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Burley 20 - 16 Old Rishworthians?

Rishworthians make an early cup exit

Match Preview Saturday 1st September EDF Junior Vase 1st round
Old Rishworthians travel to Burley on Saturday for the 1st round of the EDF Junior Vase. Their opponents were promoted last season from Yorkshire 5 NW and won both their games against the Copley men 13-10 and 30-5. The match will be a good indicator of how much?the Rishworthians have improved under the coaching of Jamie Bloem.
Included in the team is Andrew Morgan at full back, who has rejoined the club, and exciting prospect Nick Reddyhoff who scored two tries against?a Heath XV, joins?Fraser Davidson in the centre. Bloem and captain Gary Morris continue their successful partnership at halfback. The pack includes Lawrence Dowson who has joined the Copley men from Old Brodleians.? Ian Teasdale and Jamie Mcdonnell form a mobile partnership in the second row, and with?Jioti Bakoso at?No.8? the?strong back row is made up of?Chris Fox and Jonathan Lock. Burley are a well drilled team and the Old Rishworthians are looking forward to upsetting the form book.

Match Report
Old Rishworthians travelled to Burley in this 1st round Junior Vase match with a side which has been developed during the close season under new player/coach Jamie Bloem and forwards coach John Clough.

Losing the toss, the visitors played down the?slope in the first half. After 5 minutes Jamie Bloem kicked a 30 metre penalty when the home side infringed at a maul. Bloem repeated this again after 8 minutes to give the Old Rishworthians a sound start. The Burley forwards continued to infringe and although a further penalty was missed the Copley men were in complete control.

Parrish, the Burley fly half, opened the account for the home side with a penalty for off side,on one of the few attacks by Burley. Then after good work by?Bloem and following a break by Gary Morris, full back Andrew Morgan fed winger Sam Greenwood who, was brought down short of the line. After 31 minutes Bloem kicked his third penalty and?solid lineout play by James Mcdonnell and Ian Teasdale ensured that the visiting forwards kept the pressure on, but a try could not be scored.

Half Time Burley 3 - 9? Rishworthians

The second half started in a similar way, with the visitors retaining their own line out ball. In the 48th minute from a lineout 20 metres from the Burley line a well executed drive by the forwards enabled? Jon Lock to dive over for a try which was converted by Bloem

With the score at 16-3 the Old Rishworthians started to miss tackles and Burley looked the stronger of the two teams and on the 65th minute Hayward dived over in the corner for a try converted by Parrish. From the kickoff Jioti Baksoso, who had defended well throughout the game, was yellow carded by the referee, for taking out an opponent. This was a crucial stage of the game and with the score 16-10 to the Copley men, more?mistakes were made or?different options taken, which resulted in a further try in the corner by Farrard which was well converted by Parrish.?With the score at 17-16 to Burley, the mauling of the visitors still caused problems in the Burley ranks but a drop goal by Parrish sealed the victory for Burley.
Coach's Corner

Whilst the?defeat will be a disappointment to the Copley men, Jamie Bloem and John?Clough have improved?the overall standards in a short time?and?will ensure that matters are sorted out on?the training pitch in time for the league match against Stanley Rodillians next Saturday.

Captains Comments
Whilst the result shows that we lost and have ultimately been knocked out of the Cup, everyone involved should hold their heads high for putting in a very good performance.? There are still key areas to work on and these can only be done so as long as everyone continues to attend training on Tuesday and Thursday. Selection this week was very difficult and those who did not make the 1^st team this week should in no way feel disillusioned.? One of the main aims of the club this year is to get out two strong teams every week and everyone who attends training and is willing to ‘put it in’ every week will be provided with an opportunity on the 1^st team.? It is going to be a long hard season with so many league games scheduled and everyone will be required in some capacity.

Onto the game.?We unfortunately lost the toss and played the 1^st half down hill with the wind behind us. ?We dominated play in the 1^st half with the forwards making good inroads into the opposition.?Whilst there were several half chances, we were unable to convert these chances into more points. We turned round for the second half and the from good lineout the forwards collected themselves and pushed their much larger counterparts a good 20 yards backwards over their try line.? John Lock who had controlled the maul all the way came up with the ball in hand after scoring the try.

Burley then started playing to their strengths and pounced on any mistakes we made and kicked us back down the slope.? A moment of madness then cost us and we were a man down in the pack for the next 10 minutes.? The Old Rishworthian pack who had so far played well were immediately in trouble as the big Burley pack started using their size advantage in all set plays and allowed them to monopolise field position, as we had done on the first half. Before we could be restored to full strength Burley had seized their opportunities and turned the one man advantage into points which despite everyone’s best efforts we could not overcome.

From a positive point of view, this was a good benchmark to assess how much we had improved since the end of last season.? This is a game that we could have and should have won.? The fact that everyone was so dejected after the game is a sign of how close we came and how much everyone wants to return to winning ways next week against Stanley Rodillians. As I said previously the only way we will improve is being attending all training sessions.

On a final note, I would like to thank the substitutes who were unfortunately not used.? Heads up lads, you will be involved next time.? Although you didn’t play, your involvement is vital. Here’s to next week and returning to winning ways!!

Team	?	15?Morgan	?	?
?	?	?	?	?
14 Greenwood?	13?Davidson,?	?	12?Reddyoff?	11?Billing
?	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem,C,P3	?	9?Morris,	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	7? Lock,T	?8?Bakoso	6?Fox	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	5 Mc Donnell	?	4?Teasdale	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	3?Brook?	? 2 Edmundson?	? 1?Dowson	?
?	?	?	?	?
Subs	? Lord	Shaw	?????
?	Lowe,	Prashard	?	?

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Stanley Rodillians 12 - 39 Old Rishworthians

Rishworthians get league campaign off to a winning start

Match Preview Saturday 8th September Yorkshire 5B
Old Rishworthians travel to Rodillians in the first league match of the season. Both teams will be keen to forget their defeats in the 1st round of the EDF Junior Vase.
Marcus English is selected on the wing with Alex Fearnley returning after his temporary retirement. The back five in the pack remain unchanged with Mat Shaw taking over hooking duties. Jamie Bloem is keen to ensure that the side does not give away points as easily as they did against Burley, and will finalise the team after training on Thursday.
The seconds entertain Morley 4ths with a number of players eager to make the first team squad. All eyes will be on the big screen at 5pm for the England v USA match in the World Cup.

Match Report
Rishworthians achieved their objective and got off to a flying start in Yorkshire Five B. It was a patchy performance and too often they allowed themselves to be drawn in the close forward play, which appeared to be the home side’s total game plan. But they more than held their own in this aspect of play and dominated one rolling maul so well that they took it forward almost 50 yards to the try line for flanker Jon Lock to get the touchdown.

Rods caught the visitors napping at the start of each half and opened the scoring in less than a minute from the kick-off without Rishworthians getting a hand to the ball. From the catch, the ball went to the home stand-off who ran through, kicked ahead and won the race to touch down a converted try. Rishworthians did not let it set them back and were soon on the attack. They dominated the lineout, with locks Ian Teasdale and James McDonnell catching well, but struggled in the scrums against the much heavier home pack. They were wheeled in a scrum, but No 8 Chris Fox secured the ball brilliantly to set up a ruck. Scrum half Gary Morris got the ball out and centre Nick Reddyoff took a short pass to burst through and score under the posts. Jamie Bloem converted to level the scores and soon after Bloem added a penalty to take the lead.

Rishworthians always looked dangerous when they moved the ball wide. Right wing Alex Fearnley caught a poor clearance kick near the touchline, linked back inside with Bloem, who put wing Marcus English over in the left corner to stretch the lead. They were in command but needed a further boost and it came just before the break with the rolling maul try scored by Jon Lock, started after Rishworthians stole the ball in the lineout. Bloem converted to give a half-time lead of 7 – 22.

Half Time Rodillians?7 - 22? Rishworthians

But it was Rods who started better in the second half, instantly putting the visitors under pressure and coming away with points from an unconverted try in the corner. Too often in the second half, Rishworthians got bogged down. While they did add a further 17 points, it could and perhaps should have been more. When they did get it together they played some good rugby and their first points of the half came from a fine team effort. Fullback Andrew Morgan chipped through, McDonnell took it on with a strong run and set the ball up for the pack to drive on and then give perfect possession for Bloem to burst through on to Morris’s pass to score under the posts. Bloem added the conversion and then Bloem added a further penalty minutes later. Just before the end, the ball went along the Rishworthian line for Fearnley to round his man and run in under the posts. Bloem added the conversion.

Full Time Rodillians?12 - 39? Rishworthians

Rishworthian seconds totally outplayed Morley fourths to win 50 - 7, a team they struggled against last season. They scored eight tries. Nick Faulkner got two and there others for Anthony Shoesmith, Gordon Farrar, Lee Atkinson, Jack Butcher, Jim Drowley and Kevin Mitchell. Conversion came from Chris Mitchell, Butcher, Wes Aldridge and Andrew Bull (2).

Captains Comments
The 1^st team opened their league programme with a work man like performance.? The forwards stuck to their task and on the majority dominated the much larger opposing pack.? The backs ran with purpose and made several good breaks which could have led to more tries being scored.
There was a good debut from Marcus English resulting in him bagging his first try of the season.? There was also a debut forward performance from Sam Greenwood who slipped into the back row seamlessly.
Whilst there are still key areas to work on, we have started the league season with a good win and we can certainly build on this through everyone training on a regular basis.

What was also pleasing was the excellent result achieved by the 2^nd team in beating Morley 4^th’s, 50 – 7.? A big well done to them and long may it continue.? It is important for the club that we are putting out two strong teams every week to provide a competitive edge as we progress through the season.
A good weekend for the club, let’s make sure we keep this momentum going.
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Team	?	15?Morgan	?	?
?	?	?	?	?
14 Fearnley T?	13?Davidson,?	?	12?Reddyoff?T	11?English T
?	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem T,C4,P2	?	9?Morris,	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	7? Lock,T	?8?Bakoso	6?Fox	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	5 Mc Donnell	?	4?Teasdale	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	3?Brook?	? 2 Shaw?	? 1?Edmundson	?
?	?	?	?	?
Subs	? Billing	Greenwood

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Old Rishworthians 72 - 0 Wibsey

Rishworthians in a ten try romp over Wibsey

Match Preview Saturday 15th September Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians take on Wibsey in the second game of their Yorkshire Five campaign without influential skipper Gary Morris, who is unavailable. They call in newcomer Marcus English to fill the gap at scrum half. He is no stranger to the position, but made his debut against Stanley Rodillians last week on the wing, scoring a try in the 39-12 victory.
Winger Nick Faulkner is also included after impressive performances last season along with newcomer Max Prashad. Despite a convincing win last week, Rishworthians will have to move up a gear if they are to make progress against robust opponents from Wibsey and will be aiming to get the ball out wide as much as possible.

Match Report
Rishworthians were in total control of this Yorkshire Five B match from start to finish. They dominated the lineouts, with fine catches from Ian Teasdale, controlled the scrums against the much heavier Wibsey pack and were always threatening when they moved the ball wide. In the loose too they were quickest, with flanker Jioti Bakoso proving a thorn in the Wibsey side with some strong runs.

The home side were on the attack from the start and went ahead after camping on the Wibsey line for several minutes. Flanker Jonathan Lock touched down in a forward drive after a good lineout catch by Teasdale. Jamie Bloem converted. Soon afterwards Bakoso, fullback Andrew Morgan and prop Martin Brook combined well on the right before setting the ball up for Bloem to cruise through and touch down. Bloem converted his own try. Another good lineout take saw the ball being taken on by the pack, before it went wide for teenage left wing Nick Faulkner to take a long pass and score in the corner. Bloem added the conversion. Bloem then looped round as the ball was moved wide by centres Fraser Davidson and Nick Reddyoff to take a return pass and score wide out, adding the conversion.

In total control, Rishworthians ran the ball from the own 22 with forwards and backs linking well in a flowing move and only a forward pass robbing right wing Alex Fearnley of what would have been a fine try. To complete the first half No 8 Chris Fox picked up at the base of a scrum and drove over for another try, converted by Bloem.

Half Time? Rishworthians 35 - 0 Wibsey

The home side opened the second half in the same vein, eager to add to their 35-point lead. They soon did so, with the ball going along the line for Faulkner to get his second try. Minutes later they went further ahead. Fox took a quick tap penalty and put scrum half Marcus English in at the corner. Bloem then broke through to score his third try, converting it and minutes later adding three points with a penalty.

Fearnley made a searing run from deep, before being stopped a yard out. English was quick to get the ball from him and put Faulkner in at the corner for his hat trick. Bloem converted. A fine break by Faulkner and Reddyoff was finished off in style by Fearnley for the last of the 10 tries. Bloem added the conversion and completed the scoring with a penalty from the last kick of the match.

The result puts Rishworthians in great heart for two visits to Wibsey in the next two months, once for the return league fixture and before that for their Yorkshire Silver Trophy tie. Rishworthians seconds travelled to Skipton and came away with a 12- 10 win after a spirited performance. Lee Atkinson and Gordon Farrar scored the Rishworthian tries.

Full Time Rishworthians? 72 - 0 Wibsey

Captains Comments
Once again another good day at the office for the senior teams on Saturday.? The 1s kicking off their home league campaign with a solid and resounding victory and the 2s travelling away to Skipton with a number of key players missing but still grinding out a victory under the leadership of Matt "Linford" Ryall.? Thanks Matt for stepping into the breach and allowing Andy to Ref.

Plenty of praise could be given to the 1s when looking at the scoreline however it is imperative that we keep our feet on the ground as there is a long season ahead and still plenty of room for improvement, which will come from all players training Tuesdays and Thursdays.?

There were once again a number of positives to be taken.? Keeping Wibsey to nil shows how well the?whole team communicated and worked together in defence.? In patches the whole team showed what it can do when it works together and sticks to?a structured game plan.? If there wasn't as much 'white line fever' (including Bloemy)?the score could have been?more.? It was pleasing to see a very good performance from Marcus English covering the scrum half position?in the absence of skipper Morris.? Nick "Fluffy" Faulkner put in a well deserved man of the match performance to bag a hat trick on his first first team game of the season.

