Halifax Vandals home 16/10/10
Vandals came to bramley off the back of a heavy defeat last week and for twenty minutes or so it was hard to see why as they dominated possession and field position taking the lead with a penalty on 9 minutes, the arm wrestle continued until Johhny Fillin went round the defence and scored in the corner the try was converted from the touchline and when Aaron Mchale split the defence and scored by the posts a few minutes later it looked as though the dam would burst but Vandals stuck to the task and when lock Adam Oliver earned himself 10 minutes in the bin on 34 minutes they again started to build pressure and another penalty just before half time kept them in the game.
Half time 12-6 to Bramley.
The second half started slowly but with the Bramley pack starting to win some good possession it was only a matter of time before the backs started to impose themselves, Johhny Fillin got another on 50 minutes and this was quickly followed by another Aaron Mchale effort these were both converted and when Steve Mead went in by the posts a few minutes later the score started to reflect the game.
Bruce Cowley went over after good support work on 70 minutes, and Steve Mead got his second, these were both converted from the touch line by Sam Coates who had an excellent day with the boot kicking 7 from 8 before putting himself into contention for dick of the day with a half arsed drop goal attempt with the score at 54 - 6
League game 9/10/10
Hessle away
The first team travelled over to Hull for a fixture that is never easy and was made even harder by several drop outs through work commitments & injury, having said that the players coming in didn’t let anyone down.
The game started well for Bramley with them putting pressure on the Hessle line pretty much for the first 20 minutes or so but strong defence from Hessle denied the visitors any points until Sam Coates kicked a penalty to give Bramley a deserved but slim 3 point lead, captain for the day Vic Potapi turned down 2 or 3 other penalty shots choosing instead to put the ball into the corners and keep the pressure on the Hessle line, this eventually paid off when hooker Darren Robbins forced his way over from a short line out move, the touchline conversion from Sam Coates narrowly going wide.
As the first half came to a close it was the home team who finally forced themselves back into the game and only strong defence and a couple of huge clearance kicks keeping them out.
Half time Bramley 8 Hessle 0.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with Bramley having the best of the early exchanges when on 65 minutes with Bramley piling forward on a penalty advantage, a Hessle player killed the ball in a ruck and stand in scrum half Mat Oliver used his feet to clear him found himself with ten minutes in the sin bin.
Down to 14 men and on the wrong end of an eye watering penalty count Bramley were having to defend desperately and one or two cracks began to appear Hessle eventually were awarded a kick-able penalty and took the points to get themselves back into the game, and were soon putting pressure on the Bramley line the full back went through some uncharacteristic weak tackling and scored next to the posts to level the scores, and with the conversion to come it looked as if they would take the lead but the fly half pushed the easy chance wide and the scores stayed level, the sin bin was over at the restart and Bramley were back on level terms the last ten minutes were a tense affair with both teams having chances to steal the points but some pedantic refereeing denying both teams, Bramley finally started to get some worthwhile possession but not the field position to go with it to take a drop goal shot and in the final moment Hessle broke away only to be pulled back for a forward pass.
It was a game both sides will look back on and say they could and should have won, special mentions should be made to Darren Robbins at hooker and Adam Oliver in the second row both played with injuries and had stand out games as well as Mat Oliver normally second team hooker who came in at short notice to play at scrum half , Louise Harrison who came in out of position at full back after 5 months out injured and Colt Sam Richardson making his first team debut off the bench
NATIONAL VASE SEMI-FINAL
EVESHAM 5-22 BRAMLEY PHOENIX
Bramley and their band of supporters made the long journey to Evesham for one of the biggest games in the club's history with a place in a Twickenham final at stake. On a perfect day for rugby Bramley started nervously and seemed a bit over awed by the occasion. Several errors led to them being under constant pressure form the hosts, eventually the pressure told and an attempted clearance kick was charged down by the Evesham No.8 who followed up and touched down. Eventually Bramley started to get their game together and produce some of the expansive rugby they are capable of. In a devastating 20 minute period before the interval Bramley upped the pace and winger Danny Allanby showed great finishing to score an outstanding hat-trick of tries. With only one try being converted Bramley held a 17-5 interval lead.
