1st XV Match Reports 2008 - 2009

Old Rishworthians 51 - 0 Garforth
Flanagan hat trick puts Rishworthians back on top

Match Preview Friday 24th October
Rishworthians return to league action with a home game against Yorkshire Four strugglers Garforth. They keep the same squad which cruised through the third round of the EDF Energy Junior Vase at Liverpool last week. While No 8 James Clarke is still missing, prop Martin Brook and centre Ben Porritt both come back in. The latter's return allows Max Prashad to drop back to his position at flanker. The Copley men will hope to continue winning ways against the Leeds side which has already suffered three league defeats this season.

Having got through to the fourth round of the junior vase last week, Rishworthians have been drawn at home against another Leeds side, Old Modernians. The tie is scheduled for November 22, a week before the two clubs are scheduled to meet in a Yorkshire Four league match at Copley.

Match report Saturday 25th October Yorkshire 4
Rishworthians demolished Garforth and, with other results going in their favour, found themselves back at the top of Yorkshire Four. The scoreline might also have been many more. They had three tries disallowed and threw away four clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Three tries went begging in the opening minutes as the last pass went astray. But Rishworthians kept their cool and Jamie Bloem put them ahead with a penalty. It was only then they began to look nervous, but once the first try was scored, the points began to flow.

For the second week running, they scored seven tries, with centre Chris Flanagan bagging a hat-trick and fullback Aaron Canning scoring his first touchdown on his return to the club. The opening try came from a good lineout take by Max Prashad. Bloem burst through and fed Flanagan, whose pace was too much for the opposition as he crossed for his first score. Bloem added the conversion. From then Rishworthians took complete charge. Bloem added a penalty before the Copley men scored their second try.

Right wing Joe Billing made good ground. He was well supported by prop Richard Turner. He flipped the ball to hooker Simon Edmundson, who forced his way over. Bloem converted. Just before the break, lock Chris Fox stole the ball in a maul and fed it out along the line for Billing to touch down in the corner.

Half time Rishworthians 25 - 0 Garforth

Straight from the start of the second half, Canning burst through but was stopped short and then Prashad charged down a kick and raced through to touch down, but was adjudged offside. Canning made another telling break and the ball went to Flanagan who raced in for his second. Bloem added the conversion. Flanker Tom Clough caught the ball from the restart and passed to Bloem. He sent it on to Flanagan. From his own 22, the centre tore through the opposition, who had no answer to his skill and pace, and ran in under the posts to complete his hat-trick. Bloem converted.

A somewhat controversial decision on a forward pass robbed skipper Gary Morris of a score after good work by left wing Nick Faulkner, before a fine long pass from Bloem put Canning in for a deserved try. Bloem added the conversion. Flanagan's centre partner Ben Porritt got in on the act in the dying minutes showing his pace by scything through the Garforth defence to touch down wide out. Bloem added the final conversion.

Full time Rishworthians 51 - 0 Garforth

Man of the match as awarded to Ben Porritt

Click here to view Garforth website

Team
	1. Turner	2. Edmundson T	3. Brook
6. Prashad				7. T Clough
	4. Oxley		5. Fox
		8. Bakoso
9. Morris
	10. BloemC5 P2
		12. C Flanagan T3
			13. Porritt T
11. Billing T				14. Faulkner
		15. Canning T
Subs
	Mc Donnell	Rollings	W Aldridge

Burley 5 - 45 Old Rishworthians
Faulkner hat trick keeps Rishworthians on top

Match Preview Friday 31st October
Rishworthians travel to Yorkshire Four bottom club Burley keen to continue their form of last week. They keep the same squad, with addition of No 8 James Clarke, who has been unavailable for two games. Burley spoiled the opening to last season for Rishworthians when they knocked them out of the EDF Junior Vase in the first round, so the Copley men will be keen to reverse that result when the two clubs meet at leeds. Burley have had a poor start to the season gaining their only league points from a draw in their opening game at Garforth, a side Rishorthians beat 51 - 0 at Copley last week.

Match report Saturday 1st November Yorkshire 4
The outcome was never in doubt in this Yorkshire Four match and the result kept Rishworthians at the top of the table. Although Burley were competitive up front, as always on their home ground, they had no answer when Rishworthians moved the ball wide. The visitors kept up the pressure throughout apart from a five-minute spell in the second half when, with the game won, they relaxed and allowed Burley fullback Lyons to burst through in the centre and touch down. Other than that, it was all about Rishworthians, with their speed from the breakdown telling.

Rishworthians scored seven tries, with five of them coming from young wings Joe Billing and Nick Faulkner, the latter grabbing a hat-trick in the second half. Right wing Faulkner set up the first try, running back a Burley clearance kick. From the ensuing ruck, the ball went wide the other way for left wing Billing to touch down in the corner. A second try soon followed after a strong drive by the Rishworthian forwards. Stand-off Jamie Bloem made a half break before slipping the ball to Gerrard Rollings, who burst through the centre to score. Bloem added the conversion.

The visitors were now dominating and Bloem kicked ahead for fullback Aaron Canning to race through and score. Bloem converted again. Then thrilling interpassing between Canning and Rollings ended with Billing touching down wide out. Bloem again added the conversion. Rishworthians might have scored twice more before the break. First Faulkner was almost in, chasing through a kick, and then only a superb tackle denied centre Chris Flanagan after good work by No 8 James Clarke.

Half time Burley 0 - 26 Rishworthians

Early in the second half a seemingly good try for outstanding flanker Tom Clough was disallowed before Clarke and Canning set Faulkner up for his first try. The winger ran round under the posts to make the conversion easy for Bloem. Faulkner was soon in again, touching down in the corner after a strong run.

With the game won Rishworthians relaxed and allowed Burley to come at them and grab a consolation try. But it was the signal for renewed action, particularly from the forwards, and replacement back rower Jioti Bakoso was denied a try even though the ball clearly touched the post. The visitors ended the game with another fine try. Canning burst through and linked with Bloem, who put Faulkner in for his third, Bloem converted it to complete the scoring.

Full time Burley 5 - 45 Rishworthians

Man of the match as awarded to

Click here to view Burley website

Team
	1. Turner	2. Edmundson	3. Brook
6. Prashad				7. T Clough
	4. Oxley		5. Fox
		8. Clarke
9. Morris
	10. BloemC5
		12. C Flanagan
			13. Rollings T
11. Billing T2				14. Faulkner T3
		15. Canning T
Subs
	Robinson	Bakoso	W Aldridge

Rishworthians 2nd XV 24 - 0 Burley 2ndXV

Rishworthians seconds had a good 24 - 0 win at Copley over their Burley counterparts. 27 players turned up for the second team game giving a wealth of choice against a 11 man Burley squad. Several players volunteered to make up the Burley squad and the game started.

Rishworthians delivered pace and style through the backs with Chris Mitchell playing number 10 and Alex Fearnley returning to duty. An early missed kick on goal by Burley provided Rishworthians with the motivation to drive a solid try by Shoesmith with Lee Aktinson converting the kick. Following some scrappy play Rishworthians lost some focus and following an off the ball incident Aktinson was sent off leaving a 14 man squad. This only made Rishworthians more determined and a solid run by Jonathan Burgess delivered his 1st try for the club. Chris Mitchell converted the kick. Some solid passing along the backs nearly enabled Chris Mitchell to score a try however he was denied by Burley but managed to pass the ball to Bob Collins for him to get over the line, also giving his 1st try for the club.

During the game several substitutions were made and this resulted in players being moved around, after a small amount of un settlement the ball was passed to Shoesmith and he ran for the line to make his second try of the game. This was a fair performance from Rish with many new players and will enable a strong squad to turn out against Bramley Phoenix for the league match on the 8th November.

Man of the match was

Team
	1. M Illingworth	2. B Collins T	3. D Morris
6. Morley				7. Ranton
	4. A Aldridge		5. Uttley
		8. Savage
9. Kidd
	10. C Mitchell C
		12. Burgess T
			13. Atkinson C
11. Shoesmith T2				14. A Wood
		15. Fearnley
Subs	White, Fee	Bull, Sadler	Wild	S Moody

Old Rishworthians 22 - 5 Bramley Phoenix
Rishworthians extinguish Phoenix flames

Match Preview Friday 7th Novmber
Rishworthians take on Bramley Phoenix in a Yorkshire Four top of the table clash at Copley. The division looks like being particularly competitive at the top, but both Rishworthians and Bramley have managed to open up a two-point lead on the chasing pack. The Copley men have a better points difference on their opponents, mainly because they have conceded far fewer points. Both sides have an almost identical scoring record, so the game could be very close.

Rishworthians keep the same squad that won convincingly at Burley last week, but add young centre Ben Porritt, who had to pull out of that game, and also include experienced centre Fraser Davidson, who has been out for four games with a shoulder injury.

Match report Saturday 8th November Yorkshire 4
Rishworthians went two points clear at the top of Yorkshire Four after a well deserved victory over their nearest rivals. While it was not a flawless performance it was one to savour for the Copley men, who showed real dominance in the second half. The visitors were very competitive, particularly up front, and while they gained plenty of possession, Rishworthians' play was so strong it prevented them doing anything with it and they rarely threatened the home line.

Bramley opened both halves fiercely, but their play was too one-dimensional to break the home defence. After weathering the early storm, Rishworthians fought back and were unlucky not to open the scoring when left wing Joe Billing was just unable to touch down after a clever overhead kick from skipper Gary Morris. Fullback Aaron Canning burst through to set up play near the Bramley line and from a scrum stand-off Jamie Bloem put in a delicate kick, which this time Billing was able to gather and score. Bloem added the conversion.

Having just scored, Rishworthians went to sleep. Almost straight from the restart, they were caught offside. From the quickly taken penalty, which seemed to pose little threat, they were leaden-footed and allowed Bramley centre Sam Wilson to nip in at the corner. It was a wake-up call to the home men and they responded with a fine try. Centre Chris Flanagan burst through, linked with Billing, who slipped the ball inside at the last minute for Bloem to coast over. Bloem added the conversion with another fine kick to give the Copley men a 14 - 5 lead at the break.

Half time Rishworthians 14 - 5 Bramley Phoenix

Rishworthians' main fault in the first half was in giving away possession too many times. But they remedied this and at the end were totally dominant, pinning the visitors in their own half for much of the second period. There were a number of long-sustained forward drives from the Bramley pack at the start of the second half. Rishworthians stood firm and drove them back and once Bloem had put them further ahead with a penalty, there was no way back for the visitors.

The last try was an outstanding one. After the forwards won a turnover, the ball came out to left wing Nick Faulkner. He put in a strong run before slipping it inside to supporting hooker Simon Edmundson, and then receiving the return pass to drive on and touch down in the corner. The home side finished the game strongly and might have had two more tries in the dying minutes, but were well satisfied with the deserved victory.

