Third team show must go on
UCLAN players played on both sides in a fantastic match which was almost cancelled.
What do you do if your third team players are raring to go despite what is likely to be a rainswept match against a local club and the opposition is struggling to field a team due to lack of numbers?
If you are Ormskirk RUFC head coach, James Smith, you decide the show must go on and you phone the University of Central Lancashire team, the Edge Hill club and Ormskirk vets to build a squad. Then your third team runs out onto the Green Lane pitch on Saturday afternoon to take on the Lancashire Irregulars.
A great match, played in great spirits, is followed by getting together in the clubhouse, raising glasses to the visitors, who by turning out, have made sure everyone, regardless of club, continues playing and enjoying their rugby.
James Smith said: “There was only one winner today and that’s rugby. There are always lads out there who want a game but they are often in the wrong place. Today we got almost 40 lads on the pitch and that’s brilliant!”
Paul Kearney, Ormskirk Director of Rugby, added: “Our ambition is to raise a 4th team but its a stretch and what James delivered today was inspired. We will definitely be hosting a few more Lancashire Irregular matches this season!"
