Rishworthians Minis at Moortown & Sandal Festivals

Under 9's win the Moortown Festival

Match reports Sunday 14th October
This Sunday Rishworthians entered the first of 3 Festivals arranged for the season. In a break with past tradition instead of going to the Morley Festival, the under 7's and under 8's went to the Sandal Festival and the under 9's and under 10's to the Moortown Festival.
The highlight of the day belonged to the under 9's who maintained their impressive Festival record by coming away as winners of the Moortown Festival.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's have steadily increased in numbers over the last few weeks with 12 micros training. Neil Lumb on his own this week had his hands full but several parents stepped in to give a helping hand. After a training session the players were split into 2 teams and played a game of tag rugby. They are coming on well and starting to get to grips with the game. Once they reach their 6th birthday and understand the game they can join the under 7's squad and play some competitive games. 


Under 7's The Young Guns
The Young Guns had their first taste of festival rugby in a pool with West Park Leeds, Old Brodleians, Southgate Bulls and Otley. Unfortunately Old Brodleians & Southgate Bulls failed to turn up resulting in each team playing twice against the remaining sides.

Rishworthians started well with a keenly contested 4-4 draw against West Park Leeds. George Sutcliffe and Corey White both bagged a brace of tries apiece and showed some very good running.

Rishworthans then suffered three successive defeats in close games which could have gone either way. Alex Oldroyd scored twice with some strong running in the 4-3 defeat against Otley with Corey White adding the third.
 
Rishworthians faced West Park Leeds again but this time went down 5-3 to a free running West Park Leeds side. Alex Oldroyd bagging another brace and Corey White the third.

Finn Sutcliffe ran in the first try in a very close final game against Otley where Rishworthians were beaten 6-5 with the last play of the game. Corey White scored a hat trick with Kian Sutcliffe rounding off the days scoring.

The Man of the match was voted again by a parent and went to Corey White not only for his seven try haul but for an excellent display of tagging.

Squad : Finn and Kian Sutcliffe, Corey White, Daniel Haigh, Henry Hilton, William Harker, Alex Oldroyd, George Sutcliffe

Game 1 West Park Leeds  4 - 4 Rishworthians
Tries George Sutcliffe 2 Corey White 2

Game 2 Otley 4 - 3 Rishworthians 3
 Tries Alex Oldroyd 2, Corey White

Game 3 West Park Leeds 5 - 3 Rishworthians  
Tries Alex Oldroyd 2, Corey White

Game 4 Otley 6 - 5 Rishworthians
 Tries Finn Sutcliffe, Corey White 3, Kian Sutcliffe

Thanks to Mark Oldroyd for taking charge of the team, to Dave Puddephatt and Simon Bower for refereeing the games and helping organise the day and to all the parents for their support. Finally I would like to thank the players for again showing that Rugby can still be played with a smile on your face no matter what the result. The players were once again a credit to themselves, their parents and the club. Well done!
Grahame White

Under 8?s The Raiders
On Sunday the Rishworthians Under 8?s had a mixed day at the Sandal RUFC Festival winning 2 of the 4 pool games The under 8's were in a strong pool with Sandal Comets, Rotherham, Otley and West Park Leeds.

Game 1 Rishworthians 5 - 4 Sandal Comets
Rishworthians had a score to settle with Sandal who just beat them in the final at Harrogate Festival last year. They were off to a flying start beating a well organised Sandal Comets side 5 ? 4 with tries from Sam Puddephatt (2), William Symms (2) and Callum Bell.

Game 2 Rishworthians 5 - 8 Otley
The festival celebrations were short lived when despite a hat trick from Symms and one each from Bell and Callan Jamieson, the team lost their second match 8 ? 5 to Otley.

Game 3 Rishworthians 5 - 7 West Park Leeds
Further disappointment followed in the next match. Symms, Bell & Jamieson again crossed the try line and new recruit Sam Whitehead also scored a brace of tries. Unfortunately for Rishworthians, momentary lapses in concentration and some inexplicable refereeing decisions combined to allow West Park Leeds to sneak a 7 ? 5 victory.

Game 4 Rishworthians  6 - 5 Rotheham
With qualification for the final now beyond them the squad produced a much improved defensive performance in their last match v Rotherham! The ever reliable Emma Bower came off the bench to show her team mates how to grab ?tags? in an impressive performance which also saw her touch down for a try. Sam Puddephatt added a further 2 tries to his tally for the day, with Callum Bell, Alex Scoley and man of the match Callan Jamieson also getting in on the action with one try each to record a 6 ? 5 victory.


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks

The Old Rishworthian Reds under 9?s appeared as late entrants to the Moortown Festival and, maybe inspired by the England team the previous evening, came away as gold medal winners after a round robin of matches against Bradford and Bingley, Keighley, and hosts Moortown.
With a couple of key players missing for this fixture, the Reds just managed to field a full team, but without any replacements, the youngsters were in for a tiring morning but determined to add Moortown to their festival scalps.

Game 1 Rishworthian Reds  25 - 0 Bradford and Bingley Bees
The Reds made their intentions known, with an opening to the game which saw them score a try from their first phase of possession. Thomas Sweeten going over. From a Rishworthian lineout the ball was given to Will McDonnell who side stepped and swerved his way around 6 Bees players and then showed his electrifying pace to score the Reds second try. A score for the Bees seemed on the cards when a player broke through the Reds defence and headed for the line, but he was taken out by Thomas Sweeten who hit him like an Exocet missile, saving a certain try.
Constant pressure in midfield from Jacob Bower, George Radcliffe and Thomas Cockroft forced the Bees over their own try line where the ball squirmed free and Thomas Sweeten had the presence of mind to fall on the ball to make the score 15-0. Will McDonnell scored his second try after a weaving run along the try line, and then in the next phase he popped up the ball in the tackle for Thomas Cockroft to score an easy try. Final score 25-0.

Game 2 Rishworthian Reds 15 - 5 Keighley
From the kick off Will McDonnell and Thomas Sweeten drove the ball in to tackles and good recycling from Sam Brant, Greg Day and Charlotte Siddall enabled quick ball to Jacob Bower who opened the scoring in the corner. The Reds played strong rugby, particularly in the mauls, George Radcliffe and Thomas Cockroft ripping the ball time after time, but their dominance was unrewarded until the second half. From a set piece, the ball was driven forward in to the tackle by Jacob Bower, backed up by George Radcliffe and Billy Whythe, picked up by Thomas Cockroft, fed to Will McDonnell who made the score 10-0. The Reds made the game safe with yet another ?steal? in the maul by Radcliffe, passing it out to Thomas Sweeten to score. Keighley scored a consolation try but by then the game had been won. 15-5.

Game 3 Rishworthian Reds 10 - 15  Moortown
With results going their way The Reds were guaranteed top place going in to this match. The coaches shouldn?t have told the players because they eased off and the game was very scrappy.
Rishworthians again opened the scoring when Will McDonnell picked up the ball from a ruck and scored his fourth try of the tournament. Poor defensive play from the Reds allowed Moortown to make the score 5-5 at half time.
Quick thinking by Thomas Sweeten at a Moortown lineout brought another try when he intercepted a pass and ran unopposed to score. A good searching run from Sam Brant was met with a crunching tackle from which he had to leave the field nursing an injured shoulder. Later diagnosed as a broken collar bone. Down to eight players, and no replacements, the Reds began to tire. Moortown took advantage, and with a number of dubious decisions going against the Reds, they broke through the Rishworthian defence scoring twice. The Reds tried to get back in to the game but eventually they ran out of time. Final score 15-10 to Moortown

A superb tournament win for The Reds with all the hard work in pre season training, and recent match experience, paying off with the whole squad constantly improving, and playing intelligent rugby, as was evident throughout this Festival. With a few players now finding their niche, this team can only go from strength to strength.
Congratulations and well done to all players?.deserved winners.
Thanks, as always, to all parents for their constant support of the players and coaches.

Team: Thomas Sweeten, George Radcliffe, Billy Whythe, Jacob Bower, Thomas Cockroft, Will McDonnell, Charlotte Siddall, Greg Day, Sam Brant.

Player of the tournament?Will McDonnell, Effort award?.Thomas Cockroft

Dave Mc


Under 10's and 11's
First of all an apology to Kyle Jamieson, I have been calling him Kyle Grierson for the past few weeks.
It was a sadly depleted under 10?s squad who travelled to Leeds for the Moortown festival. When the team was kitted up and ready to play it was found that there were only 5 players. Kyle Jamieson, Matthew Harris, Matthew Walker, Ben Atkinson and Toby Cowell. This lack caused Steve to coerce James Radcliffe out of retirement and after a quick kit swap (without the use of a phone box) James was ready for the fray.

This still left us 3 short and for the first match against Moortown we must thank Cleckheaton for the loan of Alex, Sam and Henry.

Game 1Moortown 6 - 0 Rishworthians
The game started with a strong drive from Moortown, which was thwarted by the defensive skills and some crunching tackling from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Walker backed up by the rest of the team. Unfortunately Moortown kept up this pressure and gained a couple of quick scores.

This did not deter the team and they were soon on the attack from some excellent scrummaging which allowed Matt Walker to feed the ball to James Radcliffe who produced some strong attacking runs straight at the Moortown defensive line, only slowing his momentum when there were at least three players hanging onto him.

This was the scene for the whole game with Moortown producing attacking plays the Rishworthian defence hunting them down with Matt Walker producing some excellent tackling, turning the ball over and using their strength to their advantage and taking the game to the Moortown line. Ben Atkinson was able to utilise his turns of speed to produce some excellent gains in these situations.

Although Moortown eventually ran out 6 - 0 winners the Rishworthian performance was solid in both attack and defence and the Moortown tries came from a couple of unforced errors and some exceptionally quick players.

Game 2 Bradford and Bingley 3 - 0 Rishworthians
By the time the second game started Haydn Corns had arrived and we were able to dispense with the services of one of the Cleckheaton players. After being felled the week before Haydn was eager to get into the fray.

The game was very similar in style to the first with Bradford and Bingley attacks being stopped in their tracks by solid tackling allowing the Rishworthian forwards to pressurise the Bradford and Bingley defence. One such attack allowed Kyle Jamieson to produce one of his now trademark charges; very much in the Jonah Lomu style and produce a 20 metre gain, running through the opposition not around them, always with the rest of the forwards backing him up.

Again the front row of James Radcliffe, Matthew Harris and Kyle Jamieson were excellent in the scrum allowing Matthew Walker to feed the ball out to Haydn Corns, Ben Atkinson or Toby Cowell to produce some excellent attacking rugby.

Unfortunately for Haydn Corns there was a feeling of D??vu as he was again felled by another dubiously high tackle, however this time he was able to continue and was lucky not to be penalised for one of his own plays where he appeared not to attempt to tackle the opposing man, preferring to gently persuade him to take a seat beyond the side line. Toby Cowell produced a fearless performance in this game by tackling much larger players on the run and managing to fell them with apparent ease. It is unfortunate that the game finished with the score line it did

Game 3  Cleckheaton 2 - 2 Rishworthians
The final game saw us borrowing 2 players from Moortown to play Cleckheaton. The game started with the Rishworthian forwards taking the game to the Cleckheaton line and utilising continued pressure to wear down the defence, unfortunately Cleckheaton were able to turn the ball over to produce the first of their tries.

From the restart Cleckheaton pressurised the Rishworthian defence with the entire team producing their by now characteristic tackling, with the bone jarring ferocity that has become their trade mark. Form one of these rucks Toby Cowell was able to produce a 30-metre run only to be thwarted 5 metres from the line. This then enabled Ellis Whelan (one of our Moortown loan players) to run in to produce a try that made the score even at half time.

After the restart Cleckheaton scored very quickly, however there was no let up from the Rishworthian forwards and backs. In this game there was a more flowing feeling with Toby Cowell being allowed to show his pace in another 30 metre run. Eventually Matt Walker was able to feed the ball to Ellis Whelan who scored a second try to even the final score.

Man of the Match Matt Walker: Effort award James Radcliffe.


Overall the team gave a solid performance with all of them producing noteworthy performances.
The front row of James Radcliffe, Matthew Harris and Kyle Jamieson for their tireless scrummaging.
James Radcliffe for his relentless attacking.
Kyle Jamieson for his tireless driving play.
Ben Atkinson for his open running.
Matthew Walker for his ceaseless defensive play.
Toby Cowell for his lion hearted attacking runs.
Matthew Harris for his line out accuracy and mauling.
Haydn Corns for his speed and bone jarring tackling.

Many thanks again to Andy Day and Keith Atkinson for their time in training the squad and I am sure that all who were watching will agree that we have the foundations of a very good side.
 

Cleckheaton Minis v Rishworthians Minis

Rishworthians enjoy success at Cleckheaton

Match reports Sunday 28th October
The minis travelled to Cleckheaton this Sunday and came away with a bag full of wins. Numbers were down with it still being half term especialy at under 9's level which is normally well represented. Thanks to all the players, parents, coaches, volunteers and match reporters who travelled to Cleckheaton.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's have steadily increased in numbers over the last few weeks with 12 micros training. Neil Lumb and Darren Grogan taking the session. After a training session the players were split into 2 teams and played a game of tag rugby. They are coming on well and starting to get to grips with the game. Once they reach their 6th birthday and understand the game they can join the under 7's squad and play some competitive games. 


Under 7's The Young Guns

Game 1 Cleckheaton 5 - 6 Rishworthians
Rishworthians ran out 6-5 winners in a closely fought game. Kian Sutcliffe ran in three excellent tries with Carrick Keighley-Payne adding two and William Harker one. The game highlighted the need for lots more training particularly in getting back onside once a tag has been made.