Full time Rishworthians 22 - 5 Bramley Phoenix

Man of the match as awarded to The pack

Click here to view Bramley Phoenix website

Team
	1. Turner	2. Edmundson	3. Aldridge
6. Robinson				7. T Clough
	4. Oxley		5. Fox
		8. Clarke
9. Morris
	10. BloemT C2 P
		12. C Flanagan
			13. Porritt
11. Billing T				14. Faulkner T
		15. Canning
Subs
	Bakoso	Rollings	Morley

Bramley Phoenix 2nd XV 17 - 21 Rishworthians 2nd XV

"With a strong 20 man squad Rishworthians went to Bramley Phoenix with high hopes of continuing the winning form they have demonstrated recently. During the first 10 mins Rish were slow getting into the game with Bramley scoring an early try, then Prop Rob Ranton was injured during a tackle and retired from the game. This then woke up Rish and a transformation occurred with strong tackling and running play. Throughout the game it was a strong performance by both teams with movement across the pitch. Tries were scored by Jack Butcher, Alex Fearnely & Richard Wild playing as outside centre for the 1st time. Jack Butcher returned to kicking form and converted the tries. Scrum half for Rish was the mighty Bullman who stepped in at the last minute and was a welcome addition to the team.

Man of the match was Alex Fearnley but Jack Butcher returned to form and continuation of his commitment level will see him taking this title in the future.
Next match is against Halifax Vikings at home which the team is looking forward to winning...."

Team
	1. Illingworth	2. Collins	3. Mark Knight
6. Mat Knight				7. Ranton
	4. A Aldridge		5. Uttley
		8. Savage
9. Bull
	10. Butcher T,C3
		12. Burgess
			13. Wild T
11. Shoesmith				14. A Wood
		15. Fearnley T
Subs	White, C Hill	Sadler	K Mitchell	S Moody

Northallerton 15 - 28 Old Rishworthians
Northallerton give Rishworthians an early fright

Match Preview Friday 14th November
Rishworthians make the long journey to Northallerton, keen to maintain their top spot in Yorkshire Four. The two clubs have not met for many years and it is likely to prove a tough game for the visitors. Northallerton are noted for their strong pack and recently beat other promotion challengers Old Modernians, so Rishworthians will have to be at the top of their game.

They make changes from last week's team, which beat other promotion contenders Bramley Phoenix. Left wing Joe Billing is unavailable, so Andrew Morgan comes in for his first game of the season, following an ankle ligament operation. James Clarke is doubtful, so it is likely Martin Brook will move to the second row with Chris Fox at No 8. Anthony Shoesmith, who has been impressing on the second team has also been added to the squad.

Match report Saturday 16th November Yorkshire 4
League leaders Old Rishworthians travelled to Northallerton and defeated the home side 15-28. Rishworthians had to make changes from last week, Chris Fox replaced unavailable James Clarke at number 8 and Martin Brook filled the second row berth vacated by Fox. Anthony Shoesmith who has been impressing in the 2nd XV replaced the unavailable winger Joe Billing.

The visitors were flattered by the score and after 10 minutes were trailing by two well taken home tries, which were unconverted. Playing against the strong wind in the first half the visitors were unable to gain any worthwhile possession and struggled at the set pieces. Northallerton took two early strikes against the head and after 20 minutes the game plan appeared to have been left behind on the A1.

However, a good pass by Jamie Bloem to Aaron Canning, saw the elusive full back, beat the defending centre to open the visitors account. Bloem converted the try and just before halftime Northallerton were penalised for being off side in their own 22 and Bloem kicked the penalty. At halftime the score was 10-10.

Half time Northallerton 10 - 10 Rishworthians

With a strong wind at their backs in the second half the game should have been so different, but mistakes by the visitors did not provide encouragement for their band of supporters. However right winger Nick Faulkner received the ball on the opponents 22 and beat several defenders to score an unconverted try.

Northallerton continued to challenge and their speedy centres brought play into the visitors 22. From a scrum five the Northallerton pack drove over the line for an unconverted try.It is not very often that the Old Rishworthians concede tries in that way. In fact the last time they conceded three tries in a league game is back in the 2006-07 season.

Good kicking from Bloem and runs from man of the match Chris Fox enabled the visitors to camp in their opponents 22. Gary Morris was encouraging his forwards on and Martin Brook charged down a kick for touch which was poorly defended by the home side and Anthony Shoesmith, who had been elusive in the first half, dived on the ball in the large in goal area. After another Bloem penalty, further pressure by Northallerton nearly lead to a try, but a break away try by standoff Bloem saw him run 40 metres for the touchdown.

To win at Northallerton was just what the team needed, but the manner of victory will leave coaches Bloem and John Clough with a significant amount of work before the next games against Old Modernians.

Full time Northallerton 15 - 28 Rishworthians

Man of the match as awarded to Chris Fox

Click here to view Northallerton website

Team
	1. Turner	2. Edmundson	3. Aldridge
6. Robinson				7. T Clough
	4. Oxley		5. Brook
		8. Fox
9. Morris
	10. BloemT,C,P2
		12. C Flanagan
			13. Porritt
11. Shoesmith T				14. Faulkner T
		15. Canning T
Subs
	Rollings	Bakoso	A Morgan

Rishworthians 2nd XV 7 - 30 Halifax Vikings

"Rishworthains started with the same team as the winning game at Bramley Phoenix. The game started with both teams looking forward to a tough game, during the 1st half the Halifax Vikings forwards made a strong impression on Rishworthains. Rishworthians defended well but some missed tackles allowed the visitors to open up an early lead. Rishworthains fought back and played some solid rugby but couldn't break through the strong Vikings squad.

At half time the Rishworthains had a new lease of life with strong running play that nearly had Richard Wilds strong running rewarded with a try sadly it was a little out of reach. Then Bob Collins stole the ball during a maul and took the fight to the Vikings. This play and pressure allowed the Rishworhian backs to put some points on the board with Alex Fearnley pushing over the try line and Jack Butcher making the conversion. The score does not do justice to the effort put in by the Rishworthian team and some small mistakes cost them the game. When the sides meet again in March for the return match the score line will be much closer!

Man of the match was Bob Collins for the effort during the entire match and his work rate. Bob constantly trains with the 1st team on Tuesdays and his skills are developing as a result. Having already scored one try this season I am sure more are on the way. Go Big Bad Bob!"

Team
	1. M Illingworth	2. D Morris	3. B Collins
6. Matt Knight				7. Mark Knight
	4. A Aldridge		5. R Ranton
		8. Savage
9. Kidd
	10. Butcher C
		12. Burgess
			13. Wild
11. Sadler				14. A Wood
		15. Fearnley T
Subs	White, Mooney	Uttley	C Mitchell	C Hill

Old Rishworthians 8 - 3 Old Modernians
Modernians make Rishworthians work hard to progress to 5th round of Vase

Match Preview Friday 21st November
Rishworthians choose from a full squad for the first time this season for the fourth round EDF Energy Junior Vase game at Copley. It will be the first time the whole of their squad has been passed fit for a game and sees the return of centre Fraser Davidson after several weeks off due to injury.

The game is the first of two successive meetings at Copley with opponents Old Modernians. Mods are one of the main promotion contenders in Yorkshire Four and will be back at Copley for a second time next week when the teams meet in the league, where Rishworthians currently occupy top spot. While Mods have scored almost as many points in the league, they have conceded far more and lost two games to Rishworthians' one. While the league is important to both clubs, they would each like to progress to the fifth round of the cup, which would be a first for Rishworthians.

Match report Saturday 22nd November Junior Vase 4th Round
This was a typical hard fought cup tie between two equally matched teams with well drilled defences. There were few scoring chances but Rishworthians capitalised on a defensive lapse by the visitors in the second half to clinch the tie and put them into the hat for the 5th round draw.

Neither side could break the deadlock in the first half with both defences on top. Modernians had perhaps more possession but Rishworthians mean defence kept the visitors out. In the forwards the Rishworthians line out was working well taking nearly all their own ball and starting to disrupt Modernians ball.

Half time Rishworthians 0 - 0 Modernians

Rishworthians started the second half driving into Modernians territory with a series of forward pick up and drives. Modernians well drilled defence prevented Rishworthians from scoring but were unable to break out of their half. Whenever they cleared their lines with kicks to touch Rishworthians were winning line out ball to set up another drive back into Modernians 22. The visitors eventually conceded a penalty and Aaron Canning slotted home the kick to edge Rishworthians in front.

Midway through the half Rishworthians opened up the Modernians defence to extend their lead. Rishworthians using a combination of breaks by the backs and support from the forwards to recycle the ball brought play into the visitors 22. Rishworthians had Modernians pinned on their line for several minutes and eventually stretched their defence when scrum half Morris took a quick free kick and the ball spun down the three quarter line saw winger Faulkner go over in the corner. Canning was unsuccessful with the conversion

Modernians now 0 - 8 down requiring two scores stepped up their game and made their first break of the half into Rishworthians territory but were unable to threaten the home line and a clearance kick relieved the pressure. Rishworthians replied with another surge into the visitors half and Canning drop goal attempt fell short.

As the half drew to a close Modernians launched a final assault on the Rishworthian line. A long range penalty attempt sailed wide and a series of scrums on the 5 metre line were well defended. Finally the visitors got their first and only points in the last minute of the game with a penalty. But it was too little too late and Rishworthians were through to the 5th round.

Modernians return to Copley again next week in a top of the table league clash.

Full time Rishworthians 8 - 3 Modernians

View Modernians website

Huddersfield YMCA 3rd XV 22 - 14 Rishworthians 2ndXV

This friendly match between Huddersfield and Rishworthains saw the return of Ian Teasdale to Rishworthains club and the 3rd appearance of Andrew Bull for the 2nd team, both players make a very positive difference to a strong 2nd team. The entire team delivered with passion and commitment but our technical skill still requires some work to return to our winning streak earlier this season.

Tries were scored by Jack Butcher & Alex Fearnely with Jack Butcher converting both tries.
Players worth noting were Mark Knight with his new boots, Christian playing on the wing, Grahame playing at centre and Jonathon Uttley playing second row. I could list the entire team here but I don't have space so lets go forward and win this Saturday!

Man of the match was ??

