TRIES from Steve Cleator and Dan Bonwick weren’t enough to save Ramsey from their third home defeat of the South Lancashire and Cheshire Division Two season as third placed Ormskirk took maximum points at Mooragh Park on Saturday
After a heavy away defeat last week the home team needed to make a strong start against a side 10 places above them in the league.
A full-strength Ramsey side did just that with much of the early possession and territory.
A solo 25 yard run by Ramsey captain Davide Mazzone was only halted by stern tackling just short of the opposition’s try line.
However, despite Ramsey’s early dominance it was the west Lancashire visitors who broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark when swift handling through their backline saw them take the ball from the right side of the field to score in the left-hand corner.
Shortly after, Ramsey won the ball at the lineout only to see it chased down by their opponents for a second try.
Ormskirk’s second conversion in succession struck the crossbar leaving the score at 0-10.
The visitors quickly added to their tally with a jinking individual run through the middle resulting in an unconverted try.
The Ramsey Bakery-sponsored home side then replied with a strong drive from forwards John F. Watling and Mazzone with scrum-half Gareth Hinge spinning the ball out wide for Stevie Cleator to score in the corner. This left the half-time score 5-15.
Sustained pressure from the Ormskirk pack early in the second half led to a try in the right hand corner.
This time it was converted taking the score to 5-22.
Undaunted, Ramsey fly half Daniel Bonwick bagged a try of his own after picking and going from the ruck, his fully extended arm just making the try line.
At 10-22 Ramsey were still in this open, flowing game, but a skilful interception try from Ormskirk all but ended Ramsey’s hopes with just 20 minutes left to play.
The conversion took the score to 29-10. Ormskirk’s fast-paced winger then added another try that was duly converted making the final score Ramsey 10, Ormskirk 36.
The northerners were dealt a further blow after the final whistle as they learned of a five-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player in an earlier match.
As a result the Manx side now occupy bottom spot in the division.