Once again the forwards punched above their weight against a much bigger pack and thanks must be given to Paul "Gus" Thomas for stepping into the front row and providing some much needed bulk!!.? The pack throughout worked well together in recycling ball and good clean lineout work allowing the backs to run riot.? Cannot do enough justice to the work that these lads are putting in.

Reflecting back on this time last year we were in a similar position at the top of the league and we all know what happened then.? We need to make sure that all players are down training to 'step it up a gear' and continue with our match on match improvement.? Tough games ahead this weekend for both teams so I will see you all on Tuesday!!? No excuses!!


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Team	?	15?Morgan	?	?
?	?	?	?	?
14 Fearnley T?	13?Davidson	?	12?Reddyoff?	11?Faulkner T3
?	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem,T3,C8,P2	?	9?English T	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	7? Lock,T	?8?Bakoso	6?Fox T?	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	5 Mc Donnell	?	4?Teasdale	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	3?Brook?	? 2 Edmundson?	? 1?Thomas	?
?	?	?	?	?
Subs	? Shaw	Greenwood	Prashad

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Marist 0 - 31 Old Rishworthians

Rishworthians go top of Yorkshire 5B

Match Preview Saturday 22nd September Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians make the long trip to Marist eager to maintain their winning form in Yorkshire Five B. Their squad has been boosted by the return of skipper Gary Morris at scrum half and influential No 8 James Clark, who makes his first start of the season. Otherwise it is the same players who routed Wibsey 72 -0 last week. It will be the first meeting with Marist since a bruising encounter at Hull several years ago in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy. Rishworthians can expect a strong physical game, but know if they can get the ball wide, they have a good chance of coming away with the points. The pack looks the strongest for some time, with prop Paul Thomas returning last week to anchor the front row and Ian Teasdale dominating the lineout.

Match Report
Rishworthians win at Marist made it 102 points in two games without reply. It could have been more but a lacklustre second half display at Hull kept the scoring down. Nevertheless Rishworthians did enough in the first half of their visit to Marist to put the game outside the home sides reach. They lost their fluidity in the second half, making too many mistakes, but still easily had enough in defence to completely shut out the home side, who never looked line threatening their line. In fact the only time Marist looked like scoring any points actually led to Rishworthians first try.

An early long range penalty attempt dropped short and the visitors ran it from their own line. Left wing Nick Faulkner took it on and linked with skipper Gary Morris who put fullback Andrew Morgan in to touch down a length of the field try. Jamie Bloem added the conversion. Rishworthians started to take charge and soon added to their score. No 8 James Clark broke from a scrum with a strong run. He was well supported by flanker Jioti Bakoso and lock Chris Fox before the ball went along the line for Faulkner to score wide out. Bloem added the conversion. Clark then powered his way over from a short pass after lock Ian Teasdale had stolen the ball in the lineout. Bloem added the conversion with the last kick of the half to give Rishworthians a 21-point lead at the break.

Half Time Marist?0 - 21? Rishworthians

Rishworthians started the second half in the same vein, going further ahead in the opening minutes. Morris stole the ball on the ground and it was fed out wide. Right wing Joe Billing then cut back with a fine angled run before slipping the ball to centre Alex Fearnley to touch down. Bloem again added the conversion.

From there the visitors looked likely to run in further scores, but instead seemed to lose their way. Even so they still created a number chances, but made too many mistakes and it was left to Bloem with virtually the lack kick of the match to convert a penalty. While the second half was poor, Rishworthians were still pleased to gain another away victory and keep a second clean sheet.

Mosborough failed to raise a side for the second team game and cried off late on Friday night, leaving Rishworthians unable to get a game for their players.

Full Time Marist?0 - 31? Rishworthians

Coach's Corner
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Vice Captains Comments
As our little leader is apparently too busy it is up to me to put a few comments down on last weeks performance at Marist.

Overall a good win to go all the way over there and come away with a victory and no points scored against us.? There were a number of other positives to be taken from the day.? Dangerous Dave Morley up to his usual tricks and probably giving away a couple of penalties but with his dodgy eye and ear he still had an outstanding game putting in plenty of hits.? Good performances were put in by all and thanks to all those lads drafted in at the last minute to cover the drop outs.? It does go to show that we have developed a good squad and with regular training things could only get better.

Overall it was a good performance with some well worked tries, however there is still plenty of room for improvement especially sticking to a game plan and keeping focused on it. In particular in the second half had we kept more focused and worked together from one to 15 we could have had a more convincing victory. Looking forward to the game this week there should be no complacency and plenty to work on in training so I will see you all there and to reiterate Bloemys comments its time to be honest and let us know if you are available as soon as you can so that we can ensure we have the strongest team out possible.? All our numbers and emails are available.

It was a shame that the 2^nd team game was cancelled, with so many players available.? All I can say is lets stick at it and not get disheartened by it.? I can guarantee that we will do whatever we can to make sure we are getting two teams out every week.
See you all at training.
Edbo

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Team	?	15?Morgan T	?	?
?	?	?	?	?
14 Billing,? ?	13?Davidson?	?	12?FearnleyT?	11?Faulkner T
?	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem C4,P	?	9?Morris,	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	7? Bakoso	?8?Clark T	6?Morley	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	5 Fox	?	4?Teasdale	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	3?Brook?	? 2 Edmundson?	? 1?Thomas	?
?	?	?	?	?
Subs	? Turner	Greenwood	Shoesmith

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Old Rishworthians 78 - 3 Rossington Hornets

Rishworthians take the sting out of Hornets

Match Preview Saturday 29th September Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians entertain league newcomers Rossington Hornets, brimming with confidence after three opening victories in their Yorkshire Five B campaign.Those wins have seen them notch up 142 points, with only 12 in reply and clean sheets in their last two games. The visitors from the Doncaster area have struggled in their two games so far, so the Copley men will be hoping to add to their league victories which so far see them at the top of the table.
They keep the same squad which has performed so well, but add flanker Jon Lock and utility player Max Prashad, who were both unavailable last week.The wins have given them added confidence, with players contesting for players in several positions. The club has signed 19 new players since May which has helped to strengthen the second team, particularly with the presence of many young players, and put pressure on places.

Match Report
Old Rishworthians took the sting out of a young enthusiastic Rossington Hornets side, scoring 12 tries at home in the Yorkshire 5(B) league match. Two players scored?hat tricks for the Copley men, winger ?Alex Fearnley and centre Fraser Davidson. Jamie Bloem converted 9 tries.

The first try came after 5 minutes with Ian Teasdale winning good ball at a lineout, the ball was moved quickly from Bloem to James Clarke and then to Fearnley, who was held up over the line. From the resulting 5 metre scrum James Clarkedrove over with the help of the Copley pack. Bloem converted the try. Following the kick off there was an excellent phase of play with the ball being moved from left to right and after 15 minutes Jotji Bakoso drove through the middle passing to Max Prashard, Bloem and then to Fearnley who dived over for a try which was converted by Bloem

Simple mistakes started to appear in the Old Rishworthians play and they were prevented from scoring tries by sound tackles from the Rossington full back and fly half. After 25 minutes following a strike against the head Clarke scored his second try. From the kick off the Copley men made 50 yards after good handling by Prashard, Davidson and Clarke. A long pass from Bloem enabled Bakoso to score a try, converted by Bloem. Waves of attack by the Old Rishworthians was stopped by sound tackling by Rossington Hornets but a further try by Davidson, converted by Bloem ensured that the home side kept the scoreboard ticking over. Unfortunately James Clarke injured his foot just before half time and was replaced by Jonathan Lock. Good interplay between Bloem, Joe Billing and Nick Faulkner enabled Fearnley to cross for his second try just before half time.
Half Time Rishworthians 40 - 0 Rossington Hornets

A try was nearly scored early in the second half when, following a kick by Fearnley and quick passing from Prashad, Teasdale was tackled into touch near the corner flag. A?classic try was then scored following a good lineout catch by Teasdale. A long pass by Gary Morris to Bloem enabled?Lock to dive over in the corner for a try converted by Bloem. A brilliant 70 metre try by Davidson where he dummied and fooled the opposition just showed what the side is capable of doing.??Fearnley then scored his hat trick following an excellent run by Lock and Fearnley grabbed the inside pass to score an unconverted try. The attacking strength of the Copley side was shown from the restart. James Mcdonnell took the kick off and passed to Morris and with a long pass found Bloem. His kick took the home side 50 metres up field. The last 20 minutes of the game was unspectacular and the Rossington Hornets fly half, Nick Ashton had three kicks at goal following infringements and he was successful with one. Davidson scored his hat trick and further tries were scored by Harvey Greenwood and Joe Billing.

Man of the match Max Prashad

Full Time Rishworthians? 78 - 3 Rossington Hornets

Burley 2nd XV? 7 - 12 Rishworthians 2ndXV
Old Rishworthians 2nd XV maintained their 100% playing record this season. They travelled to Burley and came away with a creditable victory against their opponents whose 1st XV now play in division 4. Tries L Atkinson, J Butcher: Con Butcher


Captains Comments
Four league games, four victories.? Points scored 220, points conceded 15. This makes pretty good reading however our aim now has to be maintaining the position we have put ourselves in.? We cannot allow any complacency to slip in.

Whilst the score line shows that we dominated Rossington Hornets, we all know deep down that we still had plenty left in the locker at the end.? Not wanting to say the same thing time after time, if we had stuck to our game plan we could have scored more points.? We could have also scored more points if a player, who shall remain nameless, did not have little girl hands and when trying to hold the ball in one hand proceed to drop it over their try line!!.? All in all it was an impressive performance against a dogged Rossington side who stuck to their task right to the very end.

We welcomed Max Prashad into the side making his 1^st team league debut and he performed very well at inside centre with some strong defence and incisive running which quite rightly ended up with him receiving this weeks Man of the Match award.Whilst we can all pat ourselves on the back for a job well done, we must ensure that we maintain our focus by continuing to work on all aspects of our game in training which ultimately can only make us a better team.

Training is vital this week as we look like we will be facing tough opposition this weekend and we will have to ensure that we are all prepared and ready to go come Saturday.Well done to you all on a good performance.? Let’s keep up the hard work.


On a final note, a big well done must go to the 2^nd team who beat Burley 2nds 8 – 12 away from home.? Burley had several 1^st team players in from last year’s campaign so this is an excellent win.? It is good to see that our youth policy is working and players like Simon Wadsworth are slowly filtering through into the senior side!!!
Here’s to training this week.

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Team	?	15?Billing T	?	?
?	?	?	?	?
14 Fearnley T3?	13?Davidson T3	?	12Prashad?	11?Faulkner
?	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem C9	?	9?Morris	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	7? Bakoso T	?8?Clarke T2	6?Fox ?	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	5 Mc Donnell	?	4?Teasdale	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	3?Brook?	? 2 Edmundson?	? 1?Thomas	?
?	?	?	?	?
Subs	? Morley	Greenwood T	Lock T

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Rotherham Phoenix 0 - 13 Old Rishworthians

Rishworthians extinguish Phoenix flames

Match Preview Saturday 6th October Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians face their toughest challenge of the season so far in Yorkshire Five B when they travel to Rotherham Phoenix. While the Copley men notched up 78 points last week in their home victory over league whipping boys Rossington Hornets, their Rotherham opponents crushed Stanley Rodillians 57-0.
The Rods, who are not as strong as in previous seasons, were Rishworthians' first league victims, winning 39-12 at Wakefield.
Rishworthians make one enforced change, bringing in Andrew Bull, as lock James McDonnell is unavailable.
But they hope that influential No 8 James Clark will have recovered from the ankle injury which forced him off last week.


Match Report
It was a job well done for Rishworthians in the first really competitive match of their Yorkshire Five B campaign. An away trip to Rotherham was always going to be one of their toughest tests, but a fine performance, especially by the pack, ensured the win. It might, and perhaps should have been more. In the first half they made too many mistakes, but even so crossed the line four times only to be denied by controversial decisions.

The home side posed a threat several times and their fierce tackling denied Rishworthians time after time.
Stand-off Jamie Bloem caught the ball on his own 22 and ran the length of the field to cross the home line only to be called back for an inexplicable crossing decision. Skipper Gary Morris was denied a try by a blatant check as he was trying to touch down a loose ball, but it went unpunished. Alex Fearnley was called back for a forward pass ruling, while in the second half, Richard Turner on the other wing was denied a try from a similar ruling, despite Rishworthian protests. But there was no denying Ian Teasdale’s dominance in the lineout and Fraser Davidson and Max Prashad’s excellent play at centre.

Despite Rishworthians’ dominance, Rotherham almost took the lead from a breakaway, but great defence with back rowers Jioti Bakoso and James Clark stealing the ball on the line prevented a score.
As the half closed Fearnley was denied his try, but the ensuing scrum wheeled, giving the visitors the put-in and they drove over with No 8 Clarke touching down. Bloem added the conversion with the last kick of the half.

Half Time? Rotherham Phoenix 0 - 7 Rishworthians

Rishworthians turned the screw in the second half and, although the home side barely created a chance, their defence managed to keep the visitors out. Clark was adjudged in touch as he drove for the line and Turner was denied his try after good work by the forwards. There was some fine tackling too from Rishworthians and long kicks into the corners kept the home side pinned back. The pressure led to penalties and Bloem obliged with two successful kicks.

The home side had targeted this as an important game in a drive for promotion, but although they were well drilled, they could not get the better of the Rishworthian pack, who provided the platform for a fine away victory. Man of the match was shared between Max Prashad & James Clarke

Full Time Rotherham Phoenix 0 - 13 Rishworthians?

Rishworthians 2ndXV? 70 - 5 Skipton 3rd XV

There was a massive boost to the club too with a crushing 70-5 victory by the second team over Skipton thirds.
Tries: Conroy 3, Wadsworth 3, Faulkner 2, Butcher, Farrar, Dawson, Shoesmith? Con Butcher 4, Greenwood
Rishworthians 2nd XV continued their winning run to make it 4 out of 4 for the season. With plenty of subs they lent Skipton 2 players in the 1st half and 3 in the 2nd half.

