Sorry for the delay in posting this report, the truth is the author was absolutely shattered, what with:

• British Army training session,
• Caving on the Rock & those pesky monkeys,
• Boat trip to find some elusive dolphins,
• Rugby game,
• Liverpool v Everton semi-final & the Grand National.

• Pizza Express,
• Argentinian all you can eat & drink,
• Pub grub meal,
• Chinese all you can eat & drink,

Unfortunately, for those who didn’t brave the trip, any details are a securely stored in our memories, kept secret and maintained under the control of the rugby tour code….I’m sure you get the picture!

Anyway back to the rugby............

For many reasons (!!) Thursday day was a slow start for most and generally a steady affair, with some lounging about the hotel; others choosing the moment to browse shops literally on our hotel’s doorstep; whilst the last group climbed half way up The Rock to visit the hugely impressive Lower St Michael’s Caves for their guided tour; this is the same spot where the local Barbary Macaques reign supreme, stealing ice creams & shot glasses without remorse and generally making a complete nuisance of themselves.

Unfortunately, Gibraltar had succumbed to a cover of cloud, which along with a persistently strong wind, dressed the locals in hats, big coats, and scarfs, a climate that favoured our visiting Lancastrians who were comfortable in shorts, tour polo shirt and of course our signature Green and Blue curly wigs. It was dressed like this that we made our way through the middle of town, stalling for many photo shots with the impressed locals.

Although, it may have been in some doubt, almost on cue as we arrived at the British Army base for our match, the sun peeped out from the cloud covered sky and the temperature lifted quickly as the cloud melted away.

It was agreed before the start of the match that we would play 2x 20 minute halves and 2x 10 minute halves, with the first two halves being the most competitive game. After the usual pre match swaps and full team photo, with the wonderfully iconic backdrop of The Rock, the game kicked off with ‘Kirk playing into the strong head wind. It was clear from the start that the two sides were very evenly matched, Gibraltar using their very big pack and Ormskirk running well with good use of their backs. After almost 10 minutes the ball had hardly strayed out of either teams’ 10 meter lines.

Ormskirk’s backs supported by Arron Waggoner probed and asked the first questions of the local Gib defence, running smooth lines and making half break after half break. However, it was following a strong break by the Gib forwards into the Ormskirk 22 mtr, which found Harry James stealing the ball and off-loading to the supporting backs. Two chips over the defending line by Graham Bishop gave space for Tom Povey to sprint into space only to be held up well into the Gib 22 mtr, the ball was quickly recycled by Chris Bartolo, and spun out along the line to Matt (2 Ts) White, who cleverly scissored with Adam Isherwood who used his pace and high knee action to score the first of Ormskirk’s points. Owing to the 3g all-weather pitch having only football markings and football posts there was no conversion.

Ormskirk were again put under pressure in their own 22 mtr, with the scrum being awarded to the home side. It was Andy Jones’ turn to strike quickly and took the ball against-the-head. The ball whizzed across the back line smartly with good hands on show by Robbie Jones allowing Tom Povey to break free, he was stopped short in the 22 mtr area, but was able to off-load to supporting Tom Owens who dodged through the remaining defence to put his mark on the score sheet.

Gibraltar had far from given up and saw this as the red rag to the proverbial bull, they burst into action, putting Ormskirk under heavy pressure on their own try line. Persistent powerful raging bull type runs from the forwards took their toll and Gibraltar were on the score sheet.

The travellers made no changes to their line-up, we couldn’t the score line was too tight! The restart proved the point well with each side continuing to almost cancel each other out. Kyle Hoy made a quick break, but was thwarted. The sun and the heat were taking their toll, so during an impromptu break we stopped for a break and water.

The water break over and a re-start with a line-out, the ball flew over the top and Rob Hall snatched it out of the sky and broke through the flailing defensive line, he galloped toward the try line, only one player to beat, just one player in the way, go Rob go……………………….. oh well it was a great break and a good tackle.

Ormskirk continued to apply the pressure and were awarded a penalty on the home 22 mtr line, the ball was passed down the line, Rob Hall throwing a great miss pass to Matt (2Ts) White, who danced his way across the line until he found the gap he was looking for and in a flash darted through to score our third try.

Gibraltar hadn’t finished and their forwards applied the pressure, they would have been through if it wasn’t for a superb tackle by Luke Millington. They continued with their bull like drives to the line and in a similar fashion to the first try the line was broken and Gib had their second try.

The whistle blew for the end of the first spell. A cracking game with both sides working hard at the break down.

We had a break, and a drink…. of water of course! And we were off again having made all the changes, playing all 26 of our touring players. It was with absolute credit that the status quo continued, our boys tackling like demons, with fantastic tackles from Kallen Hoy stopping the opposition in their tracks. Gib’s powerful forwards turned the screw and their strong damaging runs broke the gain line, inch by inch. Another awesome tackle from Aaron Hamlin pushed the gain line back, although this was a mere temporary halt to the onslaught, Gibraltar scoring their third try in the same fashion as their first two.

Half time in this sector was called and the two teams swapped sides, a quick pep talk and a slurp of water. The game re-started with ‘Kirk playing into the wind and the sun. This point will become absolutely relevant, shortly. Oh hell with it, the ball was hoofed into the sky by the Gib No10, Tom Anderson screamed his name, looked into the sun, and prepared himself….and caught the ball beautifully and made good gain with his run. Our lads fought valiantly but the last points of the game were from a Gib backs move ending in the Gibraltar right wing outsprinting our guys to be awarded his try.

Every credit should be given to our lads, who worked hard on an unusual surface for us to play on. Credit should also be given to Gibraltar who were great hosts and kept our guys well entertained on and off the pitch. There was warmth not only from the Gibraltar sun but also from the Gibraltar sons……..sorry!

The banter didn’t stop there with the local Gibraltarians showing our guys a great night and being very supportive for the remainder of our stay.