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Yorkshire Under 17 Match Reports - 2011 Season
RAF Trophy Winners 2011
| Cheshire |
W |
34-23 |
| Notts/Lincs/Derby |
W |
14-61 |
| Lancashire |
W |
0-14 |
| North Wales Academy |
W |
22-6 |
| Eastern Counties |
W |
3-26 |
| North of England U16 |
W |
33-7 |
Yorkshire U17s vs Cheshire U17s
Weds 20th April 2011
Yesterday evening at Brantingham Park Yorkshire achieved a clean sweep of victories with a hard fought win over a strong Cheshire side by 34 points to 23 - five tries to three.
Whilst the Backs got three of these tries two went to hard working forwards whose effort and endeavour set the platform.Justifiably Loose Head Prop Will Rigg grafted a try following one by Backrower and Man of the Match Toby Hinchcliffe in the first half .Tobys try came after excellent support running from a break by winger Jack Hewitt following a clever chip kick from Full Back Gareth Nash.This try was converted by Callum Irvine who also slotted a penalty to keep Yorkshire in contention 10 - 18 at half time after two early tries from the visitors
After a reminder from the Coaches at the break to believe in their own ability and a minor pack reshuffle Yorkshires Forwards took the game to the visitors .Front five pressure as the visitors visibly wilted allowed Will Rigg to scramble over from close range.Then the backrow short of No 8 Andrew Fradgeley for ten minutes with a harsh yellow card drove manfully into the heart of Cheshire creating second phase for the backs who now rocked in with tries from Will Boardman(Captain) ,Gareth Nash and finally No 10 Callum Irvine with a sublime break.Two more were converted again by Irvine.
The plaudits must go to the whole squad .Throughout the Yorkshire defensive pressure was awesome but it didn't stop Cheshire coming back strongly in the last few minutes of the game with a final unconverted try again from their Man of the Match Sam James.
The game was a great advert for North Development Rugby and a ultimately a worthy outcome for a highly talented Yorkshire Squad - no doubt these lads will do battle again next Season as they move into the U18 Programme
For now however they can savour the moment with the RAF Trophy awarded to Group Winners of games between North Wales, Lancashire and until today holders Cheshire
Get a hard earned rest from Rugby in the hot condtions and enjoy!
Well done lads - thanks to one and all for a great Season
Dave Oswin
Yorkshire U17s Chairman
Yorkshire Grins from Chairman Dave Oswin & Secretary Maureen Fulton out do those of the Cheshire Secretary Rufus Gardiner - retiring after nearly thirty years - owe so sweet to retrieve the RAF Trophy!
The Boys who did it !!
Notts,Lincs & Derby U17s vs Yorkshire U17s Development Game
Sunday 10th April 2011
Yorkshire travelled to Newark RUFC in glorious sunshine and enjoyed a triumphant day of running rugby off the back of 4 competitive games the more experienced Yorkshire Squad ran in nine tries and an equal number of conversions to two against to run out 61-14 winners over the NLD squad that had just been brought together under their U18 Development Programme for next Season!
Tries rained in from the backs who were dominant throughout thanks to a constant supply of ball from hard working forwards. Will Prest, Cameron Roberts, Jack Hewitt(3), Jack Howdle, Will Boardman, Anthony West & Callum Irvine all crossed the whitewash with West & Irvine in rotation adding the extras. NLD rightly awarded Callum as their Man of the Match -Callum orchestrated a wonderful backs display with great finesse!
But this display was without question a great squad performance over the 3 x 25 periods with the Coaches using all 24 players in rotation and introducing two newcomers in the pack - Charlie Read (TH Prop/Malton & Norton)) & Cieran Murphy ( Lock/QEGS ) both of whom acquited themselves really well on debut
Well done to all a really enjoyable day in the sun and a great advert for development of the game of Rugby - even in what felt like a day for Cricket on a rock hard pitch
Thanks to Newark & NLD for their hospitality on the day - we look forward to repeat event in Yorkshire next Season
DFO
10th April 11
Josh Beaumont attempts to break free!
Joe Lowcock on the charge!
Front Row Union - Charlie Dean,Ryan Craswell & Matt Rudkin
.JPG)
Centre Jack Howdle breaks through...again!
Lancashire U17s vs Yorkshire U17s
Sunday 13th March 2011
Rampant Yorkshire in Red Rose Victory!