Game 2 Cleckheaton 2 - 5 Rishworthians
In the second match Rishworthians played much better running out 5-2 winners. George Sutcliffe scored twice with Alex Oldroyd, Corey White and Kian Sutcliffe bagging a try apiece.

Thanks again to Mark Oldroyd for coaching the side.
Man of the match : Kian Sutcliffe for some excellent running in scoring his four tries.
Team Kian Sutcliffe, Finn Sutcliffe, Corey White, Daniel Haigh, George Sutcliffe, Carrick Keighley-Payne, William Harker, Alex Oldroyd.

Grahame White


Under 8?s The Raiders
Rishworthians Triumph against  Cleckheaton

Game 1 Cleckheaton 6 - 7 Rishworthians
Old Rishworthians Under 8's continued their good run of form at the weekend with a 7 - 6 win over Cleckheaton. A good all round team effort helped to improve the defensive line which kept out some strong attacking plays by the opposition. Leading by example, player of the week Emma Bower ensured that everybody worked hard to pinch 'tags' and maintain a flat defensive line. Team passing was also much improved with phases of possession being finished off with some fine individual runs from Sam Puddephatt and Callum Bell, who both scored two tries each. New recruit this season Kallan Jamieson was, as always very keen to support the ball carrier in attack. His efforts were rewarded with a hat trick of tries to secure the victory for the Copley based outfit.


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
A disappointing turnout today from a usually very well represented age group.  Only 6 players turned up at Cleckheaton so we borrowed one of the Cleckheaton boys and played a 7 aside game. 

Game 1 Cleckheaton  1 - 11  Rishworthian Reds
Rishies got off to a cracking start with an interception try in the first phase of play from Thomas Sweeten.  Cleckheaton responded quickly with a try of their own on a rather short and narrow pitch.  Despite a very lenient ref, using no offside rules, allowing forward passes, and not penalising knock-ons, there was no looking back from here on in for the Rishies.  Good tackles from Nathan Cooper and Jacob Bower kept Cleckheaton out and an in-form Jack Davis powered his way over for the second try.  Punishing runs from Thomas Sweeten, Jacob Bower and Jack Davis paved the way for further first half tries from Thomas Sweeten and Jack Davis. 

Half time score Cleckheaton  1 - 4  Rishworthian Reds

The second half started as the first had ended with Rishies in firm control.  Rhino Jack Davis lived up to his name opening the scoring again with another strong run.  A well earned try from Jacob Bower and another from Thomas Sweeten left the result in no doubt, even at this early stage in the game.  The whole team worked well in defence producing solid tackling from all players, often bundling Cleckheaton into touch.  Thomas Sweeten intercepted another pass and raced off for his second interception try of the match, followed closely by his 5th try after good runs by both Charlotte Siddall and Billy Whythe.   Jack Davis and Jacob Bower were excellent at ripping the ball out today and both came out of rucks with possession.  Good tackling was maintained throughout the second half with try-saving tackles from Jacob Bower, Thomas Sweeten and Nathan Cooper.  Jacob Bower scored a great try sneaking his arm through the desperate Cleckheaton tacklers to ground the ball just over the try line.  Nathan Cooper shrugged off several would-be tacklers and weaved his way through to score the last try of the match making the score 11-1.

A fantastic morning's effort by a badly depleted side.  Every player had a good game and were well pleased with the great result.
Squad: Jacob Bower, Nathan Cooper, Jack Davis, Charlotte Siddall, Thomas Sweeten, Billy Whythe.

Julie Cooper

Under 10's
Having just come back from a draw with Cleckheaton at the Moortown festival with a much-depleted 6-man squad, which saw us borrowing 2 Cleckheaton players, there were high hopes when a 13 man squad lined up on Sunday.

The squad consisted of Tom Hammond, Max Dawes, Haydn Corns, Matthew Harris, Matthew Walker, Harvey Keighley-Payne, Ben Atkinson, Janek  Kazmierski, Sam Moore, Thomas Vaughan, James Speechley, Daniel Cooper and Kyle Jamieson.

This left us in a new position where we were able to lend Cleckheaton Daniel Cooper and Janek Kazmierski to make up their numbers.

Game 1 Cleckheaton 4 - 1  Rishworthians
At the kick off the ball was passed along the Rishworthian line to Tom Hammond who produced a piercing run to score a try within 30 seconds much to the delight of the Rishworthian supporters. Unfortunately Cleckheaton made full use of Daniel Coopers strength and Janek Kazmierski speed to run in a very quick equalizer.

At this point ORRUFC rallied from a hard won scrum with our front row of Tom Hammond, Matthew Harris and Kyle Jamieson producing a drive; the force of which could be heard on the side lines: to gain precious ground. This allowed Haydn Corns to feed the ball; using one of his now characteristic arrow straight passes; to Tom Vaughan who was felled only centimetres from the Cleckheaton try line. Cleckheaton then managed to get the ball to Daniel Cooper who ran in the first of his tries for them.

From the restart ORRUFC produced some excellent pressure with Matthew Harris in the centre of a maul managing to hold onto an aggressively contested ball, whilst being driven forward by Tom Hammond, Kyle Grierson and Max Dawes, the ball was then fed to Haydn Corns who sold Cleckheaton a superb dummy, passed the ball to Sam Moore who produced a 20 metre gain only to be felled rather unceremoniously by Daniel Cooper. This allowed Cleckheaton to turn over the ball and run in the third or their tries for this period. ORRUFC produced more sustained pressure from the restart unfortunately a couple of unforced errors allowed our Daniel Cooper to score another try.

It was at this point, just before the end of the first period that it was noticed that not only had we loaned Cleckheaton 2 players but they were playing with 10 men on the field, this oversight was quickly rectified and the whistle blown for the end of the period.

 Game 2 Cleckheaton 2 - 0  Rishworthians
With the numbers now even this period produced a more evenly contested match.
Another accurate throw by Matthew Harris into the lineout allowed Tom Hammond to feed the ball to Matthew Walker who passed to James Speechly who went on to produce a classic 40 metre run which Brian Habana would have been proud of only to be thwarted by a Cleckheaton tackle that lifted him off his feet. The supporting play was excellent, unfortunately the ball was turned over from the ruck allowing Janek Kazmierski to score his second try against us.
From the restart Kyle Jamieson produced one of his signature Jonah Lomu style runs leaving several defending players on the deck, however an uncharacteristic change in direction, which left all including the referee flat footed allowed 3 Cleckheaton players to bulldoze him into touch.
From the line out Cleckheaton used the strengths of their loan players to allow Daniel Cooper to score his 3^rd try.

  Game 3 Cleckheaton 2 - 0  Rishworthians
The start of the third period produced some extremely open rugby from both sides, this allowed Ben Atkinson to use his speed to gain good ground, but again the try line eluded ORRUFC. This allowed another Cleckheaton breakout however Harvey Keighley-Payne was not to be beaten and felled the attacker with such force that the Cleckheaton player was left ?winded? and Harvey was left nursing a leg injury, for which he refused treatment and played on.
The next Cleckheaton attack allowed Haydn Corns to use another of his signature moves and dump the attacker into touch.
From another ORRUFC won lineout thanks again to the accuracy of Matthew Harris and the jumping ability of Tom Hammond, Matthew Walker, Max Dawes and Ben Atkinson produced some excellent and piercing runs, backed up by Tom Vaughan, Sam Moore and James Speechly. Unfortunately some excellent Cleckheaton defence allowed a couple of turnovers producing 2 more tries.

The Man Of the Match was awarded to Sam Moore and the effort award to Tom Hammond.
Also well done Daniel Cooper and Janek Kazmierski who played for Cleckheaton and between them scored 5 of the eight tries. (I am sure we will not be lending them to the opposition again)

Although this was a losing performance the squad have improved since the beginning of the season thanks to the tireless efforts of the coaches Keith Atkinson and Andy Day. The whole team gave 100% and produced some strong performances:-

The Front Row :- Kyle Jamieson, Matthew Harris and Tom Hammond scrimmaged with ferocity.
Haydn Corns:- Passing accuracy and relentless tackling.
Matthew Harris:- Accuracy in Line outs and ferocious mauling
Tom Hammond:- Line out wins and superb work rate.
Kyle Jamieson:- Direct and aggressive approach to gaining distance and fearless mauling.
Matthew Walker :- Open running style and fearless tackling.
Sam Moore :- Fearless tackling and tireless mauling.
Tom Vaughan:-  Excellent supporting play, tireless running and fearless tackling.
Max Dawes :-  Support in rucks and mauls, tireless running.
Ben Atkinson :- Fantastic turns of pace and ability to change direction.
James Speechly :- Relentless running down of opposition, fearless tackling.
Harvey Keighley-Payne :-  Ruthless tackling, tireless support and commitment.
Dan Cooper :- Ferocious work rate, ability to read plays and control pace of game.
Janek Kazmierski:-  Unrelenting tackling and piercing running.

Andrew Harris

Rishworthians Minis v Baildon & Littleborough

Copley buzzing as Rishworthians host a 3 way tournament

Match reports Sunday 11th November
Copley was buzzing this morning as Rishworthians hosted their first 3 way tournament of the season with well over 100 players enjoying a mornings mini rugby. Thanks to all the players, parents, coaches, volunteers and match reporters who made it a successful morning.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's numbers keep on growing with 16 micros training. Neal Lumb and Darren Grogan taking the session. After a training session the players were split into 2 teams and played a game of tag rugby. They are coming on well and starting to get to grips with the game. Once they reach their 6th birthday and understand the game they can join the under 7's squad and play some competitive games. Jack Mallinson has now reached his 6th birthday and made his first competitive debut with the under 7's and came away with the man of the match. Well done Jack.


Under 7's The Young Guns
Littleborough had no under 7's squad but brought over a mixed squad of under 7's and 8's to play in the 3 way with ourselves and Baildon. The under 7's putting in a good performance against the older Littleborough squad.
 
Game 1 Rishworthians 3 - 5 Littleborough
After observing two minutes silence Rishworthians kicked off the first match against Littleborough. Rishworthians took an early 2-0 lead through tries from Carrick Keighley-Payne and Corey White. Rishworthians then gave away a lot of ball and went behind 3-2 before Kian Sutcliffe levelled the scores at 3-3. Rishworthians continued to make some basic errors allowing Littleborough to score two further tries and run out 5-3 winners.

Littleborough then beat Baildon by the same score.

Game 1 Rishworthians 7 - 3 Baildon
In the final game Rishworthians tightened up their game and after a tight start with the scores level at 2-2 Rishworthians then scored 5 tries on the bounce to lead 7-2. Baildon did get a late consolation try to end up losers by 7-3. Alex Oldroyd bagged a couple of tries, Corey White and Kian Sutcliffe scored one a piece, leaving man of the match and newcomer to the under 7?s, Jack Mallinson, to score a hat trick on his competitive debut.

Thanks again to Mark Oldroyd for taking charge of the team on the pitch. Once again rugby was the winner with all three teams playing the games in an excellent spirit, the most important factor being enjoyment.

Squad :Carrick Keighley-Payne, Daniel Haigh, Kian Sutcliffe, Finn Sutcliffe, Corey White, William Harker, Henry Hilton, Jack Mallinson, Alex Oldroyd

Man of match Jack Mallinson having reached his 6th birthday, joined the under 7's from the micros squad and ran in a hat trick his competitive debut.

Grahame White


Under 8?s The Raiders
Old Rishworthian?s Under 8?s hosted Baildon on Sunday morning. The teams fought out two closely contested games after Littleborough failed to raise an Under 8 side in the scheduled triangular fixture.

Game 1 Rishworthians  7 - 8  Baildon
The first game saw Rishworth Raiders storm into 4 ? 2 lead at half time with some outstanding team defence and tries from William Symms, Ben Riley and two from Kallan Jamieson. A strong fight back from Baildon though saw them score 6 second half tries. Rishworth added 3 more scores through James McHugh, Symms and Jamieson, although the home team couldn?t quite match the Baildon tally, eventually losing 8 ? 7.

Game 2 Rishworthians  9 - 7  Baildon

The second game however was a different story. Another superb first half performance saw the impressive Symms cross the whitewash no less than 3 times. James ?snake hips? Senneck weaved his way through the Baildon defence for an outstanding individual try and Alex Scoley also bagged a try to give the home side a comfortable 5 ? 3 lead at the break. The foot wasn?t taken off the gas in the second half with two tries for birthday boy Sam Puddephatt and a further 2 scores for the impressive Will Symms. This took his individual tally to 5 tries and also secured a man of the match award, along with the superb all round display from Kallan Jamieson. The Old Rishworthian ?Raiders? eventually ran out 9 ? 7 winners and now look forward to an away fixture against Wharfedale next weekend.

Dave Puddephatt

Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
Initial disappointment that neither Baildon nor Littleborough could field an U9 side turned to joy as Rishies produced another excellent mornings rugby turning over both clubs? U10 teams with strong team performances.

Game 1  Rishworthian Reds  10 - 5 Baildon

Jack Davis gave Baildon an early taste of the sprit of the Rishies? determination with driving tackles right from the off and it was not long before the ball was moved to debutant Thomas Creasy, whose weaving run took him clean through the Baildon defence to put Rishies 5-0 ahead.  It was not long before Jacob Bower too worked his way down the wing, cleverly stepping back inside at the corner to put Rishies 10 points clear.  Oh that Mark Cueto had shown such balance last month!.