Old Rishworthians 39 - 3 Old Modernians
Rishworthians open up a two point gap at top of Yorkshire 4

Match Preview Friday 28th November
Rishworthians hope to carry on where they left off when they entertain Old Modernians for the second time in seven days. The latest meeting is a Yorkshire Four league game following on from last week's 8 - 3 fourth round win at Copley in the EDF Junior Vase. While the visitors expect to be missing players, Rishworthians welcome back into the squad player-coach Jamie Bloem and No8 James Clarke, who both missed last week's game. Even so, Rishworthians can expect a tough game and must not take anything for granted if they want to consolidate their lead at the top of the division, against a Leeds side who also have promotion hopes

After their cup victory last week, Rishworthians have been drawn at home to Yorkshire Three side Goole in the fifth round. The two clubs met in an early pre-season trial at Copley, with players swapping continually in four 20-minute sessions. But when both sides had their strongest selections on the field, there was little to choose between them.

Match report Saturday 29th November Yorkshire 4
Rishworthians scored the fastest try ever seen at Copley. Within 15 seconds they were leading without any opposing player laying a finger on the ball. Flanker Tom Clough caught the ball from the kick-off and set off leaving would-be tacklers in his wake. He passed to the speeding Aaron Canning, who took the break further before slipping the ball to player-coach Jamie Bloem to touch down, Bloem converting his own try.

It seemed then as if the floodgates might open, but it was not until the second half that Rishworthians took charge and registered a convincing win to leave them two points clear at the top of Yorkshire Four, with a game in hand over their nearest rivals. It was the second meeting between the two sides in a week. The first had been a close fought cup encounter just won by Rishworthians. But with Mods missing several players this time, the Copley men were always favourite, even though Canning and Bloem exchanged their usual roles.

After the opening try, they had nearly 20 minutes of constant possession, but could only manage a Bloem. penalty to add to the score. They began to look complacent, however, and started to give away too many penalties. Mods reduced the arrears with a successful kick and the home side were forced into desperate defence and found themselves virtually hanging on until the break.

Half time Rishworthians 10 - 3 Modernians

It all changed in the second half, with man of the match Canning dictating things at stand-off, and the telling introduction of James Clarke at No8. He was quickly into the action, picking up at a scrum near the visitors' line. He passed the ball to scrum half Gary Morris, who put left wing Joe Billing in at the corner.

It was the spur Rishworthians needed and they dominated the rest of the game, running in a further four tries. The first came from a barging run by Bloem and a quickly recycled ball to Clarke, who was unstoppable from a few yards out. Bloem added the conversion.

The hard working Canning, got a richly deserved try, intercepting and racing 50 yards to score, with Bloem again converting. Clarke was denied after a strong run, but there was no stopping him seconds later from a quickly taken penalty.

The last score was the best. Canning and Bloem linked well and the ball was taken on by lock Chris Fox and prop Richard Turner. It went to Clough, who made a half-break and slipped the ball to centre Chris Flanagan, who burst through and ran on for a fine try in the corner.

Full time Rishworthians 39 - 3 Modernians

Man of the Match Aaron Canning

View Modernians website

Modernians 2nd XV Rishworthians 2ndXV

Leeds Corinthians 22 - 53 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians see off Corinthian spirit in last quarter

Match Preview Friday 5th December
Rishworthians travel to Leeds aiming to further strengthen their grip on top spot in Yorkshire Four. They keep the same squad which has already completed eight successive victories both in league and cup for the meeting with Leeds Corinthians. Rishworthians have won eight of their nine league outings, while Corinthians have only registered five wins. But it is always a difficult proposition at the Leeds club's Middleton ground, so Rishworthians will have to play better than they did in the first half against Old Modernians last week if they are to come away with the points.

The two teams are also scheduled to meet in the preliminary round of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy, but have been unable to play because of other commitments. That game will now take place in Leeds on January 3.

Match report Saturday 6th December Yorkshire 4
An excellent team performance and superior fitness saw Rishworthians avoid a possible banana skin. A last minute reshuffle did nothing to spoil the team effort, which saw them have the upper hand throughout the Yorkshire Four game. With most other games in the division being called off, it evened things out at the top and left Rishworthians four points clear of the chasing pack.Until well into the second half, the visitors found it impossible to kill off the home side's challenge. In total they scored eight tries, with four of them coming in the last 15 minutes and three in the last five.

They started in fine style and were ahead within five minutes. From good lineout possession, stand-off Aaron Canning cruised through the opposition to score under the posts. Jamie Bloem added the conversion, but Corinthians hit back with a penalty. A fine catch from the restart by man of the match, flanker Tom Clough, led to a penalty for Rishworthians and Bloem added the three points.

The home side were undeterred and hit back with a try in the corner, despite a blatant knock-on in the move. A minute later they went into lead, for the first and only time, with a penalty, but it only lasted a couple of minutes. Lock Jioti Bakoso took the ball on, before it went along the line with No8 James Clarke popping up in the centre and powering over. Bloem added the conversion. Again the home side hit back with a penalty, before Clarke came in again on the burst to crash over after good work in the pack with flanker Gerard Rollings prominent. Bloem again converted, passing the 100 points mark for the season. Rishworthians might have had a try on the stroke of half-time, but the ball went loose over the line.

Half time Leeds Corinthians 14 - 24 Rishworthians

Corinthians opened the second half with a penalty and then Chris Flanagan touched down in the corner after good work in the forwards led by Bakoso and prop Richard Turner.

Rishworthians then suffered a series of penalties, which ended with the home side scoring a well worked try in the corner. But it was the spur the visitors needed and they dominated the remaining quarter with the home side having little answer to their pace. Canning, who was outstanding throughout, put in a fine crossfield kick. It was well gathered by Nick Faulkner on the left wing, who ran in to touch down in the corner.

Then came the last five-minute onslaught. First Flanagan gathered a Bloem kick and slipped it inside to prop Simon Edmundson to touch down. Bloem converted. From good lineout ball Canning put in a beauty of a long pass which took out the defence and allowed Bloem to burst through to score and Bloem add the conversion. With the last move of the game skipper Gary Morris combined well with Faulkner, who slipped the ball to supporting hooker Dave Morris for a try in the corner.

Full time Leeds Corinthians 22 - 53 Rishworthians

View Leeds Corinthians website

Halifax Vandals Vets v Rishworthians 2ndXV Slideshow.
Click on arrows to view more photos, click on photo to enlarge.
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Halifax Vandals Vets 0 - 10 Rishworthians 2ndXV

A cold windy and exposed day saw the Rishworthains 3 match losing streak reach an end. The squad were keen to win and deliver some of the promise they have shown during the season. Good basic rugby saw an excellent defence which kept the Vandals from scoring. Some small niggly errors creeped in which cost the Rishworthains 2 penalties which Vandals failed to convert to points. It took several runs at the try line for us to break through but Chris Fox finally delivered a scoring try with Jack Butcher converting. Bob Collins also thought he scored a try but the Ref disallowed the try as he could not see the placement. Final points came from Jack Butcher's excellent kicking as Vandals gave away a penalty.

Man of the match was Matt Knight. Due to injury some players were playing out of position and the player of the match was Matt Knight playing at Flanker instead of winger. His pace and running game saw him make a big difference during all the match.

Old Rishworthians 20 - 21 Goole
Late try sinks a spirited Rishworthians run in the Junior Vase

Match Preview Friday 12th December
Rishworthians get a real test of their improvement when they entertain Goole in the fifth round of the EDF junior vase at Copley. The visitors lie mid-table in Yorkshire Three, after being relegated last season, and have won three and drawn three of their 11 league games. Rishworthians currently stand four points clear at the top of Yorkshire Four having won all but one of their 10 league matches. They field a strong side with the return of young lock Anthony Oxley being the only change from the squad that won convincingly last week at Leeds Corinthians.

The game, if it survives the frost, will be sponsored by Northern Game Feeds Ltd and should be an indicator to Rishworthians of prospects if they gain promotion this season. Club secretary Peter Morgan said: "We feel we can win this one. The team is full of confidence and we showed we are an 80-minutes side with three tries in the last five minutes last week."

Match report Saturday 13th December Junior Vase 5th Round
Rishworthians were only inches away from a place in the sixth round of the EDF Junior Vase. With two minutes to go they got a penalty wide out near halfway. Stand-off Aaron Canning put in a fine kick. Both sides could hardly bear to watch as the ball shaved the wrong side of the upright. It meant that Goole, from the division above Rishworthians, went through, but it showed that the home side would be able to handle life in Yorkshire Three if they achieve this season's anticipated promotion.

The result of the game hinged on a refereeing decision. Keen to make players stay on their feet throughout, he sin-binned Rishworthians lock Jioti Bakoso for such an offence with 15 minutes to go. Although he evened it up with a similar decision five minutes later against a Goole player, it was too late for Rishworthians. In the intervening minutes the powerful Goole pack capitalised on their one-man advantage to push the home forwards back from a five-metre scum near the posts for lock Craig Hutton to touch down. The easy conversion left the Copley men with a mountain to climb.

Until then it seemed they were the most likely winners of this entertaining contest and they came back strongly and almost snatched it in the end. It was nip and tuck throughout, with Rishworthians scoring a try straight from the kick-off for the third week running. No 8 James Clarke caught the ball and put the speedy Canning away. He linked with winger Nick Faulkner, before flanker Tom Clough took the inside pass to touch down. Canning added the conversion.

There were periods of sustained pressure from both sides before Goole drew level. A good lineout catch was followed by driving play by the forwards, before centre Neil Cawood burst through to score a converted try. The visitors then pinned Rishworthians back in their own 22 for 10 minutes and only great defensive work held them out. But then a charged down kick led to a five-metre scrum and Goole No8 Phil Jackson picked up and powered his way over under the posts for another coverted try.

Undeterred the home side fought back. There was good interpassing between forwards and backs, before Bakoso put in a strong run to take play near the Goole line. The ball was recycled and Clough forced his way through for his second try. Canning added the conversion to make the scores level at half-time.

Half time Rishworthians 14 - 14 Goole

The second half was an even affair with the advantage going to Rishworthians, even though they committed a number of basic errors and too often failed to get the ball away quickly. But they put on enough pressure to gain two penalties for Canning to kick them into a six-point lead and it looked as if it would stay that way - until the dramatic last 15 minutes.

Full time Rishworthians 20 - 21 Goole

Man of the match Gez Rollings

View Goole website

Wetherby 2nd XV 24 - 12 Rishworthians 2ndXV

On a cold, wet and windy Saturday afternoon the 15 man squad travelled to Wetherby. During the start of the game both teams looked evenly matched, both sides creating driving runs but the defensive lines held firm. Wetherby took an early lead but failed to convert try. This woke the Rishworthains up and some excellent running play by the forwards delivered a supply of ball for the backs who had overlap opportunities. Three times Rishworthains came close to scoring from this possession but were keep out by some strong defence. Sadly basic mistakes again caused some easy points to be scored by Wetherby and Rishworthains are kicking them selves as we all know what they are. Excellent tries were scored by Chris Fox and Sam Mooney with Jack Butcher converting one of the tries.