The 1000 strong crowd were then treated to a pulsating half of rugby. The home team as you would expect throwing everything they had to try and close the scores. Unfortunately for them they came up against a Bramley defence that simply tackled everything that moved, this combined with some clever kicking meant that Bramley managed to keep their opponents at arms length and in the right areas of the pitch. When they did break through centre Martin Luxford came up with the tackle of the year to stop the Evesham winger just short of the line. Bramley then went up the field and after a move involving backs and forwards it was Allanby again who went over to seal a famous victory to spark wild celebrations amongst players and spectators alike which continued all the way back to Leeds.
Bramley Phoenix now travel to Twickenham on May 15 to play Teddington for what promises to be a very special occasion.
LEAGUE MATCH 17/4/10
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 76-0 GARFORTH
Bramley enjoyed their day in the sunshine at Garforth and in the perfect conditions they showed their ability to play a 15 man game. After some early Garforth pressure was withstood with some strong defence the rest of the game became a succession of tries including some possible try of the season contenders. All this after the loss of back rower Sam Wilson after only 5 minutes with what was believed to be a smudged tattoo. Try scorers for the record were Aaeron Mchale (2), Tony Cowley (2), Johnny Fillin (2), Mick Benn, Tom Langton, Martin Luxford, Danny Allanby, Simon Marnick and Gary Barnett. Stand off Sam Coates converting 8 of his 12 attempts.
LEAGUE MATCH 10/4/10
THORNENSIANS 8-13 BRAMLEY PHOENIX
Bramley travelled to Thorne with a much changed side, with the backs especially affected by injuries the back line had several players playing out of position. With so much disruption it was hardly supriseing that the visitors got off to a slow start. After some strong defence had kept the hosts out the Bramley line was eventually broken as Thorne went over for an unconverted try. Bramley who normally like to play an open game realised that they may have to play a slightly tighter game and this they did with great effect. The forwards took the game to the opposition with the line out proving a very effective weapon. Showing more confidence the backs used the ball well with full back Johnny Fillin scoring to level matters at the break.
The second half continued with both side missing chances before the two kickers exchanged penalties to keep the scores level going into the quarter. Bramley then produced the move of the match with backs and forwards combining to send Fillin in for his second try of the game. Special mention must go to the back row of Cowley, Langton and Wilson who put in some massive hits and carried the ball well all day.
Overall this was probably one of the most pleasing results of the season considering all the changes that had to be made and shows the strength in depth that the club is now developing
LEAGUE MATCH 27/3/10
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 38-10 THORNENSIANS
Bramley maintained their challenge at the top of Yorkshire 3 with a workman like performance against a sprited team from South Yorkshire. While never really hitting their straps the home team were always in control and scored some classic team tries. Playing against the strong wind in the first half Bramley still managed to dominate possesion and opened the scoring when winger Lewis Harrison finished off a flowing move. Scrum hald Aeron Mchale then grabbed a fine individual try before hooker Simon Marnick ignored a 17 man overlap to score himself! Bramley finished a strong first half with centre Gary Barnett showing his pace and giving the hosts a convincing half time lead.
Half-time: Bramley Phoenix 24-0 Thornensians
With a big lead and the wind at their backs the second half onslaught never materialised and credit to Thorne who kept giving it a go at every opportunity, being rewarded with a break away try from their stand off. Bramley occasionally showed their flair and scored further tries from Tony Cowley and Johnny Fillin, who grabbed his 20th try of a prolific season. The visitors did finish the scoring with the last play of the match with a close range try.
Thoughts now switch to Saturday's vist by Holmes Chappel from Cheshire for the quarter final of the National Vase. With a trip to Twickenham only 2 games away Bramley know that they will have to be at their best for the full 80 against a team currently top of their division.
LEAGUE MATCH 20/3/10
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 42-5 OLD OTLIENSIANS
Bramley got back to winning ways with a convincing win against the team from Otley. In a game played in terrible conditions the home side started well and despite the conditions played their usual expansive game. Scrum half Aaeron Mchale opened the scoring with the first of his hat trick of tries before veteran centre Gary Barnett rolled back the years to extend the lead. Both tries were converted by Stand-off Sam Coates who went on to finish with six from six with the boot (a first from a Bramley player for a long long time!). Trying to throw the ball around Bramley made some handling errors which resulted in Otliensians having a sustained spell in the Bramley '22, eventually scoring a try to reduce the lead to 14-5 at half-time.