Both sides kept up the tackling, but neither managed to drive over the ball in the ruck, prompting coach Steve Cockroft to use the half time break to urge Rishies to show the skills they had practised earlier in training.  Certainly the team listened to his advice and, as the match moved on, Rishies began to clear out the rucks and secure good possession. The team showed Baildon and their excited supporters on the touch line that they did not fear their older opponents.  Thomas Sweeten showed speed in defence, catching Baildon with the ball and forcing a knock on.  Jacob Bower too was in his element, tackling fiercely but fairly with Thomas Cockroft amongst those in the team who kept a solid maroon line.  Only a lightening break up the touch line by Lee right at the close gave Baildon a score.

Scorers: Thomas Creasy, Jacob Bower
Man of the match: Jack Davis

Game 2  Rishworthian Reds  20 - 15 Littleborough

Perhaps it was as well Rishies had picked up confidence against Baildon, as the Littleborough squad had a clear size advantage over Rishies.  Again, Rishies wasted no time in showing that this would be no pushover for the visitors, George Radcliffe this time having the honour of driving in the first tackle.  Jack Davis too was in no mood to be bossed by the bigger team, with a trademark 30 yard drive.  Jacob Bower fed William McDonnell who sprinted to the corner to open the scoring.

As we had seen in the earlier match, Littleborough were given no space to attack, with Thomas Sweeten racing in to close them down.  Littleborough tried to work the ball wide, only to find Nathan Cooper ready to drive them into touch.  Now it was Thomas Sweeten?s chance to show how to attack with a carving run over 20 yards to put Rishies 10-0 up. 

Rishies seemed to have found a groove, solid tackling from the whole team frustrating Littleborough, then showing speed and determination with the ball.  It wasn?t until the first half was almost over that Littleborough made a clean break, closing the gap to 5 points.  Moments later, Jacob Bower took the restart pass.  Breaking an early tackle, he leapt back to his feet and cantered home to put the score 15-5.  Jacob then kept his head and his try saving tackle kept the 10 point margin into the break.  Little did we now at the time how crucial that tackle would be in giving Rishies two clear wins this fine morning.

Rishies were uncharacteristically nervous at the start of the second half.  There was neat passing around the team but little forward momentum until Jack Davis took the ball and started pumping his legs.  Held up just short of the line, the ball was worked right to William McDonnell who would never be caught as he cleared the line for his second try of the match.  Clearly still full of energy, it was immediately William?s turn to show speed in defence, denying Littleborough in the corner.  Thomas Dalziel and George Radcliffe then worked well to find space and make valuable ground. 

Resilience from Littleborough though brought them a score through the middle, with an interception over the line in the dying seconds closing the score to 20-15. 

Scorers: William McDonnell (2), Thomas Sweeten, Jacob Bower
Man of the match: Jacob Bower

Squad: Charlotte Siddall, Jack Davis, Nathan Cooper, Thomas Sweeten, Thomas Cockroft, Thomas Creasy, Thomas Dalziel, Dan, Lewis Hilton, Gregory Day, Jacob Bower, William McDonnell, George Radcliffe.

Hugh Creasy

Under 10's
The 11^th November 2007 saw the under 10?s competing in a three way fixture with Baildon and Littleborough at Copley. Firstly the Coaches, Players and Parents would like to send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to Max Dawes who has broken his leg in a riding accident.

The squad:  Matthew Harris, Matthew Walker, Sam Moore, Toby Cowell, James Stott, Dan Cooper, Kyle Jamieson, Dylan Wannan, Alex Ratcliffe, Harry Robinson.

To describe the atmosphere as electric would be an understatement when our under 10?s lined up for a 3 way fixture with Littleborough and Baildon on Sunday. After a warm up, some exceptionally slick practice moves and words of encouragement from coaches and parents the squad faced Littleborough for the first fixture.

Game 1  Rishworthian 5 - 25  Littleborough 
This match was always going to be an epic encounter with old trans Pennine rivalries and some personal scores to settle. Unfortunately Dan Cooper was sidelined for this match as it was to be a strictly under 10?s fixture.

From the whistle Rishworthians attacked hard in what has become characteristic of their playing style, with Alex Ratcliffe, Kyle Jamieson and James Stott gaining exceptional ground and driving the play deep into the Littleborough half. These attacks were thwarted metres from the line and the lost possessions from the resulting rucks allowed Littleborough to run in a couple of quick tries. Rishworthians were not downhearted with incredible amounts of vocal support coming from the sidelines. In fact for some players the support was so great it appears that they have their own fan clubs.

As usual the lineouts were excellent with Matthew Harris? accuracy being second to none, from one such lineout Dylan Wannan was able to feed the ball to Alex Ratcliffe who produced a full pitch run which was stopped centimetres from the line by what appeared to be the entire Littleborough team. The resulting supporting drive by the Rishworthians forwards and subsequent going to ground left the crowd wondering whether a try had been scored and if so who had scored it. Upon peeling layers of Littleborough players from the m?? Alex Ratcliffe was awarded the try, however Kyle Jamieson and James Stott also had hands on the ball. From the restart Littleborough produced an impressive drive, which was thwarted on two occasions by the ferociously agile tackling of the Lion Hearted Toby Cowell. Unfortunately the Littleborough onslaught overwhelmed our defence and they finished the half leading 15 to 5.

Half Time  Rishworthian 5 - 15  Littleborough

From the start the forwards continued with their pressure and immense work rate. The scrummaging was ferocious in its nature with Kyle Jamieson, Matthew Harris and Alex Radcliffe unleashing a drive on the call to ?engage?, the impact of which could be heard on the sidelines, that gained exceptional ground and allowed Dylan Wanan to feed the ball to Sam Moore, Matthew Walker and Harry Robinson who in a text-book display of open rugby ran the ball almost the full length of the field only being stopped by some solid Littleborough defensive play. Unluckily against this relentless ORRUFC pressure Littleborough capitalised on a couple of loose balls to eventually run in 25-5 winners.

 Game 2  Rishworthian 15 - 30  Baildon
The next game was a mixed team and saw the welcome return of Dan Cooper to the fray.

As with the Previous match the Rishworthians pressure on the opposition was colossal, with our front row of Kyle Jamieson, Matthew Harris and Dan Cooper winning a play that allowed Dylan Wanan to feed the ball to Toby Cowell who sprinted 30 metres, dodging tackles before passing to Harry Robinson who drove into the Baildon defence before going to ground. The ensuing ruck Dan Cooper to demonstrate what the spectators christened ?The Cooper Swoop? where he drives over the ruck with arms outstretched clearing 2 or 3 defenders as he goes. This allowed Matthew Walker to scoop up the ball, offload it to Sam Moore who sprinted for the line before producing a pass of the highest quality to James Stott who was able to ground the ball over the try line to Give Rishworthians the lead.

From the restart Baildon produced an exceptionally quick drive, which despite the defensive tackling of Toby Cowell, Matthew Walker and Harry Robinson produced an equalizing try. The match continued with both sides gaining ground and both sides being thwarted. Unfortunately a couple of unforced Rishworthians errors allowed Baildon to end the half  leading 15-5.

Half Time  Rishworthian 5 - 15  Baildon

At the start of the second half Keith Atkinson mentioned that the Baildon Coach had complained that Dan Cooper had been a little bit rough with one of their players, it should be pointed out that rugby is a contact sport and the old dictum ?Volenti non fit injuria? springs to mind. Another arrow straight lineout throw by Matthew Harris deep in the Rishworthians allowed Dan Cooper to drive forward before passing to Matthew Walker who rather than running for touch himself spotted that Dylan Wannan was in a better position so fed the ball out to him allowing Dylan to produce an almost full pitch run carving the Baildon defence like the proverbial hot knife through butter for the second Rishworthians try.

From the restart a quick Baildon drive cut the Rishworthians line and even some monumental tackling by Toby Cowell, Harry Robinson and Matthew Walker couldn?t stop them driving over the line for a 2 score lead. Rishworthians retaliated with another session of relentless driving with James Stott, Sam Moore and Harry Robinson gaining good ground allowing Dan Cooper to score leaving Rishworthians 1 try down.

Alas Rishworthians could not sustain the pressure and coming to the end of 2 bruising encounters they unfortunately had become battle weary and the fresher Baildon squad ran in 2 quick tries to win the game 30-15.

Game 3  Rishworthian 5 - 25  Littleborough 
Having thought that their monumental efforts were over it was announced that the Littleborough under 11?s/12?s had not had a game. It was decided to play a 20-minute match, which was to be refereed by a professional player who was rumoured to be a Fijian international. By this time all the other matches were coming to a close and our squad were left to play on an almost deserted field.  You could almost hear the long forgotten heroes whispering, ?Play up, Play up and play the Game?

The game started with an impressive Rishworthians drive with Alex Radcliffe and Dan Cooper producing good gains, however the fresher and bigger Littleborough team produced 2 exceptionally quick tries and although Toby Cowell, Matthew Walker and Dylan Wanan were tackling much older (in some cases 3 years) players with their usual fearless manner the difference in size was just too much of a mountain for our defensive stalwarts to climb.

With all the support from the sidelines Rishworthians were not going to give up and from the restart an inspiring Dan Cooper drive backed up by Alex Radcliffe, Kyle Jamieson, Matthew Harris and Toby Cowell saw a blatant attempted haymaker punch land squarely on Kyle Jamieson?s chin this he shrugged off with contempt, unfortunately this was not seen by the referee. The ensuing Littleborough drive produced another score.

At the restart Rishworthians rallied and a quickly fed ball to Kyle Jamieson allowed him to charge the line. At this point the whole team backed him up producing a driving maul that allowed him to ground the ball under a sea of black, yellow and green, finally allowing him to lay some of his ghosts to rest. The restart allowed Littleborough to gain ground from a big drive, however this was thwarted by our fearless defence who were able to feed the ball to Alex Radcliffe who ran the full length of the pitch only to be thwarted in his efforts by a wall of Littleborough players.

Half Time  Rishworthian 5 - 15  Littleborough

The second half was brutal in its nature with Rishworthians attacks being blocked with bone crunching tackles and in return the Littleborough attacks were met with the proverbial immovable object. Unfortunately the days efforts had left the Rishworthians squad fatigued and another pair of  Littleborough tries left them 25-5 winners.

The Man Of the Match was awarded to Alex Ratcliffe. The effort award went to James Stott on his debut

Although this was a losing performance the squad have improved immeasurably since the beginning of the season thanks to the tireless efforts of the coaches Keith Atkinson and Andy Day. Thanks also to the support of the parents who?s encouragement from the sidelines only serves to rally the players into greater efforts. The whole team gave 100% and produced some strong and valiant performances. It is only a matter of time before their efforts and those of the coaches are rewarded.

Andrew Harris

Wharfedale Minis v Rishworthians Minis

Rishworthians impress at Wharfedale

Match reports Sunday 18th November
Rishworthians minis made the long journey to Wharfedale for the first meeting between the 2 clubs at mini level and as we have always found at senior and junior level to enjoy a good level of rugby played in the right spirit of the game. After the games the parents players and coaches enjoyed the friendly hospitality from their hosts in their impressive surroundings.
There are those who claim Grenoble as the finest setting for a rugby match, dominated by the majestic scenery of the Alps.  You would certainly have to go far to find a more attractive venue than Threshfield home of "The Green Machine", surrounded itself on this wintry Sunday by snow dusted peaks.  It is always a challenge on days such as these for cold hands to grip on a slippery ball.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's have steadily increased in numbers over the last few weeks with 14 micros training including another new recruit. Neil Lumb was unavaiable so Darren Grogan lead the session with Guy Laurie and Warren Doyle helping Darren. The squad enjoyed the session despite the cold damp conditions. Once they reach their 6th birthday and understand the game they can join the under 7's squad and play some competitive games. 


Under 7's The Young Guns
With Wharfedale having enough players for two sides a game of four quarters was played with Wharfedale interchanging their two sides, thus leaving some hard work for the Young Guns.

Final Score Wharfedale 10 - 11 Rishworthians

1st Quarter  Wharfedale 2 - 2  Rishworthians
Rishworthians gave away possession too easily  and in a game that they probably should have won they ended up drawing 2-2 with tries from Kian Sutcliffe and George Sutcliffe (no relation).

2nd Quarter  Wharfedale 2 - 2  Rishworthians
With a much tighter performance Rishworthians played some good open rugby to again draw 2-2 with tries from George Sutcliffe and Corey White.

3rd Quarter  Wharfedale 3 - 4  Rishworthians
In the best passage of play both sides produced some great open rugby with fine individual runs by players from both sides. Rishworthians finally edged home winners 4-3 with tries from William Harker, Corey White, Kian Sutcliffe and Jack Mallinson. A great all round performance.

3rd Quarter  Wharfedale 3 - 3  Rishworthians
Wharfedale took an early 2-0 lead before Carrick Keighley-Payne pulled one back for Rishworthians. Wharfedale scored again to lead 3-1 and the Young Guns looked dead and buried before Corey White scored two great solo tries to even the scores at 3-3.

George Sutcliffe then seemingly took on Wharfedale single handed with an amazing sequence of tagging which earned him the man of the match award. 

Squad ; Jack Mallinson, Kian and Finn Sutcliffe, George Sutcliffe, William Harker, Henry Hilton, Carrick Keighley-Payne, Corey White

Thanks to all the parents again for getting the players to the match on time and for their support throughout the morning. Once again it was a great morning out with the hosts providing sporting opposition who played the game for enjoyment. Definitely a fixture to keep on the list in future years.