Rishworthians started strongly resulting in returning prop Daz Dawson opening the scoring. Further tries followed at regular intervals with Anthony Shoesmith, Dave Conroy on his return to the club ran in a hat trick, Simon Wadsworth brought his boots out of retirement to also notch a hat? trick, Jack Butcher. Te subs wee also in the action with tries from Gordon Farrar a and brace from Nick Faulkner. The goals were shared between Butcher 4, and winger Sam Greenwood having a run out at 2nd row!!.

The Skipton try was scored by Rishworthians veteran/Under 17 coach Kevin Flanagan who played the 1st alf for the oppostion.
Man of the math was Dave Conroy and pick of the forwards Sam Greenwood playing 2nd row for the first time.?

Team Butcher, Wild, Wadswoth, Shoesmith, Killoran, Wood, Conroy
Dawson, K Ranton , W Aldridge, R Ranton, S Greenwood, M Ryall, M Jones, P Savage
Subs Farrar, Faulkner, Flanagan, C Mitchell?


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Team	?	15?Billing	?	?
?	?	?	?	?
14 Fearnley ?	13?Davidson ?	?	12 Prashad?	11?Turner
?	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem C,P2	?	9?Morris	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	7? Bakoso	?8?Clarke T	6?Fox ?	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	5 Bull	?	4?Teasdale	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	3?Brook?	? 2 Edmundson?	? 1?Thomas	?
?	?	?	?	?
Subs	? Morley	Atkinson	Shaw

?

Wibsey 12 - 17 Old Rishworthians

Grumpy Old Rishworthians scrape a win?

Match Preview Saturday 13th October Yorkshire Silver Trophy Preliminary Round
Rishworthians switch from league to cup action when they travel to Wibsey in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy. It will be the second time the two have met in a month after Rishworthians crushed the Bradford side 72 – 0 at Copley.
They know it will be a different proposition at Wibsey, with the home side’s sloping pitch likely to have much of a say in the outcome. But after five wins in a row, with only 15 points being scored against them, they have plenty of confidence and will be hoping to move on into the next round.
Fullback Andrew Morgan returns to the squad along with forwards Jon Lock and James McDonnell, who were all absent last week, and centre Nick Reddyoff, subject to a late fitness test.
With prop Paul Thomas injured, Chris Fox moves temporarily to the front row.


Match Report
Rishworthians came down to earth with a bump and just scraped through this Yorkshire Silver Trophy preliminary round. It was a lacklustre performance and in the end needed grit and determination and the boot of player coach Jamie Bloem to see them through. After thrashing Wibsey 72 – 0 at Copley, their first half display had a look of complacency. But the home side were a much different team to the one so heavily defeated last month and their strong tackling prevented the visitors from breaking through.
With prop Paul Thomas missing through injury, Rishworthians struggled in the scrums, but Ian Teasdale was dominant in the lineout. Rishworthians were also without back rowers James Clarke and Jon Lock, but man of the match Jioti Bakoso was rampant at the back of the pack.

Playing down the slope, Rishworthians created several chances but could not turn them into points.
It took them 20 minutes to get on the scoreboard, but it came with a fine textbook try. Chris Fox and Simon Edmundson were both stopped inches from the line before the ball came out wide with fullback Andrew Morgan bursting through to score in the corner.

Bloem added a penalty soon after with the home centres caught offside. With the visitors being stopped time after time, Bloem chose the drop goal route to move the score along.

Bakoso and prop Martin Brook were denied just short of the line, but the home side shook the visitors with a fine breakaway try with the stand-off bursting through with a strong run and carrying on to touch down wide out to end the half.

Half Time? Wibsey 5 - 11 Rishworthians

Rishworthians were stunned, but Bloem relieved the pressure with a penalty early in the second half.

With the slope in their favour, the heavy Wibsey pack started to take charge and when a lucky ricochet led to a converted try, Rishworthian nerves began to jangle. But they stuck to their task and showing grit, determination and discipline fought their way back in the last five minutes and a further Bloem penalty saw them home.

It proved a pointer for what they will face when the two clubs meet again in the league at Wibsey on November 10.
We now progress to the 1st round with an away tie at Rodillians who beat Adwick Le Street.

Full Time Wibsey 12 - 17 Rishworthians?

Captains Comments
This was clearly our worst performance of the season to date.? However, having said that, it will have done us no harm to come back down to earth with such a bump and the fact remains that we are the team progressing through to the next round of the cup.What did not help the situation was your own Captain’s inabilities to pass the ball anywhere near his intended target!!!.
Wibsey stuck to their task wholeheartedly through the game and will have taken a lot of positives out of the game.? What we must do as a team is take all the negatives, work on them and make sure next time we turn out that they have all been turned into positives.
There are clearly areas to work on and it is hoped that everyone will attend training this week to work on them.? As a learned friend of mine in his wisdom has muttered previously ‘a team that trains together, plays together’. ??Let’s see if we can prove him right this week.

We have another tough encounter this week with Old Grovians.? I personally know a few of their ‘Old Boys’ (afternoon Mr Burnhill) so let’s make sure we prepare as professionally as possible this week to put ourselves in the strongest position for this game. One game does not make us a bad team, however, lets make sure that it is just one game!!

Once again, well done to the 2^nd Team who turned over our local rivals Heath.? Another good result.? Let’s start seeing more of the 2^nd teamers down training to increase not only the numbers at training but competition as a whole.

Heath 3rdXV? 8 - 19 Rishworthians 2ndXV?

Rishworthian seconds overcame Heath thirds at West Vale 19 – 8. Rishworthian tries came from Nick Faulkner, Simon Wadsworth and Tim Forrester. Wes Aldridge kicked two conversions.


>

Team	?	15?Morgan T	?	?
?	?	?	?	?
14 Fearnley ?	13?Davidson ?	?	12 Prashad?	11?Billing
?	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem P3,DG	?	9?Morris	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	7? Bakoso	?8?Fox	6?Morley ?	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	5 McDonnell	?	4?Teasdale	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	3?Brook?	? 2 Shaw?	? 1?Edmundson	?
?	?	?	?	?
Subs	? Bull	Reddyoff	Ryall

?

Old Grovians 3 - 24 Old Rishworthians

Rishworthians go 3 points clear in top of table clash

Match Preview Saturday 20th October Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians go into tomorrow's top of the table clash in Yorkshire Five B at Old Grovians with new signing Daryl Cardiss in the squad and a likelihood that very soon the club will be fielding three teams for first time in more than 12 years.
"It's great news We've taken on so many new players this year The RFU 'Go Play Rugby' initiative has ensured the club has received significant publicity and with player coach Jamie Bloem in charge it seems likely in the very near future that we will have enough to cover three full teams, but our major concern will still be front row players," said secretary Peter Morgan. In total the club has signed 22 new players, 10 of whom have never been registered with rugby union clubs in the past and 12 who have come from either other clubs or youth teams. Meanwhile Rishworthians will be keen to cement their position at the top of Yorkshire Five with a win over newcomers Grovians, who lie in second spot and look to be the Copley club's major threat in their division. The club has been formed by the old boys of Woodhouse Grove School, Bradford. Rishworthians keep much the same squad, with the addition of Cardiss, that won through the preliminary round of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy last week at Wibsey, although back rowers James Clarke and Jon Lock are still unavailable.
Next Tuesday the club will host a special training session with Leeds Carnegie hooker Rob Rawlinson, who has been officially designated as "buddy" to the club.

Match Report
Rishworthians went three points clear at the top of Yorkshire Five B with Daryl Cardiss scoring a superb debut try. But this victory was all about the Rishworthian pack. After a shaky start, with Grovians showing why they appeared to be the Copley men’s only real challengers in the division, the forwards came together and dominated the rest of the game.

Even Cardiss’s try started with the pack, who won the ball against the head in the scrum with a powerful push.It was fed out along the line with some crisp passing before centre Cardiss rounded his man and showed great speed to outpace the cover. The try proved the killer blow, coming only three minutes after Rishworthians opened their account. Before that though the home side took the lead against the run of play with a long range penalty. Throughout it was their fine tackling which stopped waves of Rishworthian pressure. Even with the sun in their eyes and playing up the slope the visitors were in control, particularly in the forwards. They forced their way into the home 22 and then won a scrum against the head. No 8 Chris Fox, who had an outstanding game, picked up and drove for the line. The ball came out to stand-off Jamie Bloem, who was stopped, but the pack came round and with a driving maul took Bloem over the line to touch down. Bloem added the conversion.

The game had hardly restarted before Cardiss scored and when Bloem added the conversion, Rishworthians were almost home and dry. Hooker Simon Edmundson marshalled his pack well in the second half and his accurate throwing led to more points for the visitors, with Ian Teasdale taking a fine lineout catch. As the ball came out the home side were penalised and Bloem’s kick stretched the lead.

Half Time? Old Grovians 3 - 17? Rishworthians

Rishworthians struggled to break through. Right wing Alex Fearnley had a strong crossfield run and although well supported the ball went to ground. They got the try they deserved though after a half-break by Cardiss. The ball went wide and although a pass went astray, left wing Nick Reddyoff picked up the loose ball and dived over in the corner. Bloem added the conversion to complete the scoring.

Full Time Old Grovians 3 - 24 Rishworthians?

Captains Comments
The man of the match was shared between Chris Fox and Ken Ranton

?Rishworthians 2ndXV?48 - 10? Halifax Vikings

Rishworthians entertained Halifax 3rds at Copley and kept their 100% record intact with a fine victory. The opening 20 minutes were even with tries from Jack Butcher and Andy Thomas with Nick Faulkner adding the conversions. Halifax replied with two unconverted tries to give Rishworthins a 14 - 10 lead at half time.

Rishworthians scored six second half tries without reply from Anthony Shoesmith, veteran Simon Wadsworth, Nick Faukner 2, Toby Wood and a fine opportunist try from Dave Conroy. Nick Faulkner slotting over two more conversions (This was his first ever attempt at goal kicking).
With Rich Hunwick makin his first appearance for the season and newcomer Mark Knight making his debut the 2nd XV are getting a strong looking squad together with numbers around 28 each week.???
The man of the match was awarded to Simon Wadsworth
Try scorers were Andy Thomas, Anthony Shoesmith, Jack Butcher, Toby Wood, David Conroy, Simon Wadsworth and Nick Faulkner (2), who also added four conversions.

Team: Thomas, Shoesmith, Butcher, Wadsworth, Faulkner, Wood, Conroy
W Aldridge, A Aldridge, Dawson, Atkinson, Illingworth, Turner, Ryall, Savage
Subs C Mitchell, K Mitchell, Knight, Speight, Hunwick, Fleming
?

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1st Team	?	15?Morgan	?	?
?	?	?	?	?
14 Fearnley ?	13?Davidson ?	?	12 Cardiss?T	11?Reddyoff? T
?	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem T,C3,P	?	9?Morris	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	7? Bakoso	?8?Fox	6?Mc Donnell ?	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	5 Bull	?	4?Teasdale	?
?	?	?	?	?
?	3?Brook?	? 2 Edmundson?	? 1?Ranton	?
?	?	?	?	?
Subs	? Billing	Morley	Greenwood

?

Old Rishworthians 71 - 0 Adwick Le Street

Another big win for Rishworthians

Match Preview Saturday 27th October Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians entertain league strugglers Adwick le Street in Yorkshire Five B, eager to stretch their lead at the top of the table. They add influential No 8 James Clarke to the squad which completed a fourth away win out of six league games at Old Grovians last week. They also include in the squad a former Rishworthian and Old Crossleyans player David Conroy, who has had impressive games with the second team for the past two weeks on his return to the club. Rishworthians can expect a physical game from the South Yorkshire visitors, who have registered only two wins from their six league outings. Even though they only beat bottom club Rossington Hornets 6 – 0 last week in a Doncaster derby clash, Rishworthians cannot afford to be complacent. Their confidence is high at the moment, but they will need to maintain their composure and discipline to secure the points.


Match Report
Within minutes, it became clear it was only a matter of how many points Rishworthians would score. Although the visitors never gave up, they were no match for the home side, who ended with a tally of 11 tries with eight conversions by stand-off Jamie Bloem, to take them five points clear at the top of Yorkshire Five B. It was not until the dying minutes of the game that Adwick even got near the home line, but desperate efforts for a consolation score were rebuffed by the Copley men.

In the first two minutes a crunching tackle by centre Daryl Cardiss set the seal on attempts by the visitors to run the ball and before four minutes Rishworthians had scored. It came from a strong run – the first of many – by flanker Jioti Bakoso. The ball was recycled and long pass from No 8 James Clarke put left wing Nick Reddyoff in wide out. Bloem converted. Bakoso was denied what appeared to be a good try and several chances went begging before centre Fraser Davidson finished off a move which started with a fine run by right wing Joe Billing. Bloem again converted. Two minutes later, hooker Simon Edmundson set the ball up well and Cardiss showed lightning pace to cut clean through and score. Bloem converted.

There was no holding Rishworthians, and from a scrum Gary Morris put in a fine kick for Billing to race through, gather and score in the corner. Then it was time for the forwards to make their mark. Ian Teasdale took a fine catch in the lineout and the pack drove him over with lock James McDonnell getting the touchdown.For the last 10 minutes of the half Rishworthians went off the boil, although Morris was adjudged in touch after going over in the corner.

Half Time? Rishworthians 31 - 0 Adwick Le Street

They opened the second half in lethargic fashion too, and took several minutes to get into their stride. Like the first half, the first try went to Reddyoff, who pounced on a delicate chip from Bloem, who then converted. Clarke and Bakoso combined well before the ball went wide and a fine pass from Cardiss put fullback Andrew Morgan in at the corner. Bloem converted.

Alex Fearnley came on for Morgan and was soon on the scoresheet too, finishing off a move started by Clarke to bring the score up to 50. Billing got his second with a fine run on the left. Bloem converted. Bloem then scored himself from a superb run by Cardiss, with good support from Morris and Clarke, taking the final pass to touch down under the posts. Bloem converted his own try.

