Hoylake RUFC’s Dominic Kearney settles early nerves in EDF Energy Senior Vase

Nov 26 2008 by James Maloney, Birkenhead News

Hoylake89

Wigton Wanderers0

A MUCH-changed Hoylake welcomed Wigton Wanderers to Melrose Avenue in the third Round of the EDF Energy Senior Vase last Saturday.

Several forced changes, particularly in the pack, meant that there was a nervous edge in the Hoylake camp before kick off.

But just minutes into the match, scrum half Dominic Kearney settled the nerves with a typically powerful burst from a five metre scrum, registering the first try of the match.

The opening score settled the nerves and the hosts relaxed into an expansive game. Soon after, 19-year-old flanker Matt O’Hanlon scored a well-worked try, quickly followed by fullback Mike Kearney, who crossed the whitewash after a crisp backs move.

But the remainder of the match was a complete mismatch in reality with Wigton failing to breach Hoylake’s 22 at any point during the match.

A further 13 tries followed, with the Kearney brothers and O’Hanlon completing their braces.

There were also tries for Mark Wylie (2), Matt McClaren (2), Matt O’Neill, Andy Fielding, Steve Young and Chris Whiteley. Special mention should go to 17-year-old Joe Lavin, who scored a try on his first team debut having replaced Dom Kearney with 15 minutes remaining.

He gathered a neat crossfield kick from his brother, Tom, to round off the scoring. Steve Young registered five conversions on the day and Chris Whitely kicked two.

Next week, Hoylake will be expecting a much sterner test when they return to league action against form side Widnes, who are currently flying high in second place.