo had lost two front row men to injuries, there was flurry of points as Waterloo full back Liam Reeve kicked a penalty to reduce the deficit to 7-3.

With Wirral still exerting pressure close to the away side line a number of thrusts were thwarted before captain Craig Harvey forced his way over, Annett’s conversion extended Wirral’s lead.

This was quickly followed by a long kick downfield from Craig where Ali Baker outpaced the defence to kick over the line and touchdown to leave the score 19-3 at half time.

With the rain now much heavier, handling errors increased and Wirral missed a number of opportunities to score.

It was not until the final five minutes that the score changed.

Wirral were camped on the Waterloo line but unable to break down the visitors' defence.

In the gathering gloom and after several phases, the ball was spun out along the backs.

Full-back James Annetts came into the line to add momentum and used his speed to crash over for the important try bonus point.

In the last play of the game, Ryan McKie the Waterloo second row broke a tackle and forced his way over the line to score; this was converted by Liam Reeve.

As the kick sailed over the referee blew for time in what had been a momentous victory for Wirral in front of their largest crowd of the season, notwithstanding the very wet conditions they had to put up with.