All players please think about what nights you could make some training, as most of us struggle to make Tuesday / Thursday on the 2nd team we need to get some practise in. We will all have a chat on Saturday to finalise. Please all confirm to Big Bad Bob that you can play as I am out of the country until Friday night. Finally training is at the Shay this week starting at 7pm in the Weavers car park, now is the ideal time to get fit and make space for more beer / Xmas food!

Man of the match was Sam Mooney

Rotherham Phoenix 0 - 18 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians "Ministry of Defence"

Match Preview Friday 19th December
Rishworthians face one their sternest league tests when they travel to fellow promotion contenders Rotherham Phoenix. The two clubs both gained promotion last season and games between them have been tight. Home and away matches last season both resulted in 13 points difference in favour of Rishworthians, as did the fixture at Copley in September. Crucially though, Rishworthians top Yorkshire Four and are four points ahead of Rotherham. But both clubs know this game is a pivotal point in their season, so once again it is expected to be close.

Rishworthians hope to welcome back young lock Anthony Oxley, whose injury failed to clear up in time for last week's EDF Junior Vase defeat by Goole from Yorkshire Three. They also hope player-coach Jamie Bloem has recovered from the hamstring strain, which also kept him out of that game. But they will be without outstanding flanker Tom Clough, who is not available, and have doubts over No 8 James Clarke.

Match report Saturday 20th December Yorkshire 4
Rishworthians finished the year off on a high and five points clear at the top of Yorkshire Four with a brilliant team performance. They proved that defences can win games and kept a strong Rotherham side scoreless with an excellent display.

The home side dominated possession, but so aggressive was the Rishworthian defence that 90 per cent of play took place in the Rotherham half. The tackling by the visitors was immense from every member of the team. And it was such a fine team performance that it proved difficult to choose a man of the match. In the end it went jointly to teenage flanker Ben Robinson and lock Martin Brook, who both led the way throughout.

Rishworthians' whole regular back row were unavailable, but they were not missed as the visitors beat their opponents, and fellow promotion contenders, for the fourth time in four games in the past two seasons. For the past three weeks Rishworthians have scored straight from the kick-off. This time they left it for five minutes. Robinson took the ball well from a throw-in - one of the few times in the game the visitors got their line-out - working. Then the forwards took it on with No8 Jioti Bakoso, who had another towering games, prominent before the ball went wide and player-coach Jamie Bloem broke through three tackles to score and then Bloem converted his own try.

Much of the possession from then went to the home side, but time after time Rishworthians drove them back. There was no further score before the break, when lock Anthony Oxley had to come off with a back injury. It meant a reshuffle for the visitors, but it was soon business as usual.

Half time Rotherham Phoenix 0 - 7 Rishworthians

The home side again dominated possession, but could not get out of their own half and it was no surprise when Rishworthians won a penalty and Bloem increased the lead. The visitors kept to the game plan and eventually it paid dividends when a fine drop goal from stand-off Aaron Canning sent the home side reeling.

But they recovered quickly and for the first time in the match put the Rishworthian line under pressure. The visitors weathered the short storm and then broke away to score a fine try. A flowing move in the backs saw left wing Joe Billing kick ahead. Centre Chris Flanagan, in his last game for the club before joining the Forces, charged through to win the race for the line and signed off with a touchdown in the dying minutes.

Man of the match was Ben Robinson & Martin Brook.

It sealed what can only be described as a thoroughly professional performance by Rishworthians and set them up well for a number of tough games in the coming months.

Full time Rotherham Phoenix 0 - 18 Rishworthians

View Rotherham Phoenix website

Rishworthians 2ndXV 0 - 31 Brodleians XV

As Huddersfield YM cancelled at short notice we entered the pool and arranged a match with Brods development side. This provided a good test for the Rishworthains and delivered some exciting play. If Brods were expecting an easy match they were mistaken as Rishworthains put up a strong defence, Chris Mitchell put his body on the line and delivered some strong tackles but was sadly injured early in the match. This spurred the Rishworthains to deliver tackle after tackle with some of the early mistakes in the season were forgotten. Brods delivered some strong technical play and took the lead early with some strong runs and took control. Following these tries Rishworthains increased their game and took the fight to the Brods 22 but could not convert this effort into a try. The match was enjoyed by everyone and looking on from the side lines it was the best performance of the season, lets keep going!!!

Following the match I would like to give man of the match to Jonathan Burgess who put in tackle after tackle plus keep running for the full 80 minutes. He has grown into the flanker role and is a great asset to the side.

Leeds Corinthians 13 - 16 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians shake off a New Year hangover to scrape past Corinthians

Match Preview Friday 2nd January
Rishworthians travel to Leeds Corinthians in the much-delayed preliminary round of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy with a first round tie at Wibsey awaiting the winners. It is a repeat of the league game at the beginning of the month when Rishworthians came away with a 53-22 victory. It is a strange pairing as both sides would have expected to have been in the first round proper, especially Rishworthians, who beat beat Wibsey in the first round last season!!!.

They can expect a tough game at Leeds and indeed took some time to kill off Corinthians in the league fixture. Since then they have lost centre Chris Flanagan, who has joined the Royal Marines and No 8 James Clarke, who is out with a knee injury. Otherwise they hope to field the strongest team available and aim to capitalise on a fine pre-Christmas win at Rotherham Phoenix and use the game as preparation for next week's crucial home league match against fellow promotion contenders Thornensians.

Match report Saturday 3rd January Yorkshire Silver Trophy Prelim round
Rishworthians shook off a New Year hangover to go through this Yorkshire Silver Trophy tie. Although they never looked like losing, it ended up a close result, with only an Aaron Canning drop goal separating the two teams. It was a game to forget for the visitors, who managed to make mistake after mistake and left their normally strong tackling game at home. Despite that, the home side only threatened the Rishworthian line twice, once at the end of the first half and again at the end. It was only with the last act of the game they scored a try, with the conversion coming immediately before the final whistle. Then it was sloppy tackling which allowed them through after they had managed to make a mess of a move.

This much-delayed preliminary round game was one the visitors were eager to get out of the way to set up a first round tie at Wibsey - a repeat of last season's game, which Rishworthians won 17 - 12. Corinthians had proved a tough nut for the Copley men in the league game last month and once again they defended well throughout. Even though not at their best and with two of their strong pack players missing, Rishworthians still had the edge throughout. At times they played some exciting rugby, but every time they got near the home line they contrived to make a mistake and found themselves back upfield.

The visitors had started well though and it was not long before they were on the scoresheet. There was good handling in a move involving forwards and backs before player/coach Jamie Bloem burst through to touch down. Bloem converted his own try. It should have been the signal for the floodgates to open, but Rishworthians could only manage a Jamie Bloem penalty and then let the home side back into the game as they kicked two penalties to narrow the gap. The score stayed at 10 - 6 till the break, mainly thanks to a fine try-saving tackle by flanker Max Prashad.

Half time Leeds Corinthians 6 - 10 Rishworthians

It was stalemate for much of the second half despite a fine performance by skipper Gary Morris, who tried throughout to inspire his men. Rishworthians never got their expansive game going and in the forwards, prop Richard Turner was one of the few to excel. Bloem had an off-day with the boot and it was not until Canning's drop goal as the game entered its last quarter that the visitors really took charge.

A bullocking run by Bloem, well supported by Prashad almost produced a try, but gained a penalty, which player/coach Bloem kicked to give Rishworthians the cushion they needed. It proved vital in the end, when the visitors gifted a try to bring the scores close. It was a game Rishworthians needed to get out of their system to prepare for two crucial league games against fellow promotion contenders Thornensians.

Full time Leeds Corinthians 13 - 16 Rishworthians

View Leeds Corinthians website

Team
	1. Turner	2. Edmundson	3. W Aldridge
6. Prashad				7. Robinson
	4. Brook		5. Oxley
		8. Clough
9. G Morris
	10. Canning DG
		12. Bloem T C P2
			13. Davidson
11. Billing				14. Faulkner
		15. A Morgan
Subs
D Morris	G Rollings	R Wild

Ossett 2nd XV 18 - 7 Rishworthians 2ndXV

On a cold cold Saturday afternoon the 2nd team rushed to get to the game in Ossett. With little warm up and preparation they launched into the game coming under early pressure from Ossett who had drawn a large crowd as the 1st team were not playing. Rishworthains defence was solid under this pressure and some solid tackles were delivered to ensure no points went on the board. Some early chances for Ossett kicking for goal were missed which let the 2nd team off from some mistakes. Sadly some of the sparkle of the previous match had gone and Rishworthains were lacking is attacking spirit. Johnny Burgess was injured in the 1st half and was attended by our Nurse Jones and carried off by his Florence Nightingale, to return in the 2nd half. During the match Rishworthains made a number of substitutions delivering some solid running play through the backs which lead to Jack Butcher to score an excellent try just inside the post and convert his own try. Andy Salder playing as Full back delivered some solid tackles and tackled the Ossett number 8 like a tractor unit knocking down a wall, this was a example to the team.

No man of the match this week as the whole team put in equal effort.

Team
	1. M Illingworth	2. B Collins	3. C Fox
6. M Ryall				7. A Aldridge
	4. K Mitchell		5. R Ranton
		8. Mark Knight
9. Kidd
	10. ButcherT,C
		12. J Burgess
			13. S Moody
11. C Hill				14. Mat Knight
		15. A Sadler
Subs
	Hinchcliffe	J Mc Donnell	A Bull, P Shaw	A Wood, C Rose

Thornensians 0 - 3 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians defence wins the day

Match Preview Friday 16th January
Rishworthians hope to put more daylight between themselves and the chasing pack in Yorkshire Four. They travel to Thornensians for a game rearranged from Sept 27 due to cup commitments.

They were due to play the same opponents last week in the return fixture at Copley, but that too had to be postponed to February 7 because of a frozen pitch. They keep the same squad picked for that game, but this time can include prop Wes Aldridge, who was unavailable last week. It should prove a difficult game at Thorne for Rishworthians against whom they registered their record score in 2000-01, but who have since revived and are currently one of the chasing promotion contenders. A win for the visitors would confirm their promotion possibility and give them renewed confidence for a tough series of league encounters to come.

Match report Saturday 17th January Yorkshire 4
It was not pretty, not particularly exciting, but the victory Rishworthians ground out put them back to five points clear at the top of Yorkshire Four. In the end only a Jamie Bloem penalty separated the sides. But it was a fitting return for Bloem to a club at which he had previously been a player and coach. He only had one attempt at goal, while the home side missed with three kicks. But it was Rishworthians' defence which again won the day, as both sides managed to cancel out each other's attacks.

