A MAKESHIFT Wilmslow Wolves side, missing five automatic choices, fell 52-5 at Wirral in the Northern Premier League.

The gulf in class, technique, skills and execution at both the breakdown and in open play was soon exposed.

When Wirral had possession of the ball rugby looked an easy game to play whereas when it was Wilmslow’s turn it suddenly became very difficult.

While Wirral’s players were able to attack from any part of the field if the circumstances were right and to cross the gain line almost at will, the opposite applied to Wilmslow.

Wolves’ pack secured a reasonable amount of first phase possession from the set piece and lineout but the side as a whole were just unable to make much of it.

The game at this level is just harder, faster, more accurate and played by fitter, quicker thinking players than most of Wilmslow’s team have come across before.

The challenge is to improve their performance level to the extent that matches become a real contest for the full 80 minutes, instead of just the opening quarter.

Even that may not be enough but at least it will help to restore some confidence.

Wirral, with a stiff breeze behind them before it dropped for the second half, scored six tries in the first period and were 30 points to the good by the half hour.

Wirral’s seventh try came shortly after the break but after that it became more of a contest.

It still took a score from a close in pile up by substitute Mellor to get them onto the scoreboard.

They were unable to further capitalise on the possession and territory in the final quarter.