Fearnley got his second after interpassing among the backs and Bloem added the conversion to complete the scoring.

Full Time Rishworthians 71 - 0 Adwick Le Street

The man of the match was awarded to Joe Billing

1st XV Team	1?Brook	?2 Edmundson	3?Ranton	?
6?Fox	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Mc Donnell T	?
?	?	?8?Clarke	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem T,C8	?	?	?
?	?	12?Cardiss T	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson?T	?
11?Reddyoff T2	?	?	?	14 Billing T2
?	?	15?Morgan T	?	?
Subs	? Bull, Conroy	Fearnley T2

?

?Rishworthians 2ndXV?10 - 0? Yarnbury 3rd XV

The second team remain unbeaten after a 10 – 0 win over a strong Yarnbury side. Sam Greenwood got the try. Nick Faulkner added the conversion and Anthony Shoesmith kicked a drop goal.

2nd Team:

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?

Old Rishworthians? 87 - 0 Rodillians

Rishworthians achieve double over Rodillians in 13 try romp

Match Preview Saturday 3rd November Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians entertain Stanley Rodillians, hoping to achieve a Yorkshire Five B double over the Wakefield side. The two clubs are also due to meet for the third time this season in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy at Wakefield in two weeks time. It was at Rodillians where Rishworthians started their so far unbeaten league campaign, registering a 39 - 12 victory after conceding a try in the opening minutes. Since then Rishworthians' squad has consolidated and strengthened and they will be aiming to claim their third home league win. Those have come against the division's three bottom clubs, while they have gained four away victories against the stronger teams. While Rishworthians last week registered a 71 - 0 home win over third from bottom club Adwick le Street, Rodillians scraped a 13 - 8 win at league whipping boys Rossington Hornets.
Rishworthians keep the same squad for tomorrow's game, adding Max Prashad to replace the unavailable Ian Teasdale

Match Report
Rishworthians scored more than 70 points for the fourth time this season as their opponents, who had given them a fright in the first game of the league campaign, collapsed. The Copley club already had the best points difference of any club in England before this game, but afterwards had stretched that to 397 after their third game in a row without conceding a point. It was also their largest score of the season, although it was rather a patchy performance. The Wakefield visitors, who must host Rishworthians in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy in two weeks time, gained a good amount of possession, but were unable to do anything with it.

The writing was on the wall though, when the home side scored the first of their 13 tries in the fourth minute – centre Max Prashad touching down as the ball went out wide after a good lineout take. Jamie Bloem kicked the first of eight conversions and then added a penalty. Minutes later Bloem picked up at the back of a ruck and drove over, adding the conversion and soon after added a second penalty.

With a 20-point lead Rishworthians relaxed and allowed the visitors back into the game. But they snapped out of their lethargy when flanker Jioti Bakoso put in a strong run. He was stopped a few yards from the line, but popped the ball up to fellow flanker Chris Fox who shipped it on to Alex Fearnley for the winger to touch down in the corner. The home side again relaxed until the last move of the half, when skipper Gary Morris took a quick tap penalty and linked well with Fearnley, who passed back inside for centre Fraser Davidson to touch down.

Half Time? Rishworthians 32 - 0 Rodillians

Within two minutes of the restart they were further ahead. A great run by left wing Joe Billing was finished off by fullback Andy Morgan, and Morgan was on hand a couple of minutes later to touch down a fine kick through by scrum half Morris. Scrum half Morris was next to touch down a kick through by Bloem, and then he snatched a ball from the base of the Rods’ scrum and fed Fearnley for the winger’s second try, his 10th in 10 games to take him to the half century mark for the season..

Skipper Morris was there again with a quick tap penalty and popped the ball up for replacement hooker Dave Morley to touch down. Prashad burst through from a short pass from Bloem for his second try and replacement wing Richard Turner completed a move wide out to score in the corner. Fox then picked up a loose ball at the base of the scrum and ran 60 yards to touch down. Lock James McDonnell completed the scoring, supporting a move in the backs, with the last act of the game.

Full Time Rishworthians 87 - 0 Rodillians

The man of the match was awarded to Andrew Morgan

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1st XV Team	1?Brook	?2 Edmundson	3?Ranton	?
6?Fox T	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Bull	?	5?Mc Donnell T	?
?	?	?8?Clarke	?	?
9?Morris T	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem T,C8,P2	?	?	?
?	?	12?Prashad T2	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson?T	?
11?Fearnley T2	?	?	?	14 Billing
?	?	15?Morgan T2	?	?
Subs	? Morley T, Turner T	Faulkner

?

Wibsey? 3 - 40? Old Rishworthians

Rishworthians finish strongly towards end of second half

Match Preview Saturday 10th November Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians travel to Wibsey in Yorkshire Five B eager to continue their winning streak. The Bradford side have been the only team to give them a fright this season, but that was in a Yorkshire Silver Trophy tie at Wibsey. Rishworthians crushed them 72 – 0 at Copley in the league in September but know they will have to make no mistakes if they are to come away with the points. They just managed to scrape a 17 – 12 win in the trophy game and had to hang on desperately at the end. They add scrum half David Conroy and flanker Jonathan Lock to the squad which has been performing so confidently in recent matches and welcome back lock Ian Teasdale, who missed last week’s 87 – 0 thrashing of Stanley Rodillians. But they are without hooker Simon Edmundson and wing Joe Billing, who were both injured in that game.

Match Report
Rishworthians’ second half performance spoiled what otherwise would have been a thoroughly “professional” victory. Too often in that second period they dropped the ball, threw it forward or took a wrong option. But even despite this they managed to score four tries after the break and must be satisfied with a 40-point score considering they were missing key players with injuries. The result enabled them to open up a six-point lead at the top of Yorkshire Five B and take their already massive points difference to 434. In the end they scored six tries, with both teenage wingers Nick Faulkner and Anthony Shoesmith bagging half of them.

Playing up the slope against a fierce wind, Rishworthians employed the right tactics, keeping play tight and gradually working their way forward. They survived the expected onslaught in the first few minutes and then began to make headway. They drove upfield with prop Martin Brook and flanker Jioti Bakoso prominent, before stand-off Jamie Bloem put in a speculative kick. Shoesmith raced through, tapped the ball on and picked up to score.

When Wibsey hit back with a penalty it was the first points Rishworthians had conceded in four matches. They continued to keep play tight and shortly before the break eased any worries with a fine try by centre Fraser Davidson. He took a short pass from Bloem, but still had plenty to do, cutting through tackles to touch down. Bloem added the conversion to give the visitors a 12 – 3 half-time cushion.

Half Time? Wibsey?3 - 12? Rishworthians

Rishworthians opened the second half in style. Good work by the forwards set up the chance and the ball went wide for Shoesmith to get his second try in the corner. Bloem added the conversion. At that point the expected flood gates failed to open and despite all their possession, Rishworthians blew chance after chance – their clinical finishing of recently weeks missing. In the end they finished strongly, Bloem darting through twice to touch down under the posts and Faulkner finishing off in the corner after a good scrum by the forwards. Bloem converted all three to take his points tally past the 200 mark for the season.

Full Time Wibsey? 3 - 40? Rishworthians

The man of the match was awarded to Andrew Bull

?Halifax Vandals XV?12 - 7? Rishworthians 2nd XV
First defeat of season for seconds

The second team suffered their first defeat at Halifax Vandals, going down 12 – 7.
Rishworthians made the short journey to local rivals Halifax Vandals without a recognised scrum half with Matt Ryall stepping in from back row. Having won the toss we elected to play up the slope into a strong wind..
Having withstood early pressure Rishworthians gave away a penalty which Vandals chose to run and their big No 8 powered over from short range for an unconverted try.
Mor pressure from Vandals was absorbed by good Rishworthians defence but a 5 metre uncontested scrum resulted in a converted try to give Vandals a 12 - 0 half time lead.

The second half started better for Rishworthians with some early pressure but unable to breakdown Vandals defence. Both teams were dfending well until some quick thinkng by Rishworthians backs resulted in centre Lee Atkinson racing 75 metres from his own 22, rounding 5 defenders to score an excellent individual try converted by prop Wes Aldridge.

Both teams battled hard for further points but the Vandals held on to their slender lead for a win.

Rishworthians man of match was Lee Atkinson? but there were some other fine performances by newcomer Mark Knight, stand in scrum half Ryall and veterans Kev Mitchell, Simon Wadsworth and Toby Wood.
Team C Mitchell, Fleming, Atkinson, Wadsworth, Wild
Wood Ryall
W Aldridge, A Aldridge, Illingworth, Shaw, Forrester, Knight, K Mitchell, Savage

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1st XV Team	1?Brook	?2 Morley	3?Ranton	?
6?Bull	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Mc Donnell	?
?	?	?8?Fox	?	?
9?Conroy	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem T2,C5	?	?	?
?	?	12?Prashad	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson?T	?
11?Shoesmith T2	?	?	?	14 Faulkner T
?	?	15?Morgan	?	?
Subs	? Morris, Turner	Greenwood

?

Stanley Rodillians? 28 - 24 Old Rishworthians

Depleted Rishworthians crash out of Silver Trophy

Match Preview Saturday 17th November Silver Trophy 1st Round
Rishworthians travel to Stanley Rodillians in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy eager to register a third win this season over the Wakefield side. They have already done the double in league games and will be aiming to make it three in a row. They came from behind to win away in the first league game of the season, but smashed Rodillians 87 – 0 two weeks ago at Copley.
They know it will be a tougher game this time as Rods are expected to have strengthened their side. Alex Fearnley returns to the squad along with Dave Conroy and Lee Atkinson, who has been scoring tries for the second team

Match Report
A depleted Rishworthian side crashed out of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy on a day of disaster. They went without their regular halfback pairing, No 8, prop, hooker and fullback, and could not cope once three of their replacements went off injured. Without halfbacks, skipper Gary Morris and player coach Jamie Bloem, they knew it would be a tough task. Dave Conroy and Chris Mitchell filled their places, with Conroy particularly outstanding, but when they both went off within minutes of each other early in the second half, Rishworthians’ fate was sealed. Not content with all this the visitors managed to put a season’s worth of mistakes into one game and gave away penalty after penalty in the second half as they lost their shape and discipline.

They started the game poorly too, going 10 – 0 down within five minutes. First the home pack managed to force their way over after a five-metre scrum, and then one of many Rishworthian mistakes led to a try wide out. The visitors came back strongly and almost scored from a maul near the home line, but prop Wes Aldridge was injured in the process and had to leave the field. Undeterred they hit back, winger Alex Fearnley scored his 11th try in as many games cutting through the defence after a fine break by Conroy, well supported by Dave Morley. Conroy himself then ran through to score a fine try, which was converted by winger Nick Faulkner.

Having come from behind Rishworthians were looking much stronger, but gave away three points to trail by one after a penalty for a high tackle. But as the first half ended they regained control. Conroy was the creator again, making a half break. He was well supported by No 8 Chris Fox, who drove over to score. Faulkner converted to give the visitors a 13 – 19 half-time lead.

Half Time Rodillians?13 - 19? Rishworthians

Rods started the second period in a similar way to the first with a home forward picking up at the scrum and driving over. Rishworthians were still leading by one point, but then came the injuries to Conroy and Mitchell, and despite the efforts of outstanding flanker Jioti Bakoso, they could not hang on. Rods scored a try wide out and quickly added another after the stand-off ran through the whole defence to score – just as he had when Rishworthians visited the Wakefield side in the first game of the season. The visitors managed to hang on. But, although Faulkner popped up to score a fine try (his 6th in as many games), they were unable to gather enough momentum to come from behind for the third time in the match.

Full Time Rodillians?28 - 24? Rishworthians

?Eccles 3rd XV?22 - 33? Rishworthians 2nd XV

An equally depleted second team travelled to Eccles, but came away with 33 - 22 victory.

1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 Morley	3?Ranton	?
6?Bull	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Mc Donnell	?
?	?	?8?Fox T	?	?
9?Conroy T	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Mitchell	?	?	?
?	?	12?Prashad	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Fearnley T	?	?	?	14 Faulkner C2, T
?	?	15?Shoesmith	?	?
Subs	? Turner? Atkinson	?

?

Old Rishworthians 14 - 3 Marist

Rishworthians do enough in first half to keep 6 points clear at top of table

Match Preview Saturday 24th November Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians return to league action eager to erase memories of last week’s Yorkshire Silver Trophy defeat. They entertain Marist, from Hull, who are now looking to be their main challengers in Yorkshire Five B. The Copley men won convincingly at Marist earlier this season, but the Hull side thrashed bottom club Wibsey last week to move to second in the division, five points behind Rishworthians. Player-coach Jamie Bloem returns after missing last week’s game, with number eight James Clarke also coming back in after injury. Lee Atkinson gets his chance to start on the wing after impressing in second team games and coming on from the bench last week.


Match Report
It was a frustrating day at the office for Rishworthians – particularly in the second half. But they did enough in the first period to ensure the points and keep the gap to six at the top of Yorkshire Five B. The visitors’ tactics to completely break up play never allowed Rishworthians to get into their stride in the second half, although they hardly looked like making the breakthrough themselves. When they had to defend the home side did it well enough and in the first half they adopted the right tactics as they battled against the wind and rain.

Early in the game, debutant winger Lee Atkinson was adjudged held up over the line after he gathered a cross kick from stand-off Jamie Bloem. Soon after he was at the other end to win a race to touch down after a long kick by Marist. In between, Rishworthians took the lead. It came from a lineout on the visitors’ 22. Ian Teasdale took a good catch and the pack drove him on right to the line, with No 8 James Clarke getting the touchdown. Bloem added the conversion.

Atkinson again went close and was on hand then to act as scrum half from a ruck. He passed to Bloem, who drove hard for the line and touched down. Bloem converted his own try. Marist hit back soon after with stand-off Neverton landing a long range penalty. That completed the scoring for the first half - and the game.

Half Time Rishworthians 14 - 3 Marist

The second half was a dour frustrating affair. Marist threatened the home line once, but Rishworthians held out and brought the ball upfield. Twice Clarke charged down kicks, but the ball bounced away. Centre Jack Butcher and fullback Andy Morgan almost won a race to touch down a kick through, but other than that, the game just petered away.