There were few moves which looked likely to make the breakthrough. The best fell to stand-off Aaron Canning, but twice he was just pulled down in desperate home defence. Rishworthians at times looked completely out of sorts, but their defence saw them through, with players covering whenever a tackle was missed.

The bad news was that they lost fullback Andy Morgan early on with an ankle injury and then spent the last 15 minutes a man short when skipper Gary Morris had to go off. But even that made little difference as Bloem kept the home side pinned in their own half in the final minutes with long raking kicks.

The game was one which had been postponed from September due to cup commitments and the win cemented Rishworthians' position as promotion favourites. The visitors opened strongly having the best of the possession and territory. Canning and No8 Tom Clough combined well several times and flanker Gerard Rollings was always a thorn in the side of the home team. Bloem kicked his penalty after 15 minutes, but the only real chance in the first half came with a flowing move in the Rishworthian backs, which saw replacement wing Richard Wild bundled into touch 10 yards out.

Half time Thornensians 0 - 3 Rishworthians

The home side missed two very kickable penalties in the first half and turning round only three points ahead left the visitors thinking it would not be enough. But the introduction of Jioti Bakoso into the back row for the second period however stiffened up an already strong defence. Thornensians threw everything at Rishworthians during the second half, but never looked likely to break through and a third unsuccessful good penalty chance was all they could muster.

Full time Thornensians 0 - 3 Rishworthians

View Thornensians website

Team
	1. Turner	2. D Morris	3. Edmundson
6. Prashad				7. Rollings
	4. Oxley		5. Brook
		8. Clough
9. G Morris
	10. Canning
		12. Bloem P
			13. Davidson
11. A Morgan				14. N Faulkner
		15. Billing
Subs
	Robinson	Bakoso	R Wild

Rishworthians 2ndXV 24 - 5 Skipton 3rd XV

Rishworthains started strongly against Skipton with a very positive mind set determined to win and deliver a strong result. An early try from Chris Fox and a conversion by Atkinson left the Skipton opponents reeling early in the game. An early injury for Lee Atkinson meant a welcome return for Antony Shoesmith to cover for Lee whilst he recovered. Atkinson & Shoesmith return following injury and make a very positive contribution to the team. Newly joined Zack Aubert playing 12 showed his pace and quick hands to fit naturally in the backs creating a strong back line which ran around the Skipton team. Matt Knight finished an excellent move to score a try on the wing and push Rishworthains ahead, converted by Wes Aldridge.

Second half saw Chris Fox deliver another stunning 80 yard run to score his second try in the game converted by Atkinson. The second half was a little scrappy as some frustration started to show on both teams leading to mistakes. Overall the game saw the potential come out from the Rishworthain team which had been bubbling below the surface for the last 5 weeks leading to the win. We look forward to this form continuing for our home game against York RI in the League.

Team
	1. W Aldridge C	2. K Mitchell	3. M Illingworth
6. Mark Knight				7. J Burgess
	4. J Mc Donnelll		5. R Ranton
		8. P Fox T2
9. Kidd
	10. Atkinson C2,P
		12. Aubert
			13. Moody
11. Hinchcliffe				14. Mat Knight T
		15. Sadler
Subs
	Shoesmith

York RI 16 - 37 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians have enough in reserve to steam past York RI

Match Preview Friday 23th January
Rishworthians travel to York RI looking for their second Yorkshire Four double. They thrashed the division strugglers 51-0 at Copley early in the season but know it will be a more difficult proposition at York, even though the home side have only managed three wins and a draw from their 12 league outings. But Rishworthians are a confident outfit, knowing that if their attacking flair deserts them, their defensive work will see them through. It was that which allowed them to grind out wins away from home at promotion contenders Rotherham Phoenix and particularly last week, 3-0 at Thornensians. The pack was outstanding in both games, with prop Richard Turner and flankers Gerard Rollings and Jioti Bakoso outstanding at Thorne.

There are six changes from the side which beat York at home, mainly due to injury, although on that occasion the team was without player/coach Jamie Bloem and stand-off Aaron Canning, who had not rejoined the club at that point. Last week's game resulted in further injury blows. Fullback Andy Morgan picked up an ankle injury and skipper Gary Morris is doubtful with a back injury. Joe Billing switches to fullback to allow Richard Wild to start on the wing and teenager James Kidd comes in at scrum half for Morris.

Match report Saturday 24th January Yorkshire 4
York saved up their best performance of the season to try to upset the Yorkshire Four leaders. And for a 10-minute period in the second half they did unsettle Rishworthians, who were disappointed to concede two tries. But while the home side threw everything into their game, the visitors always looked likely to win the day. Even without player/coach Jamie Bloem, who picked up a late injury, and skipper Gary Morris, who was hurt at Thornensians last week, they still had plenty of skill to overcome the home side's endeavours.

More worrying though were the number of mistakes and missed tackles by the visitors' normally solid defence. But right from the start, Rishworthians were on the attack and fullback Joe Billing almost got in at the corner. Then great work by the pack finally saw the ball go wide and right wing Anthony Shoesmith made good ground before cross-kicking for flanker Tom Clough to gather and score under the posts. Stand-off Aaron Canning added the conversion.

Although shaken, York came back strongly and reduced the lead with a penalty. Clough made a fine break and was well supported by the rest of the pack as they drove over but could not get the ball down. They did get a penalty from it and Canning restored the seven-point gap only for it to be cancelled out soon after the restart by another York penalty.

The home side applied plenty of pressure, but as the half ended Rishworthians took charge, inspired by the wily Canning. After good work by No 8 Jioti Bakoso, he made a great break and got the ball out for Clough to score his second. Straight from the restart, the flanker was in action again, bursting through the home defence. The ball went loose, but his back row colleague Gerard Rollings was on hand to gather it and race over. Canning added the conversion to give Rishworthians a healthy 6 - 22 half-time lead.

Half time York RI 6 - 22 Rishworthians

There were inspiring performances from Canning, Clough, Rollings and prop Richard Turner. But it was the home side who came out strongest at the start of the second period and there was no one at home for the visitors as a York prop emerged from a lineout maul and went over almost unopposed. Their delight was short-lived as two minutes later Canning intercepted and raced through to score.

Playing down the slope, the home side were having their best spell of the game as the visitors' defence buckled and missed tackles led to further home try. Rishworthians usually finish strongly and this was no exception. Great scrummaging by the forwards ended with Clough picking up and breaking through. He linked well with Rollings who forced his way over. In the last minutes, the visitors declined a penalty attempt and chose a scrum. From it Clough made another break before the ball went wide and Shoesmith darted in at the corner.

Full time York RI 16 - 37 Rishworthians

View York RI Website

Team
	1. Turner	2. D Morris	3. Edmundson
6. CloughT2				7. RollingsT2
	4. Oxley		5. Brook
		8. Bakoso
9. Kidd
	10. CanningT,C2,P
		12. Wild P
			13. Davidson
11. ShoesmithT				14. N Faulkner
		15. Billing
Subs
	Robinson	Prashad	W Aldridge

Old Rishworthians 34 - 12 Burley
Below strength Rishworthians have enough in depth for Burley

Match Preview Friday 20th February
Rishworthians entertain bottom club Burley in Yorkshire Four, eager to shake off rustiness after virtually a three-week lay-off. The club has not played a full game since the victory at York RI on January 24. Since then they have only had 30 minutes of rugby in the game against local rivals Halifax Vandals, abandoned because of an injury to the referee.

Even with several players unavailable they still choose from a strong squad, with every player having had considerable first team experience except for right wing Andy Sadler, who has been added after strong performances on the second team. Rishworthians head the division by three points, but have two games in hand over the two teams below them. Only Vandals have played the same number of games as the Copley club, but lie five points adrift.

Match report Saturday 21st February Yorkshire 4
Even with eight first team regulars missing, Rishworthians had too much fire-power for Yorkshire Four's bottom club. The home side never really rose to the heights after a minute's silence on the pitch for 19-year-old player Zack Aubert who died suddenly almost two weeks ago.

There were flashes of good rugby, but too often it looked as if they were trying too hard and ended up making mistakes. In the second half they allowed the visitors too much ball and their normally frugal defence gifted two tries to the Leeds side. But the result consolidated their position at the top of the division.

Rishworthians totally dominated the first half and but for too many mistakes might have doubled their 24-point half-time lead. Early on they had a seemingly good try disallowed, but responded well with outstanding flanker Gerard Rollings leading the way. He took it on from a scrum and then recycled it well to allow stand-off Aaron Canning to slice through under the posts. Canning then converted his own try. The home men then had a long period of possession and threatened the Burley line, but ended up making too many mistakes.

They did not get frustrated and eventually got their reward with 17 points in the last 10 minutes of the half. It started with three points from a Canning penalty. He then led a flowing move, linking well with centre Tom Clough, fullback Joe Billing and right wing Andy Sadler, who was stopped just a few feet out to set up a scrum. Pressure from that by the home pack gave scrum half Gary Morris the chance to dart through and touch down. Canning added the conversion.

On the stroke of half time, there was another great drive in the scrum from the home pack. This time No 8 Chris Fox picked up and then slipped the ball to skipper Morris for his second try. Canning converted.

Half time Rishworthians 24 - 0 Burley

Rishworthians started the second half with more mistakes and gifted a try to Burley allowing the pack to drive over from a lineout. They came back strongly with a phase of outstanding rugby, despite a fierce wind blowing in their faces. The ball was run out well and, although it went loose, Rollings was on hand to pick up and complete a strong 30-metre run to score in the corner.

Straight from the restart, Rishworthians repeated the move. This time it flowed perfectly and Clough was able to complete it, touching down in the same corner. Canning had no chance against the gale with either conversion.

With the game well won Rishworthians gifted a second try with a loose pass, which was intercepted by the Burley scrum half, who ran in unopposed for a converted try. Rishworthians now have to prepare for the rearranged game against local rivals Vandals, who will be keen to get their promotion drive back on track after defeat at fellow promotion contenders Thornensians.

Full time Rishworthians 34 - 12 Burley

View Burley Website
View Otliensians Website

Team
	1. Turner	2. D Morris	3. Edmundson
6. Prashad				7. Rollings T
	4. Bull		5. Brook
		8. Fox
9. G MorrisT2
	10. CanningT,C3,P
		12. Clough T
			13. Davidson
11. Sadler				14. Atkinson
		15. Billing
Subs
	Mc Donnell	E Cockroft	W Aldridge

Rishworthians 2ndXV 7 - 45 Otliensians 2nd XV

A weakened second team went down 45 - 7 to Otliensians, with Edward Cockroft getting their only try, converted by Jack Butcher.

