After performing such heroics at St. Mary's O.B. last week, the third team lost its magnificent winning record, which stretched back some ten weeks, to a very strong and determined Flint outfit. Having been ravaged by the predations of both the second-team captain and the flu bug which is sweeping the country, Sunlight faced a task akin to not only having to climb a mountain, but having to climb whilst wearing diver's boots and carrying a sack of spuds on each shoulder. The aches and pains felt by this correspondent after the match made delivering vegetables to Snowdonia appear to be the easier option.

With the imposing Welsh forwards seemingly having been force-fed on the aforementioned provisions, and Sunlight lacking a specialist hooker, further disruption to the home pack was about as welcome as flatulence in a spacesuit, yet this is precisely what was delivered by the rugby gods.(Perhaps this was an act of revenge, exacted by a Cambrian deity, for our having slated the Great Delme in earlier dispatches!). Having survived a tidal-wave of Welsh pressure in the opening five minutes, and driven Flint back to their own 22, Sunlight lost the physical presence of lock Steve Cropper to a knee injury. Re-organisation saw Mick Roberts step up to second-row, Paul Cromby moved from the wing to wing-forward, a move that could, perhaps, extend his career, and a replacement put out wide. Such was the impact made by the substitute that no-one had chance to even ask his name before he too succumbed to injury. It was about now that the Sunlight team realised that this battle was to be primarily a rear-guard action.

If the tonnages up-front showed a disparity in favour of the visitors, the imbalance amongst the backs was even more marked with the Sunlight three-quarters looking like a pantomime cast in search of Snow White. The bulk provided by the Fat Boy Three of Rule, Randles, and Outram was sorely missed with Rick Outram having been taken by the seconds and the rotund and jovial Chris Randles away in London. (Rumour has it that Harrods had a new Santa on display, complete with pie in hand).Yet, despite only having Chris Rule weighing-in above twelve stones, (and only slightly at that!) the Sunlight backs ran and tackled with a ferocity and determination that continually frustrated Flint's attacks and threw the visitors on to the back foot. Such was the spirit in the Sunlight back-division, that had they been given the opportunity, they may well have won the game for the home side. A try scored with a blistering break from outside centre showed what might have been if only Sunlight could have run at the Flint backs more often, but the pack was unable to provide the ammunition. Not even able to rely on winning their own scrummage, especially after Matt Metcalfe left the field with a shoulder injury ( taking about a third of the packs weight with him), it was sheer will-power that kept Sunlight in the game and while the score stayed at 5-12 the home side was always in with a chance of snatching a win, only a last minute try adding some gloss to the Flint victory. So these few, these happy few, this band of brothers, must pick themselves up and set about the task of building another winning streak. Watch out Shell, you have been warned!

On reflection of the first half of the season, the 3rd XV have only lost twice - both Welsh side Ruthin and Flint. This is a phenomenal improvement on the standard of rugby at the club and the rise in the people's own individual game.

My own personal standard of rugby reflects my own attitude to the team.... "I'll play (at least try) were ever you need me...". And so the team needed to organise quickly due to a 'let down' on the hooker front and so yours truly stepped into the fold of a makeshift hooker.

So in overall perspective - we had an excellent front row, an iffy hooker with support from two great ol' head props in Mr Bob Tate and Mr Pete Metcalfe.

Our second row, 1XV guest was Matty Metcalfe - who had his first full game back since damaging his shoulder. 1XV Centre Ade "I sign the guestbook!" Spence also had his first full game for 6 weeks due to injury.

The game started in extremely quick pace - with Shell's star kicker 'Gordon' grunting for puffs. Sunlight with some unusual better fitness on our opponents took minutes to settle in a score from Moxy Ainsworth (Supporting a haircut that would have made Blair and Clinton proud if land assault was made on Iraq!) his first ever for the club - the score was made when Gordon attempted to pass to his winger rather than clear the ball, the winger fumbled and was swamped by the onslaught of backs and forwards.

A few more minutes later and again we had scored through excellent charge for the line by the other centre Chris Rule - and with his speed and size there was no stopping him!

The try was converted and a 12 - 0 scoreline was there, and judging by the score with only 15 minutes played, everyone including Shell would have been forgiven that an onslaught would follow - especially as Sunlight were totally in there 22.

The onslaught never emerged - Sunlight's hooker won 50% of his own ball, and on theirs the idea was to push them off it, which seemed to work, until Bob Tate received an injury to his ribs and played on like a true trooper.