Half-Time: Bramley Phoenix 14-5 Old Otliensians
With the advantage of the wind in the second half Bramley dominated terriotry and produced some decent rugby considering the conditions. By now skipper Danny "Drogba" Barlow was coming in for some harsh treatment from the visitors defence and he was doing well to keep his discipline. The tries continued to come with Mchale completeing his hat-trick and Barnett adding a second before leading try scorer Johnny Fillin grabbed his 19th of the season to complete the scoring. A decent win which keeps the home side in touch with second placed Rishworthians.
Classic Otliensians Match Report here... Which game was he dreaming about??
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LEAGUE MATCH 13/3/10
ROUNDHEGIANS 23-3 BRAMLEY PHOENIX
Bramley suffered their first defeat since October when they travelled to the run away league leaders. Far worse than the defeat was the horrific leg injury suffered by No.8 Jay Pickard and all at the club wish him a speedy and successful recovery.
The game started evenly with neither side really dominating the other. The hosts opened the scoring with a sucessful penalty goal before Sam Coates levelled the scores with his own penalty goal. It looked like that would be how the sides went into the break before some unusually slack defence out wide allowed the hosts to score an unconverted try on the stroke of half time.
Haf-Time: Roundhegians 8-3 Bramley Phoenix
The second half was dominated by the hosts with them showing why they are well clear at the top of the league. With their forwards showing their power they scored 3 further tries and despite the odd break out by Bramley they totally out played the visitors. With 10 minutes to go the game had to be abandoned due to the injury to Jay Pickard which resulted in the need for an ambulance.
A bad day in every sense for the team and one which they will need to show great resolve to bounce back from.
Link to Match Report on Roundhegians Site. (Ever talkative inside centre?? Surely not..)
LEAGUE MATCH 6/3/10
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 24-22 WATH UPON DEARNE
Bramley played a team that they had already beaten twice this season including a 50 point victory in the cup. However recent results by Wath had suggested a big improvement and so it proved. Straight from the kick off they put the hosts under pressure and were rewarded with a try through their backs after only 10 mnutes. This ignited the home team into producing some decent rugby and they went on to dominate the rest of the half. Firstly a break by fly half Sam Coates was suported by Aaron Mchale who went in under the posts. Mchale then turned provider for try scoring machine Adam Oliver to show his pace and go over in the corner. And Bramley rounded of the half with an excellent backs set piece move that saw centre Johnny Poorlyface increase the lead. Two of the tries were converted to give Bramley a healthy half time lead.
Half-Time: Bramley Phoenix 19-5 Wath upon Dearne
The second half was to prove as tough a half as Bramley have had all season. Unable to get any worthwhile possesion the home side spent almost the entire half in their own 22. The Wath pack were showing their strength in the set pieces with their line out proving very effective. Two close range tries one of which was converted brought the score to 19-17 before Bramley did manage to get hold of the ball and showed their greater footballing skills to score a try through No.8 Jay Pickard. Wath then camped on the Bramley line for the last 10 minutes of the game, and it was great credit to the Bramley defence that their line was only breeched with the last play of the game. The conversion attempt from wide out failed and the host had held out for a tight victory.
A hard fought victory which said more for the spirit and determination of the team rather than the performance on the day. No doubt that a big improvement will be needed for Saturday's visit to run away league leaders Roundhegians.
LEAGUE MATCH 13/2/10
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 38-10 AIREBOROUGH
Bramley entertained an Aireborough side who are one of only two teams they have lost to this season. Straight from the kick off it became clear the home side were out to avenge that defeat. Playing some of their best rugby of the season Bramley blitzed the visitors for the first 20 minutes and were rearded with 3 tries through Johnny Poorlyface, Johnny Fillin and probably the try of the season so far for flanker Tom Langton. Credit to Aireborough who continued to attack at every oppurunity and pulled a try back followed quickly by a penalty that closed the gap to seven ppoints. That was to be the closest the visitors got as Bramley scored again before the break through No.8 Jay Pickard.