Full Time Rishworthians? 14 - 3? Marist

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?

1st XV Team	1?Brook	?2 Morley	3?Dawson	?
6?Fox	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Mc Donnell	?
?	?	?8?Clarke T	?	?
9?Wood	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem T,C2	?	?	?
?	?	12?Butcher	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Fearnley	?	?	?	14 Atkinson
?	?	15?Morgan	?	?
Subs	? Turner? Bull	Hartley

?

Rossington Hornets? 0 - 62? Old Rishworthians

Rishworthians cruise to another high scoring win

Match Preview Saturday 1st December Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians welcome back skipper Gary Morris for their trip to Yorkshire Five B strugglers Rossington Hornets. They will hope to continue their unbeaten run in the division against a team which they beat 78 - 3 at Copley at the end of September. But they must avoid complacency, especially after a rather downbeat performance last week in the 14 - 3 home win over Marist. Back from injury is Joe Billing, who returns to the squad after good performances on the wing, only halted by a rib injury a month ago. Also returning after injury is prop Paul Thomas, sidelined for several weeks with an ankle injury.

Match Report
It was business as usual for Rishworthians as they cruised to another high scoring victory and consolidated their six-point lead at the top of Yorkshire Five B. They did most of it without player coach Jamie Bloem, who limped off at half-time, with the visitors leading their Doncaster hosts by 24 points. They totally dominated the second half, adding six tries to bring their tally to 10 for the game. Rishworthians broke through the 500 league points barrier in just 11 games and the mean defence only conceding 24 points recorded their 6th clean sheet.?

Rishworthians started the game in style and two strong runs by winger Alex Fearnley kept them in the home half. Lock James McDonnell almost got over and there were strong runs from No 8 James Clarke and Bloem, before they finally opened the scoring. Skipper Gary Morris caught the home defence napping as he took a quick tap penalty and darted over. Clarke was on hand minutes later, picking up from a scrum near the home line and driving over to double the score. He then set up the ball for Bloem, who danced over and Bloem converted his own try.

Fearnley was stopped a few feet from the line after a 40-yard dash along the wing, but he flipped the ball up to the supporting Andrew Morgan for the fullback to touch down in the corner. Bloem added the conversion. Fearnley was in the clear again with the last move of the half, only to be brought back for a forward pass.

Half Time Rossington Hornets 0 - 24 Rishworthians

Rishworthians opened the second half with a strong rolling maul and Clarke touched down in a mass of players. The No 8 was on hand again soon after, supplying a pass for Morgan to get his second try converted by Billing. Winger Joe Billing then scored himself, completing a move started on the other wing by Fearnley. Billing converted his own try.

Centre Jack Butcher, who had moved to stand-off instead of Bloem, then broke through and completed a strong run to touch down and Billing added the extras. That try came from more good work by Clarke, who had an outstanding match, along with flanker Chris Fox. It was Fox who was on the end of a long pass and forced his way over after fine driving play from the whole pack. He then turned provider, stealing the ball from the home pack and slipping it to Fearnley who completed a 40-yard run by coming in under the posts, allowing Billing an easy conversion to complete the scoring.

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1st XV Team	1?Brook	?2 Ranton	3?Dawson	?
6?Fox T	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Bull	?	5?Mc Donnell	?
?	?	?8?Clarke T2	?	?
9?Morris T	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem T,C2	?	?	?
?	?	12?Butcher T	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Fearnley T	?	?	?	14 Billing T,C4
?	?	15?Morgan T2	?	?
Subs	? Morley, P Thomas	Atkinson

?Rishworthians 2ndXV?21 - 23? Huddersfield YMCA 3rd XV

It was the Nick Faulkner show for Rishworthian seconds. The winger scored three tries and converted them all, but his team went down 21 – 23 at Copley to Huddersfield YMCA thirds.

?

Old Rishworthians? 38 - 8? Old Grovians

Rusty Rishworthians get into their stride in 2nd half

Match Preview Saturday 5th January Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians extend a warm welcome and seasons greetings to the players, members and supporters of Old Grovians RFC in this first game of 2008. This Yorkshire 5B league match, sponsored by Northern Game Feeds Ltd, is only the second time the Old Boys of Rishworth School have played the Old Boys of Woodhouse Grove Grammar School. The Old Grovians are new to league rugby and after a promising start they are 4^th in the league with 11 points. The first fixture in October was a 24 – 3 victory for the Rishworthians where we scored 3 tries. The game was played in good spirit and the playing surface and hospitality at Apperley Bridge was excellent. We are looking forward to a hard game and hope to reinforce our position at the top of the league.

We have played well this season under the guidance of our new coaches Jamie Bloem and John Clough. John happens to be an Old Grovian! They have developed the players and introduced a professional approach to training and playing and this has been reflected in our points total. The coaches still require a better turnout at training especially in the dark winter months and the remaining run in to the end of the season will not be easy.

The Managing Director of Northern Game Feeds, Steve Burnhill, is also an Old Grovian. Steve played rugby for Leicester Tigers, Rotherham and Cleckheaton, and represented England on the 1984 tour of South Africa. We are delighted to see him today and would like to thank him for his sponsorship.

Rishworthians have a chance to put themselves almost out of sight at the top of Yorkshire Five B with a win over Old Grovians. The Bradford side, formed recently by former pupils of Woodhouse Grove School, has been putting in strong performances lately and is likely to pose a strong challenge against Rishworthians, who are bound to be somewhat rusty, with most players not having had a game for almost a month. They now know they will be without injured hooker Simon Edmundson for the rest of the season. There are doubts about fullback Andrew Morgan, who may not have recovered from flu, but otherwise they hope to turn out a strong team. The game at Copley is likely to have a major impact on the promotion positions at the end of the season.

Match Report
Rishworthians conceded their first try in Yorkshire Five B since the opening league game of the season on September 8. It shook them for about five minutes, but then they recovered well against a strong Grovians team. The try came early in the second half from a pass which went astray and a kick through with Grovians flanker Hinchcliffe winning the race to touch down. Rishworthians had been leading 18 – 3 at half-time, but after a nervy time they came back strongly with right wing Alex Fearnley popping up on the left to take the final pass from left wing Nick Faulkner, who went close after picking up a loose ball.

Looking somewhat rusty, with many of the team not having played for a month, it took Rishworthians a while to get into their stride, but early pressure after a strong run by Faulkner earned a penalty for Jamie Bloem to open the scoring. Bloem added a second a few minutes later, but Rishworthians gave away a penalty from the restart to cancel out his second successful kick. Good pressure from the pack eventually saw quick ball coming out to the backs. Centre Fraser Davidson went close, before the ball went wide for Fearnley to score his first try in the corner. Skipper Gary Morris spurned a kick from a penalty and darted forward. The pack took the ball on and drove over with teenage prop Wesley Aldridge getting the touchdown. Bloem added the conversion with the final act of the half.

Half Time Rishworthians? 18 - 3 Old Grovians

Within minutes of the restart, Rishworthians had given away that rare try, but once they rallied, they took complete control of the game. Fearnley got his second and Bloem added a penalty to ease any worries. Flanker Jioti Bakoso drove through, sucking in the defence, which allowed the ball to come out for Davidson to slice through for a fine try. Bloem converted. In the final minutes No8 James Clarke broke through with a 40-yard run before slipping the ball to Lee Atkinson, who had replaced Fearnley, for a try in the corner.

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?

1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge T	?2 Morley	3?Thomas	?
6?Fox	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Mc Donnell	?
?	?	?8?Clarke	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem P3,C2	?	?	?
?	?	12?Prashad	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson? T	?
11?Fearnley T2	?	?	?	14 Faulkner
?	?	15?Billing	?	?
Subs	? Bull,? Brook	Atkinson ?T

?Rochdale 5th XV? 7 - 14? Rishworthians 2ndXV?

A youthful Rishworthian second team took the field against an experienced Rochdale side. Although referred to as Rochdale 5ths it was noticeable that there were only 3 Rochdale sides competing that day and although sporting several veterans in their ranks there were also number of younger players as well as 5 replacements.

It was clear from the kickoff that Rishies had far more speed and agility than the uncompromising experienced Rochdale players, who very quickly decided that resorting to an old fashioned up the jumper "Geoff Hartley" style of rugby was the way forward. Unfortunately for them despite their tender years the likes of Hedley Stirk and Tom Clough thrive in tight
mauls so it was no surprise when several of these mauls, resulted in Stirk (the former British Junior wrestling champion) pop up with the ball!

Playing up the slope in the first half Rishies defended extremely well, and even had a number of chances using their speedy young backs whenever the occasion arose. Danny Chappell and his impressive backs always looked dangerous with the ball in their hands. Eventually following a series of attacks by Rochdale and some wrong options by Rishies at? the scrum, the maroon defence yielded to allow a bustling Rochdale centre to force his way over for a converted try. It was to be their one and only foray over the Rishies whitewash.

Rhisies were not disheartened and following several raids into the opposition half, lead admirably by the experience of scrum half Dave Conroy the ball broke to Andy Aldridge who scored under the posts, a feat made more impressive when it was discovred that Aldridge junior scored for the first team on that very same day (a family first in Rishworthin history perhaps?)? Sam Greenwood showed that the prematch kicking practice was not in vain and converted for a 7-7 half time score. Some bad tempered periods of play prevented Rishies further 1st half tries and it was with some relief that the half time whistle was blown by the referee.

Playing down the slope with the wind at their backs it was surely a matter of how many Rishies would score, however Rochdale continued to keep the ball tight and continued to frequently infringe at the mauls and rucks. Tempers became frayed as illegalities were missed by the referee, however the Rishies youngsters kept their calm and continued to frustrate Rochdale. Gaps were beginning to appear in the home defence and following a good chip and chase by Danny Chappell, Dave Conroy followed up outstripped the tiring defence to touch down under the posts for Sam Greenwood to convert for a 14-7 lead.

The game further degenerated and eventually the referee decided to call a halt to play and give Rishworthians a deserved 14-7 victory. Make no mistake this was a tough battle and a harsh introduction to senior rugby for nearly half the side. The next game is against Old Crocs 3rds at Copley, which promises to be a fairer and altogether better spectacle. Anyone yet to witness some of these lads would be well advised to get down to Copley on Saturday and give them your vocal support.

?

Adwick Le Street? 0 - 24? Old Rishworthians

7th clean sheet for Rishworthians

Match Preview Saturday 19th January Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians travel to the Doncaster area in Yorkshire Five B keen to maintain their 100 per cent league record.
The leaders visit strugglers Adwick le Street in their penultimate game against B division teams.
Despite the home team's lowly league position, it will be a difficult game for the Copley men on a heavy pitchy against a strong physical side.
It is noticeable that most of Adwick's games this season have been low scoring affairs and the weather may mean that this game goes the same way. Rishworthians, did not have a game last week, and looked a little rusty in their 38 - 8 win over Old Grovians the week before after a long Christmas lay-off.
They name the same squad, apart from No8 James Clarke, who is unavailable, and add veteran prop Ken Ranton. Max Prashad looks likely to move from the centre to fill the vacant back row berth.

Match Report
Rishworthians did just enough against opponents determined to upset the Yorkshire Five B leaders. Even though it was one of their poorest displays this season, the visitors never allowed the Doncaster side anywhere near their line and were always likely to score on the break. Despite Adwick’s physical approach, Rishworthians dominated the opening 20 minutes, creating several chances and spurning two very kickable penalty attempts, but failing to score. That seemed to give the home side renewed hope, but the visitors did not get frustrated and continued to threaten.

Left wing Nick Faulkner put in a strong run in a move started by halfbacks Gary Morris and Jamie Bloem, but was hauled down just short of the line. But he popped up again soon after on the left in a flowing move in the Rishworthian backs after fullback Joe Billing had made the decisive break. The winger was again stopped just short of the line, but was able to get his pass away for Fraser Davidson to touch down. It was a fitting score for the centre, who had a fine game throughout. Bloem added the conversion.

Faulkner was in the action again soon after to complete a fine 50-yard dash and run in under the posts after Rishworthians broke out from their own half with good work by Bloem and centre Jack Butcher, who added the conversion. The game then erupted into a bad tempered affair with several players having to leave the field with blood injuries, notably hooker Dave Morley, who had to be patched up several times as he showed bravery among flying boots.

Half Time Adwick Le Street? 0 - 14 Rishworthians

The second half was less frenzied after the home side had a man sent off and Rishworthians were able to play steadily, never allowing their opponents a chance. Without really shining, they were comfortable enough in the second half to score two more tries and come away with two league points.

The first of those tries came from good lineout possession. The ball went wide and Billing burst into the line before switching back and showing great strength to force his way over. Soon after Rishworthians scored their fourth try with flanker Jioti Bakoso picking up a loose ball and powering over to touch down in the corner.

It was a performance which Rishworthians will want to improve on with games starting next week against Yorkshire Five A section teams. They also have to play their postponed final B section game against second-placed Rotherham Phoenix, who have had strong performances lately and could pose a real threat to Rishworthians’ 100 per cent league record..

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?

1st XV Team	1?Brook	?2 Morley	3?Ranton	?
6?Prashad	?	?	?	7?Bakoso T
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Mc Donnell	?
?	?	?8?Fox	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem C	?	?	?
?	?	12?Butcher C	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson? T	?
11?Fearnley	?	?	?	14 Faulkner T
?	?	15?Billing T	?	?
Subs	? Bull,? W Aldridge	Atkinson

?

Old Rishworthians? 13 - 3? Rotherham Phoenix

Rishworthians complete 100% record against Yorkshire 5B Clubs

Match Preview Saturday 2nd February Yorkshire 5B
Rishworthians complete their Yorkshire Five B fixtures with the postponed top of the table clash with Rotherham Phoenix. The visitors have put in some notable performances in recent weeks and will be keen to erase the Copley club’s 100 per cent record and seek revenge for a 13-0 loss at Rotherham in October.