The second half made the Sunlight hooker looking red faced - on their throw in, someone forgot to change half's, "It's an easy mistake lads....". But although the expected Shell fight back, caused a few worrying moments, and Bob Tate and Peter Metcalfe took swipes at there irate opponents (Peter took one swipe but ended hitting Moxy - gratitude for scoring or was it the haircut!). The final whistle blew with practically a stalemate for 55 minutes.

Thankfully (for me) on Sunday after, the Sunlight hooker is not a stiff in the neck department as he was two weeks ago after playing hooker. But with no Rugby next week - cause of this Christmas lark, what shall we do? Spend time with the loved one????

British steel, in days gone by that name would have personified the team, huge bulking men from the toils of the blast furnace bulging with muscle, but this is the modern times. We where fortunate to get the most exposed pitch of the three available with cross winds that would have harboured a cross channel ferry, mixed in with a chill factor of -6 o C. But this is rugby we are told, the elements do not effect us. The game got off to a good pace with the sunlight forwards scrummaging well pushing the Steelers back into their own half. Straight away it was clear who the danger men for them were, the two half backs and a colossal of a second row who's grip likened that to one you hold your pint with. The first major play was a pass out to the Sunlight left winger who beat his man and went on a 20 + yard run, eventually going out of touch. The significance of this was that his opposite number damaged his shoulder in trying to tackle him and went off to seek attention, Steelers down to 14 men. From the resulting line out Bob Taylor at No 1 caught and drove over for a two yard try.

The next play involved more work by the forwards who gained a penalty 10 yards from the Steelers try line. The resultant play was fed out to Andy White on the left touch line to drive over for the second 2 yard try of the game. The conversion was missed understandably in the atrocious conditions.

The Steelers then tried to catch Sunlight on the hop with a quickly taken kick off, however the plan back fired as quick ball and quick feet ensured the ball was returned with interest, Moxy on a break down the left, then feeding Graham Cooke supporting well, who offered Nathan a chance to get on the score sheet after his sabbatical with Wirral RFC, he responded with a try under the posts. James tried to put the conversion over, but on his run up a mysterious force knocked the ball over causing James to stop and plead with the ref for a retake, however rules are rules and the chance went.

Back they came these foundary lads, putting a in huge cross field kick that caught Sunlight on the backfoot, with a two V two situation the outcome was stalemate but the Steelers support was quicker in arriving and a try in the right hand corner was scored.

No more scores that half but another injury to the Steelers who lost a prop, but Sunlights reserve Mr Forester, kindly offered to fill the vacant space.

A few changes at half time with Jo Jo going off to sub for the 1st team and Matthew the right winger being replaced with Dan Corfe. Moxy went open side flanker, with James taking up the left wing position.

Sunlight pitched camp in the Steelers half and stayed there apart from the odd time when kicks where put over by the wily fly half. First port of call was a break by Andy White supported by Graeme Cooke . This broke down 5 yards from the try line but from the resulting fracas Mike Humpreys bundled his way over.

Again, from the kick off a clean catch by Stevie Nicks, that set Sunlight on their way back down to the Steelers half. Some good forward play by Bob Taylor and Pete Metcalf in a maul fed Andy White who weaved his way past diving bodies to get his second of the match. At this Graeme Cooke went off to open the bar and was replaced by a young Ashcroft who slotted into the full back position.

What followed was poor regarding Sunlight. From the resulting kick off, Suns were stuck in their own half, when the Steelers scrum half picked up the ball and danced past the Sunlight defence to score his teams second of the game. Angry words were spoken behind the Sunlight try line put all was forgotten after the kick off as we attacked them again.

From a scrum in their 22 the ball was fed out left, from Dave Wooley to his soon to be son in law, James, then to Nathan who carried, then passed out to Chris Ruell and finally to the second James, who once he had the ball safely tucked under his arm, imitated the road runner of cartoon fame and screamed past the Steelers defence to settle the game.

The final good play of the match was by the young Ashcroft, who picking the ball up just outside his own 22, hurtled through the Steelers defence, only to be picked off by the Steelers fullback with a last ditch tackle. A good win after last weeks defeat, that hopefully will be the start of another long winning streak.

Due to last minute cry off's, the thirds put out a team of 14 men losing our 15th member to the crisis hit fourth's who boasted 11 men. With previous encounters against Oldershaw being very close the team were apprehensive, how would the 14 hold out ?