Two converted tries in the first half were not the whole story in an empathic away victory at Tyldesley RUFC.From the off Yorkshire showed how far they have come this Season as a Squad taking the game to the newly formed Lancashire Team with real drive enthusiasm and no little skill.Strong up front the forwards laid a great platform for tries by fullback Anthony West and Flanker Toby Hinchcliffe both of whom had immense games.West was rightly voted man of the match by the Lancashire Coaching Team but it would be churlish to single out individual players.This was a real team effort the Coaches had asked for throughout.
Of equal satisfaction was a determined White Rose defence which shut out an improved but stuttering effort from Lancashire in the second half.That said there was only going to be one winner in this match and given the amount of possession Yorkshire generated the only frustration was the failure to gain extra points before the final whistle.Oh so sweet nonetheless.Well done to the whole squad - you did your County proud!
FINAL SCORE
LANCASHIRE U17s 0 YORKSHIRE U17s 14
Josh Beaumont(Wharfedale) on the charge
Toby Hinchcliffe( St Peters) on the charge
Hull connection Jack Howdle to Jack Hewitt
Andrew Fradgeley( Otley) on the charge
Yorkshire U17s vs North Wales Academy U17s
Sunday 13th February 2011
A Game of Two Halves !
Huddersfield YMCA played host to a strongly competitive match against a resurgent North Wales Academy yesterday. Played in heavy conditions throughout with driving rain most of the game Yorkshire dug out a third consecutive victory this season against their most competent opponents to date. An early penalty from the North Wales fullback was responsed to superbly with a sniping break and try from Scrum Half Cameron Roberts (Harrogate) converted by Gareth Nash ( St.Peter's, York). However, the rest of the first half was played much in the defending 22 as the Welsh backs cut loose served by a plentiful supply of ball from some strong running forwards who took the game to Yorkshire .The Welsh forwards drove well and were rewarded half way through the first half with an unconverted try out wide off a rolling maul. But for some dogged defending and occassional good fortune in mishandling the wet ball the game could have been lost at this stage. It wasn't until late into the second half however that the Welsh flyhalf Barker breached the defence again with an electric turn of pace.The conversion was missed and Yorkshire turned round 7 - 13 down.
The second half saw Yorkshire ring the changes from the bench and the Coaches half time pep talk in the pouring rain did the trick as it was now North Wales turn to defend the same 22 after the turnround. Despite another converted penalty for offside against Yorkshire the White Rose came out on top with late unconverted tries from Man of the Match and replacement Scrum Half Dan Jeffrey (Old Brodleians) and replacement full back Anthony West (West Park).
With true Yorkshire grit the final score was taken to a 22 - 16 home win!
Well done again lads.
Fullback Anthony West heads for the line and Yorks 4th try to seal a great comeback.
Great hit from Centre Jack Hewitt.
Ripon's & St.Peter's Toby Hinchcliffe on the charge!
Backrower Harry Rix contemplates victory.
The Tour Party 29th/30th Jan 2011
Eastern Counties U17s v Yorkshire U17s - Sun 30th Jan 2011
The full County Campaign kicked off today with a 26- 3 away win at Bury St Edmunds RUFC!
After an initial hard fought 20 mins when Yorkshire conceded a early penalty the U17s tour squad scored two tries in either half to come away with the spoils.Winger Josh Beaumont (Wharfedale) bagged a brace of tries with Flanker Jacob Robinson(Prince Henry's) and replacement Scrum Half Cameron Roberts (Harrogate) grabbing the others after great work by the forwards. Anthony West converted 3 out of 4.
Well done lads !
Forwards
Harry Collett - Calder HS/Old Rishworthians RUFC
Karl Cooper - Doncaster RUFC
Ryan Craswell - Wheatley Hills RUFC
Joshua Greenfield - Prince Henrys GS Otley
Andrew Fradgley - Giggleswick/Otley RUFC
Toby Hinchcliffe - St Peters York/Ripon RUFC
Louis Hooper - Prince Henrys GS/Otley RUFC
Matthew Ingram - Ripon GS/Ripon RUFC
Jonathan Lodge - Old Brodleians RUFC
Joe Lowcock - QEGS/Doncaster RUFC
William Rigg - Prince Henry GS/Otley RUFC
Harry Rix - Hymers College/Hull Ionians RUFC
Jacob Robinson - Prince Henrys GS Otley - VICE CAPTAIN
Matthew Rudkin - Sheffield RUFC
Backs
Joshua Beaumont - South Craven College/Wharfedale RUFC
Will Boardman - GSEL/Otley RUFC - CAPTAIN
Dominic Copsey - Woodhouse Grove/Otley RUFC
Gerald Fenton - Pocklington School
Jack Howdle - Longcroft School/Hull Ionians RUFC
Jack Hewitt - Hymers College
Dan Jeffrey - Prince Henrys GS/Old Brodleians RUFC
Gareth Nash - St Peters York
William Prest - Prince Henrys GS/West Park Leeds RUFC
Cameron Roberts - Harrogate GS/Harrogate RUFC
Anthony West - GSAL/West Park Leeds RUFC
Andrew Fradgley in action. Voted Yorkshire's man of the match by Eastern Counties.
