Sheffield Tigers 8 - 19 Old Rishworthians U16
After the recent bout of inactivity due to the weather, the Rishworthians travelled to Dore Moor hoping to repeat last year’s victory, although a little more comfortably than their last minute winning score a year ago.
Kicking off into a strong wind, the visitors immediately laid camp in the home side’s half with a series of strong drives by the pack and some astute kicking by fly half Booth. A clean catch at a five metre line out by Watkins resulted in the forwards driving the Tigers pack back over their try line, only for the referee to disallow the try claiming he was unsighted. Undeterred, the pressure continued and following another intense assault on the host’s line Watkins dived on a loose ball to score from a 5 metre scrum which forced the Tigers pack off the ball. Booth’s excellent conversion into the wind gave the Rishworthians a 0 – 7 lead.
From the kick off the Tigers entered the visitors half for the first time in the game. However, this did not last long and a good break by Kiy and Bradley took Rishworthians back upfield. Another scrum taken against the head gave Cooper the opportunity to seize the ball from the opposition No8 and power his way over for another try, despite the brave attempts of a last ditch tackle. This time Booth found the wind a little too strong and his conversion just missed. Just before half time the Tigers did get down field and opened their account when the visitors were penalised under their own posts, the home side kicking the penalty to end the half.
Half time: Sheffield Tigers 3 Old Rishworthians 12.
Having applied themselves so well in the first half against the wind, Rishworthians failed to make good use of the wind through lack of discipline resulting in too many penalties conceded and some lateral instead of more direct running. Although they never looked in danger of losing the match, the score did not reflect their dominance, especially in the forwards where the pack was on top in the scrums and ruck and maul. It was only at the line-outs where the Tigers gained parity.
Rishworthians U14 7 - 5 Huddersfield YMCA U14
Match report Sunday 24th February
From the kick off Rishworthians drove into Huddersfield YMCA territory and a good run by winger Higginbotom saw him well tackled 5 metres short of the line, good rucking by Rishworthian forwards retained possession and pounded the YMCA line but their defence held firm. YMCA eventually forced a turnover and a good break from their backs took them into the Rishworthian half of the field and Rishworthians suddenly found themselves defending their try line. The game continued with both sides attacking their opposition try line but both defences were on top.
Half Time Rishworthians 7 - 0 Huddersfield YMCA
From the restart Huddersfield YMCA were out of the blocks determined to get on the scoreboard, but again Rishworthians weathered the storm and broke away to relieve the pressure. However YMCA reduced the arrears after 10 minutes play to drive over for a well deserved try wide out. The conversion was missed and Rishworthians hung onto a 7 - 5 lead.
The game continued in the same vein as the first half and had the spectators running back and forth up the touch lines encouraging their teams as they attacked both try lines.
With time running out Huddersfield cleared their lines with a kick to touch. Rishworthians took a quick line out and stand off Jack Ledgard made a cross field break to release speed merchant Percival who ran in to score under the posts. However noise of the spectators had drowned the referee’s whistle to bring play to the line out for an infringement. There was no further play as the referee blew for full time to end an enthralling game and a great advert for under 14 junior rugby played in a great spirit by both sides