Rishworthians are bound to be rusty after long lay-offs around Christmas and postponed games due to the weather – including last week’s scheduled home game with Mosborough, called off after the pitch was flooded. But they name a strong squad and hope to have James Clarke back at No 8 and include centre Chris Flanagan on his return to the club after successful seasons with Bolton. With Ian Teasdale unavailable, Chris Fox moves into the second row and Rishworthians name three hookers, Dave Morley, Chris Lowe and Matt Shaw in the squad.

Phoenix have been Rishworthians’ toughest opponents in Yorkshire Five B and recent successes will have buoyed them even further, so the Copley men will have to be at their best to take the points. A victory would put them into a strong position for the games against the A section teams, which start next week at home to local rivals Halifax Vandals, who lead the A division.

Match Report
Rishworthian officials battled to get their pitch playable after heavy overnight snow – and it paid dividends. The result of this much postponed top of the table clash left the Copley Club with a 100 per cent record against Yorkshire 5B clubs, before they turn their attention to games against A section teams. While the heavy pitch meant it was very much a forward battle, Rishworthians always looked dangerous when the ball went out to the backs. But the final score was almost a replica of when the teams met at Rotherham in October, where Rishworthians were 13-0 winners.

The visitors were on the back foot for most of the first half and while they came out strongly in the second, the Copley men finished the game off in confident style. Rishworthians exerted pressure right from the start, pinning the visitors in their own half. Knowing that every point might count in a closely fought game, stand-off Jamie Bloem took a penalty kick from the right touchline and hit the upright. But minutes later he was on target with a fine kick out of the mud on the left touchline to convert a Rishworthian try. No 8 James Clarke had stolen the ball in a maul and it went out via centre Fraser Davidson and outstanding flanker Max Prashad to left wing Nick Faulkner, who romped over in the corner, Bloem adding the extras. A strong break by Clarke from his own half almost brought a try for fullback Joe Billing, but he was forced into touch short of the line. Rishworthians maintained the pressure but were kept at bay by strong Rotherham tackling and were unable to add to their 7-0 lead by half time.

Half Time Rishworthians? 7 - 0 Rotherham Phoenix

Prop Paul Thomas came on for the second period and the home scrum, which had creaked at times, stabilised. The lineouts proved very much a lottery, but Rishworthians always looked strong in the loose and in the backs. The home side absorbed early Rotherham pressure in the second period and then gained relief with a Bloem penalty only to give away three points soon after with a kick from Rotherham’s best player, fullback Ben Coleman. But it seemed to spur them on and they came back strongly.

Centre Chris Flanagan in his first game back at the club showed his speed chasing a long kick to the line. He failed to make the touch down, but the pressure was on the visitors and when they tried to run the ball from the their own line, Rishworthians’ man of the match, lock Chris Fox, put in a strong tackle which resulted in an easy penalty for Bloem. With the points cushion restored, the Copley men finished the game confidently, retaining possession within the forwards to run down the clock.


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?

1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 C Lowe	3?K Ranton	?
6?Prashad	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Fox	?	5?Mc Donnell	?
?	?	?8?Clarke	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem P2,C	?	?	?
?	?	12?Flanagan	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Fearnley	?	?	?	14 Faulkner T
?	?	15?Billing	?	?
Subs	? Bull,? Thomas	?

? Rishworthians 2ndXV 17 -?5 Rotherham Phoenix?

The second team also had a fine 17-5 home win over their Rotherham counterparts. Tries were scored by David Conroy, Lee Atkinson and Rodney Lowe. Jack Butcher added one conversion.

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Old Rishworthians? 17 - 10? Halifax Vandals

Rishworthians claim Yorkshire 5 leadership battle

Match Preview Saturday 9th February Yorkshire 5
DERBY matches between Old Rishworthians and Halifax Vandals are always eagerly anticipated but rarely more so than tomorrow's league clash at Copley (2.15).
The reason is that both sides are going great guns in parallel Yorkshire Five sections and this is the only scheduled meeting between them this season.
Rishworthians were keeping an anxious eye on the weather as they battle to get their pitch playable for the derby clash with Halifax Vandals. Flooding and heavy snow have kept the pitch very heavy and games for the senior and junior teams at the weekend have taken their toll, leaving it touch and go whether the game can go ahead. Any heavy rain may tip the balance.
Both sides are keen to play to enhance promotion prospects at the start of a sequence of games between teams from the A and B section of Yorkshire Five. Local trophies and pride will be at stake, although a defeat for either side is unlikely to inhibit the drive for promotion. Vandals are comfortably leading section A and Rishworthians have a healthy lead in section B.
The game, which is sponsored by Highland Spring, will be played for the John Payne and Trevor Whitworth trophies.
Rishworthians already have an outstanding postponed game against Mosborough and struggled to get their pitch playable last week to complete an already twice postponed clash with Rotherham Phoenix, who hold second place in the B section.
That win helped them to complete games against B section teams with a 100 per cent record.
With virtually an unchanged squad they welcome back lock Ian Teasdale, who was absent last week, allowing Chris Fox to move back into the back row.

Match Report
The focus was very much on next season rather than the remainder of this campaign for both clubs after Saturday's Yorkshire Five derby clash. While a good deal of local pride and two pieces of silverware were at stake in the Copley encounter, the outcome was viewed as almost academic in terms of league standings with both sides destined to finish top of their parallel sections barring disasters. For the record, home player-coach Jamie Bloem was the main difference between the teams, controlling much of the play at stand off and scoring all Rishworthians points with a try and four penalties.

Rishworthians and Vandals are the lowest ranking of Calderdale's six rugby union clubs but both are enjoying something of a renaissance. Saturday's hosts are starting to feel the benefits of a junior section with a 200-strong membership at their friendly valley-bottom club and the arrival of Bloem from Old Brodleians this season is clearly helping things move in the right direction. They now have a great chance of going through their league programme unbeaten, having seen off Rotherham Phoenix and Vandals on successive Saturdays, and Bloem revealed he had agreed to stay at the Copley club for at least another year. "I am really enjoying it here," he said. "This is a lovely club and we have realistic ambitions. We're not going to be a Yorkshire One team but we could become a good Yorkshire Three side." A pack which ended up playing second fiddle to their Vandals' counterparts on Saturday looks the main area of the team needing improvement and ex-professional RL player Bloem said: "I have contacts in Papua New Guinea which I am hoping will get us some big players for next season."

Vandals are progressing along different lines than their rivals, having built a new clubhouse in recent years and expanded their senior playing membership with the help of a women's team. The wind of change blowing through the club has extended to the disappearance of their traditional blue and white hooped shirts and there wasn't one Pollard on the teamsheet!.
Coach Damon Scholes, a former Huddersfield RUFC and Huddersfield Giants player, was disappointed with his side's performance on Saturday but hugely optimistic for the future of the Warley club. "Promotion was our main objective this season and that has virtually been achieved," he said. "We have a number of big players lined up for next season, both backs and forwards." Scholes, who plans to play himself next term after a serious knee injury, added: "Credit to our committee - the club was dead on its feet 18 months ago but we are now running three teams and are on the verge of running four."

Saturday's game had been in doubt following floods and snow on successive weekends and the normally excellent playing surface at Copley was very soft. Rishworthians started by far the better and were 8-0 up in eight minutes after Bloem easily brushed aside a weak tackle to touch down from a tap penalty and then Bloem added an angled 35 metre penalty for offside.
Vandals' ball retention was terrible at this stage and although winger Adam Atkins pulled back three points following a high tackle on 15 minutes, Rishworthians were looking good for a second try from a lineout catch and drive until prop Paul Thomas offended.

Bloem and his half back partner Gary Morris ensured the home side were well organised behind the scrum while young winger Nick Faulkner ran powerfully with the ball in hand. It was Faulkner's burst two minutes before the break which set up a penalty attempt for Bloem to make it 11-3.

Half Time Rishworthians? 11 - 3 Halifax Vandals

Vandals were much better in the second half and turned the screw up front with big prop Andrew Lockwood and hard working second row Andy Hoyle catching the eye. Bloem's booming right boot kept them at bay and a further Bloem penalty increased the gap between the sides to 11 points after 52 minutes.

Veteran fullback Jon Isherwood, the visitors' most dangerous runner, eventually rewarded the efforts of his forwards by surging under the bar with six minutes left. It was only the fourth try Rishworthians have conceded in the league this season. Atkins converted to give the visitors a glimmer of hope but poor handling returned to blight their efforts in the closing stages and the sure-footed Bloem had the final say with another penalty on 77 minutes.

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?

1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 K Ranton	3?Thomas	?
6?Prashad	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Mc Donnell	?
?	?	?8?Fox	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem P4,T	?	?	?
?	?	12?Flanagan	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Fearnley	?	?	?	14 Faulkner
?	?	15?Billing	?	?
Subs	? Bull,? Morley	Hunwicks

? Halifax Vandals 2nd XV? 17 - 15? Rishworthians 2ndXV ?

Rishworthians seconds went down 17 -15 to Halifax Vandals at Warley. Andy Aldridge scored a try and all the rest of the Rishworthian points came from Jack Butcher. He converted?Aldridge's?try and then added a penalty. Several disruptions seemed to hamper Rishworthians, but they came back strongly at the end. With the last move of the match, Butcher scored a try wide out, but his excellent attempted conversion hit the post, signalling the final whistle.

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Pontefract Pythons? 0 - 67? Old Rishworthians?

Rishworthians 10 try romp crushes the Pythons

Match Preview Saturday 16th February Yorkshire 5
Rishworthians continue their league campaign against opponents from the A division with a trip to Pontefract Pythons. Buoyed by their victory last week against A section leaders Halifax Vandals, the Copley club will travel to Pontefract in confident mood to tackle a team lying close to the bottom of the A section.
While the victory last week does little to affect the promotion prospects of either Vandals or Rishworthians, it helped the Copley men to further strengthen their hold at the top of B section, even though second placed Rotherham Phoenix had a 59 – 0 victory at Wetherby.
Rishworthians keep much of the same squad for the Pontefract trip, but can call on No 8 James Clarke, who missed the win over Vandals. Also included is prop Darren Dawson, who has not played this season due to work commitments.
The second team meanwhile includes a number of young players, stepping up from the junior section for a taste of senior action in a home fixture against Ossett seconds.

Match Report
Please get promotion – you’re too good for us. That was the message from Pontefract Pythons players as Rishworthians notched up more than 60 points for the sixth time this season and the 8th time they conceded no points . The home side had no answer to the Copley men’s fast and skilful backs, who scored nine of their 10 tries. Jamie Bloem switched to fullback late in the game to allow teenager Luke Flanagan to take over at stand-off, but the coach burst into the line to score the last try and break the club’s points scoring record. Former skipper Darren Wade had held the 282 points record since 2001, but Bloem bagged 27 points in the game to go 16 points clear, with a quarter of the season still to go.

It was Rishworthians second win in the games between teams from the A and B sections of Yorkshire Five leaving their 100 per cent league campaign intact. After beating A section leaders Halifax Vandals last week, the section’s strugglers were no match for Rishworthians, who were in complete control apart from a five-minute spell near the end of the first half. Loose play meant they were camped on their own line as the powerful experienced home forwards tried to batter their way over. But the visitors defence was solid and eventually they broke away to gain a penalty and Bloem kicked it with the last act of the half.

It was a robust opening to the game from Pythons, but Rishworthians soon got a penalty near the home line. Bloem took it quickly passing to James Clarke for the No 8 – missing in last week’s win over Vandals – to power over. Then it was the turn of the backs. Centre Fraser Davidson gather an awkward bouncing ball and fed it out with the winger Nick Faulkner taking the final pass for the first of his two tries. From a good lineout take by Ian Teasdale the ball went out and centre Chris Flanagan took an inside pass to carve his way through for the first of his hat trick of tries and his first since returning to the club two weeks ago. Minutes later Flanagan got his second after some classy back play following another good lineout. Bloem then nipped in for the first of his two tries before Rishworthians found themselves on the defensive for the only time in the game.

Half Time Pontefract Pythons? 0 -?34?? Rishworthians

Within two minutes of the second half restart the visitors scored again. Bloem put in a long kick. It was brilliantly taken on the left by Faulkner, who was hauled down short of the line. He managed to get the ball away and it went along the line for right wing Alex Fearnley to score in the corner. Good pressure by Clarke and flanker Chris Fox set up the play for Flanagan to complete his hat trick before his younger brother Luke joined the action. The two then combined with Davidson to put Fearnley in for his second and soon after Faulkner got his second to notch up 50 points for the season with a strong run after a fine break by Clarke.

Bloem got his second in the dying minutes, breaking the club record and sending out a clear warning to the rest of the teams in the A section.

Putting the record straight
Jamie Bloem actually broke the club's record for points scored in a season earlier in the game at Pontefract Pythons than originally thought. A mix-up in figures left supporters thinking he broke it with his try at the end of the game, but actually it was at the end of the first half.His first try and conversion meant he equalled Darren Wade's 282 total and then set a new record with his penalty at the very end of the first half, before adding a further 13 points in the second half.

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?

1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 K Ranton	3?Dawson	?
6?Fox	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Mc Donnell	?
?	?	?8?Clark T	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem P,T2, C7	?	?	?
?	?	12?C Flanagan T3	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Fearnley T2	?	?	?	14 Faulkner T2
?	?	15?Billing	?	?
Subs	? Bull,? Morley	L Flanagan

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Old Rishworthians? 24 - 3? Mosborough

Rishworthians made to work hard for victory

Match Preview Saturday 23rd February Yorkshire 5
Rishworthians' successful junior section is beginning to pay dividends for the senior side. The club hopes to include another of its top youngsters in the squad for the postponed Yorkshire Five game at home to Mosborough. With winger Alex Fearnley unavailable, the impressive Christus Ferneyhough is named along with five other teenagers in the 20-player squad. Rishworthians last week gave a successful debut to one of his junior team-mates Luke Flanagan, who came on from the bench to replace player-coach Jamie Bloem at stand-off and he retains his place in the squad.