The answer, was provided in the first couple of minutes when the opposition noticed that the two identical wingers for Sunlight was in fact the same person, Sunlight only had 14 men, time to exploit this one man advantage. If they had a plan, it wasn't well executed. Sunlight controlled the first 10 minutes, with their best rugby. Time and time again, the ball was won by the forwards, fed to the backs who made up good ground. Aidey Spence playing at inside centre governed the backs like Wellington at Waterloo, mixing the play with scissors and spinning passes out to his wide man, who couldn't capitalise on the opportunities.

Sunlight drove to the oppositions 22, when from a maul, Chris Lister broke down the blind side, having no support he decided to go for the line beating the diving bodies of the opposition to score Sunlight's first. The conversion was just under the bar from Stu Loydon.

From the kick off a scrum followed that saw the retirement of Graeme Forrester, Sunlight's tight head, now down to thirteen, League against Union. Again Sun's attacked, Aidey Spence missing his other three quarter with a pass straight to the wing, who was tackled, but not before popping the ball out to Martin Bookbinder who fed the fullback ,Stu Lydon, to race in for the second try of the game.

With thirteen men, the emphasis was put on containment and to catch them on the break. With two extra men, Oldershaw repeatedly chose the wrong options, in the guise of huge kicks over the Sunlight backs. But with Lydon in fine form everyone was caught and dealt with accordingly, always nearly with a weaving counter attacking play, frustration began to tell on the Oldershaw players who tried and failed to pick this Artful Dodgers pocket. The nearest Oldershaw came to a score was a drop goal attempt and a break from their lineout by the blindside winger, who was dealt with by Steve at second row, who made a try saving flying tackle.

Now going up the hill, the Sunlight 3rd team had a big half to play. Oldershaw's fly-half indicated his intentions straight away, with a booming kick too touch, where they were superior in the lineout. This pressure eventually paid off, after some great defence from the home team, Oldershaw drove over to gain their first score.

From the resulting kick off, Lydon opted to kick just off centre to their fly half, who returned it with venom, towards Sunlight's left corner touch flag. Nathan chased and wisely opted to kick too touch with three men on him, Aidey Spence acknowledged the teams gratitude for this good rugby.

Again camped in their own 22, Sunlight held out against the attacking hordes in Oldershaw colours, with everyone tackling as if their lives depended on it. The back row especially deserve a mention (Martin, Terry & Mike) as they constantly thwarted kamikaze type runs by men possessed, putting big hits in. Even with a three man overlap on 2 occasions, the ball always went blind much to Sunlight's delight.

For the last twenty minutes of the half Sunlight stepped up the pressure. A 22 drop out landed in Garys arms who fed Mike Humphreys to go on a 20+ yard run, support followed in the shape of Chris Lister, but the robust Humphreys was reluctant to release the ball and was bundled into touch. Next to have a go was Rick at fly half, who made a break in midfield, with just the full back to beat, he somehow let go of the ball and dropped it behind him. The closing minutes saw Sunlight going for a third but grit and determination by Oldershaw denied them, the final whistle signalled the end to a very hard fought victory by the "LUCKY 13" of the 3rd team.

Design Brief : To choose the most hostile location for a rugby pitch that will guarantee exposure to severe weather and novelty air currents. Solution: Build next to motorway and / or estuary, dismantle any adjacent buildings and fell all relevant wind breaks.

Once again, we played on a pitch that was more exposed than Pamela Andersons cleavage, with a breeze that would have looked more at home in a wind tunnel for British Aerospace Research. Why are rugby pitches always in the locations that other sports would scoff at ?.

After last weeks Lucky 13, P. Ashcroft opted to go for the more conventional 15 with a few subs in reserve, a wise move by the experienced coach. Peter Metcalf lost the toss, allowing us to play into the wind, not the best of starts.

Initially the game was well balanced, both sides having their opportunities but nothing too productive. With the assistance of the wind, the fly half put over a few big kicks which were doggedly dealt with by the virgin full back. Helsby tried to run it more than Suns but good defensive work by the backs thwarted these attempts, the game remained poised. Mike Humprheys then cried sick and was replaced by Chris Lloyd. The first try came about from a mistake, another kick over the Sunlight midfield was dealt with by the fullback who hesitated in his own 22, opting to give it to his right winger when under pressure. The winger subsequently lost possession and the Helsby fly half ran in for his sides first try. Normally, one would expect a torrent of abuse for such an error but the spirit of the team is such that a quiet word is had and the incident is then forgotten.