Grahame White

 
Under 8?s The Raiders
Firstly thanks to Steve Cockroft who stepped in to coach the side in the absence of Dave Puddephatt.
Although there are no detailed match reports by all accounts the two games were very evenly contested and both sides enjoyed themselves playing some good open rugby.

Game 1 Wharfedale 10 - 9 Rishworthians
In the first game Rishworthians managed to edge into and 8-6 lead but let in some late tries to finally run out 10-9 losers.

Game 1 Wharfedale 8 - 8 Rishworthians
The second game proved a closer affair and ended up with honours even at 8-8.


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
The Reds picked up exactly where they left off the previous week.  A fine display of forward play coupled with deft teamwork to find space to run and bring two victories for Rishies in this double header against Wharfedale.

Game 1 Wharfedale  0 - 30  Rishworthian Reds
Wharfedale started the game with neat passing, but ran into what is becoming an impressive "Reds" defensive wall.  Jacob Bower spotted the opportunity to rip the ball clear and darted down the touchline to establish an early lead.  Moments later and Rishies had again trapped Wharfedale with the ball.  This time George Radcliffe, who had a fine day?s rugby, ripped the ball clear to find Thomas Creasy.  Good teamwork brought Thomas Sweeten into play and his cross field charge gave The Reds a 10 point lead.

It is always a credit to a side on a cold day like this when they can lift their heads at two tries down in the first few minutes.  Certainly, Wharfedale were not going to let this one go easily and attacked Rishies fiercely from the restart.  It took a driving tackle for Jack Davis to put Wharfedale into touch just 5 yards from the Rishies? line.  Thomas Cockroft showed a clear head, throwing the ball in carefully given the tricky windy conditions.  Thomas Creasy at scrum half took a clean ball and must have been reassured at the sight of Jack Davis waiting at standoff.  It wasn?t that "Rhino" Jack scored from here, that in doing so he must have covered the entire length of the pitch nor that he did so with half the Wharfedale team clinging on to him.  It was that Jack drifted neither right nor left, he just powered his way from one line to the other with no deviation - or for that matter hesitation.

Wharfedale showed their first signs of weariness from the restart, harried by one Rishies player after another in a terrific display of teamwork.  Thomas Sweeten found a chance, only to be hauled down yards from the line.  Lewis Hilton then reaped the reward of a player who keeps supporting the player with the ball, collecting from Thomas and deftly sidestepping one way then the other until a chink opened and over the line he went to put the score at 20-0 at half time.

Half time score Wharfedale 0 - 20  Rishworthian Reds

From the restart Jacob Bower made good ground up the middle before finding Jack Davis who showed that he can score in the corner too and Rishies were 25 clear.  Wharfedale, tough, showed that they will never lie down and put in perhaps their most ferocious period of the morning.  Archie showed both teams how to tackle round the legs and Wharfedale started to build momentum, driving Rishies off the ball at rucks and securing good possession.  They were unfortunate not to break the Rishies? line and it was the turn of a Rishies player, Thomas Sweeten again, who closed off the game with an arcing run, timing his sidestep sweetly and crossing for Rishies? sixth try.

Scorers: Jacob Bower, Thomas Sweeten (2), Jack Davis (2), Lewis Hilton

Game 2 Wharfedale  10 - 30  Rishworthian Reds
Both sides seemed to have settled into a pattern as we began this second leg of the morning.  George Radcliffe opened the scoring for Rishies, from Thomas Creasy?s opening break of the match.  Thomas Creasy then found his own chance, sprinting down the wing to go over unopposed.  Jacob Bower was never going to miss out on a good thing and took the same route.  Wharfedale made good ground to block him from the corner, but a bad case of white-line-itis had struck Jacob and nothing was going to stop him.  Jack Davis too had clearly been struck down with the bug as he powered over for his third of the morning and Rishies were 20 ? 0 up by half time.

Half time score Wharfedale 0 - 20  Rishworthian Reds

Wharfedale took their chances in the final half of the morning, making good use of open space and outsprinting the Rishies? defence to register their first score.  Charlotte Siddall, in return, was firing on all cylinders and looked as if she might make the line direct.  Tackled short, she presented the ball well for her supporters and Will McDonnell was never going to be caught as he sped over.  It?s a curious thing, but Rishies always turn out their best tackling immediately after they have scored and Will was no exception, making good round straight after his own try to prevent Wharfedale touching down in the opposite corner. Nevertheless, strong Wharfedale pressure caught Rishies over their own line and, after frantic attempts to clear the line, Wharfedale pounced on a loose ball to score.

Throughout the morning, Nathan Cooper had been an ever present thorn in the Wharfedale side and his resilient tackling just would not stop.  Seldom do you see such energy, one second tackling, the next back on his feet to bring down the next player.  Only desperate defence from Wharfedale prevented Nathan from crossing the line himself.  Strong support from Gregory Day, Charlotte Siddall and Dan Byrnes kept the move alive in a way that characterised the spirit of the whole Rishies squad.

It was perhaps just that the last move was left to Rishies.  Charlotte Siddall seemed to have saved herself for the final quarter as again she fizzed her way deep into Wharfedale territory, forcing a penalty from the home side.  Working the ball quickly away to Jacob Bower, Rishies scored the final points, bringing this second match to 30-10.

Scorers: Thomas Sweeten, Thomas Creasy, Jacob Bower (2), Jack Davis, William Mc Donnell

These were fine team performances and it was no surprise to see so many smiling faces in the clubhouse afterwards.  There can be no finer tribute, though, than to be complimented by the team you have played.  The previous week, Baildon and Littleborough coaches and parents had been hugely impressed by the quality of the Rishies U9 team.  This time it was Wharfedale coaches who commented on the way Rishies played as a team and tackled with determination.  The best traditions of rugby are made by teams who create ? and give - respect amongst those they meet.  Old Rishworthians U9s can be proud of themselves.

The Squad: Charlotte Siddall, Jack Davis, Nathan Cooper, Thomas Sweeten, Thomas Cockroft, Thomas Creasy, Dan Byrnes, Lewis Hilton, Gregory Day, Jacob Bower, William McDonnell, George Radcliffe

The man of the match went to Nathan Cooper and the  Effort award to George Radcliffe

Hugh Creasy

Under 10's
 

Game 1 Cleckheaton 4 - 1  Rishworthians
 

Rishworthians Minis v Skipton Minis

Rishworthians & Skipton produce some excellent rugby
Under 9's topple cup winners

Match reports Sunday 25th November
What an advert for mini rugby, Copley was a hive of activity this morning with Rishworthians hosting Skipton. The visitors brought a large squad of players to create a very busy mornings rugby. Despite the cool weather there was another bumper attendance with over 100 players enjoying a great mornings rugby and the clubhouse was packed afterwards with with parents & players enjoying a good social atmosphere. Skipton minis are a well organised club and play a good standard of mini rugby but Rishworthians in only their 3rd season were a good competitive match for Skipton and both clubs came away with victories with the players enjoying the thrills and spills on the morning.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's have steadily increased in numbers over the last few weeks with 19 micros training. Neal Lumb and Darren Grogan lead the session with new coaches Warren Doyle and Guy Laurie helping to run the session. The players are enjoying the sessions and numbers are still good despite the cool weather.


Under 7's The Young Guns
Skipton arrived with a large squad enough to put out two sides so Rishworthians played a game against each side.

Game 1 Rishworthians 5 Skipton 6
 In a close game Rishworth were just edged out by a single score. Both sides produced some strong running rugby with some fine individual tries. Corey White ran in three tries with Kian Sutcliffe and George Sutcliffe scoring one apiece.

 Game 2 Rishworthians 9 Skipton 7
 This was another close run contest with some excellent performances from several of the Rishworth players. Both George Sutcliffe and Corey White showed great speed and skill to score a hat-trick each. Kian Sutcliffe ran in two fine tries with Jack Mallinson sneaking over from 30cm out to finish off the morning?s scoring.

 It was a great team effort all round and the newcomers to the club this season are more settled now and playing much improved rugby.

 Squad: Carrick Keighley-Payne, Kian and Finn Sutcliffe, Jack Mallinson, Daniel Haigh, Henry Hilton, Corey White, George Sutcliffe

Man of match: Corey White (chosen by George?s dad).

Grahame White


Under 8?s The Raiders
This Sunday saw Old Rishworthian ?Raiders? Under 8?s hosting a visit from a strong Skipton squad. A good squad turnout was rewarded with plenty of youngsters getting on the scoresheet.

Game 1 Rishworthian Raiders  7 - 5 Skipton
Kallan Jamieson opened the scoring for the home team, with James Senneck, Will Symms and Callum Bell also crossing the line before half time.
With the score at 4 ? 3 going into the second half the Raiders tightened their defensive line and added scores through Sam Puddephatt, James McHugh and a second try for Kallan Jamieson. Skipton were always struggling to come to terms with the off-side law although did manage to sneek 2 late tries to make the final score line Rishworthian Raiders 7 ? 5 Skipton.

Game 2 Rishworthian Raiders 5 - 4  Skipton
Both teams then lined up for a second game. Skipton tried desperately to stifle the free flowing running rugby which has characterised the Raiders play all season. However, with 2 tries from Will  Symms and a man of the match performance from Callum Bell who bagged a well deserved hat trick, the Raiders proved too strong once more to finish 5 ? 4 winners.

Dave Puddephatt


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
The last two weekends have shown the Reds building in confidence and this proved valuable today as they faced the toughest physical challenge many will have experienced in their rugby careers.  During the prematch build up, the silence of this tranquil corner of Calderdale was split by the crack of shots.  Perhaps an omen for the fireworks we were about to witness. Skipton "also known as the Reds" are a well established mini group and came with a big squad enough for 2 sides. Skipton were Yorkshire cup winners at Wharfedale earlier this month beating Bradford & Bingley 30 - 0, Huddersfield 10 -5 North Rib 25 - 0 &  a draw 5 - 5 with Brods to put them in the final and beat Ilkley 5 - 0. Rishworthians unable to go to Wharfedale were keen to topple the cup holders in this mouth watering clash of the "Reds".

Game 1 Old Rishworthians 35- 0  Skipton
Hard and furious as the tackling was in this clash between two rival claimants to the title ?Reds?, this day was not won by sheer brute force.  No, the day can be marked down for something much more striking ? the sight of real team rugby and the try scoring opportunities this can create.

Skipton may have been well organised, from the individually numbered shirts through to their well spread defensive lines, but when you have players moving at speed, timing passes to perfection and running clean lines, there is little that can be done.  This pure rugby was exemplified towards the end of the first match, Thomas Cockroft taking the ball a little inside his own half.  Good following up had given Thomas the opportunity to keep the momentum up and make good yards into the visitors? territory.  Drifting left he drew three defenders and timed a floating pass perfectly to Thomas Sweeten, steaming up the touchline at full tilt and claiming 5 points.

The match had started with bemused delight for the supporting fans, as Jack Davis collected the opening pass and headed directly for the Skipton line.  Nearly hauled down with yards to go, he summoned one last surge and crossed the line.  Just 10 seconds gone and five nil up. Any doubts over the famed Skipton reputation for robust defence were soon dispelled, Charlotte Siddall taking a knock shortly after the restart and bringing Thomas Cockroft onto the pitch.  A clean pick up from Nathan Cooper to steal the ball gave Thomas Creasy the opportunity to work well with Thomas Sweeten and regain territory.  Dan Byrnes was unlucky not to make it at the corner, having positioned himself well for his darting run.  Rishies are always dangerous on their own lineout so close to the opposition line and Will McDonnell showed why as he jinked his way over to put the Reds 10-0 ahead.

The match now began to take a familiar path.  Skipton restarted to find no way through and were bundled into touch by Thomas Sweeten.  Once they had turned the ball over, Rishies steadily made their way forward in a succession of rapid bursts.  Each move took them forward and built a position to score.  This time it was Thomas Creasy who spotted an opportunity from the lineout close to his own goal line and nearly reached half way.  Continued pressure, with excellent driving mauls brought Rishies up to the Skipton line and it was Thomas Creasy again to round off the move and collect a try at short range.

Skipton had a brief chance with the ball in hand but met Nathan Cooper, a player who never compromises with his tackles.  If you ever need to see how the tackle can be used as an offensive measure ? making your opponent think twice before he tries to run at you again ? you should visit Copley.  Seeing Nathan square up for a head on tackle is a joy to behold.  Provided you are on his side of course!.

The Reds were packed full of enthusiasm, Thomas Sweeten equally eager to chase up and hound Skipton as he was to run with the ball.  Thomas Cockroft time and again collected the ball from the breakdown and made it available for his team mates.  It was Thomas who secured the ball for his namesake, Thomas Creasy, this time having a chance to show his trademark weaving run and making his way over for his second of the morning. Despite being 20-0 down, Skipton were unbowed and began stretching their legs.  A score looked imminent, but William McDonnell was standing guard and no one was going to get by.  He may not be as confrontational as Nathan Cooper but William is just as sure, seeming to lure his opponent closer until he pounces and drives him off into touch.

Heading into half time, Skipton surely deserved to score some points, but the Reds managed to hold them out.  Defending a scrum virtually on their own line, Rishies held Skipton out.  Jack Davis could be seen licking his lips as he ripped the ball clear and saw 30 yards ahead of him, just two Skipton jerseys.  Whether it was his speed or reluctance on the defenders? part to catch up with him we will never know.  As it was, Jack Davis rounded off the first half as he had begun and Rishies were 25-0 ahead.