Old Rishworthians 12 - 9 Halifax Vandals
Rishworthians revenge after defeat at Warley

Match Preview Friday 27th February
Rishworthians' rearranged game with local rivals Halifax Vandals takes on even great significance than when the clubs met in an abortive game a month ago. Then the match was abandoned after less than 30 minutes because of an injury to the referee. Since then the weather has intervened, but the clubs had contrasting fortunes on their resumption of league fixtures last week. Rishworthians' win over bottom club Burley maintained their three-point advantage at the top of the division, with two games in hand over the chasing clubs. Vandals, however, will want to get their promotion drive back on track after defeat at fellow promotion contenders Thornensians.

While Rishworthians have home advantage, games between the sides are notoriously close. Vandals will be relying on their power in the pack to upset the Copley men, but Rishworthians' pack has been playing particularly well lately and will relish the task. The home side welcome back to their squad six of the eight players who were missing for last week's win. They include forwards Jioti Bakoso, Anthony Oxley, James Clarke and Ben Robinson and in the backs Richard Wild and Nick Faulkner. They will be without injured hooker Dave Morris, who left the field with a serious hand injury last week, and flanker Tom Clough, who is unavailable.

The game will be played for the John Payne Trophy and is sponsored by Copley Cricket Club, for whom Rishworthians' prop Richard Turner is captain. It will be the start of a difficult run-in to the end of the season for Rishworthians, who have yet to play all five of the clubs immediately below them in the division.

Match report Saturday 28th February Yorkshire 4
Rishworthians title hopes were given a real boost by this win, while it put a massive dent in local rivals Vandals' promotion challenge. It was close, tough and not very pretty. A draw might have been a fair result, but neither side looked likely to score a try if they played until Christmas. The defences cancelled each other out throughout, with the tackling on both sides being ferocious. In the end it was down to the boots of Aaron Canning for Rishworthians and Paul Knapping for Vandals that the scoreboard was troubled.

The fact the game went ahead at all was down to referee's assessor David Brooksbank, who stepped in at the last minute when the scheduled official failed to turn up. Both sides afterwards complimented the newly retired referee on his handling of the match. The game had been rearranged after the referee in the original fixture had to leave the field with a leg injury and abandoned proceedings after 29 minutes.

Rishworthians started off strongly and soon put Vandals under pressure. Just when it looked as if the home side might break through, Vandals centre Jon Isherwood put in a crunching tackle on Rishworthians' fullback Joe Billing. But barely a minute later Billing was back on hand with some neat defensive work to save Rishworthians as the visitors threatened. Knapping gave Vandals the lead against the run of play with a penalty from almost on the halfway line.

Rishworthians came back strongly, but there were groans from the home section of the large crowd when Canning missed with two penalty attempts. Undeterred the home forwards put on great pressure in a series of scrums before skipper Gary Morris harassed his opposite number, scrum half Andrew Fox to force another penalty, with which Canning a made no mistake to level the score.

Almost straight from the restart, Knapping missed with a penalty but then made amends with another after a good lineout take by Jamie Richardson was followed by a strong forward drive. On the stroke of half-time Canning levelled the scores with a second successful kick.

Half time Rishworthians 6 - 6 Halifax Vandals

Early in the second period Rishworthians' outstanding lock Jioti Bakoso was sin-binned for killing the ball as the Copley men struggled to hold off the strong Vandals pack. When the visitors gained a five-metre scrum near the touchline, a pushover looked certain, but, one man down, the home pack took the ball against the head, with winger Nick Faulkner joining in, and managed to clear the ball.

After another period of stalemate Knapping kicked an excellent penalty from the touchline to regain the lead. Canning sliced through with a fine run, but the ball went to ground in the tackle. Canning then gained a penalty soon afterwards though and levelled the scores.

Rishworthians continued to press and close to the end, Canning kicked a fourth penalty to give the home men the lead for the first time. In the final minutes Vandals put on great pressure to score, but Rishworthians' defence held firm.

Full time Rishworthians 12 - 9 Halifax Vandals

View Halifax Vandals Website

Team
	1. Turner	2. Edmundson	3. Fox
6. Prashad				7. Rollings
	4. Oxley		5. Bakoso
		8. Clarke
9. G Morris
	10. Canning C4
		12. Wild
			13. Davidson
11. Sadler				14. Faulkner
		15. Billing
Subs
	Robinson	W Aldridge	Mc Donnell

Bramley Phoenix 10 - 15 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians rally after early set back

Match Preview Friday 6th March
Rishworthians travel to Bramley in another top of the table clash in Yorkshire Four. Having beaten one promition challenger last week in local rivals Halifax Vandals, the Copley men have another tough task against second-placed Bramley Phoenix.

This time they hope to welcome back Jamie Bloem at stand-off. The player/coach has been out with injury since December. It allows Aaron Canning to move to his more favoured position at fullback, with Joe Billing swtiching to wing. Tom Clough, who missed last week's victory comes in to fill the vacant centre berth, while Ben Robinson slots in at back row and Martin Brook returns at prop.

It means Rishworthians can still field a strong team even after losing three crucial players. First centre Chris Flanagan left to join the Royal Marines, then hooker Dave Morris received a serious hand injury, likely to keep him out for much of the remaining season, and last week flanker Max Prashad played his last game before moving to New Zealand for a year.

The team has been playing confidently and hope to do the double over Bramley, having won 22 - 5 at Copley in a game in which the home pack were outstanding. That game put Rishworthians clear at the top of the division for the first time. They now have a three-point lead, but have two games in hand over the Leeds club.

Match report Saturday 7th March Yorkshire 4
Rishworthians' second row pairing opened the door to victory in this top-of-the-table clash. Locks Jioti Bakoso and Anthony Oxley both popped up at key moments to score tries which strengthened Rishworthians' grip at the top of Yorkshire Four.

But it seemed it a win might have been out of the question from the way the visitors started the game. In only the second minute the Bramley backs scythed through their opposite numbers' non-tackling, non-existent defence to score an unconverted try in the corner. The nightmare continued for Rishworthians over the next few minutes as they made a series of uncharacteristic mistakes and after 10 minutes conceded a second try in similar circumstances.This time stand-off Jamie Bloem and fullback Aaron Canning managed to drag down the centre, but he got the ball away to the wing who touched down in the corner for a second unconverted try.

Ten points adrift, Rishworthians finally started to get their game together and from then on it was a great display by the pack, both in attack and defence and particularly in the scrums against a much heavier set of forwards. The turning point in the game came after 20 minutes when Bloem kicked a long range penalty and Rishworthians' spirits rose. The kick proved crucial as it spurred the visitors on. They dominated the rest of the half and were soon level. Skipper Gary Morris took a quick tap from a free kick to No 8 James Clarke, who powered his way almost to the line. He was finally brought down just short, but Bakoso, who was outstanding throughout, was on hand to gather the ball and score. Bloem added the conversion. Rishworthians might have scored again before the break but dropped catches spoiled things.

Half time Bramley Phoenix 10 - 10 Rishworthians

They carried on their dominance in the second half but were unable to break through until another run by Clarke, well supported by hooker Simon Edmundson set up a scrum. The pack took the ball against the head and Bloem made a good break. When he was brought down, Morris got the ball away to Oxley who forced his way over for his first try for the club and what proved to be the winning score.

There were still more than 10 minutes left and Bramley threw everything at Rishworthians in an attempt to rescue the game. But the Copley men are an 80-minute team and defended resolutely. First Canning pulled of a superb try saving tackle in the corner, then the pack held out in a series of scrums and forward drives before the whistle finally came.

Rishworthians have now given themselves a great cushion at the top of the division. Their main challengers appear to be either Bramley or Thornensians, a situation likely to resolved when the Thorne club travel to Bramley on March 28. A further slip-up by either of these two sides might also yet draw Vandals back into the equation..

Full time Bramley Phoenix 10 - 15 Rishworthians

View Bramley Phoenix Website

Team
	1. Turner	2. Edmundson	3. Brook
6. Robinson				7. Rollings
	4. Oxley T		5. Bakoso T
		8. Clarke
9. G Morris
	10. Bloem C,P
		12. Clough
			13. Davidson
11. Billing				14. Faulkner
		15. Canning
Subs
	Wild	Morley	Mc Donnell

OldRishworthians 17 - 20 Northallerton
Rishworthians crash to surprise defeat at home to Northallerton

Match Preview Friday 13th March
Rishworthians aim to strengthen their grip at the top of Yorkshire Four when they entertain Northallerton at Copley. A win will boost them for their crucial top-of-the-table clash with Thornensians next week. While the visitors have not been setting the division alight, Rishworthians struggled on their visit there in November and had to come from behind to win 28 - 15.

The Copley men will again have to battle against a strong heavy pack. But they have shown they are capable of doing exactly that in the past two weeks with victories at home and away against promotion challengers Vandals and Bramley Phoenix. They name an almost unchanged squad, but add prop Wes Aldridge, who was unavailable last week and hope to welcome back centre Chris Flanagan, while other centre Fraser Davidson is unavailable.

Match report Saturday 14th March Yorkshire 4
It's not over yet. That was the clear message Rishworthian players took away after their worst performance in nearly two years. They remain top of Yorkshire Four and have games in hand over their nearest rivals despite this wobble, but must regard the deserved home defeat as a wake-up call.

It was clear from the start that the visitors wanted it more to ease their fears of being dragged into the relegation zone and they were soon on the scoreboard. Northallerton's young No 8 Connor Levelle picked up at the base of the scrum and set off to run virtually unopposed through to touch down after less than five minutes. From then it was a story of Rishworthian mistakes. They had little possession and what they did gain, they tended to kick away. They spent much of the first period in their own half and hardly looked likely to break out.

Half time Rishworthians 0 - 5 Northallerton

Things became even worse after the restart. A charged-down drop-out put the home side under pressure and the visitors ripped the ball away from them and drove forward before slipping it to the wing for a try in the corner.

It was the spur Rishworthians needed and they started playing the type of rugby which has typified their game this season. It began with a quickly taken tap penalty taken on by No 8 James Clarke. He linked well with the backs and winger Joe Billing passed inside for centre Chris Flanagan to dive over. Suddenly the Copley men began to dominate play. A great drive by the pack set the ball up for stand-off Jamie Bloem. He made the break and after being held up got the ball to lock James McDonnell. He recycled it well and scrum half Gary Morris had only to pick up and touch down. Bloem added the conversion to take the lead.

Straight from the restart flanker Tom Clough gathered the ball and ran almost to the line. Rishworthians kept up the pressure. Fullback Aaron Canning almost got through, but the ball was recycled and Bloem put in a deft crossfield kick for the corner. It was gathered by Clough who touched down wide out.