From the kick off James the "Hanson" wannabe mmmbop, kicked a perfect ball that found touch 5 yards from their try line. Sunlight on the attack straight away. From the resultant lineout, a maul followed that caught Helsby off side, from the resultant penalty, Tony went over for a 5 yard try. Even stevens, the resultant kick going no where near in the strong opposing wind.

The Half time whistle arrived with no more major incidents.

Substitutions with Dan Corfe making way for Dave. Second half with the wind behind us, time to give the opposing full back some catching lessons. From the off, James put a couple of huge kicks over which the fullback dealt with appallingly, the plan was working with big gains being made, however the Helsby coach spotted this exposed weakness and substituted the poor lad, game plan for second half over. The right winger James deserves praise for his following up on the kicks, always putting pressure on the receiver and making some big tackles.

This half was more memorable with a few good moves by both sides. First off was Peter Metcalfe, picking up a loose ball he headed for the relative safety of the right wing, an outrageous dummy dealt with the outside centre, a pass to the winger who headed for glory only to be held up. The ensuing battle saw the ball kicked clear by a Helsby player which landed at the feet of Chris Ruell, a gift from the gods to Suns scrum half. Picking it up he ran at the static defence, a pass to the now on side Metcalfe, then to the winger who returned the ball to Mr Ruell on the loop, he then took on the opposing winger on the outside and beat him for pace to touch down in the right corner. The conversion was missed. A great try with good attacking rugby.

More great moves followed, with the ubiquitous Martin Bookbinder outstanding at No 8. A good drive by the forwards saw us march into enemy territory, Chris Lloyd driving well setting the ball up 10 yards from their 22. The outcome was a penalty which Tony (flanker) kicked to give Suns a healthy 8 point margin.

Helsby now came with more intent, a great break by the fly half left the midfield wrong footed, with an open run to the try line, his moment of glory was ambushed by the Suns fullback who came across and denied him, with no support following the chance was lost.

Sunlight started to win more line outs with Steve jumping well at No 5, and little Tony at 2. Jo Jo doing his best to impersonate John Elway of Super Bowl fame with good accurate straight balls.

For the last 10 minutes Sunlight were on the back foot but held out with some brilliant defence that Helsby couldn't penetrate, the game finished with Helsby inside Suns 22 going for that elusive second try. A great game to be in and an excellent win, not as good as last weeks but very near to it. The momentum is gaining.

So what went wrong you may ask?

Well taking the following into consideration:-

a) We played 11 men against 14 for most of the 1st half.

b) The rumors rife of ringers in the Anselmiens backs and fowards (Which Sunlight had only one man for the 1st half), including an injured(?) New Brighton (National League Jewson 2 North) back row player.

c) Some of the opposition players defiantly not 3rd / 4th Team standard.

d) We were outclassed.

e) The England International against Scotland (which England won) meant that all Sunlight sides had weaker sides.

The game started at electric pace with Captain Rule keeping things flowing with some good early work, however our worst fears some came clear on the first scrum. Our main problem was that when our scrums won the ball, the ball channeled backwards towards the backrow, but without his other two flankers to help defend or use the ball, it was quickly captured and we were already punished by their back row.

Not only that but we had to put up with an indecisive line outs, which their lanky, strong lock easily snatching the ball out the air. Our rooks and mauls were quite even with strength in our lock Gary Campbell, but after the first couple of trys went over by the home side. Morale was dropping. Tony Tharme raised our comeback hopes with kicking a difficult penalty, and for a very short time we were 10 - 3 down.

So St. Anselmiens played a good game, of using their backrow to win the ball in the scrums, front row in the lineouts, and either passing the ball to the backs who had the men over or playing it with the back row. If the New Brighton ringer was true, then he may be well onto the road of full fitness after bulldozing himself over the line for 4 tries.

Sunlight's morale went down with a few players grumbling, even with the introduction to the pack near the end of the 1st half of Mark Forshaw, things did not improve. However, we did at least have a few good attacking runs. Steve Cropper went very close to the line after a 40 yard run, with acting prop Mike Humphries nearly scoring with excellent support.

The positive side was that our front 5 played extremely well together in the scum's (in fact we were on top for the majority), taking into account Flanker Mike Humphries played prop for only the 2nd time ever. Lock Steve Cropper in his first season ever at rugby (and being 37?) getting better every game. Tony Tharme who 3 out of 3 penalty kicks gave Sunlight some dignity. Stuart Hadwyn our hooker who helped Mike Humphries in the front row, and gave some hope!