Half time Old Rishworthians 25 - 0 Skipton

Into the second half and Thomas Creasy showed good speed until he was caught by a high challenge.  William McDonnell had plenty of work to do, but his pace helped send him over for his second try. Skipton gradually built up pressure, the whole team being called on to keep the clean scoresheet.  As it was, Thomas Cockroft made his break for that excellent Thomas Sweeten try and the game finished on the high point by a very healthy margin.


Game 2 Old Risworthians 15 - 10 Skipton
The pace may have slowed a little for the second game, but Skipton had arrived with a large squad and they had fresh legs to bring on.  In contrast, the Reds were nursing injuries and this gave little chance for rest as they only had two substitutes.  The tackles kept coming in thick and hard and it is a tribute that Rishies held right out as worthy winners. It is easy for a team to be distracted by a tough physical challenge such as this and there were plenty of chances for the Reds to be tempted into confronting their opponents off the ball.  However, there is a great maturity about this team and not once did a Rishies? player waste time or energy niggling at his opposite number.  This was a rugby match and that is how the Reds played.

It was Thomas Cockroft?s strong rucking that built the move for Rishies? first score.  Thomas Sweeten was nearly through but Jack Davis? cold hands let him down and the ball was spilled.  Excellent pressure followed and the ball rolled loose for Thomas Cockroft to make a fine pick up and score a well earned try.  Skipton finally broke through the tiring Rishies defence and the crowd were nervous as the score reached 5-5. The Reds are becoming ever more able at their passing game and it was a lovely sequence which gave William McDonnell the chance to make good ground.  Great support work from Jacob Bower gave him his chance up the left touchline and Rishies were back in front as the first half closed.

Half time Old Rishworthians 10 - 5 Skipton

Jack Davis? barnstorming run from the restart just could not be stopped ? it could hardly have been a surprise move! ? and it looked as if Rishies might be comfortable.  Far from it.  Skipton simply piled on the pressure.  Thanks to great defence from Lewis Hilton, Gregory Day and Thomas Sweeten, Rishies kept their 10 point buffer.  Charlotte Siddall kept making valuable yards from close to her own line and William McDonnell darted his way forward time and again.  Jacob Bower managed to get in his try saving tackle, although a penalty was handed to Skipton.  Thomas Sweeten followed up with his own try saving tackle, but eventually the ball was knocked loose and Skipton seized the opportunity to close the gap to 15-10.

Five nervous minutes followed, but Rishies showed great determination in holding out and emerged unbeaten now in the last nine games.

Squad: Charlotte Siddall, Jack Davis, Nathan Cooper, Thomas Sweeten, Thomas Cockroft, Thomas Creasy, Dan Byrnes, Lewis Hilton, Gregory Day, Jacob Bower, William McDonnell

Man of the match: Thomas Cockroft  Effort award: Thomas Creasy

Hugh Creasy


Under 10's
Skipton brought a big squad to Copley and with 14 Rishworthian players the coaches agreed to play 2 games.

The squad consisted:- Callum Austin, Dan Cooper, Tom Hammond, Alex Ratcliffe, Thomas Vaughan, Kyle Jamieson, Sam Moore, Harvey Keighley-Payne, Ben Atkinson, Toby Cowell, Matthew Harris, Harry Robinson, Dylan Wannan and James Stott.

After a brief training session based around going into opposition hard, going to ground, supporting the grounded player and feeding the ball out the squad were in high spirits, having been offered a prize to knock Andy Day off his feet, no-one succeeded.

Game 1 Rishworthians  20 - 0 Skipton
From the whistle ORRUFC attacked hard with their first drive seeing them deep inside Skipton territory, however Skipton managed to turn the ball over and were able to drive the play perilously close to the ORRUFC try line and it was only due to the phenomenal tackling skills of Toby Cowell, Harry Robinson and Harvey Keighley-Payne Thomas Vaughan that saved ORRUFC from conceding an early try. This was very much the flavour of the game for several minutes with Dan Cooper, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Hammond and Alex Ratcliffe driving the ball forward, being thwarted metres from the try line and Skipton turning the ball over driving forward and being stopped by our watertight defence. This level of action produced a great deal of encouragement from the spectators who sensed a match of epic proportions.

From one Skipton attack deep in the ORRUFC half, Dylan Wannan was able to feed the ball to Sam Moore who produced a 30 metre run scything through the Skipton defence to produce the first try of the day. After this try ORRUFC seemed to grow visibly. From the restart Skipton attacked hard, however our defence held with Dan Cooper, Tom Hammond, Thomas Vaughan and Kyle Jamieson and Alex Ratcliffe, driving play deep into the Skipton half from this attack Sam Moore was fed the ball and was able to run in for his second try ending the half 10-0 ahead.

Half time Old Rishworthians 10 - 0 Skipton

ORRUFC started the second half attacking  hard and after several minutes? sustained pressure Sam Moore produced his third try. From the restart Skipton remained upbeat and attacked hard however the ORRUFC defence remained unbeaten and were able to feed the ball out to the forwards who produced a monumental drive over the Skipton try line and it was only when the red defending shirts were peeled away, Kyle Jamieson, James Stott and Alex Ratcliffe were found at the bottom of the pile, the try being awarded to Alex Ratcliffe, This final try allowed ORRUFC to run out 20-0 winners.


Game 2 Rishworthians  10 - 20 Skipton 
The second game started with ORRUFC making a few substitutions. After the performance in the first game ORRUFC attacked hard from the start, however the Skipton managed to score 2 very quick tries and even the rock solid Toby Cowell, Harry Robinson and Harvey Keighley-Payne defence could not stop this onslaught. This did nod deter the ORRUFC squad who fought back hard, the front row of Dan Cooper, Matthew Harris and Kyle Jamieson drove exceptionally hard and never lost possession, these ferocious drives were so brutal in their nature that one player was left nursing ?Tackle vest padding shaped bruises? after the encounter.

From one such win the ball was fed out to Alex Ratcliffe who sprinted for the line, being stopped approximately 5 metres short. This allowed Kyle Jamieson to try a ?Cooper Swoop? and clear 3 defenders from the ensuing ruck, this allowed Ben Atkinson to feed the ball to Dan Cooper who scored to bring the match to 5 -10.

ORRUFC rallied and gave more sustained pressure unfortunately an unforced error allowed Skipton to turn the ball over and end the half 5 - 15 up.

Half time Old Rishworthians 5 - 15 Skipton

From the restart ORUFC played as if their lives depended on the games outcome. The scrummaging was excellent, Ben Atkinson produced a 30-metre run and looked certain to score only to be dumped unceremoniously into touch 2 metres from the line. Although the pressure was sustained Skipton; against the run of play; gained another quick try.

After more ORRUFC pressure a laser accurate lineout throw from Matthew Harris allowed Dan Cooper to flick the ball to Ben Atkinson who passed to James Stott who quickly and intelligently offloaded the ball to Callum Austin who ran 20 metres to score taking the match to 10 - 20. Unfortunately just as ORRUFC were getting into their stride the whistle was blown for full-time.

Although ORRUFC won one and lost one on the day this was probably their best performance to date and the demonstration of strength in all aspects of the game is credit to the hard work of both the players and the coaches Andy Day and Keith Atkinson. Andy and Keith have worked tirelessly with the under 10?s over the last couple of months and it now appears that their efforts are being rewarded. 
Man of the Match was awarded to Sam Moore for his hat trick and the effort award to Dylan Wannan.

There is a training session next Sunday for all the minis and an opportunity for the coaches to improve the fitness and skill level in preparation for the following Sunday game (9th December) against local rivals Huddersfield YMCA. If all this squad can make the short trip and play like today they can give the YMCA a shock and gain revenge for some defeats in previous seasons. So lets see you all at training and at YMCA and claim a first well deserved victory over them.   

Andrew Harris

Rishworthians Minis v Pocklington at Leeds Carnegie

Rishworthians have a fantastic day out at Leeds Carnegie

Match report Sunday 30th December
Players from the under 9's and under 10/11's had a thoroughly enjoyable day hosted by the Leeds Tykes.

Over 50 players, coaches, families and friends of the Old Rishworthian minis attended a pre-match rugby festival at the Kirkstall training ground before making their way to the Headingley Carnegie Stadium for the Leeds Carnegie v Sale Sharks match in which the under 9?s would take part in a half time exhibition match. Upon entering the ground the kids were enthralled to see the Sale players, Charlie Hodgson, Mark Cueto, and the kids? hero, Sebastian Chabal, at a touching distance, going through their warm up routines.

The players really got in to the atmosphere, and at half time they bounded on to the pitch for their game against Pocklington under 9?s in front of a stadium crowd of over 11,000 fans, the biggest crowd of the season. 

Rishworthians 10 - 10 Pocklington
The match started with Rishworthians offering too much seasonal goodwill to their opponents, because some poor tackling by the All Blacks allowed Pocklington to dominate the open period of the game and saw them score the opening try. Words of advice from the on field coach were swiftly administered and it appeared to work. The All Blacks work rate improved dramatically with good tackling in midfield from George Radcliffe and Lewis Hilton, with pick ups from scrum half Sam Brant passing the ball out to Jack Davis who tried again and again to barge his way through a very good Pocklington defence. The All Blacks try did eventually come after another interception by who other but Thomas Sweeten, his sixth or seventh of the season so far. When he was tackled he managed to offload to Jack Davis, who this time did manage to go over with 2 Pocklington players hanging on to him.

The All Blacks tried to play their normal running game which has brought success this season. Give players like Jacob Bower, Will McDonnell and Thomas Sweeten a sniff of an opening and space and they usually weave and dance their way through, but try as they might, because of the hanky size pitch, they could not penetrate the Pocklington defence. Rishies kept up the pressure with good 2 on 1 tackles in midfield from Charlotte Siddall and Greg Day. Will McDonnell on one wing and Nathan Cooper on the other both made a string of tackles bundling the Pocklington players in to touch.

Recent failings by Rishies to keep possession in the ruck were again evident with Pocklington turning ball over on more than one occasion. One of these turnovers pushed the All Blacks back on to their own line and a push over try was initially held up but the young Pocklington player managed to somehow twist and plant the ball on the line. Rishworthians came bouncing back from this set back with further runs into the Pocklington defence from Davis, McDonnell and Sweeten, grinding away to make ground, and they were rewarded with Jacob Bower finding the smallest space on the wing to sprint in for the All Blacks second try, to make the final score of a very frenetic match 10-10.

Team : Will McDonnell, Jacob Bower, Jack Davis, Thomas Sweeten, George Radcliffe, Nathan Cooper, Charlotte Siddall, Lewis Hilton, Sam Brant, Greg Day.

Thanks yet again to all parents and friends who attended and supported both the players and coaches and made it a very special day for the team.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year.

Dave Mc
 

Rishworthians Minis v Huddersfield & Sandal Minis

Rishworthians, Huddersfield & Sandal enjoy a great morning's rugby

Match reports Sunday 13th January
A mild January morning at Copley produced another bumper attendance with nearly 200 players enjoying a great mornings rugby despite the muddy conditions from the heavy rain during the week. This week Rishworthians hosted a three way tournament with Huddersfield and Sandal who always bring strong sides. The Copley ground was full to capacity with the under 14's playing Hessle every inch of available playing surface was in use. Thanks to all the players, parents, coaches, volunteers and match reporters for supporting the event.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's had 13 micros training plus several who have reached their 6th birthday playing for the under 7's Jack Mallinson, George Wannan, Oliver Brian and Kieran Lewis. Coaches Neil Lumb, Darren Grogan, Warren Doyle and Guy Laurie put them through their paces. 


Under 7's The Young Guns
All three teams had a fantastic turnout of players allowing two triangular tournaments to be played. Rishworthians giving competitive debuts to 3 under 6 players who have reached their 6th birthday meant we could field 2 teams. The more seasoned players made up an A team with the newcomers and one or two more experienced younger players making up a  B team.

Rishworthians  A  7 - 5  Sandal
Both teams played some excellent free running rugby in a very entertaining game. Sandal took an early lead before Jack Mallinson ran in two great tries followed by a third try from Corey White to leave Rishworthians leading 3-1. Both teams then matched each others scoring efforts with both sides adding four tries to their scores. Three further Rishworthian tries came from Corey White with George Sutcliffe scoring the final try,

Huddersfield  8 - 7  Sandal
Again both teams played some great rugby to entertain a good number of watching parents.

Rishworthians A  6 - 6 Huddersfield
In the final game of the morning both teams again played some excellent rugby and in the end a draw was a fair result for both sides. All the players put in a sustained effort and worked hard for each other and as well as some good attacking play there was also some really hard work put in defensively. Man of the match Corey White ran in all six Rishworthians tries.

Rishworthian A Jack Mallinson, Toby Muscat-Baron, George Sutcliffe, Alex Oldroyd, Kian Sutcliffe, Carrick Keighley-Payne, Corey White 

Rishworthians B 11 - 9  Huddersfield
What a fantastic start for a team containing three players who have just had their sixth birthdays George Wannan, Oliver Brian and Kieran Lewis. Both teams played some great rugby with Oliver Brian showing the potential to be a very good player.