Jacob Robinson scoring Yorkshire's second try.
"Huddle and cuddle" The half time "Yorkshire think tank" !!
Yorkshire U17 V North of England U16 Training Game
The U17s new season kicked off with a training match vs North Of England U16s at Weetwood Road,Leeds University on Sun 23rd Jan 2011.Played over three 25 min periods with full squad rotation the Yorkshire Squad ran in four tries to one against their younger opponents.Wings Beaumont & Prest getting one apiece Hooker Ryan Craswell and Captain Will Boardman sealing an encouraging start to the full U17 Campaign.Fullback Anthony West slotted two conversions and three penalties.
2010 Season
Sunday 11th of April: Cheshire 20 Yorkshire 17
Yorkshire U17s paid the price for a slow start as they lost to Cheshire at Stockport RUFC. The game was played in beautiful sunshine with the kick off delayed as a result of changing rooms not being available to the sides.
Cheshire, unbeaten in their programme, started strongly and opened the scoring in the 2nd minute after a blistering break down the left wing resulted in a try in the corner. Yorkshire now found themselves under an onslaught with Cheshire sending strong runners through the midfield. The defence was breached again but only a last ditch tackle from fullback Louie Butler prevented an inevitable try.
Yorkshire’s plans were then struck a blow as No.8 Jonathan Foster had to leave the field after a shoulder injury. Cheshire were now gaining the upperhand in most aspects of the game and a second try deservedly followed as the Yorkshire midfield defence was exposed again. The conversion was missed but Yorkshire were 10-0 behind with only 13 minutes played.
To their credit the Yorkshire lads gradually clawed their way back into the game with scrum half George Carr growing in confidence. His sharp break put the home side on the back foot as he combined with Winger Jordan Ajimati who then made great ground towards the Cheshire 22. Carr, running a great support line, was on hand to receive the pass back and he outwitted the final flailing defenders to score a superb try. Simon Hammersley gratefully added the extras to make it 10-7 with less than ten minutes to half time.
There was now a strong sense that if Yorkshire could hold the home side until the break, then the game would be there for the taking. However Cheshire showed their quality and pressed back to score another try on the stroke of half-time. This time the kick was successful and Cheshire had a deserved 17-7 half time lead.
Yorkshire started the 2nd half with great intent having made several personnel changes. They pressed hard into Cheshire territory and were rewarded with a penalty which Hammersley coolly slotted. Then in the 45th minute Carr conjured up some magic again to get the visitors level. He broke right from a ruck, before cleverly slipping a inside pass to replacement hooker Tim Pickersgill who’s perfectly timed run caught the Cheshire defence flat footed, allowing him to power over for a try. Hammersley added the straightforward conversion and it was now 17-17 in a pulsating encounter.
Cheshire strained to find a decisive score but the centre partnership of Fairclough and Torkington was resolute in defence. However pressure did eventually tell and the home side was awarded a penalty which restored their slim lead to 20-17 in the 53rd minute.
Yorkshire went in search of a riposte and finally was posing questions of the Cheshire defence. Euan Miller made a lovely outside break which took him into the home 22 with a try looking certain. However his misjudged pass ended up in touch when the try seemed inevitable.
Just a few minutes later Pickersgill looked like he would be the hero after another barnstorming run but he was held up agonisingly short. Cheshire was struggling to hold the Yorkshire attack and a penalty inevitably came. Hammersley steered the kick expertly into the corner to set up the 5m lineout. Yorkshire caught cleanly at the front but Elliot Hodges lost his footing as he landed. Yorkshire recycled the ball and went blind but were penalised for an accidental offside. Cheshire cleared their line and with one minute left Yorkshire’s flickering hopes were snuffed out.