Half-Time: Bramley Phoenix 24-10 Aireborough
Bramley remained comfortable in the second half without ever reproducing the form of the first period. They did however claim two more tries through flanker Tony Cowley and stand off Sam Coates who showed genuine pace to go through a gap in the defence. That just left enough time for Adam Oliver to re-claim his rightfull title with a delicate chip straight into the opposition prop's belly that saw him re-united with his beloved chain!
Overall an excellent performance against very committed opposition that showed how the team has improved since the early stages of the season.
NATIONAL VASE 6/2/10
SEAHAM 5-41 BRAMLEY PHOENIX
The second half was very much a stop start affair with the game having no flow at all. Bramley did manage to punctuate the dross with a couple of excellent tries for Aaron Mchale and a final try for A.N.Other. With only a few minutes to go both teams had a final disagreement and the referee brought the game to a close.
A hard fought victory which now means that a victory over Purdhoe at home in three weeks will see Bramley progress to within 2 games of a final at Twickenham.
LEAGUE MATCH 25/1/10
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 69-5 OLD MODERNIANS
Half-time: Bramley Phoenix 24-0 Old Modernians
The second half saw a marked improvement in the home teams finishing which resulted in Benn claiming his hat-trick of tries and his centre partner Gary Barnett stumbling over for a brace, Fillin grabbed a second and Tony Cowley scoring, before second row giant Adam Oliver crashed over from 4inch to finish the scoring.
After shrugging off the sloppiness of their play in the first quarter Bramley scored some fine team tries and can take confidence into next week and the tough trip to Halifax to play league leaders Old Rishworthians.
LEAGUE MATCH 12/12/09
OLD OTLIENSIANS 8-31 BRAMLEY PHOENIX
Bramley Phoenix travelled to Otley to face old foes Otliensians knowing that their record against them is less than impressive, and after 10 minutes their was no sign that this would improve with Otliensians starting strongly. Bramley were stuck in their own 22 and it was only superb defence led by Johnny Poorlyface that kept the hosts out. As a result of the defence Bramley managed to turn the ball over in their own 22 and fed the ball to winger Johnny Fillin who showed his opposite number a clean pair of heels to score a breakaway try which Sam Coates converted. Bramley started to get more of a foothold in the game and from a lineout flanker Tom Langton pushed off several would be tacklers to feed Fillin who finished off in style.
Half Time: Old Otliensians 0-12 Bramley Phoenix
The second half began with Bramley looking comfortable and their rock solid defence continuing to repel anything the home side had to offer, but just as the home side began to run out of ideas their centre charged down a clearance kick and then won the race for the line, although he missed the conversion he was successful with a penalty shortly afterwards and all of a sudden the game was in the balance at 12-8. Bramley pride themselves on their fitness and coach Langton reminded them to stay patient in his usual relaxed manner. And so it proved to be as with 10 minutes to go Bramley upped their game against the heavier but tiring home pack. Firstly centre Poorlyface made an excellent break and fed fellow centre Michael Benn who “outpaced” the cover for a converted try. Otliensians started to take risks in their own half only for stand off Coates to intercept and somehow make it to the try line before the cover got to him. Straight from the restart Bramley finished the scoring with the try of the game as good hands resulted in winger Danny Allanby racing clear for another converted try.A superb away win which was built on the teams excellent defence and fitness levels.
Bramley will be looking to finish off the first half of the season at home to Thornensians next week.
SILVER TROPHY 5/12/09
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 51-13 WATH UPON DEARNE.
Bramley Phoenix easily defeated Wath to reach the quarter finals of the Yorkshire Trophy. After only narrowly defeating Wath a fortnight ago in the league Bramley expected another tough game, but this didn’t prove to be the case. After going behind to an early penalty Bramley then produced some of their best attacking rugby of the season in a 20 minute spell that saw them score tries through Johnny Fillin (2), Sam Wilson and Jay Pickard.
The beginning of the second half saw a lack lustre spell from the home side before head coach Steve Langton’s threat to “explode” had the desired effect, and Bramley reproduced the form of the first half resulting in Fillin claiming his hat-trick and further tries for Aaeron Mchale, Louis Harrison and a first of the season for hooker Simon Marnick, who now that he has finally scored has even promised to pass next week!