Rishworthians B 5 - 7  Sandal
Another great match played in a fantastic spirit with both teams playing some very good rugby with some excellent running and tagging. Man of the match Oliver Brian again starred for the Rishworthian team with some fine individual tries. Thanks to Sandal for allowing one of their players to replace a departing Rishworth player and even the sides up at 6 a piece.
Rishworthians B  George Wannan, Oliver Brian, William Harker, Henry Hilton, Finn Sutcliffe, Kieran Lewis

Again in these games rugby was the winner with the games being played in a competitive manner, being fairly contested and played sportingly. A huge thank you again to all those involved from all three clubs for making the morning so enjoyable.
Thanks to all the coaches, parents and players from the visiting clubs and to the parents and players at Rishworthians for helping to make the morning so enjoyable. This was junior rugby at its best, played in a good spirit with everyone involved contributing positively.

Grahame White


Under 8?s The Raiders

Old Rishworthian's Under 8's got their New Year campaign off to a winning start against Sandal last Sunday. Playing at Copley, the home side had a reduced squad of only 8 players due to illness and absence.

Game 1 Rishworthian Raiders  6  - 3 Sandal
In the first of two matches the Raiders showed fine individual running skills with 2 tries each from Sam Puddephatt, Callum Bell and Will Symms. This was coupled with an enthusiastic defensive effort, especially by Man of the Match William Hilton, which enabled the home side to record a 6 - 3 victory.

Game 2 Rishworthian Raiders 3 - 6 Sandal
In the second game Sandal introduced a completely new team of players who were hungry for action having watched their team mates suffer an emphatic defeat. Despite starting well with 2 more fine tries from Sam Puddephatt and one from Callum Bell, the heavy pitch and lack of substitutes eventually took its toll on the Rishworth outfit. Tired legs and some inconsistent refereeing decisions combined to allow Sandal to get across the try line a total of six times for a 6 - 3 victory.

Dave Puddephatt


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
Reds given a lesson in contact rugby

There certainly can?t have been a harder fixture to mark the start of the New Year than this Sandal team, as yet unbeaten in 2007/8 with 15 wins and 2 draws. Rishworthians with 13 wins 3 defeats and a draw normally give Sandal a competitive game. Add in the heavy pitch and the Reds were faced with a tough physical encounter which will certainly have worked off the mince pies. With Huddersfield pulling out of he fixture the under 9's played 2 games against Sandal.

Game 1 Rishworthian Reds  0 - 35 Sandal
The game started at breakneck speed ? and never faltered.  Sandal began taking the ball into Reds? territory.  Though strong tackling held them back briefly, this Sandal side demonstrated the power of strong support.  Thomas Sweeten nearly took an early interception, but tidy handling allowed Sandal to move the ball wide.  Excellent cover from Nathan Cooper and Thomas Creasy narrowly held Sandal out, bringing a lineout in the corner. Throughout the game, Sandal piled on the pressure and this early position so close to the Rishies? line was a red rag to a bull.  The ball spilled loose and Sandal pounced to take the first score.

Jack Davis took the ball from the restart and drove headlong up the pitch, only being held up 5 yards short.  Rishies? tackling improves every week and many teams would have been stunned by the shoulders going in.  On this occasion though, Sandal showed that they too can bring the player down.  A crunching tackle on Thomas Creasy brought Billy Whythe on as an early replacement.  Eager from the first chance, Billy worked well with Jacob Bower to deny Sandal a second try.  Lewis Hilton showed that he would not be intimidated by the occasion, both tackling well in defence and linking well to distribute the ball.  Nathan Cooper too made good ground.  Sadly his fine break came to an end with a painful tackle which put him out of action for the rest of the game.  The whole team will be hoping Nathan is back and ready for action again very soon. Sandal were now forcing their tackles through and, recovering the ball, brought the score to 10-0 at the end of the first half.

The physical pressure began to tell on Rishies and the Sandal scrum half managed a simple score, dummying three times in succession after their lineout.  Sandal continued to drive home their tackles and these gave them the turnovers they needed to build pressure on Rishies.  Heavy forward moves brought them three more tries.  Many sides would have let in more, but Charlotte Siddall typified the mood of the Rishies, getting stuck right in to rip the ball clear in the mauls and covering across to defend.  Thomas Cockroft too continually drove in to secure good ball from the rucks and feed his supporting team.  Great covering from Thomas Sweeten saved a try in the corner, but Sandal managed to bring the first game to an end  0 - 35 winners.

Game 2 Rishworthian Reds  10 - 35 Sandal
A changeover for the second game brought Sandal?s heavy guns on.  This was hard work for the Reds and several tackles bounced off the opening drive, but persistence bore fruit and the final tackle forced a dropped ball, denying Sandal an early score.  Another characteristic Sandal drive to the line, with a deft run round the undefended side of the ruck gave the Sandal scrum half another score, but Rishies would not lie down.  Neat passing from Gregory Day and Lewis Hilton gave Thomas Sweeten a brief chance but Sandal broke free from the turnover that followed for a runaway score.

One of the areas Rishies worked well at throughout the game was their rucking and this gave them a platform to launch at the Sandal defence.  What they really needed was the ball feeding away from the ruck and into open space with players passing before they were submerged under Sandal tackling.  The Reds showed how effective this can be as three times in succession the ball worked down the line, a ruck formed and the ball made its way back out again.  As the Reds closed on the Sandal line, Charlotte Siddall had the presence of mind to draw in the final Sandal defender but yet release the ball to Jack Davis who powered over on the wing to give Rishies a much deserved try.

The Reds would not let up, Thomas Cockroft and George Radcliffe time and again bringing down the Sandal players.  Sam Brant and Dan Byrnes took advantage of any chances they had, but Sandal were up extremely quickly and life was hard tying to build up momentum for the Rishies? attacking moves. The conditions together with the unyielding tackling from Sandal made life difficult for Rishies? open running and one break from Sandal brought a score, outpacing two of Rishies? quickest players to the line.  However, it will take more than a bit of mud and the best team Rishies have met so far to stop Will McDonnell showing his agility.  A dynamic solo effort from the middle of the pitch saw Will snake and dart his way through five attempted tackles before crossing the line.

A final try from Sandal brought the game to a close at 10-35.  It would be easy to be disheartened at the scoreline.  However, the Rishies can take great confidence from the way they played.  When a team can keep playing together, supporting one another and being able to rely on their teammates keeping their heads up ? no matter what the score ? you know you have a real team.  Rishies never let Sandal run away with the game and have earned the respect of the Sandal players and coaches.  We can join Sandal in recording that Sunday was ?a pleasure and a credit to both clubs?.

Squad: Charlotte Siddall, Jack Davis, Nathan Cooper, Thomas Sweeten, Thomas Cockroft, Thomas Creasy, Dan Byrnes, Lewis Hilton, Gregory Day, Jacob Bower, William McDonnell, George Radcliffe, Billy Whythe, Sam Brant

Man of the match: Thomas Cockroft  Effort award: Charlotte Siddall

Hugh Creasy

Under 9's match report from Sandal
If you haven?t played a competitive game for 6 weeks, not to mention a two week spell in the midst of that when you?ve done nothing but scoff nuts, mince pies and Christmas pud, and single-handedly worked your way through a family size tin of Quality Street, then Old Rishworthians is the last place you?d choose to go to in order to get your season and fitness back on track.  The Halifax team have always proved spirited and talented opponents and indeed they were one of only two teams who did anything other than lose to the Sharks last season (drawing 2 ? 2 in the final of the Harrogate festival).

So there was a great deal of anticipation in the coaching team as they approached this fixture, and the players were warned that they needed to be at their best from the start if they wanted to avoid defeat. And it was clear that there had indeed been a surfeit of choccies and nuts and far too much time spent in a semi-comatose position on the sofa watching The Great Escape or A  Christmas Carol or any old rubbish which the TV channels churned out (excluding It?s a Wonderful Life which everyone needs to watch at least once a year).  Fortunately this inactivity and over-indulgence was only noticeable in the parents - some of whom clearly need to stick to their New Year?s resolutions this time.

The players on the other hand looked fine.

So, in conditions which were a tad heavy but otherwise ideal for a New Year?s game of rugby the two teams cooked up a superb game with every single one of the players giving total commitment to their respective causes.  It was a pleasure to behold and a credit to both clubs, and all the players were warmly applauded at the end by the impressed parents. The score line seems to suggest that it was a one-sided stroll for Sandal but that was far from the case:

As in previous encounters the Old Rishworthian team played good rugby and worked hard, indeed they excelled in the rucks and turned over numerous balls which should by rights have been Sandal?s.  But there?s something extra with this Sharks team.  They can match their opponents for effort and fitness, and then they add a dose of commitment and energy in both the tackle and the run which makes the difference between a close encounter and a score line like todays.

For the first couple of minutes Rishworthians put some pressure on the Sharks defence but it held firm and then gradually the tide was turned.  Most of the remainder of the game was then spent in the Rishworthian half.  It was fairly well-balanced in midfield with both teams giving the other little room, but that?s where the extra edge which the Sharks possess made the difference.  They were able to hold up and match the hosts in the forward play and then found something extra to break out and convert possession into tries.

The first try was an example of this when Sandal put pressure on a Rishworthians scrum forced a loose ball and Oli Fox pounced to surge for the line.  Rishworthians responded but the Sharks defence was strong and missed little.  As play switched to the other end the Sharks recycled twice from the tackle and Harry Davey nipped in to seize the ball and cross for the second. It was important to keep the home side from getting any rhythm and Will Henshall, Tom Bott, Ryan Bolger and Harry Davey started to hit a series of strong tackles to disrupt the opponents and grant the Sharks an excess of possession.  They used this effectively, and capitalised on good play from set pieces to score twice more.  Davey was the finisher on each occasion and he looked sharp and lively in the process, but the team had worked well to create the space for him, first from a line out and then from a scrum. Ben Whyte and Sam Tovey put in some good tackles to regain possession for Sandal, and following a penalty for offside Davey set up Henshall who powered over for the Shark?s fifth.

Sandal were starting to create space for the centres and wingers and only a couple of excellent late tackles on Bolger and Tom Alderton stopped the Sharks from increasing their lead.  However, it was not long before they did and a couple of quick tries by Fox secured the game from a try-scoring point of view.  The first was a solo effort as Fox picked up the ball wide and ran straight dome the line for a try, but the second was a reflection of the growing team effort as a line out by the forwards fed Davey who shipped it to fly half Sam Edge, he in turn made a timely offload for Fox to cut through and score.

After the interval Sharks started well with Connor Thompson crashing through two big tackles (from big forwards) only to suffer a knock forward right on the line.  Still it set the trend for Sandal and Thompson, Henshall and Whyte kept driving through Rishworthian resistance to keep the pressure on the hosts line.  Ashley Drake made the most of a variety of changes to position and used the ball well when given the opportunity and Josh Reynolds was his usual self in the midst of Sandal?s forward play. Sandal soon added to their score with a try by Davey after Fox?s run had been supported by Thompson before the Shark?s scrum half took a short pass and nipped over the line.  Bolger who had made numerous powerful runs but been stopped by strong tackles before he could offload finally got some scoring reward after a wide break from a maul.

Rishworthian forays into the Sharks half were becoming quite rare now but they did cross the line with an example of excellent rucking which recycled the ball three times before their strong prop powered over in the corner. A lesson here for the Sharks in how to ruck and keep the ball in your possession to set up scoring opportunities! Tom Alderton made a series of crunching tackles on the wing and throughout the game kept his wing as secure as Shawshank (excepting Andy Dufreyne).  And indeed, on the other side, Sam Tovey gave a fine display of tackling to cut off that route as a scoring possibility for Rishworthians.  Jack Thompson was inspired by this and twice stood firm to halt Rishworthian moves before they got far. Will Henshall?s excellent game in the thick of things paid off first with a drive and set up for Davey to score and then with a try of his own, picking up a loose ball stepping inside a tackle and running in for the corner.

Sharks were now constantly pressuring the hosts line and a coupe of heavy tackles forced a loose ball for Fox to touch down, and then a 5 metre scrum saw Davey and Edge set up Bolger for a clever run through the heart of the defence.  Rishworthians scored a second close to the end and it was no more than their efforts deserved, a fine jinking run by their centre proving unstoppable even to the Sharks? formidable defence. But to rub salt in the wounds Ben Whyte went straight from the restart and simply ran directly to the line to score. 

In a way which should shame the parents and all their festive excesses, the Sharks had kept up the effort throughout the entire game despite the heavy going under foot and the challenging strength and speed of the Rishworthians team.  The Sharks continued to tackle and drive, surge and run right up to the final whistle.  They certainly deserved their fine victory, though they could still learn some lessons from their worthy opponents
The whole team deservedly won the MFH Engineering Player of the Week trophy for a fine team effort ? strong in all areas (except the rucks!)


Under 10's & 11's

Rishworthians  0  -  4 Sandal
Rishworthians were unable penetrate the defences of a well organised Sandal side while Sandal ran in 2 tries either side of half time

Rishworthians  3 -  3 Huddersfield
A much better performance from Rishworthians. Huddersfield stormed into a 2 - 0 lead before Rishworthians woke up. Dylan Wannan grabbed the first try with a run from half way. Tom Hammond charged over from a maul after good forward pressure forced Huddersfield onto the back foot. Huddersfield made it 3 -2 then man of the match Sam Moore scored from a tap penalty to tie the game. Alex Ratcliffe took the effort award for his tackling.