Well done to Cheshire for their deserved victory. They showed a lot of quality and their strong start coupled with sharp execution ultimately told. Yorkshire boys showed real character in digging in and fighting back. The game could have been turned with a little more composure at key moments.
Thanks to referee Andy Daniels and his officials. Special thanks to the Yorkshire medical team for looking after the welfare of both teams.
Sunday 21st of March: Yorkshire 22 Lancashire 6
Yorkshire Under 17’s got their programme firmly back on the rails with a comprehensive 22-6 victory over Lancashire at York RI RUFC. Despite the previous day’s heavy rain the playing surface at York was in pristine condition. Yorkshire opened the game brightly and showed their intent as they pinned Lancashire back in their own half for the first 15 minutes. The home pack was fired up and the early scrums set the tone as they asserted their dominance, lead ably by tighthead and skipper Adam Tamanis (Doncaster). The visitors struggled to keep the scrums up with Tamanis proving too powerful for his opposite number and Hooker Tim Pickersgill (QEGS) and loosehead Will Bennett (Sheffield) adding to a strong front row. Elliot Hodges (Hull Ionians) was looking assertive at the lineouts winning some good early ball.
The half back pairing of Isaac Green (Hull Ionians) and Hammersley were mixing their options well and controlling the game with finesse.
The threat posed by back three of Bradshaw (York), Papwoth (Harrogate) and the classsy Butler (Old Brods) at fullback was obvious.
Disappointingly Yorkshire was unable to convert early dominance into points despite the visitors infringing to slow down the attacks. Fly half Simon Hammersley (Hull Ionians) went close with two kicks at goal but was unable to take the bare look off the scoreboard.
The Yorkshire backrow was in the ascendancy with Danny Casson (Hull Ionians) prominent in the early exchanges along with Toby Hinchcliffe (Ripon). Jonathan Foster (Old Brods) was also putting in an eye-catching performance at 8 and he soon crossed the whitewash; however the referee spoiled the celebration with a forward pass ruling.
However the Yorkshire scrum now came under the scrutiny of the match official who decided that Adam Tamanis was scrummaging illegally (despite his obvious superiority) and a string of penalties ensued that lifted the siege after 16 minutes and allowed Lancashire into home territory. They were now handed two golden opportunities to get the score board moving with successful penalties after 24 and 28 minutes giving them a 6-0 lead.
Yorkshire remained calm and duly drove back at visitors and a fierce forward drive saw Will Foster (Harrogate) over in the right corner for a try. Hammersley added the conversion to give Yorkshire a slender lead 7-6 at the interval.
The second half began in similar fashion with Yorkshire seeking a decisive score but now finding it increasingly difficult to satisfy the match official at the set piece. Lancashire pressed enjoying their best period of the match and the grit and resolve of the Yorkshire defence was tested. The lads responded magnificently to the challenge and repelled the invaders.
Lancashire then had a 5 metre attacking scrum that was to prove critical. The Yorkshire pack steeled themselves, then got the nudge on and went forward before the scrum was “brought” down. Tamanis was again penalised despite his pivotal role in moving a defensive scrum forward! Then, at the next scrum, to the dismay of knowledgeable observers (and front row virgins!) referee Boothroyd lamentably showed a yellow card to the Yorkshire skipper.
The Yorkshire boys now grew in stature, bristling at losing their skipper and determined to right a perceived wrong. Lancashire now tried to move the ball and open the Yorkshire defence but the door was repeatedly slammed in their faces with centres Fairclough (Wheatley Hills) and Torkington (Hull Ionians) holding the line.
Fly-half Hammersley then stepped up to slot a penalty to extend the lead to 10-6 before Tamanis returned. Restored to a full compliment, the home side wanted to ensure the score more accurately reflected their dominance and the forwards again drove deep into territory before Jonathan Foster dived over for a deserved try in the 63rd minute. Hammersley was unable to add the extras but crucially the home side now had a two score cushion at 15-6.
Yorkshire now rang the changes to get everyone involved. Replacement scrum-half George Carr (Wetherby) produced an intelligent box kick to pin Lancashire back again. Lancashire threw the ball wide in an effort to find a late score but came undone. Eddie Bradshaw, having move from the wing to centre, read a move and intercepted the ball. He showed blistering pace over 50 metres to finish under the posts. Ben Blackwell (Keighley) added the conversion to make it 22-6 at the final whistle.