The game is the Copley club's third in the inter-division games. Unbeaten B section leaders Rishworthians have already beaten A section leaders Halifax Vandals and last week thrashed another A team, Pontefract Pythons, 67 - 0, away from home to retain their 100 per cent league record. In that game Bloem broke the club’s points scoring record. He broke it earlier in the game than originally thought. A mix-up in figures left supporters thinking he broke it with his try at the end of the game, but actually it was at the end of the first half. His first try and conversion meant he equalled Darren Wade's 282 total and then set a new record with a penalty at the very end of the first half, before adding a further 13 points in the second half.


Match Report
Rishworthians backs, who have dominated for most of the season, had an off-day and it was left to the forwards to take the points in this rearranged Yorkshire Five fixture. The home side dominated possession throughout, but chance after chance went begging in the first half as passing in the backs let them down. This coupled with some excellent tackling by the Sheffield area visitors, belying their lowly position in the A division, left Rishworthians feeling frustrated, particularly in the first half as the break loomed without a score.

They had started brightly enough and skipper Gary Morris and teenager Christus Ferneyhough, on his debut, combined well on the right wing before Morris was bundled into touch. Rishworthians continued to get more and more possession but seemed unable to do anything with it. Prop Darren Dawson crashed over but the referee said he was unsighted and called it back. Suddenly with five minutes to go to the break Rishworthians scored two tries. In each case it came from the lineout. Lock Ian Teasdale took two fine lineout catches. Both times the pack came round and drove him over. His second row partner James McDonnell got the touch down on each occasion. Stand-off Jamie Bloem converted both tries to send the home men in with a 14-point advantage.

Half Time Rishworthians? 14 - 0 Mosborough

Early in the second period Bloem kicked a penalty to stretch the home lead. But the second half continued very much like the first, with Rishworthians unable to break through.

While the visitors never threatened the home line, their defence was fierce and stood firm time after time. The final try came as another Rishworthian attack broke down. Bloem suddenly slipped out of a tackle and then shrugged off several more to run in at the corner and round under the posts. Bloem converted his own try. In the dying minutes, the Copley men seemed to go to sleep and allowed the visitors to come at them, but the only points they could muster came from a penalty with the last kick of the game.

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1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 K Ranton	3?Dawson	?
6?Bull	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Mc Donnell T2	?
?	?	?8?Fox	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem P,T, C3	?	?	?
?	?	12?C Flanagan	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Fearneyhough	?	?	?	14 Faulkner
?	?	15?Billing	?	?
Subs	? Brook,? Morley	L Flanagan

?? Rishworthians 2ndXV 24 - 3 Otley 4th XV?

Rishworthians seconds, sporting a number of youngsters beat Otley fourths by the same scoreline as the first team game. There were tries for Chris Mitchell, Dave Conroy, Hedley Stirk and Anthony Shoesmith and Lee Atkinson kicked two conversions.

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Old Rishworthians? 25 - 0? Harrogate Pythons

Another clean sheet as Rishworthians squeeze out the Pythons

Match Preview Saturday 1st March Yorkshire 5
Rishworthians entertain Harrogate Pythons, eager to maintain their 100 per cent league record this season. The visitors are challenging for the play-off position in the A section of Yorkshire Five, so the Copley men know it will not be an easy game for them. But they are playing confidently, with a consistent squad of players, and even when their backs failed to function last week in the victory over Mosborough, the forwards clicked into gear to secure the win.

It is the first of two games against A section play-off hopefuls as next week they travel to Sheffield Medicals, who are slight favourites to gain the position. Prop Martin Brook and No 8 James Clarke return to the squad for the Harrogate game along with winger Alex Fearnley and flanker Max Prashad.


Match Report
Fierce gales blowing straight down the pitch meant this was a clearly a game of two halves. But Rishworthians were equal to the task and adapted to the conditions far better than the visitors. By half-time they had amassed 18 points, using the wind to their advantage. In the second half they kept play tight and even managed to add to their total. The fact that stand-off Jamie Bloem was able to kick two penalties and two conversions was remarkable. His second conversion in the second half was a fine effort and managed to get over despite a fierce gale threatening to blow it back. In the first half, he used the wind to great advantage to enable his side to be a constant threat. In the second the pack took charge, driving the ball upfield time and time again and defending determinedly whenever they had to.

Rishworthians opened the scoring early in the game with a great drive and rolling maul which travelled 30 yards before No 8 James Clarke was able to touch down for the first of his two tries. Bloem increased the lead with the first of his penalties to give his side an early cushion. Running rugby proved difficult because of the strength of the gale, but Rishworthians put together a flowing move, which seemed to have come to nothing when an overlap was ignored. Fullback Joe Billing, however, was quick to pounce on the ensuing loose ball and dive over for a try, converted by Bloem.

As the half closed Bloem added a second penalty to give his side a comfortable lead at the break.

Half Time Rishworthians? 18 - 0 Harrogate Pythons

In the second period Rishworthians adopted the right tactics, keeping the ball tight and retaining possession. Whenever that came unstuck they found themselves back in their own half, thanks to the wind, and having to do it all again. The visitors never really threatened even when they camped on the home line for five minutes. Then the Rishworthian defence held firm. Eventually they broke away and worked the ball upfield. Bloem managed a reasonable length kick to put them close to the Harrogate line.

Skipper Gary Morris almost darted through. His forwards drove him on, but the scrum half could not get the ball down and it was left to Clarke to break away and burrow over for his second. Bloem added the conversion against the wind to complete the scoring.

It was a good all-round performance from Rishworthians with some intelligent play to cope with the conditions and record their 9th clean sheet in the league The meam defence has only conceded 48 points in 18 lleague games.

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1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 K Ranton	3?Dawson	?
6?Fox	?	?	?	7?Bakoso
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Bull	?
?	?	?8?Clarke T2	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem P2 C2	?	?	?
?	?	12?C Flanagan	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Fearnley	?	?	?	14 Faulkner
?	?	15?Billing T	?	?
Subs	? Brook,? Morley	Prashad

?? Rishworthians 2ndXV? Heath 3rd XV?

The second team thrashed Heath thirds 57 – 0. There were two tries each for Dave Conroy and Tom Clough and others by Anthony Shoesmith, Chris Mitchell, Hedley Stirk, Andy Aldridge and Lee Atkinson, who also kicked six conversions.

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Sheffield Medicals? 8 - 19? Old Rishworthians?

Rishworthians promoted as Champions

Match Preview Saturday 8th March Yorkshire 5
Rishworthians will be aiming to virtually seal promotion from Yorkshire Five with a win at Sheffield Medicals. If they achieve the victory it will leave Rotherham Phoenix as the only team in the B section with a mathematical chance of overhauling them – provided they win at Halifax Vandals.
Medicals have been the main team to challenge Vandals in the A section of the division and still remain favourites to finish in the play-off position, so will be keen to smash Rishworthians’ 100 per cent B section league record. It means it could be a close match and Rishworthians will have to be at their best. They will also be hoping to carry on with the solid defence, which has been a foundation of their game and so far seen them keep nine clean sheets in 18 league matches.
The Copley men retain the same squad which has been consistent for much of the season although they will be without impressive centre Fraser Davidson, who is not available through work commitments. Max Prashad is likely to partner Chris Flanagan in the centre after linking successfully with Davidson in the earlier part of the season.


Match Report
Job done. That was the message to Rishworthian players from skipper Gary Morris as they gained promotion to Yorkshire Four. A win alone would have left them virtually certain of the guaranteed promotion place, but when their only rivals Rotherham Phoenix went down to Halifax Vandals it meant they could not be caught in Yorkshire Five? “We’re looking forward to celebrating as champions at our annual dinner at Easter,” said Morris. “It has been a brilliant season for us, but we’ve got one more target left – to go through the season with a 100 per cent league record. It’s one we’re all determined to achieve.” It had also been player-coach Jamie Bloem’s intention to help the Copley club into the next division, but it was somewhat spoiled when he had to leave the field with a rib injury 10 minutes from time. But his team, with skipper Morris driving them on, had done the work in the first half. The second was scrappy and though the visitors conceded a try they knew when they left the field that promotion was virtually in the bag.

It was never going to be easy for Rishworthians as the home side too are still pressing for a play-off spot in the promotion challenge and right from the start put the visitors under pressure. Solid defence meant that Medicals could only manage a penalty after 10 minutes of pressure. Rishworthians began to get their game together with scrum half Morris making a number of sniping runs. But it was No 8 James Clarke who got the scoreboard ticking over. The home side began to find him a handful with or without the ball. He put in two great tackles to force play back to the Medicals 22. The rest of his pack took it on with flankers Chris Fox and Andrew Bull prominent before Clarke took the ball on the burst from Bloem and crashed over under the posts. Bloem added the conversion and then minutes later Bloem scythed through the home defence to score. Bloem also added the conversion.

Rishworthians were now dominating and more good work by the back row set up the third try. As forward power sucked in the home defenders, the Copley men suddenly spun the ball wide for left wing Nick Faulkner to touch down in the corner. The fierce cross-wind left Bloem with no chance for the conversion.

Half time Sheffield Medicals 0 - 19 Rishworthians

Rishworthians struggled in the second half, spending much of it in defence, but were unlucky to concede a try as a mass of players collapsed over the line. The referee only awarded the score after all the players got up. That aside, the Copley men never looked like conceding further points as the game petered out. Now they can look forward to a couple of friendly fixtures before aiming to finish off their promotion winning league campaign in style.

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1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 K Ranton	3?Dawson	?
6?Fox	?	?	?	7?Bull
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Mc Donnell	?
?	?	?8?Clarke T	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem ?T, C2	?	?	?
?	?	12?C Flanagan	?	?
?	?	?	13?Prashad	?
11?Atkinson	?	?	?	14 Faulkner T
?	?	15?Billing	?	?
Subs	? Brook,? Morley	Turner

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Colne & Nelson? 27 - 3? Rishworthians?XV

Depleted Rishworthians put in a good performance

Match Preview Saturday 15th March Yorkshire 5
A number of Rishworthian second team regulars get their chance to impress thanks to injuries and unavailablity for the away fixture at Colne and Nelson. With both skipper Gary Morris and player-coach Jamie Bloem both nursing injuries, the Copley club brings in able deputies at halfback in Dave Conroy and Jack Butcher. The game is the first of two friendly fixtures before Yorkshire Five B champions Rishworthians resume league activity on March 29 with a home game against play-off hopefuls Ossett.
Other second team regulars brought in, who like the halfback pairing all also have first team experience, are Rick Hunwicks, Anthony Shoesmith, Richard Turner and Paul Savage.

Match Report
It was virtually a Rishworthian second team which turned out for this friendly fixture. A mix-up in selection meant there were only seven first team regulars available, two of whom played out of position in a side which had no players who had ever played at halfback. Even so they put up a fine performance against a full strength Colne team, which currently lies third in North Lancs Two.

On a quagmire of a pitch, Rishworthians had most of the play and were unlucky to go into the break losing 10 – 3. They started off well putting the home side under pressure and took the lead with a penalty by fullback Joe Billing. Lee Atkinson at scrum half and Richard Turner at stand-off put in some good runs and crunch tackles by Turner and Anthony Shoesmith added momentum. The home side levelled with a penalty, but another fine tackle by Shoesmith set up a chance for Chris Fox. The first team forward, playing at centre, made a good break, but struggled to make the line through ankle-deep mud and was held up short. Shoesmith charged down a kick, but the ball eluded him and he went close again in a race for the line after a kick by Turner.

It was all Rishworthians till the last minute of the first half when the home side forced their way upfield. The No 8 then broke away from a maul to drive over for a converted try.

Half time Colne & Nelson? 10 - 3 Rishworthians

Colne came out the stronger in the second half and extended their lead through two tries, which both left Rishworthians complaining.
The first came after the referee ignored appeals for what appeared a blatant penalty and the second when a player grabbed the ball in a ruck while on the ground and wriggled over.
They could have no complaints over the final try as a rolling maul drove over the line to touch down.
But it was a determined performance by a much depleted Rishworthian team in appalling conditions to match a much stronger home side.


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1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 K Ranton	3?Brook	?
6?R Ranton	?	?	?	7?Rollings
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Illingworth	?
?	?	?8?Savage	?	?
9?Atkinson	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Turner	?	?	?
?	?	12?Fox	?	?
?	?	?	13?Faulkner	?
11?A Aldridge	?	?	?	14 Shoesmith
?	?	15?Billing	?	?
Subs	? K Mitchell	?

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Old Rishworthians XV? 29 - 0? Burley XV

Future looks bright for Rishworthians as teenagers shine

Match Preview Saturday 23rd March
Rishworthians have a friendly fixture at home to Burley, to whom their new-look team lost in the first game of the current season. It was a game they should have won in the first round of the EDF Vase, throwing away a susbtantial lead to lose 20 - 16 at the Leeds club's ground. While Rishworthians would be keen to gain revenge, it is much more of a social game, with selection being left to the last minute.
The Copley club is making preparations to resume league action next week against play-off hopefuls Ossett.
It will be Rishworthians' first home league fixture since securing promotion to Yorkshire Four at Sheffield Medicals two weeks ago and celebrations are planned after the match.


Match Report
Rishworthians got a triple boost from this friendly fixture against opponents who beat them in the first game of the season. First it was used as training match for forthcoming league fixtures. Second it showed they could live with teams in the division above and third it proved a focus for the club’s crop of youngsters. Five tries were scored in total – all by teenagers – and once a lead had been established by half-time, coach Jamie Bloem used it as a chance to bring other players on, switching them from position to position. Burley lie mid-table in Yorkshire Four, where already promoted Rishworthians will be playing their rugby next season. While both sides had many first team regulars missing, it proved a good yardstick for the home team. Rishworthians resume league action next week against play-off hopefuls Ossett, so this victory gave an added boost to their aim to complete the season with a 100 per cent record. In total they used nine teenage players in the 21 who spent time on the field, with five of them getting in on the points.

The first try came early on. As the ball went along the line, centre Chris Flanagan made a break. He fed wing Nick Faulkner, who still had plenty to do before rounding his man and running in. Joe Billing added the conversion. Play was fairly even, with Rishworthians using their backs well, while the big Burley pack seemed to have the upper hand in the forwards.