Rishworthians Minis v Baildon & Keighley

Rishworthians beat the weather & enjoy a mornings rugby at Baildon

Match reports Sunday 27th January
With all games postponed at Copley due to the River Calder bursting its banks and flooding the pitches Rishworthians minis were forced to look for an away fixture. Thanks must go to Baildon who were at home to Keighley for allowing our minis to join in at short notice and make up a 3 way mini tournament.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 5's and 6's trained with  Neal Lumb and Darren Grogan taking the session.  Once they reach their 6th birthday and understand the game they can join the under 7's squad and play some competitive games. Jack Mallinson, Oliver Brian, George Wannan and Kieran Lewis are now enjoying competitive tag rugby with Oliver Brian coming away with the man of the match again. Well done Oliver.


Under 7's The Young Guns
An amazing thirteen players (fourteen with Toby who played for the under 8?s) turned out on a very windy and cold morning to do battle with Baildon and Keighley. The elements and the small pitches didn?t allow for much free flowing rugby but all the players need to be complemented for their efforts.

Baildon 2 Rishworthians 6
Rishworthians never looked like losing this game and but for the wind would have won by a bigger margin. Kian Sutcliffe and Corey White bagged a brace apiece with George Sutcliffe and Alex Oldroyd adding one each.

Keighley 3 Rishworthians 5
This was a much closer contest against a near frozen team from Keighley. Each team matched the other up to 3-3 with Corey White scoring a hat trick for Rishworthians. Further tries from Alex Oldroyd and George Sutcliffe gave Rishworthians a deserved final winning score of 5-3.Well done to Reggie Herd on his debut for Rishworthians the highlights being a couple of forceful runs up the touchline.

Thanks again to all parents for ensuring such a fantastic turnout on a wild morning and to Mark for coaching the team.

Player of match in the Baildon game went to Kian Sutcliffe for some fine individual running.  Thanks also to Kian for volunteering to run out for Keighley in match 2 where he again demonstrated his strong running.
Player of match in the Keigley game went to Oliver Brian for consistent strong running and eagerness to take on the ball.

Squad: Finn Sutcliffe, Kian Sutcliffe, George Sutcliffe, Carrick Keighley-Payne, William Harker, Henry Hilton, George Wannan, Jack Mallinson, Alex Oldroyd, Corey White, Oliver Bryan, Daniel Haigh, Reggie Herd

Grahame White


Under 8?s The Raiders

Rishworthians Blow Baildon Away!
The Old Rishworthian Under 8?s braved a fierce gale away at Baildon on Sunday morning, but responded to the adverse conditions by blowing the opposition away instead.

In the first of two games Baildon ?A? took an early lead due to some missed tags by very cold fingers! However, Callan Jamieson didn?t let the strong wind dent his enthusiasm by crossing the line to even up the score. Sam Puddephatt added a try to make the score 2 ? 1 to Rishworthians and Will Symms also crossed the whitewash with a fine run down the touchline to score in the corner. With the wind behind Baildon however, they managed to score a couple of tries before half time making the score 3 ? 3. In the second half Rishworthians cut loose with the impressive Symms bagging two more tries and Callum Bell getting into the action by showing his blistering pace to score no less than four tries. Baildon took advantage of Rishworthians lapse in defensive concentration to grab a couple of late tries, although the Copley outfit were comfortable 9 ? 6 winners. 

Against Baildon ?B? Rishworthians picked up where they left off. Despite freezing little hands the team managed to hold a slightly better defensive line in this second game although brief lapses in concentration again cost the team dear as Baildon managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over. However, the superior attacking skills that have been developed by coach Dave Puddephatt really shone through as the game went on. James McHugh got on the score sheet twice, as did Will Symms. Other scorers included Alex Scoley, Callum Bell, Sam Puddephatt, Callan Jamieson and a fine individual run by Toby Muscat-Barron sealed a man-of-the-match performance to score in the corner and secure a 9 ? 6 victory.

Dave Puddephatt


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
With Copley still feeling the effects of the flooding, Rishworthians were grateful to Baildon for helping them out on this fine Sunday morning.  Nevertheless, perfect as the condition of the pitch was, these were indeed challenging conditions.  Touchlines took on a life of their own as cones were hurled across the pitch by the violent winds, closely followed by tackle bags, spare kit and even the odd supporting fan.

Rishworthians 45 Keighley 0
The opening game of the morning saw the Reds take on Keighley on a relatively narrow pitch.  This, coupled with the howling gale, meant Reds would need to keep it tight.  This they did, Jacob Bower showing that neither the wind nor the uphill slope would put him off his driving runs.  The Reds kept up what is becoming a fine tradition of rucking, Sam Brant taking the opportunity at scrum half to feed Jack Davis who stormed straight up the hill to give Rishies an early lead.

This was a fine morning for Charlotte Siddall too, perhaps her best of the season, giving an exemplary demonstration of tackling.  Keighley?s restart was halted abruptly by her keen defence.  More could have been made of it, save for a knock forward which owed more to that wind blasting the ball out of Reds? hands than any genuine fumble.  That said, the Reds? handling was excellent, as was the support play.  Thomas Cockroft drove through the ruck winning an opportunity for Thomas Creasy to show his sidestep.  Feeding on to Jacob Bower, it looked as though Rishies would be in for a second score, but for a high tackle on Jacob yards short.  Keeping the pressure up, Thomas Creasy again made ground, feeding Charlotte Siddall who returned the compliment, Thomas now having space and crossing the line for his first of the New Year.

The Reds gave Keighley no respite, coming up fiercely again from the restart.  Jacob Bower mimicked the style Sandal had shown in the Reds? previous game, coming up fast in defence to catch the Keighley player as he took the ball.  This gave Will McDonnell his first chance to show us his running skills and, sure enough, he was darting his way through the Keighley defence.  A final tackle denied him a try, but Keighley were now driven over their own line to concede a 5 yard scrum.  The Reds had started the game with a new structure, Will McDonnell playing at scrum half and looking to feed the ball out into space.  There will have been huge encouragement amongst the players, coaches and supporters as the game plan slotted into place.  The Reds next score followed what we can hope will be a classic passage, Will passing the ball out to Jack Davis, who drew in the defence before feeding Thomas Cockroft to power over for a try at the inside centre position. Rishies continued to ruck well with Billy Whyte and Thomas Cockroft driving Keighley off the ball.  It was good recycling that gave Will McDonnell a chance to show his clear pace as he beat the defence to the line and put Rishies 20-0 up at half time.

A quick team and Rishies began the second half grateful for the downhill slope.  Charlotte Siddall broke through tackles, before placing the ball back well for Jack Davis who wasted no time crossing the Keighley line. The whole side worked well off each other, Gregory Day driving Keighley well off the ball.  Jack Davis and Jacob Bower put in their big hits and Nathan Cooper showed a clear and steady head at fly half.  Good ripping gave Jack Davis a chance to run down the hill, but sadly he was just going too fast to keep control of the ball.  Nathan Cooper too came close to scoring, with some fine sidesteps, but was held out at the corner.  The lineout was always going to be chaotic in the hurricane like conditions, and George Radcliffe capitalised by putting early pressure on Keighley as they tried to move the ball way.  Jack Davis was quick to pounce on the loose ball for his hat trick.

Weak tackling allowed Keighley to put pressure on the Rishies? line and it looked as though a try was coming, but Sam Brant managed to work the ball free and make a good clearance to give space for Rishies to breathe again.  George Radcliffe too showed robust defence, putting in two rocking tackles.  George soon had his reward with a strong run down the wing, shimmying his way through the Keighley defence to put the Reds 35-0 up. Keighley did not let up and made forays into the Reds? half, but Thomas Cockroft was first onto a wild pass and made it to just yards short.  Keighley did well to work the ball forward, but a turnover gave Jacob Bower the chance to arc his way across the pitch and into the corner.

Keighley were perhaps surprised at the Rishies? continued gusto as, now late in the game, their restart was met with a sandwich of Jack Davis and Thomas Cockroft.  Thomas Cockroft emerged with the ball and charged straight back down to the Keighley line, diving over to bring the final score to 45-0.


Baildon (Under 10s) 25 Old Risworthians 20
Rishies faced a change of scene for their second match, moving to a much wider and flatter pitch.  The wind, however, did not let up. Baildon have no under 9's squad but the Reds eager for another game were happy to take on Baildon's under 10's a much bigger team and with a turn of pace.

Will McDonnell relished the open space and darted through 40 yards of Baildon players and Jack Davis collected from the ruck and showed that the Reds do not lack in physical presence themselves, giving the Reds an early lead. Baildon worked their way back into the game, eventually working to a Reds? scrum close to their own try line.  Pressure in the scrum, with quick movement from the Baildon scrum half led to a loose ball and Baildon were first to pounce bringing the score to 5-5.

George Radcliffe kept up his work rate and earned a try for Jacob Bower to restore the lead.  Throughout the day, several players could be seen putting in solid tackles, but none more so than Charlotte Siddall.  Perhaps her new headguard was to protect her head, perhaps it was to protect the opposition.  Either way, two examples showed how powerful effective tackling can be.  In the first, Charlotte took on the largest of the Baildon U10s.  With her shoulders down and back straight, the Baildon player was run across the pitch and out into touch.  It took more than a few minutes before the game could be restarted ?  The second came straight after Jacob Bower?s try, Charlotte racing in to take the Baildon attacker round the legs, while Jack Davis clattered in as the second half of the tackle.  I?m glad I wasn?t playing. Jack Davis had his opportunity to put that spirit into the attack minutes later when he collected the ball at stand off, blasting his way through tackles to score his second of the game.

Half time saw strong words of encouragement from the coach, coupled with a plea to make use of the space available for this game.

Sadly, Rishies began to tire during the second half.  Perhaps playing the best part of an hour through a gale was too much of a sap on stamina.  Either way, Baildon steadily made their way back into the game, first outpacing the defence to a loose ball and then breaking missed tackles.  Gaps began to open up in the Reds? defence and Baildon worked themselves into a 25-15 lead.

In the closing minutes Reds sparked back into life and good straight running forced a penalty close to the Baildon line.  The Reds moved the ball across to Jacob Bower who finished the move clinically and there was now just one score in it.  Baildon just held out, Jacob Bower unluckily putting a foot in touch before reaching the corner.  A final concerted move with a number of Reds combining well looked as if it might yield the final score but the ball became buried and the whistle blew at 25-20 to Baildon.

Coach Steve Cockroft hailed the team?s ?absolutely superb performance?.  The rucking and mauling during both games had again been a strong point and, whilst the size of the Baildon team had left its impression on the second game, the Reds had shown their ability to play the game well.  Credit justifiably went to Will McDonnell in his debut at scrum half.  Work off the pitch preparing for the game, together with a lively contribution on the day earned Will the Effort Award, while Man of the Match went to Jacob Bower for his determined play including two scores in the second game and two desperately close near tries.

Squad: Charlotte Siddall, Jack Davis, Nathan Cooper, Thomas Cockroft, Thomas Creasy, Gregory Day, Jacob Bower, William McDonnell, George Radcliffe, Billy Whythe, Sam Brant

Man of the match: Jacob Bower  Effort award: William McDonnell

Hugh Creasy

Under 10's
In Appalling conditions Rishworthians with a mixed squad of under 10's and 11's took on the Baildon full under 11 squad.
  .
Baildon (Under 11s)   45 - 35  Rishworthians
The game started badly for Rishworthians when Baildon scored straight from the kick off. However Rishies bounced back straight away to level the scores. Play moved backwards and forwards from one en of the pitch to the other. In the strong wind Rishworthians kept the ball at close quarters with excellent use of the rolling maul and went in at half-time level.

The Topsy-turvy pattern continued in second half with Rishworthans matching Baildon try for try. But as Rishies tired against a bigger side a couple of spilled balls and two break-away tries by Baildon enabled them to sneak it. It was a great performance against an under 11 side in bad conditions. Tom Hammond took man of the mach scoring 5 tries and Harvey Keighley-Payne put in some great defensive work to take the effort award.
 

Rishworthians Minis v Baildon & Huddersfield YMCA

Rishworthians enjoy a good mornings rugby at Baildon & Huddersfield YMCA

Match reports Sunday 10th February
Rishworthians travelled to Baildon for the second time in three weeks to take on Baildon at under 7/8/10/11. With Baildon having no under 9's they made the short journey to Huddersfield YMCA.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 5's and 6's trained with  Neal Lumb and Darren Grogan taking the session.  Once they reach their 6th birthday and understand the game they can join the under 7's squad and play some competitive games. Jack Mallinson, Oliver Brian, George Wannan and Kieran Lewis are now enjoying competitive tag rugby with Oliver Brian coming away with the man of the match again. Well done Oliver.


Under 7's The Young Guns
What a difference from the biting cold wind two weeks ago. Eighteen players turned out in glorious sunshine to enjoy good conditions up at Baildon. With the under 8?s short of players initially Corey White and Carrick Keighley-Payne moved up to play for the under 8?s. Two late arrivals though meant a squad of ten players playing U8?s and 8 playing at U7?s.

Baildon 11 - 16  Rishworthians
Both sides fielded 8 players in an exciting mornings rugby, with a mixture of more and less experienced players in each team. There was some strong running from both sides with Rishworthians just having the edge. Man of the match George Sutcliffe ran in five tries with other scores coming from Kian Sutcliffe 4, Alex Oldroyd 3, Finn Sutcliffe 2, and one apiece for Jack Mallinson and Oliver Brian. A great effort all round.