Well done to both sides on producing a county game of considerable quality with one seasoned observer commenting “It was one of the best roses matches I have seen”. Lancashire didn’t lack endeavour but ultimately Yorkshire showed more class when needed and critically were driven by hunger for this win.
Thank you to referee Neil Boothroyd and his team for officiating.
Special thanks to Alan Warriner and all at York RI RUFC for use of their splendid new facilities and for post-match hospitality.
Sunday 31st of January: North Wales 13 Yorkshire 7
Yorkshire Under 17s opened their campaign with a disappointing 13-7 loss away to North Wales Academy (RGC 1404) at Bangor RUFC. However the result failed to spoil a great weekend away that helped the Yorkshire squad to gel together.
Departing early on Saturday morning, the squad arrived into beautiful sunny weather on Anglesey in time for lunch. The afternoon training session was enhanced by the snowy backdrop at Bangor University. A private dinner at the hotel was then followed by the formalities of a squad meeting and county tie presentations. Then His Honour R. Kester presided over the tour court handing out penalties to various miscreants!
On Sunday morning the team bus made the short but snowy journey to Bangor RUFC. The first team pitch was playable and in reasonable condition despite the weather. The tone for the game was set when the team of 6 match officials was introduced. The referee was wired up to his two touch judges and the assessor and two further officials patrolled the technical areas.
Yorkshire dominated the early exchanges with their pack looking more powerful in the tight with tight-head Adam Tamanis proving a real handful for his opposite number.
The opening score came after 13 minutes as fly half Simon Hammersley nailed a penalty deep into touch in the Welsh 22. Perry Wilson’s throw was sharp to the front of the lineout and the visitors pack drove hard at the line with scrum half Isaac Green gratefully accepting the ball for the touchdown. Hammersley added the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
North Wales surged back but the Yorkshire defence held solid. However they now increasingly found themselves on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle. Tamanis received a stern talking to as the touch judge called him for illegal scrummaging. The home side converted a kick at goal with 30 minutes gone. Then with just three minutes the referee harshly binned Yorkshire skipper Ryan Grange for a ruck offence. This was to prove the game’s defining moment as the sides turned around with Yorkshire’s 7-3 lead not really reflecting their endeavours in the first half.
The visitor’s fourteen men were now under greater pressure in the early exchanges of the second half and Simon Hammersley had a midfield kick charged down. A Welsh player appreciatively swept up the loose ball and ran in 40 metres to score. The touch judge immediately called it back for offside however the referee over ruled his official despite his repeated advice. The easy conversion gave Wales the lead at 10-7.
Yorkshire were restored to fifteen men and pressed again to regain the lead. The first of many replacements were made with Yorkshire utilising their full bench. However the penalty count continued to rise as Yorkshire struggled to adapt to the refereeing interpretations at the breakdown and North Wales extended their lead with another shot at goal. The visitors were frustrated by slow ball at the breakdown and centres Ben Fairclough and Eddy Bradshaw both made promising breaks but a resolute defence repeatedly shut down opportunities.
Yorkshire did manage to cross the whitewash three times in the second half but knocked on once in scoring and two other drives were penalised for obstruction. The final few minutes of the game were frantic and thrilling as Yorkshire ran the ball out of their own in-goal area with replacement wingers Tom Papworth and Henry Wain making decent ground. Yorkshire was finally awarded a penalty in the Welsh half and Hammersley’s pin point accuracy secured the lineout out 5 metres from goal. Yorkshire took the ball cleanly and set the drive but it was thwarted by Welsh bodies on the deck which brought the maul down. With no penalty coming the point of attack was switched to the open but Yorkshire were now penalised for obstruction. The ball was kicked dead and the game was over.
In the end a disappointing result but credit to the Welsh lads who defended resolutely and with discipline throughout. They took their one real scoring chance and turned into seven points. The Yorkshire lads showed massive commitment in the final stages. All 24 players played for their shirts and all 24 shared the massive disappointment at the final whistle. The coaches’ encouragement was to be proud of their efforts, to learn from the experience and make sure we are a better side for the visit of Eastern Counties.
Thanks to local referee Dylan Davies and his entourage. Special thanks to Bangor RUFC for their hospitality and congratulations to Will Morecombe and the RGC 1404 management team. The RGC 1404 team recognised Danny Casson as Yorkshire's man of the match.