Just before the interval the under 17 back rower Hedley Stirk picked up and drove over for a try to give a 12 – 0 half-time lead.

Half Time Rishworthians? 12 - 0 Burley

Left winger Lee Atkinson saw plenty of action in the early part of the second period.? First he was beaten by the bounce after a kick through. Then he was on the end of a flowing move started by Faulkner, who switched play back and fullback Anthony Shoesmith popped up to give Atkinson the final pass.

As players swapped over Richard Wild came in on the wing and immediately was on the end of a scoring pass after good work by another youngster, Jack Holmes, who had come on at scrum half for skipper Gary Morris.

In another player exchange, Atkinson came back on to scoop up a loose ball and dart over. Jack Butcher added the conversion.


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1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 K Mitchell	3?Fox	?
6?Rollings	?	?	?	7?Turner
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Savage	?
?	?	?8?Stirk T	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Butcher C	?	?	?
?	?	12?C Flanagan	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Atkinson T2	?	?	?	14 Faulkner T
?	?	15?Billing C	?	?
Subs	? Holmes,? Wild T	R Ranton, Shoesmith	A Aldridge	C Mitchell

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Old Rishworthians? 23 - 0? Ossett

Rishworthians keep another clean sheet in the mud & rain

Match Preview Saturday 29th March
Rishworthians take on Yorkshire Five play-off hopefuls Ossett in their last home league game of the season. The already promoted Copley club will be keen to maintain their 100 per cent record and hope to celebrate promotion in style after the game. The visitors lie in second place in Yorkshire Five A, but with two other clubs only one point behind will provide a stern test as they push to maintain the runners-up spot. Rishworthians keep the settled team which has been so successful this season, but will be missing Chris Flanagan at centre. Max Prashad looks likely to take his place and teenage flanker Gerard Rollings comes into the squad. Although a flanker, Prashad partnered Fraser Davidson in centre several times this season.


Match Report
Rishworthians adapted their tactics to deal with the worst weather conditions of the season and maintain their 100 per cent league record. Ossett, who had been challenging for a play-off position, failed to cope with the weather and provided little threat throughout the game. Even with their forward-orientated play, the visitors could not break through the Rishworthian defence. They expected the rain and the mud to bring the game into a forward battle which they felt they could win, but the home pack was up to it. They kept the opposition forwards at bay and stand-off Jamie Bloem continually drilled the ball into the Ossett half. Time after time the visitors infringed and Bloem stepped up to kick the penalties, despite the rain, wind and mud. Throughout the game Rishworthians were in command and registered their 10^th clean sheet out of 20 league games.

From the start No 8 James Clarke was a threat to the Ossett defence and numerous times he set up good positions for Rishworthians throughout the game. Within five minutes he combined well with scrum half Gary Morris and flanker Chris Fox to win a penalty which Bloem converted with the first of six successful kicks. Another strong run from Clarke set up a second penalty chance and Bloem duly obliged. Then he picked up at the base of a scrum before feeding the ball out. Bloem switched play back to the blind side and put teenage left wing Nick Faulkner in at the corner.

The weather deteriorated just before half-time, but Bloem was able to extend the lead with another penalty shortly before the break after centre Fraser Davidson was brought down as he ran through to follow a kick for the line.

Half Time Rishworthians? 14 - 0 Ossett

With the weather at its worst in the second half, running rugby was at a premium, but Rishworthians kept Ossett pinned back in their own half for the almost the rest of the game. In a largely forward battle, Rishworthians were in charge for the whole of the second period as they pinned the visitors in their own half. Whenever they threatened to break out Bloem kicked them back again. As they fought to break away they gave away penalties and despite the atrocious conditions, Bloem was on hand with three more successful kicks as Rishworthians comfortably eased out the game.

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1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 Morley	3?Brook	?
6?Rollings	?	?	?	7?Fox
?	4 Mc Donnell	?	5?Bull	?
?	?	?8?Clarke	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem P6	?	?	?
?	?	12?Prashad	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Atkinson	?	?	?	14 Faulkner T
?	?	15?Billing	?	?
Subs	? Dawson,? Turner	?	?	?

?? Rishworthians 2ndXV? ?0 - 37 Huddersfield 3rd XV

The second team were unable to contend with a very strong Huddersfield third team and went down 37 – 0.

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Old Rishworthians XV? 43 - 6? Huddersfield YMCA XV

Rishworthians youngsters shine again

Match Preview Saturday 5th April
Rishworthians take a break from league action before the last two games of their season. Instead a Rishworthian XV made up of a mix of players from the first and second teams will entertain Huddersfield YMCA seconds. It will be used as a training match and give coach Jamie Bloem a chance to look at some of the second team players in action and enable them to stake a claim for positions in the remaining league games, away to Sheffield Oaks and Wetherby.

Match Report
Rishworthians have the best defence of any club in England – and that’s official. Figures released by the Rugby Football Union show that the club tops the defensive record list of the 19 clubs throughout England – including Old Brodleians – which have 100 per cent returns in league matches. Having scored 781 points in 20 league games and only conceding 56, Rishworthians average for concession of points per game is 2.8, almost two better than their nearest rivals. Last week’s 23 – 0 win over Ossett was also their 10^th clean sheet.

They proved how mean their defence can be against a strong Huddersfield YMCA second string, especially as coach Jamie Bloem used it as a training game for the final two league games of the season over the next couple of weeks. Already promoted from Yorkshire Five, the club started with a side including six second team players and Bloem brought on a further five in the second half. Though they tried hard, particularly in the second half, the visitors were unable to break through the Rishworthian defensive wall. All they could muster was two penalties, early in the first half. Skipper Gary Morris and centre Fraser Davidson were outstanding as the home side ran in seven tries.

Davidson started the ball rolling in the first five minutes with a great break. His pass put fullback Joe Billing in at the corner. YM hit back with two long range penalties before No 8 Chris Fox emerged with the ball from a maul and put teenage flanker Gerrard Rollings over under the posts. Billing added the conversion. Right wing Lee Atkinson completed a fine run to go round his man to score. Billing converted. On the other wing Anthony Shoesmith took a good long pass from stand-off Jack Butcher to touch down wide out. Billing again converted.

Half Time Rishworthians? 26 - 6 Huddersfield YMCA

Play was disrupted somewhat in the second half with the many changes, but Butcher was able to finish off a try he had started by linking with Fox and Morris. Davidson got the try he deserved after Morris had picked up a loose ball in his own half and burst through, linking with Fox before the final pass. Butcher added the conversion. Coach Bloem brought himself on for the last 10 minutes and broke away with the ball in his own half and ran through to touch down and complete the scoring.

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1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 Collins	3?Brook	?
6?Rollings T	?	?	?	7?Turner
?	4 Teasdale	?	5?Bull	?
?	?	?8?Fox	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?ButcherT,C	?	?	?
?	?	12?Sinclair Willis	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson T	?
11?Atkinson T	?	?	?	14 Shoesmith T
?	?	15?Billing T,C3	?	?
Subs	? Knight,? Bloem T	R Ranton, Fleming	A Aldridge Savage	?

?

Sheffield Oaks? 12 - 31 Old Rishworthians

Another record falls as Rishworthians topple Oaks & reach 1027 pts for season

Match Preview Saturday 12th April? Yorkshire League 5
Rishworthians return to league action keen to maintain their 100 per cent return and break another record.
In the 2000-01 season they clocked up 1,004 points and their total tally for this season stands at 996. Of that 781 have come from 20 out of 20 league wins. In addition to winning and breaking the points record, Rishworthians will be keen to maintain their reputation as having the meanest defence in the country. Official Rugby Football Union figures show that of the 19 teams in England with 100 per cent league results, Rishworthians have the best defence record, only conceding 56 points, averaging 2.8 a game, almost two points better than their nearest rivals.
While missing unavailable No 8 James Clarke, they include promising teenage back rower Hedley Stirk at flanker in a squad containing six teenagers. But already-promoted Rishworthians will be determined to maintain their winning form, but will have to be at their best to overcome mid-table opponents who have home advantage.


Match Report
Old Rishworthians extended their excellent 100% winning record in Yorkshire 5C by beating a dogged Sheffield Oaks side at the Sheffield Tigers ground. The match was played at the Dore Moor?ground, owing to the home pitch?not being marked out.? The Copley men fielded a squad consisting of seven players under the age of 20 and included hooker Bob Collins and Hedley Stirk?for their first starts of the season.

The Old Rishworthians conceded a penalty at the start of the game, but good attacking play by Nick Faulkner, Chris Flanagan and Lee Atkinson almost lead to three tries in the first 15 minutes, but unusually poor?handling enabled Oaks to clear their lines. The heavy pitch was suiting the Oaks limited style of play and following several scrums near the Old Rishworthians line, Oaks forwards crashed over for a try in the 10th minute which was unconverted. The Copley men were having problems in securing any ball for their three quarters and whilst Jamie Bloem?tried to run the ball, the visitors lineout was not?producing the quality of possession needed. Darren?Dawson charged over from a tap penalty, only to be called back by the referee.?

Faulkner eventually provided the visitors with their first try converted by Bloem after coming across field from the left wing to outpace the defenders. Bloem was yellow carded by the referee and the visitors now had a fight on their hands. Oaks kept the ball in the forwards and eventually after sustained pressure their centre scored a try under the posts which was converted. Just before halftime Chris Flanagan accelerated through a gap and touched down for the equalising try?which was unconverted by Joe Billing.This try broke the clubs scoring record of 1,004 points set in?season 2000-01

Half Time Sheffield Oaks? 12 - 12 Rishworthians

A suitable team talk by Bloem and John Clough, forwards coach, had the desired effect. The way to beat a side like Sheffield Oaks is to speed up the game, and that is exactly what happened. Gerard Rollings replaced Martin Brook and Gary Morris at scrum half started to receive the quick ball which the three quarters enjoy. A sniping break and a chip kick by Morris enabled Flanagan to catch the ball and roll over the try line for an unconverted try. The Oaks forwards started to tire and Jack Butcher who had replaced Atkinson received the ball on the half way line, beat?the line of defence and scored under the posts for a try converted by Bloem. This was more like it and the Old Rishworthians finished off their opponents? with an excellent ?try by Rollings which was converted by Bloem.

Next Saturday?Old Rishworthians go into their final league match at?Wetherby, with the chance of a 100% league record. They currently have the best defensive record in England, and that could be maintained with more concentration
?

1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 Collins	3?Dawson	?
6?Stirk	?	?	?	7?Bull
?	4 Brook	?	5?Teasdale	?
?	?	?8?Fox	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Bloem C3	?	?	?
?	?	12?Flanagan T2	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Atkinson	?	?	?	14 Faulkner T
?	?	15?Billing	?	?
Subs	? Rollings T,? Turner	Butcher T	?	?

?

Wetherby? 3 - 12 Old Rishworthians

Rishworthians leave it late to preserve their 100% record and take the 5C title

Match Preview Saturday 19th April? Yorkshire League 5
Old Rishworthians travel to Wetherby on Saturday eager to maintain their 100% league record. The club has had a wonderful season and the results have exceeded all expectations. They are the best performing club in Yorkshire 5 and have deserved their promotion.
The example on the playing field by Jamie Bloem and the coaching of the forwards by John Clough has enabled the club to boast one of the meanest defences in England and Chris Flanagan`s first try last Saturday enabled the club to break its points record set in season 2000-1 and the points for are 1027 and against 186
Unfortunately Bloem is injured for the final game and he is replaced at outside half by Jack Butcher. Antony Shoesmith comes in on the right wing to replace Lee Atkinson and Dave Morley returns at hooker. Gerard Rawlings starts at open side flanker and Hedley Stirk is again at blindside. Wetherby will provide a stern challenge and must not be taken lightly, but Old Rishworthians will make sure that the season ends on a high


Match Report
Old Rishworthians completed their Yorkshire 5C league fixtures maintaining their excellent 100% winning record in both Yorkshire 5B and 5C with an unconvincing performance against Wetherby. The home side lead 3 - 0 at half time and held on to their slender lead with only 10 minutes of the game left before Nick Faulkner and Chris Flanagan nipped in for tries to give them the Yorkshire 5C title having already taken the 5B title.

This means the Copley men confirmed their status as unbeaten in all 22 league games and by only conceding 3 points to Wetherby they have the meanest defence in the country.? No other team has conceded fewer points than Rishworthians.

Wetherby ensured that the Copley men had to work hard to ensure they kept their unbeaten record intact.? Early pressure in the first half resulted in a Rishworthian penalty, fullback Joe Billing stepped up in the absence of player coach Jamie Bloem to take the kick.? Unfortunately for Billing he struck the upright from a relatively simple kick.? For the rest of the first half Rishworthians were under a great deal of pressure from a fired up Wetherby side intent on spoiling Rishworthians season.? Good defence from the Copley men, in particular Chris Fox, ensured that Wetherby only came away with a penalty

Half Time Wetherby? 3 - 0 Rishworthians

Rishworthians were still under pressure for much of the second half and showed great determination to battle back and adopting a more expansive game plan resulted in a change in the game.? Rishworthians broke free with good handling in the backs to set up a ruck close to the Wetherby line.? The ball was spun to winger Nick Faulkner to crash through underneath the sticks.? Billing added the conversion.? With only a few minutes on the clock Rishworthians managed to spin the ball wide again and centre Chris Flanagan crossed over in the corner for a try.? Billing failed to add the conversion.

In what was a tough game in which Rishworthians needed to win to take the 5C title, they managed to show a good deal of character to battle back from a large amount of Wetherby possession and pressure to ensure the 100% record and best defensive record remained intact.

?

1st XV Team	1?W Aldridge	?2 Morley	3?Brook	?
6?Stirk	?	?	?	7?Turner
?	4 Bull	?	5?Teasdale	?
?	?	?8?Fox	?	?
9?Morris	?	?	?	?
?	?10?Butcher	?	?	?
?	?	12?Flanagan T	?	?
?	?	?	13?Davidson	?
11?Shoesmith	?	?	?	14 Faulkner T
?	?	15?Billing C	?	?
Subs	? Atkinson,? Prashad	?	?	?