To win by 54 points and play a game of rugby is great achivement, but taking all things into account unfortunately for Sunlight and for St. Anselmiens, Sunlight did not give them a game.

Imagine you're facing a dilemma: you can either play safe, keep what you've got and not lose, or you can go for broke and risk defeat. What would you do? If in doubt you could always ask Pete Metcalfe.

A game that Port Sunlight could have, and indeed should have, won was tossed away in a moment, yet despite Metty's rush of blood (and contrary to popular belief) responsibility lies elsewhere. The choice facing captain Metcalfe was this; with minutes left to play and his team down by a point, Sunlight were awarded a penalty deep in their own 25. Convention has it, and most of the Sunlight team would agre, that in this situation the kick to touch is the order of the day. Pete, however, deciding to bring a touch of Gallic flair to an otherwise drab and scrappy affair tapped and ran catching everybody (with one notable exception!!) flat-footed. It was a wise move; had Metty been tackled within ten yards sunlight would have been awarded a further penalty, gained ground, and perhaps taken the ensuing line-out and maybe launched another attack. Pete's direct approach back-fired because the referee warned the opposition to stand-off and having made the initial break, Sunlight's lack of support play resulted in a turn-over. having won possession, St Mary's killed off the game with swift three-quarter move that brought a try in the corner.

Having suffered the slings and arrows of outraged team-mates, Metty then endured a torrid de-briefing back at HQ, with the blame for defeat being laid squarely at his feet. But if one was being honest it would have to be admitted that this game was lost much earlier when having pinned St Mary's under their own posts and straining for the last yard, Sunlight somehow contrived to allow the Old Boys to escape with the ball and run the length of the field to score. What should have been seven points for had suddenly become seven points against and the game had taken its crucial turn. So although Metty had made what turned out to be a crucial error of judgement his was not the act that brought about defeat and with a little more more luck it may well have brought a victory. Perhaps the doubters would do well to heed the words of Wales' coach Graham Henry who said after his side had beaten the French that"Boldness wins rugby matches.." Nuff said.

A great day for rugby with little wind, blazing sun, and our favoured 3rd team pitch. The previous two encounters with the opposition had seen us remain undefeated, the last match we confidently won with just 13 men so we knew revenge would be on their minds. Pre match team talk centred on our wise coach coaxing us with truths of big forwards for the opposition, how they were coming here for a win and other tales of encouragement, all we needed now was our second team to go out and face them, because it was obviously the wrong team. But big Pete Metcalfe sat us down and reassured us that it was the third team and they where there for the taking if we kept our discipline and concentrated on our flowing rugby. Peter always leads by example.

A three O'clock kick off was favoured to minimise us from the harmful effects of the suns UV rays, Mike Humphreys put that Sol Tan away. Oldershaw kicked off and we were away, would it be third time lucky ?.

Initially it was dog eat dog with no real major gains made by either side, really just weighing each other up. The fly half was again the big kicker we expected, putting us on the back foot when required. Andy White at hooker won our ball in the scrums and the back row of Bookbinder, Humphreys and Roberts prevented any big breaks by the hulking number 8.

However, a break by the inside centre, who had to wear a different top to that of his team mates, broke into Suns 22, from the resulting maul a penalty was awarded. From a good set play their second row crashed over for the games first try. Was it going to be a up hill battle?. 5 minutes gone. A reply was quick in coming.

The kick off was caught by Metcalfe and the forwards drove up the field in the oppositions half, to relieve the pressure their fly half put a kick to touch. However the sacred white line was not breached, as Dan Corfe collected the ball and ran it straight back at them feeding Jeff Forshaw who's burst of speed is worthy of a mention, before passing to the supporting Adam Forshaw, debuting at full back, who hugged the touch line as he ran evading tackles and made safe Sunlight's first points. The kick was missed by Tony another debut in the scrum half position.

However, once again the score changed, another drive by Oldershaw in the oppositions 22 leading to another penalty which was quickly taken while Suns swapped sticker albums and discussed the merits of premium bonds (not concentrating), and a 2nd try was scored which was this time converted. Up hill again.

But, give us our due, we came back with a another good try. The oppositions right wing decided to kick across field and chase. The ball in Suns own half was collected by Adam who started a counter attacking move. Graeme Cook supported, fed to Mike Humphreys (who must have been behind in the play as he couldn't have ran back) who then set the left wing on a 40+ yard run, out pacing the opposition and stepping inside the full back before touching down under the posts (the author). The conversion was missed.