2009 Season
Sunday 26th of April: Yorkshire 18 Cheshire 12
The Yorkshire Under 17 season finished on a high with a well-earned 18-12 victory over Cheshire at a sun-drenched Hull Ionians. There was drama though even before the first whistle with the Yorkshire medical team treating two Cheshire players who sustained nasty injuries in a collision during the warm up. The kick off was then delayed by the presentation of the Yorkshire U16 Cup to Hull Ionians in front of an enthusiastic home support.
When the game finally got underway it was Yorkshire who looked to be impacted by the delay as Cheshire quickly got on the front foot. They then rocked the home side with a try under the posts; the simple conversion meant a 7-0 lead with just a couple of minutes gone.
The Yorkshire side, much changed from the Lancashire game, regrouped and quickly stormed back into the game with No.8 Sam Harrison leading the revival. His barnstorming runs tore holes in the visitors’ defence and he was rewarded with a fine try. Tom Hodgson struck the conversion kick well into the strong wind but it was just off target.
Buoyed by the quick recovery, the Yorkshire pack was now in the ascendancy and tore into the visitors. Quick ball was being provided by the backs and the muscular approach of centre Joe Martin was proving a handful. The pressure was telling and Hodgson gratefully banged over a penalty to give Yorkshire a slim 8-7 lead.
The forwards continued to take the game to Cheshire and skipper Tom Bagnall picked the ball up and tore at the heart of the defence showing a decent turn of pace and strength to hold off tacklers. He crashed down under the posts only for the referee to indicate the desperate visitors had got under the ball at the critical moment.
However the respite was to be brief and the home side continued to turn the screw. Cheshire was rushed into a clearance kick and flanker Oli Rodgers bravely charged the kick down. The ball seemed to hang forever but it was the eager Harrison that outwitted all the flailing hands as he gratefully plucked the ball and crashed over for his second to stretch Yorkshire to a 13-7 lead.
The half time break allowed Yorkshire to make some changes to ensure the full bench was utilised. The scoreboard was soon ticking again though as centre Joe Martin went on a mazy run, eluding would be tacklers and crashing over for a fine sole effort. That took the score to 18-7 and Yorkshire now looking quite comfortable in an entertaining game. However, the home side now found themselves on the wrong end of repeated refereeing decisions and Mr. Downing hastily produced a yellow card. The unlucky (and undeserving) recipient was replacement scrum half Arran Thompson. Yorkshire rapidly reshuffled resources but Cheshire exploited the advantage with an unconverted try.
The yellow coupled with numerous changes dampened the quality of the game as Yorkshire was forced into defensive mode. Cheshire pushed hard to get a winning score with the game poised at 18-12. However they were met by a dogged home side that refused to yield and despite a nerve wracking final two minutes, Yorkshire hung on for a deserved win.
Thanks to Cheshire for an entertaining game refereed by Richard Downing and his team. Thanks to host club Hull Ionians for their superb hospitality. Sam Harrison received a Cheshire tie from the the visitors in recognition of his man-of-the-match performance.
Final word must go to the squad of players who’ve come along way since January. This was a win built on some quality rugby in the 1st half and then earned through some real Yorkshire grit and doggedness in the 2nd half.
Sunday 15th of March: Lancashire 20 Yorkshire 14
Yorkshire Under 17’s suffered a disappointing 20-14 defeat away to Lancashire at West Park St Helens. The young tykes arrived in good spirits at midday ready for the 2pm kick off. In time honoured tradition they were greeted like hostile invaders into a foreign land and made wait 50 minutes before a small changing room was vacated. With the warm up and shirt presentation over, a fired-up Yorkshire team took to the field only to find themselves waiting again, this time for the home team.
The game eventually kicked off and Lancashire dominated the early exchanges pinning Yorkshire back in their own 22. The first scoring chance came in the 5th minute when Lancashire was awarded a penalty although the kick sailed wide. It also sailed over the perimeter fence and into an overgrown meadow meaning another delay while a search and rescue operation was carried out.
Yorkshire was now spurred into action and they pushed hard into the home territory but some dropped passes and knock-ons spoiled several promising looking chances. Flanker JJ Williams was prominent making some big tackles along with blindside Sam Harrison who was carrying carrying well. Eventually Yorkshire got reward for hard work in the 23rd minute when a speculative kick from Oli Hardaker was chased well by Alex Webster who forced the Lancashire cover into touch deep in their own 22. The lineout was taken cleanly by Yorkshire and hooker Sam Cruise latched on as the maul was driven over the line for a n excellent try. Hardaker added the conversion to make it 7-5 to the visitors.