A convincing win with some excellent rugby in parts although they know they will need to perform for the full eighty next week for the trip to Old Otliensians.
LEAGUE MATCH 31/10/09
AIEBOROUGH 30-23 BRAMLEY PHOENIX
Bramley Phoenix travelled to Aireborough on Saturday with a much changed side due to injuries and unavailabilities. Despite the changes Bramley were much the better side for the majority of the 1st half and scored two tries to one. Back rowers Tom Langton and Jay Pickard touching down. With the pack performing well in the set pieces against the much larger home pack the game remained close until probably the defining moment of the match.Just moments before half time a mass brawl broke out and the referee decided to send off the main Bramley culprit while only sending the Airbourough player to the sin bin leaving Bramley facing the whole second half a man down.
Half time: Aireborough 14-13 Bramley phoenix
Despite being a player down Bramley continued to play the attacking rugby and scored two more tries, Tom Langton scoring his second and debutant Danny Allanby grabbing his first for the club. Unfortunately poor discipline and some puzzling referee descisions meant that Aireborough kept their nose in front through the boot of their excellent goal kicker. Special praise should go to young prop Adam Roberts, who in his first start for the 1st team, more than held his own against his experienced opposite number.
So despite outscoring their opponents 4 tries to 2 Bramley, for the second league game in a row, had been made to pay by their opponents boot/poor discipline.
Next game: Sat 7th Nov. Home v Baildon. k.o 2.15pm
1st ROUND SILVER TROPHY 24/10/09
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 55-0 MOSBOROUGH
Bramley Phoenix hosted Yorkshire 5 side Mosborough in the 1st round of the Silver Trophy.
While never hitting their top game the home side had too much for their young and enthusiastic visitors from Sheffield. Bramley mixed some superb flowing moves with some very ordinary periods of play but they knew they always had enough in reserve. They ran in nine tries in total with all the backs getting a try with the exception of trial ginger Adam Oliver who kept getting smashed by his opposite number.
Tries scorers: Sam Wilson (2), Luis Harrison (2), Martin Luxford, Michael Benn, Aeron Mchale, Jay Pickard and Tom Langton.
Bramley return to league action next week with a trip to Guiseley to play Aireborough with a 3pm kick off.
LEAGUE MATCH 17/10/09
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 15-20 OLD RISHWORTHIANS
Bramley Phoenix entertained Halifax side Old Rishworthians looking to avenge last season’s defeats. On a perfect day for rugby a close and entertaining game was expected and the two teams didn’t disappoint.
From the kick off the visitors dominated territory, and for the opening 30 minutes their strong pack and excellent kicking game aided by the home team’s poor discipline meant that Bramley were kept pinned in their own 22. Strong defence kept Rishworthians out until an attempted clearance kick was charged down allowing the visitor’s stand off to stroll over unopposed. Shortly after the lead was doubled when a chip over the top took a wicked bounce away from the covering defence allowing the winger to score a try which again was converted. The hosts started to come back into the game but most of their attacks were too lateral and were easily dealt with by the well organised Rishworthian’s defence.
Half time: Bramley Phoenix 0-14 Old Rishworthians.
The task for the home time got tougher as a penalty for yet another infringement led to the margin being increased to 17 points. At this point Bramley finally began to play the rugby that they had shown previously in the season. With the pack starting to take the game to their opponents and the backs starting to run straighter, gaps began to appear and the home side created several scoring chances. Finally scores came from winger Johnny Fillin and centre Mick Benn, unfortunately neither were converted and the gap remained at 7 points. With most of the game now being played in the visitors half Bramley pushed hard for an equalising score, unfortunately the next score went to the visitors who converted yet another penalty to give them a ten point cushion going into the final 5 minutes. Bramley continued attacking and scored another try with Fillin getting his second of the game.
A hard defeat for the boys to take, who despite outscoring their visitors three tries to two, knew that ultimately they had been made to pay for a poor start and even poorer discipline.