Almost immediately their joy was over when Northallerton's Levelle scored a carbon copy of his first try, which was converted to level the scores. Both sides had been disputing decisions throughout and while the home men were disappointed at not being awarded a penalty at one end they only had themselves to blame for giving one away. The long range effort sailed through the posts and Rishworthians were sunk with little time to reply.

Hopefully it was a lesson learned by the home side, who now have to regroup for the crucial, much rearranged top-of-the-table clash next week with Thornensians.

Full time Rishworthians 17 - 20 Northallerton

View Northallerton Website

Team
	1. Turner	2. Edmundson	3. Brook
6. Clough T				7. Rollings
	4. Mc Donnell		5. Bakoso
		8. Clarke
9. G Morris T
	10. Bloem C
		12. C Flanagan T
			13. Wild
11. Billing				14. Faulkner
		15. Canning
Subs
	Oxley	Robinson	W Aldridge

Halifax Vikings 70 - 0 Rishworthians 2ndXV
The Rishworthains turned up to Halifax with a fighting sprit after not playing for several weeks. Early in the game Lee Atkinson went off injured plus Kevin Mitchell also went off with a hamstring injury. This left the Rishworthains with players out of position but enabled the return of Tim Forrester to the Rishworthain side. It became clear early in the game that Halifax were leagues ahead of the Rishworth side with some strong running play and a well drilled squad. The Rishworthains side had some good points during the game with the sealing of the ball and strong supporting play by the forwards, however alot to work on during our Friday evening training sessions. Jack Butcher was injured during the match and I am pleased to report he is alive and well with a short rest for next week.
Man of the match was Johny B following his constant effort in tackling, however his fitness needs work (Friday evening Johny!!!)

OldRishworthians 34 - 17 Thornensians
Rishworthians just 2 points away from claiming league title

Match Preview Friday 20th March
Rishworthians need to bounce back after last week's disappointing home defeat to Northallerton. They entertain fellow promotion challengers Thornensians in what is sure to be a close match. When the two teams met a few weeks ago at Thorne in a much rearranged game, Rishworthians came away with a 3 ? 0 victory. Tomorrow?s clash is also a rearranged game after the weather hit the fixture in January.

The Copley men head the Yorkshire Four table and are four points clear of Thornensians with a game in hand. They are three points clear of their other main challenger Bramley Phoenix, but have two games in hand over them. A win for Rishworthians would give them a huge boost with only four league games then remaining.

They make one change from last week's team, bringing back lock Anthony Oxley after injury. But, with centre Fraser Davidson still absent, they reshuffle the backs, with Jamie Bloem moving to the centre, Aaron Canning to stand-off, Joe Billing switching to fullback and Richard Wild moving to the wing.

Match report Saturday 21st March Yorkshire 4
Rishworthians almost feel to have one foot in Yorkshire Three after an emphatic victory over one of their main promotion rivals. They brushed aside last week's poor Yorkshire Four performance against Northallerton producing some of their best rugby to strengthen their position at the top of the table. But an exciting display did not start well and they had to come from behind to take what was in the end a thoroughly deserved victory.

For nearly 15 minutes at the start they were unable to get out of their own half, but managed to soak up the pressure from the visitors until a mix-up at the base of a scrum almost on their own line gifted a converted try. They did not panic and then started to get on top. Left wing Nick Faulkner almost got in, but won a penalty with which Jamie Bloem reduced the arrears. Almost immediately the visitors restored their advantage with a successful long range kick.

Undeterred Rishworthians continued to press and got their reward with one of the outstanding tries of the season on the stroke of half-time. It was a training ground move with scrum half Gary Morris, stand-off Aaron Canning and Bloem linking well to draw the opposition and allow centre Chris Flanagan to burst through. He still had plenty to do and used his pace to round the fullback and score under the posts. Bloem added the conversion with the last act of the half.

Half time Rishworthians 10 - 10 Thornensians

Rishworthians opened the second period in fine style and were soon in the lead. Faulkner almost got in with a strong crossfield run. He got the ball to Flanagan, who was stopped just short of the line. The ball was recycled well and hooker Simon Edmundson crashed over from short range. Bloem added the conversion with a fine kick.

Canning charged down a clearance kick, but could not quite make the touchdown. However Rishworthians continued to press and a recycled ball went to prop Wes Aldridge, who gave a fine long pass to put No 8 James Clarke in at the corner. Canning converted.

With a 14-point lead, the home side relaxed and allowed the visitors to hit back with a textbook winger's try in the corner,completed with a fine touchline conversion. It was just a hiccup, however, and Rishworthians were back on the attack straight afterwards, winning a penalty to give three more points to Canning. The tricky stand-off was then on hand near the end with Canning intercepting the visitors pass to run in to touch down. Canning converting his own try to complete the scoring.

Rishworthians now know that a win next week at Old Modernians will assure them of promotion and also know that their two main rivals Bramley Phoenix and Thornensians play each other next week too.

The man of the match was awarded to Ben Robinson.

Full time Rishworthians 34 - 17 Thornensians

View Thornensians Website

Team
	1. W Aldridge	2. Edmundson T	3. Brook
6. Robinson				7. Rollings
	4. Oxley		5. Bakoso
		8. Clarke T
9. G Morris
	10. Canning T,C2,P
		12. C Flanagan T
			13. Bloem C2, P
11. Atkinson				14. Faulkner
		15. Billing
Subs
	Mc Donnell	Bull	Morley

Cleckheaton 4thXV 40 - 0 Rishworthians 2ndXV

Rishworthains pulled in player resources from every corner of the club to fullfil this fixture with 4 regular 2ndXV players currently supporting the 1st team in the drive for promotion. We were pleased to see Chris Georgiou and colts players Bernard Martin and Dominic Watkins making a first appearance for the 2nds.

The score line does not reflect the match with Rishworthains showing a marked improvement over the match with Vikings. During spells the game was fast flowing and the 2nd team showed some real promise. Some costly mistakes lead to a lot of the tries plus of course the skill of Cleckheaton. James Kidd playing stand off stepped up and delivered some promising rugby showing his ability to play various positions. Overall Rishworthains should take some positives from the match with only a few games left its building up to be a possible win before the season is out!!! However this week we want to see everyone down training to make this happen! Friday 7.15 is the time, Darren Dawson has some special training for the forwards and the backs will be put through there paces also.

Man of the Match was James Kidd, his skill in tackling / position versatility was evident in this match and should be an inspiration to the rest of the squad

Old Modernians 14 - 6 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians still looking for those 2 championship points

Match Preview Friday 27th March
Rishworthians travel to Old Modernians knowing that one more win will make them Yorkshire Four champions. But it is likely to be a tough proposition for the Copley men as the Leeds side still has an outside chance of promotion in second spot depending on other results.

The sides have met twice already this season at Copley. In the first meeting in the EDF Junior Vase, Rishworthians were 8 - 3 winners but the following week demolished Mods 39 ? 3 in the league encounter. It shows how inconsistent the Leeds side has been this season, and the visitors know it will be a difficult task at the Cookridge ground, as Vandals found out in their match there last week.

Rishworthians keep the same squad which convincingly beat Thornensians last week, but add centre Fraser Davidson, who returns after a two-week absence. The likely champions already have 32 points from 18 games and have a five-point lead over nearest challengers Bramley Phoenix and a six-point advantage over third-placed Thornensians, but both have played one game more.

Match report Saturday 28th March Yorkshire 4
Rishworthians will be promoted to Yorkshire Three despite losing this game to a committed Old Mods side. Bramley Phoenix's win over Thornensians means that barring a major upset in their last two games they will go up with Rishworthians. They are the only team who can overhaul the Copley men for the title. But with a game in hand, Rishworthians know that a win will ensure them of the title.

But they looked far from champions as Mods completely outplayed them. Wrong options, glaring errors, sloppy tackling and a poor lineout meant they had little chance and spent most of the game on the defensive. Only in one brief moment late in the game did they show the sort of flowing rugby which has typified their play this season. With a drive by the pack and slick passing in the backs, centre Chris Flanagan almost got over in the corner, but his pass inside was not gathered and the chance went. To add to the woe, player/coach Jamie Bloem went off with a leg injury in the second half.

A fierce downfield gale proved a major factor in the game and enabled Mods to take an early lead with a long range penalty. In the midfield, Rishworthians, playing into the wind, proceeded to give away penalty after penalty and another long range effort increased the home lead.

The visitors at last began to fight back and a high tackle on skipper Gary Morris allowed Bloem to reduce the arrears. But a third long range penalty gave the home side a 9 - 3 half-time lead.

Half time Modernians 9 - 3 Rishworthians

Within minutes of the restart Mods increased their lead. A charged down kick resulted in a scrum near the visitors' line. The home No 8, who had proved a thorn in Rishworthians' side throughout the game, picked up and drove over in the corner for an unconverted try.

The Copley men tried to respond and Bloem cut the lead with a penalty. But straight from the restart, they dropped the ball and were on the back foot again. The one brief highlight of their play nearly got them back in the game, but they never deserved to take the spoils and now will hope for a home win over Leeds Corinthians next week to secure the title.

The second team also went down to Old Modernians at Copley by 36 - 3. Andrew Bull kicked the home points.

Full time Modernians 14 - 6 Rishworthians

View Modernians Website

Team
	1. W Aldridge	2. Edmundson	3. Turner
6. Robinson				7. Rollings
	4. Oxley		5. Brook
		8. Bakoso
9. G Morris
	10. Canning
		12. C Flanagan
			13. Davidson
11. Atkinson				14. Faulkner
		15. Bloem P2
Subs
	Mc Donnell	Billing	Wild

Rishworthians 2ndXV 3 - 36 Modernians 2ndXV

With a limited squad Rishworthains were looking to improve on last weeks game. Following an early start by Old Mordernains the Rishworthains side woke up and started to play rugby. In places the game was evenly matched, some good performances by J Bull, J Burgess showing commitment and skill during the game. Sadly like so many games this season the Rishworthains side was let down by un forced errors and people not in there normal positions. Pushing aside the losing score line the side should take some positives away from the game as in some places the old form was returning, plus 3 points is more than we have scored in the past few months!!!

Man of the match = J Burgess for his commitment during the game and skill at tackling

Old Rishworthians 46 - 5 Leeds Corinthians
8 try haul gives Rishworthians back to back League Titles

Match Preview Friday 3rd April
Rishworthians can clinch the Yorkshire Four title with a home victory over lowly Leeds Corinthians in a match sponsored by Highland Spring. It will mean the Copley men will achieve back to back promotions for the first time in their history. They have three games in which to be champions and the only club which can overhaul them is second-placed Bramley Phoenix, but Rishworthians have a game in hand over the Leeds outfit.