Scoring chances were proving hard to find as both sides sought to assert their dominance with Yorkshire definitely winning the set piece battle where the front row of Demetri Elia, Sam Cruise and Tom Bagnall were giving their opposite numbers a torrid time.
Hardaker had a chance to extend the lead with a penalty in the 35th minute but he was unsuccessful with the effort.
The second half began with Yorkshire now probing in search of more tries and eventually Joe Martin burst through to set Sam Ash free. Ash rounded the defence and finished impressively in the right corner; Hardaker added the difficult conversion to take it to 14-5.
This was to prove a turning point in the game though as Yorkshire took the restart and attempted to play out of their own 22. The ball was turned over and some very slack tackling let Lancashire in immediately under the posts for an easy 7 pointer. Lancashire was clearly buoyed by the recovery but the game still stayed evenly balanced for the next 15 minutes until replacement backrow Oli Rogers was inexplicably yellow carded by the referee. Rogers involvement had been all of 2 minutes old and the decision left him as perplexed as the spectators. Lancashire kicked the ensuing penalty to take a slim 15-14 lead.
With Yorkshire down to 14 the home side pressed their advantage and duly scored in the left corner just five minutes later to push the score out to 20-14. With only 7 minutes on the clock the visitors were stung into action and launched a ferocious assault on the Lancashire line. They repeatedly stretched the defence but good scrambling added to some handling errors meant Yorkshire could not find a decisive breakthrough. Yorkshire then lost hooker Cruise with a serious looking injury after a big hit.
Rogers rejoined the fray with only 3 minutes remaining and as Yorkshire probed deep into the left corner with another impressive forward drive. The drive crossed the line but the referee indicated held up – 5 metre attacking scrum. The dominant Yorkshire pack knew their moment had come and the ball was again won cleanly. However this time the Yorkshire front row found themselves penalised for the first time in the game for an infringement! Lancashire was allowed to relieve the pressure.
However the commitment of the white rose boys was exemplary and they surged back again probing for a defensive weakness. Eventually the dam broke and the ball was set free towards the right corner only for it to be agonisingly dropped in the act of grounding.
The referee’s whistle then brought an end to a pulsating encounter and ultimately heartache for Yorkshire. Credit to Lancashire for taking their chances and showing great defensive resolve. The faces of the Yorkshire lads told their story with many reduced to tears at the end. Even though we couldn’t find that touch of real class when we needed it you were each a real credit to your county, playing with pride, passion and commitment.
Thank you to West Park St Helens for hosting the game and also to the match officials.
Sunday 1st of March: Yorkshire 33 North Wales Academy 30
Yorkshire emerged victorious in a high scoring and entertaining games at Selby RUFC. Yorkshire took to the field, determined to atone for a loss away to Eastern Counties four weeks earlier.
The home side started brightly and scrum half Oli Hardaker’s sniping break almost resulted in a quick opening score up the right hand flank. The next few minutes saw stalemate around the halfway line with a series of scrum and neither side able to get quick clean ball. However the deadlock was broken on the 6th minute after a break by centre Joe Martin took Yorkshire forward. The ball was recycled and a sharp pass from Sam Ash set Lewis Young free on the right wing where he used his pace and footwork to evade the cover tackles and score in the right corner. Hardaker added the conversion from a difficult angle.
The Welsh side got on the scoreboard through a penalty but Yorkshire struck back with another converted try as strong forward work drove towards the Welsh line. A huge cheer greeted the sight of Yorkshire captain (and Selby RUFC player) Sam Cruise emerging from the throng being congratulated on a memorable try. Yorkshire should have pushed on and put the game beyond the visitors but lack of discipline at the breakdown drove the penalty count up. North Wales scrum-half Will Morecambe constantly challenged with quick taps. This led to the visitors scoring an unconverted try with the last play of the half to close the score to 14-8.
Yorkshire made some changes at the break but it was the Welsh side got on the scoreboard 3 minutes into the 2nd half with an unconverted try leaving just a point between the teams. Yorkshire, stung into action, replied quickly with a try from the impressive Richard Skowronek. Hardaker again added the difficult extras from the right touchline.