LEAGUE MATCH 12/9/09
HALIFAX VANDALS 7-24 BRAMLEY PHOENIX
Bramley Phoenix travelled to Halifax for what is always one of the toughest trips of the season. With skipper Danny Barlow missing due to wedding/fancy dress/ski trip “clever” Ash stepped up to play in his favourite 2nd row position. Despite playing up the slope and in to the wind Bramley dominated the early play. Unfortunately unusually sloppy handling repeatedly let them down and at least 4 clear cut try scoring opportunities were wasted. They were made to pay when Vandals scored a soft try from a close range tap penalty.
Half time: Halifax Vandals 7-0 Bramley Phoenix
With the advantage of the slope and the wind in their favour Bramley dominated possession and territory in the second half. But the sloppy mistakes which had littered the first half continued and with 20 minutes remaining everybody was starting to wonder if it was going to be one of those days. Then winger Johnny Fillin, for once chipping ahead at the right time, collected his own kick to score an excellent individual try. This seemed to relax the Bramley players who then started converting their breaks into tries. Johnny Fillin grabbing his second following a perfect set piece move, then the other winger Louis Harrison grabbed a try before prop Vic Potapi scored his now customary try to maintain his position at the top of the try scoring charts. Apparently fellow prop Daz Robbins does all the hard graft so Vic can ponce about in the backs!
A case of getting the victory and taking the points but the game really highlighted the work that needs to be done in training.
Team: V.Potapi, S.Marnick, D.Robbins, S.Kelly, A.Bowtell, T.Langton, T.Cowley, J.Pickard, M.Oliver, S.Coates, L.Harrison, M.Luxford, M.Benn, J.Fillin, S.Wilson.
Replacements: D.Parker, A.Rogers, A.Oliver.
Next match: 26/9/09 Home v Northallerton k.o.3pm
LEAGUE MATCH 5/9/09
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 44-0 GARFORTH
Bramley Phoenix opened their season against local rivals the “mighty ‘forth”.
Despite playing into a strong wind Bramley dominated possession and territory with the forwards excelling in the set piece and with their work around the pitch. Both tries reflecting this, the first a catch and drive which saw captain Danny Barlow go over and the second when a length of the field move resulted in the worlds oldest prop Vic Potapi being first in support to score. Lewis Harrison added a penalty before the break.
Half-time: Bramley Phoenix 13-0 Garforth.
With the wind at their backs in the second period the entire half was played with Bramley on the attack. Garforth never gave up and continued with some strong defence but Bramley showed their quality and ran in 5 second half tries. Wings Lewis Harrison (2), Johnny Fillin, Jay Pickard scoring tries before that man/machine Vic Potapi “raced” clear to score his second of the match. Again showing the benefit of being a fit mobile prop (you know what I mean Daz!)
Overall a good performance to start the season, the players no doubt inspired by the appearance of club legend Steve Barnett – currently on a 4 week holiday in Bramley!!!. With stiffer challenges to come a lot more work is needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Team: V.Potapi, S.Marnick, D.Robbins, S.Kelly, D.Barlow, T.Langton, T.Cowley, J.Pickard, M.Oliver, S.Coates, L.Harrison, M.Luxford, M.Benn, J.Fillin, S.Wilson.
Replacements: D.Parker, M.Weed, A.Bowtell
Next match: 12/9/09 Away v Halifax Vandals k.o.3pm
Next match: 24/10/09 Home v Mosborough (Silver Trophy)
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 51-13 WATH UPON DEARNE.
Bramley Phoenix easily defeated Wath to reach the quarter finals of the Yorkshire Trophy. After only narrowly defeating Wath a fortnight ago in the league Bramley expected another tough game, but this didn’t prove to be the case. After going behind to an early penalty Bramley then produced some of their best attacking rugby of the season in a 20 minute spell that saw them score tries through Johnny Fillin (2), Sam Wilson and Jay Pickard.
The beginning of the second half saw a lack lustre spell from the home side before head coach Steve Langton’s threat to “explode” had the desired effect, and Bramley reproduced the form of the first half resulting in Fillin claiming his hat-trick and further tries for Aaeron Mchale, Luis Harrison and a first of the season for hooker Simon Marnick, who now that he has finally scored has even promised to pass next week!
A convincing win with some excellent rugby in parts although they know they will need to perform for the full eighty next week for the trip to Old Otliensians.