The only other notable play was a great catch by Corfe who ran straight back in the forwards before being tackled but gaining a good 25 yards. I'll just point out that Oldershaw dominated the lineouts with their big fellas.

Substitutions: A Forshaw & J Forshaw being replaced by C Lloyd & Dave (?) D Corfe was replace by James.

Sunlight kick off, time to exert pressure as we played down the slight slope. This half we pegged them back, with most of the chances falling to us. The lineouts were still poor with Mickey Roberts at 2 being out lifted by his opposite number. Therefore more balls were put to Metcalfe and Nicks at 4 & 5. After some good kicking by Cook we found ourselves in their 22. From a resulting penalty Lloyd looped a pass over Marsden into the grateful hands of Humphreys who scored in the left corner. The kick was converted.

The remainder of the match was fought around the centre spot and deviated no more than 20 yards either way. Every time one team kicked the other would return the compliments. Kieran coming back from injury at inside centre momentarily forgot his role and got involved with the forwards, Marsden reprimanded him after the game, just as well we had good defensive backs.

A one off saw us descend to their 22 were we had two scrums 5 yards from their posts but couldn't capitalise on it. Therefore Graeme Cook took control and drop kicked to give us an 8 point lead.

Last chance of the game saw Oldershaw take a penalty 30 yards out and the big 2nd row broke through all the forwards futile slaps only to be thwarted by the alert left wing who got in his way and took his legs out. The final whistle was greeted with delight, Metcalfe remonstrating with the opposition on their 3rd defeat at the hands of the Sunlight thirds. A very good win after a hard game with two evenly matched teams.

Team: Forester, White, Forshaw, Nicks, Metcalfe, Humphreys, Roberts, Bookbinder, Tony(?), Cook, Kieren, Marsden, Corfe, Ainsworth, Forshaw

Yet another triumph for the Port Sunlight brand of "Total Rugby" (that is, team members play in whatever position they're needed most rather than in the one that they'd prefer) but one that was not won with the usual elan. Instead victory was ground out in a match that was ultimately closer than the scoreline would suggest with a performance that resembled one of Andy Whyte's paint-jobs; it started brightly but became patchy and quickly faded. Perhaps the ardours of a long and succesful season are beginning to take a toll.

In contrast to recent weeks when the Sunlight pack has taken a while to exert control, the forwards took this game by the scruff of the neck right from the kick-off and hammered into their immediate opponents enabling a rampant Martin Bookbinder to snatch an early try with a typically rumbustuous charge. Another bullocking run from the frisky Forty-something was halted only inches from the Park line but quick recycling of ball, and an astute kick into the right-hand angle from Graham Cook, enabled winger Danny Corfe to score in the corner, (Bet your dad never managed to do that Dan!). With full-back Stuart Loyden goaling from seemingly impossible angles all seemed set for a Sunlight romp but the first seeds of doubt were germinated with the departure of the forceful Martin Bookbinder, who fearing he may score a hat-trick and therefore be required to treat his mates to a flagon of foaming ale, somehow contrived to pick up a convenient knee-injury and limped from the fray. The problem of how to compensate for the loss of the increasingly turgescent number eight was never satisfactorily addressed all afternoon. Yet the looming difficulties were not immediately apparent, and were papered over by another first-half Sunlight try. The gibbous Rick Outram, fresh from a mid-season repose, siezed the iniative and having received the ball deep in his own half ran with a ruinous deracination, laying waste to all challengers before eschewing the opportunity to side-step the Park full-back, preferring instead to impose his hypertrophic figure upon the hapless tackler and impelling himself and his opponent across the line to give the home side a 19-0 lead at the break.

Slow to pick up the tempo at the restart, Sunlight committed a string of errors which eventually presented Park's Roberto Di Matteo doppelganger with his first try but then struck back with a well-worked penalty move which saw Peter Metcalfe, ignoring the plaintive cries from Mick Roberts at his right shoulder, slip an inside pass to Andy Whyte who bustled over from eight yards to restore Sunlight's impressive margin. Yet fatigue, which was increasingly making its insidious presence felt, and the fact that the Sunlight team was taking more casualties than an average foot patrol in Vietnam, began to shift the balance of the match toward the visitors and Port Sunlight found themselves having to fight a fierce rearguard action. The loss of the steadying influence of Graham Cook, who marshalled the youngsters around him to great effect, was another serious blow and with the home side almost running on empty, the final whistle came as a welcome relief. Still, a win is a win and it's another tick in the plus column, so a big "well done" goes out to all concerned.