The “see-saw” nature of the game continued as North Wales struck back with another unconverted try to make it 21-18. Yorkshire looked threatening with the ball in hand but were guilty of kicking some good possession away. The high penalty count was also allowing North Wales to stay in touching distance. The game should have been over as Yorkshire created two more tries in a five minute period. Firstly Jack Moon crossed the whitewash in the left corner then Alex Webster crossed for Yorkshire’s fifth try, converted by Tom Hodgson. The visitors looked dead with the score at 33-18 and little over 10 minutes left on the referee’s watch.
The North Wales side showed great spirit in the closing stages as they capitalised on Yorkshire errors and indiscipline to score two tries. The final score brought a huge sigh of relief to welcome a 33-30 victory. Great credit to both sides for producing an entertaining game of rugby played on the perfect surface at Selby. North Wales showed a lot of spirit to compliments their fine skills and never let Yorkshire settle. The Yorkshire lads produced some free-flowing rugby in attack. However they need to learn to be patient and more importantly disciplined in defence.
Thanks to referee Sam Dunkeley and his team of match officials. Special thanks to host club Selby RUFC and Steve Cruise for the first class hospitality on and off the pitch.
Sunday 1st of Feb, 2009: Eastern Counties 22 Yorkshire 8
Yorkshire Under 17’s season got off to a disappointing start as they recorded a 22-8 reverse away to Eastern Counties at Cambridge RUFC. The squad travelled to Cambridge on Saturday to enable to squad to get together and prepare well for this opening game.
Conditions were dry at Cambridge but a biting easterly wind greeted the players as they ran onto the first team pitch. Yorkshire, lead by Richard Skowronek (Pocklington School), started brightly and dominated the early phases with the wind at their backs. They opened the scoring after 3 minutes when James Stuart (Pocklington) slotted a penalty.
The lineout was working well with John Hogg (Darlington) and Andy Finn (Old Brodleians) enjoying a lot of early success off the throwing of Sam Cruise (Selby) as well as disrupting Eastern Counties in the air. The scrum was tested as the home side exerted their greater weight although Demtri Elia (Old Brods) and Tom Bagnall (Barnsley) both showed they could hold their own technically.
Yorkshire were now beginning to dominate and Eastern Counties were forced into repeated infringements at the breakdown. Stuart had a chance to extend the lead after 19 minutes but his penalty attempt sailed just wide to the left. The visitors tried to open up the game with centre Bradley Marshall (Morley) showing good strength to burst through the Eastern Counties line on a couple of occasions, but Yorkshire were repeatedly unable to build any phases due to poor ball retention.
The game remained evenly poised into the last minute when prop Bagnall forged forward on the left. The ball was recycled and flanker Dave Egglestaff (Harrogate) crashed over for a well worked try. Stuart was unable to add the extras meaning Yorkshire turned around 8-0 up. However, there was a feeling that the visitors had not maximised the prevailing conditions.
Both side made some changes for the 2nd half and Eastern Counties rapidly showed their intentions as the pinned Yorkshire deep into their own territory. Yorkshire now repeatedly found themselves penalised as the referee began to reverse the 1st half trend which saw a 9-3 penalty count in the visitors’ favour. They managed to hold Eastern Counties out until the 52nd minute when No.8 Calum Cashman burst through to score with Scott Harvey adding the conversion to close the gap to 7-8.
EC took the lead two minutes later as Harvey coolly kicked a penalty. The home side were now in the ascendancy and Cashman crashed over to complete his brace and put EC into a 15-8 lead. Yorkshire were stung into action and finally got on the front foot when Bagnall burst through the centre but again Yorkshire were unable to maintain the much-needed continuity. Replacement fly half Tom Hodgson (Richmond) attempted to spark the Yorkshire backline and the ball was spun across to Jack Moon (Old Brods) on the right wing. He surged towards the line but was driven into touch agonisingly close to the line. Yorkshire created an almost identical move a couple of minutes later only for Moon to be pushed into touch in-goal as he was grounding the ball.
Eastern Counties were to have the final say though as Charlie Precious broke from the base of a scrum to crash through the Yorkshire cover in the final minute of the game to secure a 22-8 victory. The home side deserved their victory as they showed greater tactical awareness and control and put a lot of pace on the ball when they went forward. Yorkshire showed great heart when behind and created some good scoring opportunities. However there are lessons to be learnt about looking after the ball, managing the contact area and being tactically astute.
We acknowledged at our meeting on Saturday night that mistakes would be made – it’s all part of the development process. The measure of any good player and team is how they react to those mistakes and improve.
Thanks to Cambridge for the excellent hospitality provided to both sides and also to referee David Speck and his team.
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