Rugby Union: Waterloo 22, Westcombe Park 17

Apr 14 2008 by Ron Roby, Liverpool Daily Post

A TRY from skipper Jason Duffy, his second of the afternoon, provided the spoils for the Merseysiders in this entertaining National Two encounter at Blundellsands.

It was the first ever visit by the Kent side, who looked big and strong enough to upset Waterloo from the very start.

With a light wind at their backs the visitors denied Waterloo possession for long phases and deservedly powered their way into a 17-point lead with tries from flanker Tom Carruthers and winger Jacobus Du Toit, which stand-off James Whittingham converted before adding a penalty.

Park’s back-row looked determined and dangerous and only a few scraps enabled Duffy to combine astutely with Alex Davies to grab a converted try before the break.

The second period started poorly before visiting lock William Thorpe was yellow-carded for deliberately killing the ruck.

Davies reduced the deficit with his penalty and fortunately Whittingham’s reply hit the upright.

Suddenly Waterloo began to believe in themselves and some of Duffy’s tackling in the centre provided some of the inspiration as the Blundellsands club began to assert their authority.

An eye-catching movement down the left involving Feijo, Davies and Duffy provided the platform before lock Alastair Davidson powered his way over the try line for a concerted try to bring the scores level with the last quarter approaching.

Waterloo’s number eight David York was the recipient of a yellow card but it didn’t deter the home side from maintaining their revival.

Prop Rob O’Donnell provided the power down the left hand side and Duffy and Davies combined in identical style to touch down for the winner.

LIVERPOOL St Helens’s match against Hull was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.