The team shows five changes from the starting line-up in last week's disappointing defeat at Old Modernians. Andrew Morgan returns at fullback after duties with the Royal Marines in the Mediterranean and Joe Billing switches to the left wing. David Morris returns from injury at hooker and Simon Edmundson moves to tight head instead of Richard Turner who is unavailable. James Clarke and Tom Clough return to the back row after unavailability and injury. A draw will be sufficient to ensure that Rishworthians are promoted as champions to Yorkshire 3 and the director of rugby Jamie Bloem and forwards coach John Clough are pleased to see the improvement in the side, with very few additions.

Match report Saturday 4th April Yorkshire 4
Old Rishworthians defeated Leed Corinthians by 46 -5 to win Yorkshire 4 and achieve back to back promotions with still two games to play. The team scored 8 tries, all by the threequarters, including a hat trick by substitute Lee Atkinson in the last 10 minutes of the game.

The game was sponsored by Highland Spring and a large crowd watched this entertaining game played with a breeze blowing from the clubhouse end. If the forwards did not get on the score sheet, they certainly provided the quality possession which has been missing for the last few matches. Ben Robinson had a storming game in the lineout and the loose and he and Anthony Oxley have been consistent all season, both playing in their first year of senior rugby after success with the Under 17`s. The front row, with Dave Morris returning after injury, were on top from the first scrum and took 4 strikes against the head. Simon Edmundson and Wes Aldridge ensured that the scrum was solid throughout the game.

James Clarke, at No. 8 was involved in some fine attacking runs and created an excellent link with Gary Morris at scrum half. Aaron Canning at fly half controlled the game and his decision making was key to the first try scored in the corner after 10 minutes by Chris Flanagan. Minutes later Rishworthians extended their lead. From a forward drive the ball was released down the back line for wing Nick Faulkner to score in the corner.

From a tap penalty Canning scored a well worked try combining with Clarke and full back Andrew Morgan. Canning adding the conversion. Leeds Corinthians although playing with the strong breeze in the 1st half could not win any quality possession and the Copley men continued to keep the ball in hand, however there was no further score and at half time it was 17-0.

Half time Rishworthians 17 - 0 Leeds Corinthians

Leeds Corinthians started to win more ball in the second half and after 12 minutes Wilkinson scored a try in the corner.This kick started Old Rishworthians and from a scrum on the visitors 22 Morris broke wide and passed to Joe Billing who cut inside two defenders and scored a try near the posts which was converted by Canning.

Both wings had been patiently waiting for the ball and from a switch of play and a clever overhead pass by Clarke, Fraser Davidson beat the cover tackles and released winger Nick Faulkner to score his second try wide out.

The best passage of play was yet to come. Lee Atkinson replaced Faulkner on the wing and Canning made a lovely break on the Rishworthians touch line and passed to Atkinson who ran 40 metres to score wide out. If that was not enough minutes later Atkinson was on hand to receive another pass and sprint for the line. With full time approaching Atkinson received another well timed pass run in under the posts and completed his hat trick in a 10 minute spell. The try was converted by Rollings

This has been an exceptional season and the players and coaches, Jamie Bloem and John Clough are to be congratulated in achieving back to back promotions.The man of the match was awarded to Aaron Canning.

Full time Rishworthians 46 - 5 Leeds Corinthians

View Leeds Corinthians Website

Team
	1. W Aldridge	2. D Morris	3. Edmundson
6. Robinson				7. Rollings C
	4. Oxley		5. Mc Donnell
		8. Clarke
9. G Morris
	10. Canning T,C2
		12. C Flanagan T
			13. Davidson
11. Billing T				14. Faulkner T2
		15. A Morgan
Subs
	Wild	Atkinson T3	Brook

Garforth 19 - 34 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians shake off celebrations hangover in second half canter

Match Preview Friday 10th April
Yorkshire Four champions Rishworthians have no intention of relaxing as they travel to Garforth for their penultimate league match. After clinching the title in convincing form last week, they name a virtually full strength squad for the game. While they may reshuffle positions, they will be keen for another victory to follow celebrations at the club's players' dinner last night.

Garforth have had a better second half of the season after being thrashed 51 - 0 by Rishworthians at Copley in October last year. Their recent revival means that the visitors will have to be at their best to come away with the points. But coaches Jamie Bloem and John Clough have moulded Rishworthians into a determined outfit and with the pressure off, hope the team can turn on the same style with which they demolished Leeds Corinthians last week to clinch the league title with two games to spare.

Match report Saturday 11th April Yorkshire 4
They took time to get into their stride, but eventually Rishworthians won this game at a canter. The Yorkshire Four champions had to come from behind and 29 unanswered points in a second half display of flowing rugby sealed the win. Garforth were strong and committed and despite a fine opening by the visitors Garforth stormed into a 19 - 5 lead at the break. They scored three tries to Rishworthians' one in the first period, although one was controversial with a blatant crossing move. Undeterred, the Copley men started the second half meaning business and ended up with four more tries in a fine display of open running rugby.

The game started well for Rishworthians and, playing up the slope, they tried to run the ball at every opportunity. It looked as if they might soon have the game in the bag when after five minutes centre Joe Billing sold an outrageous dummy and then rounded the winger to score in the corner.

But the home side had other ideas and soon threatened. They took play near to the visitors' line and drove in from a lineout. Rishworthians stopped the move, but the scrum half burrowed over to touch down for a converted try. Soon after the visitors' defence was exposed wide out and they conceded a second try. A third followed on with a blatant crossing move leaving them floundering. It went unpunished and the try was given. It was converted to give Garforth a 14-point lead at the break.

Half time Garforth 19 - 5 Rishworthians

Perhaps celebrations at the club's annual dinner had left its mark in the first half, but the second showed Rishworthians' superior fitness as they ran away with the game and never allowed the home side to make any headway. Again it was Billing who opened the scoring when skipper Gary Morris made a sniping run after picking up a loose ball. He fed it out and Billing completed the move wide out. Stand-off Aaron Canning added the conversion.

Throughout the game flanker Ben Robinson had won some fine lineout ball but then fellow flanker Gerard Rollings put in a good tap down and Morris again sent the ball down the line for left wing Nick Faulkner to force his way over in the corner. The winger then put in a storming run to take play close to the home line. The forwards got behind him and their pressure forced a penalty, with which Canning made no mistake.

The stand-off was now orchestrating every move and made a fine break before putting in a delicate chip for replacement right wing Richard Wild to run on to and touch down. Canning then added the conversion from the touchline. With the last move of the game he put in a fine crossfield kick, which was gathered by Faulkner, who slipped it to replacement centre Chris Flanagan to touch down in the corner. Canning added the final points with another excellent conversion.

Full time Garforth 19 - 34 Rishworthians

View Garforth Website

Team
	1. Turner	2. D Morris	3. Edmundson
6. Robinson				7. Rollings
	4. Oxley		5. Brook
		8. Fox
9. G Morris
	10. Canning P,C3
		12. Billing T2
			13. Davidson
11. Atkinson				14. Faulkner T
		15. A Morgan
Subs
	Wild T	Flanagan T	Burgess

Hornsea 0 - 78 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians sign off league campaign with 12 try romp

Match Preview Friday 17th April
Rishworthians plan a seaside trip to celebrate winning Yorkshire Four. While there they will finish off their league campaign with a game against already relegated Hornsea. The Copley men anticipate victory over the seasiders who were thrashed 81 - 3 last weekend by Northallerton, one of only three teams to have won a league game against Rishworthians this season.

While clear favourites, the visitors will be hoping to make a better start than they did last week at Garforth, when it took them more than 45 minutes to get into their stride, although they finished in style. Their squad remains the same, although with a large number of travelling players, they will have several options on the bench.

In an outstanding season, teenage back rower Tom Clough was named as Rishworthians' player of the year. The most improved player was prop Richard Turner. Teenage lock Anthony Oxley was the best newcomer, while Aaron Canning picked up the players' player award. Thoughts have already turned to next season in Yorkshire Three and the club will be looking to recruit to strengthen its squad further as a greater pool of players is likely to be required.

Match report Saturday 18th April Yorkshire 4
It was party time for Rishworthians as they ended their championship-winning season in style at the seaside. The difference between the top and the bottom of the division was so apparent as the visitors turned the game into a rout with eight tries in the second half. Already-relegated Hornsea could not live with the pace and skill of Rishworthians as nine players ran in tries, with Chris Fox bagging a hat trick and Aaron Canning two and seven conversions. The party atmosphere extended to the last two tries, with replacements Bob Collins and Andrew Bull each kicking conversions.The visitors stuttered a little in the first half, but it was clear from the opening minutes the game was a mis-match. They were soon on the scoresheet. From a lineout, the ball went on the line with fullback Joe Billing bursting through. Stand-off Canning backed him up to coast over in the corner.

Rishworthians started to throw the ball around sevens-style and Canning took a short pass from prop Richard Turner to dart over, Canning converting his second try. Next centre Fraser Davidson spotted a gap and powered his way over. Canning converted. The front row of Turner, Simon Edmundson and Martin Brook ensured good possession in the scrums and from one, scrum half Gary Morris darted through to touch down in the corner and complete the first half scoring.

Half time Hornsea 0 - 24 Rishworthians

The 24-point lead was nothing compared to the rout which was to follow. Within minutes of the restart Rishworthians scored. From a scrum, No 8 Tom Clough picked up and burst through to touch down. Canning converted.

Clough went off to be replaced by Bull and Fox moved to No 8. He was soon in the action and from another scrum, Foxpicked up and drove over for his first try. From a penalty, the ball went along the line and left wing Nick Faulkner slipped it inside for supporting flanker Gerard Rollings to score. Canning converted. Fox scored from a scrum with a carbon copy of his first try and Canning added the conversion.

Rishworthians then threw the ball about among the backs, with centre Richard Wild and replacement fullback Anthony Shoesmith prominent, before right wing Lee Atkinson touched down in the corner. More good running by the backs ended with Faulkner cutting inside to score under the posts. Canning converted before handing over the kicking duties. But his work did not stop there. The last two tries came from his fine breaks. He had dictated the match throughout and Hornsea could not live with his pace. For the last two scores, he passed to supporting players. First to flanker Ben Robinson, who touched down. Then to lock Anthony Oxley, who did not get to the line, but slipped the ball for Fox to complete his hat trick.

Full time Hornsea 0 - 78 Rishworthians

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Team
	1. Turner	2. Edmundson	3. Brook
6. Robinson T				7. Rollings T
	4. Oxley		5. Fox T3
		8. Clough T
9. G Morris T
	10. Canning T2,C7
		12. Wild
			13. Davidson T
11. Atkinson T				14. Faulkner T
		15. Billing
Subs
	Shoesmith	Bull C	Collins C