LEAGUE MATCH 28/11/09
LEAGUE MATCH (28/11/2009)
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 5-5 ROUNDHEGIANS
It was honours even when 3rd placed Bramley Phoenix entertained unbeaten league leaders Roundhegians. The visitors started strongly and with their pack showing strongly aided by their strong running backs they scored an early try aided by some unusually weak Bramley defence. Bramley knew they would have to up their game, and this they did. After a spell of pressure, good ball by the forwards resulted in the backs putting on a set move which saw tackling machine Gary Barnett put full back Sam Wilson through a gap, who despite being held just short of the try line was able to slip the ball to the supporting Sam Coates who used his bulk to crash over the line. The rest of the half remained even with both defences on top. Roundhegians missed a penalty attempt as did Coates who with the last kick of the half sent a kick at goal just wide.
Half-time: Bramley Phoenix 5-5 Roundhegians
The visitors started the second half strongly and had the better of the territory without really threatening the Bramley line. When Bramley did have their chances they did look dangerous but on a couple of opportunities the last pass went astray. After a silly infringement by Costa Mchale the Roundhegians kicker missed a simple penalty kick from straight in front of the posts and despite much endeavour from both sides the game finished level.
A fair result in the end where Bramley showed that after last year’s promotion they are a match for anything in Yorkshire 3.
Next game: Home v Wath k.o.2.15pm (Yorkshire Silver Trophy)
LEAGUE MATCH 21/11/09
WATH 20-26 BRAMLEY PHOENIX
Bramley Phoenix travelled to Wath Upon Dearne for a re-arranged league game. The visitors got off to a sluggish start and it was no surprise when the home team opened the scoring when a gust of wind blew winger Johnny Fillin away allowing his opposite number in for a converted try. This stirred Bramley into action and after scrum half Aeron Mchale had pressured the home team into a mistake, flanker Sam Wilson dropped on the loose ball for an easy try. Soon after Bramley took the lead with a superb individual try from centre Martin Luxford, who dummied his way through the home defence.Tony Cowley converting both tries. A home penalty cut the lead at the half time whistle.
Half time: Wath 10- 14 Bramley Phoenix
Another Wath penalty closed the gap to just one point and worse was to follow when straight from the re-start Simon Marnick went against all his natural instincts and through out a perfect pass……straight to the Wath centre who raced in from the half way line, the conversion giving the home team a six point lead. With 10 minutes remaining Bramley piled on the pressure and were rewarded with a try for full back Michael Benn. Unfortunately Cowley, still unsettled over losing his hat, missed the conversion and Bramley remained a point behind with only 5 minutes remaining. Bramley maintained the pressure and following a break from Mchale flanker Wilson had the simple task of falling over the line for the match winning try.
A good victory at a place where very few come away with the points and sets them up nicely for the visit of table toppers Roundhegians next week.
Next game: Sat 21st Nov. Home v Roundhegians k.o 2.15pm
(Old players re-union from 1pm onwards – all welcome)
LEAGUE MATCH 7/11/09
BRAMLEY PHOENIX 32-22 BAILDON.
After 2 consecutive league defeats Bramley got back to winning ways with a victory against a spirited Baildon side. Despite creating numerous early chances, Phoenix actually went behind when the visitors crossed for an unconverted try. Eventually the home side managed to convert some of the chances they were creating and scored tries through Louis Harrison, Sam Coates and Aaeron Mchale. Unfortunately the sloppy play that continued throughout the game allowed the visitors to cross for a converted try which closed the gap at the break to just 5 points.
Half time: Bramley Phoenix 17-12 Baildon.
Bramley dominated the first 15mins of the second half and scored a deserved try through Johnny Poorlyface. But in a passage of play that typified the overall performance Bramley let the visitors back into the game with a penalty goal followed by a try from a charge down which reduced the gap to just 3 points with 15 minuted to play. Bramley were grateful for a slice of fortune which saw back rower Tony Cowley snap up a loose ball and out sprint the cover for a try which finally sealed the match.
Although it was a much needed victory the team and coaching staff know that a lot of hard work is needed with some tough fixtures coming up.
Next game: Sat 14th Nov. Away v Wath Upon Dearne k.o 2.15pm
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