Thanks to Neal Mallinson and Mark Oldroyd for running the U7?s and to all the parents for their support.
Squad: Jack Mallinson, Oliver Brian, Finn Sutcliffe, Reggie Herd, Alex Oldroyd, George Sutcliffe, Kian Sutcliffe, Henry Hilton

Grahame White


Under 8?s The Raiders

Baildon 4 - 7  Rishworthians
In a 10-a-side match both teams produced some good open rugby. Rishworthians keen defensive work enabled them to turn over the ball several times on the sixth tag and from the resulting plays were able to establish a winning lead. Strong running from player of the match Callum Bell produced a brace of tires. William Symms also ran well and scored a couple, the other scores coming from Kallan Jamieson, James McHugh and Carrick Keighley-Payne with one apiece.

Baildon 3 - 6  Rishworthians
In a similar game Rishworthians proved too strong for a wilting Baildon side. There were several great individual tries with player of the match James Senneck scoring a peach from a kick off. Initially standing still on the half-way he then proceeded to beat the entire Baildon defensive line to score a fine individual try. Other scores came from Callum Bell 3, Kallan Jamieson 1 and James McHugh 1.

Thanks again to all the parents for their support and to Phil Scoley for taking the coaching reins in the second match.
Squad : Callum Bell, James Senneck, William Symms, James McHugh, Kallan Jamieson, Ben Riley, Alex Scoley, William Hilton, Corey White, Carrick Keighley-Payne

Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
A bright, crisp, sunny morning at Huddersfield YMCA, befitting July rather than February, saw the coaches sporting their shorts, and more importantly, a great Rishworthian effort which produced a display of running rugby and a feast of fantastic tries.

Reds run riot
Huddersfield YMCA 0 - 70 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians found the conditions perfect for their style of rugby and began the game in a lively manner and soon won a line out close to the YMCA line. Scrum half, Will McDonnell, took the pass from the line out, dodges and weaved through the YMCA defence to open The Reds account with a try.
The second try soon came after Thomas Cockroft ripped the ball and set off on a run with the open try line begging. Unfortunately Thomas appeared to be running through treacle and was hauled down with the try line at his mercy. The ball was recycled to Thomas Sweeten to score an easy try. Excellent tackling from Greg Day and Billy Whythe gave turnover ball to Rishys, passing the ball through Lewis Hilton to Thomas Sweeten who scored another try to make the score 15-0.
Will McDonnell, relishing his new role as scrum half, picked up the ball from the ruck and swerved around three defenders to score his second try. Jack Davis was next on the score sheet with a try that began on half way. Jack does nothing the easy way. He used his strength and determination to battle his way through the entire YMCA team before falling over the line to score his try.
Excellent defence from Dan Byrnes, Nathan Cooper and Lewis Hilton with George Radcliffe ripping the ball again and again, gave the platform for Jacob Bower to sprint through a gap from half way only to drop the ball over the line. He did however redeem himself minutes later with a try to make the half time score 30-0.
Fortunately this Reds team does not have the mentality or capacity to implode and squander a lead as the current England team, they have the quality to continue their dominance of the first half and pressed home the advantage.
Continued turnover ball from Thomas Cockroft, George Radcliffe and Lewis Hilton gave Thomas Sweeten his hat trick try. From another turnover, after a period of sustained defence by the Reds on their own try line, gave Will McDonnell to show his speed. He pinned back his ears ( I know you can?t see them under all that hair) and sprinted the length of the pitch to score and increase the lead to 40-0.
Determination by the whole was exemplified this time by Nathan Cooper, who (refusing to pass the ball in his eagerness to score) shrugged off tackle after tackle to score a hard earned solo try.
The Reds impressive tackling wore down the YMCA team and Rishys were now scoring at will, with Will McDonnell adding to his tally, followed soon after by Jacob Bower. George Radcliffe, quietly going about his business, has been the Reds constant stealer of the ball, and after ripping the ball yet again on The Reds try line, decided that this time he would get his name on the score sheet, and after running the length of the pitch he did just that.
Rishys have recently learned a few set moves in training and the next try had the coaches positively drooling with its execution. From a free pass Will McDonnell passed to Thomas Cockroft, looped round and took the return pass which was offloaded to Jacob Bower running at pace, who then powered over from 10 meters out. Classic.
The final try epitomised Rishys willingness to run with the ball, when, from a line out again close to the Reds goal line, Will McDonnell feigned a pass, left YMCA players in his wake, and scored his fifth try of the game, making the final score 70-0. ( 14 tries!!)

A record score for the Reds and a great display for the enthusiastic, proud parents.

The second game, at YMCA?s request, was shortened to 5 minutes each way.
As in the first match Rishys were in total control and winning 20-0 with tries for Jacob Bower, George Radcliffe and 2 more for Will McDonnell.

Man of the match?Greg Day
Effort award?.Nathan Cooper.

Team: Will McDonnell, Jacob Bower, Jack Davis, Thomas Sweeten, Dan Byrnes, Nathan Cooper, Thomas Cockroft, Billy Whythe, Greg Day, Lewis Hilton, George Radcliffe

Yes, this score, 70-0, is by the under 9?s team, not our illustrious unbeaten senior colleagues, who have had similar scores themselves this season. The score shows the dominance and enthusiasm Rishys had throughout the game. Coaches were particularly impressed with the ruthlessness in attack and by the defensive work which prevented YMCA from posting a score. Recent positioning and tactics introduced in to the team recently are now showing positive dividends which bode well for the rest of the season and more importantly a sterner test against Wharfedale.

I apologise for the length of the report but 14 tries take some describing.


Dave Mc


Under 10's
Baildon U 11's  42 - 7 Rishworthians U10/11's
Rishworthians fielding a mixed squad of under 10's and 11's were  depleted due to half-term absentees. However they took on the full Baildon under 11 squad who fielded a big set of players more suited to heavy pitches and rugged forward play. This enabled Baildon to use the slope and their quick players to hit Rishworthians on the break, scoring several long-range tries. Despite this Rishworthians never gave up and caused Baildon problems up front in the forwards. Better application in the second half yielded several chances that Rishworthians were unable to take. However after a period of sustained pressure Harvey Keighley Payne crashed over for a try.

Baildon U 10/11's 40 - 7  Rishworthians U10/11's
In the second game Rishworthians played a mixed Baildon under 10 and 11 squad. They started well and play see-sawed between both halves of the pitch. Again Baildon punished Rishworthians for not pouncing on the loose ball and ran in a series of long-range tries. In the second-half Rishworthians again came back strongly and mounted several attacks on the Baildon line. Good work by the forwards enabled Haydn Corns to burst through the Baildon defence like a rabid rhino to score a well deserved consolation try.

The man of the match was awarded to Harvey Keighley Payne and the award for effort to Ben Atkinson.

Rishworthians Minis v Littleborough & Skipton

Rishworthians have a good morning at Littleborough & Skipton

Match reports Sunday 24th February
A change to the fixture schedule saw the under 9's travel to Skipton and the remaining squads making the short journey to Littleboro. Thanks to all the players, parents, coaches, volunteers and match reporters who made it a successful morning.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's trained this Sunday with preparation for next weeks visit of Huddersfield YMCA under 6's  who will join in a training session and play some matches. Numbers moving across to the under 7's continue to grow as they reach their 6th birthday and learn to play competitive matches. Several of the squad are already making an impact running in tries and picking up the man of match awards.


Under 7's The Young Guns
A fantastic turnout of 15 players, on a not too pleasant a day, allowed Rishworthians to put out two sides against a seven man Littleborough squad. Both teams were a mixture of more experienced players with less experienced players.

Rishworthians Reds 9  Littleborough 6
Up until half time this was a very even contest with both sides scoring 4 tries. Kian Sutcliffe grabbed a first half hat-trick with Corey White scoring the other. In the second half Rishwothians proved too strong for the oppositions stretching away to score a further 5 tries, Littleborough only managing two second half tries. Man of the match Kian Sutcliffe ran in a further three tries, taking his individual haul to six, with George Sutcliffe and Gearge Wannan adding one apiece.

Squad: Kian Sutcliffe, Corey White, George Sutcliffe, Joe Barratt, Henry Hilton, George Wannan, Kieran Brocklehurst.

Rishworthians Blues 3 Littleborough 4
Corey White played as an eighth man for Littleborough against an eight man Rishworthians side. This was a very even contest throughout with some good open rugby and sound defensive tagging. Carrick Keighley-Payne scored a brace and the tie was level at 2-2. Corey White then scored for Littleborough with man of the match Alex Oldroyd levelling the scores at 3-3. Corey White then nailed a final try for the Littleborough side sending his teammates to a creditable 4-3 defeat.

Squad: Carrick Keighley-Payne, Daniel Haigh, Finn Sutcliffe, Jack Mallinson, Alex Oldroyd, Reggie Herd, Oliver Brian, Tom Stott

Rishworthians Reds 3 Rishworthians Blues 3
With the players cold and tiring rapidly this was a very even contest with both sides scoring alternately. Kian Sutcliffe scored a further two tries for the reds with Corey White adding the third. New boy Tom Stott opened the scoring for the blues with Jack Mallinson and Alex Oldroyd also grabbing one apiece.

Thanks to Mark Oldroyd and Neal Mallinson for coaching the two sides. Thanks also to the parents for their continued support and ensuring an excellent turnout in poor conditions.

Grahame White


Under 8?s The Raiders
Another good performance by the Under 8?s saw them sneek a 15 ? 14 win away to Littleborough on Sunday.In cold wet conditions, the team once again demonstrated their attacking skills with some fine individual runs to evade the defensive line.

Littleborough  14 - 15   Rishworthians 
Will Symms covered plenty of ground to score a first half hat trick as did Callum Bell who crossed the line twice. Kallan Jamieson also scored 2 first half tries as he dodged his way through the despairing lunges of would-be defenders. As the half time whistle blew the game was all square at 7 tries a piece.

In the second half the Rishworthian defence struggled at times to stop some very straight and determined attacking runs by the Littleborough team, who rushed into an early second half lead. However, the speed and agility of the Raiders once again paid dividends with James McHugh scoring a send half hat trick, and Bell (2), Jamieson and Symms also scoring valuable tries. In the dying seconds of the game with the score poised at 14 ? 14, Will Symms made a characteristic dart across field before straightening up to storm down the touchline to score in the corner (his 5^th of the match) and win the game for Rishworthians.
Coach Dave Puddephatt awarded the effort award to Callum Bell with James McHugh winning the Man of the Match Award.

Dave Puddephatt


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
It has been a stuttering few weeks for Rishies, what with flooding and frozen pitches putting paid to some weekends, howling gales at others and a variety of half term holidays spoiling the squad?s continuity.  So, blustery rain aside, it was a welcome trip to Skipton for a fresh and full challenge from the reigning Yorkshire Cup holders.  Skipton must surely also have been looking forward to the opportunity of getting revenge for their defeat at Copley in November.

Game 1  Skipton  0 - 35 Rishworthans
Perhaps the Reds had made a secret pact to lull Skipton into a false sense of security ? they certainly had their supporting fans looking very nervous as the team lined up at kick off looking as if they were waiting for a bus.  Had the lack of consistent match practice numbed them?  Were some of the team still sleeping off a late night watching England?s victory?  But no, the whistle blew and they were off!  Skipton were taken aback and the ball spilled loose.  Will McDonnell dropped to secure good ruck ball and Jacob Bower moved into the scrum half position.  Sensing that Skipton had over committed to the ruck, Jacob Bower picked up and sped down the blind side.  The Reds were 5-0 up and the game was very much alive.

Rishies kept up the momentum and good pressure off a scrum, combined with excellent ripping of the ball gave Will his own chance from scrum half.  It looked as if cover would block him, but a nifty side step opened up the defence and Will was through. Throughout the morning, the team showed how much they have developed in moving the ball away from the ruck area and into space.  Thomas Cockroft was an early one to take advantage, taking a crash ball and bursting right up to the Skipton line.  The ball spilled loose and Thomas Creasy, following up, just missed out but the scramble to defend gave the Reds a penalty for killing the ball.  The first penalty move was blocked by Skipton but not without giving away a second penalty and this time Jacob Bower took the direct route, striding over the line imperiously to make it 15-0.

Rishies continued to dominate the game, both in territory and in mindset.  Thomas Sweeten made an excellent break and went to ground perfectly to recycle ball.  Fine rucking piled the pressure on Skipton who were again forced into giving away a penalty.  This gave the opportunity for Will McDonnell to add to his tally, again breaking from scrum half and speeding over. Rishies must give credit to Skipton as it would have been easy for the home side to capitulate.  As it was, Skipton came out from the restart determined to break through.  It looked as if a try was on, but excellent cover from Will McDonnell took the Skipton winger into touch.  Thomas Creasy collected from the lineout and made steady progress up to half way and so cleared the lines for the half time whistle.

Half time  Skipton  0 - 20 Rishworthans

These were not the best of conditions, but the full team showed excellent control with their passing.  From the restart Charlotte Siddall showed tidy handwork to feed the ball onto Jack Davis and give him the momentum to close in on the Skipton line.  Possession looked to have been lost, but, taking advantage from a knock on, Thomas Sweeten gathered the ball and balanced himself well to make the try look easy.  It was more fine handwork that gave Rishies perhaps the best try of the day.  Will McDonnell was in the thick of action and, before being swallowed up by the Skipton defence, he spotted Dan Byrnes who had placed himself perfectly to support the move.  Dan kept moving forward, sucking in three Skipton defenders, but crucially he too looked for the pass back to Will looping behind and now with an open run to the line.

More positive work after the restart, this time from Gregory Day as he made it to the ruck first and, putting aside the temptation to pick up the ball, drove well through the ruck securing possession for the team.  Sam Brant slipped the ball deftly to Jacob Bower who in turn slipped the ball to Thomas Cockroft for a break which only just failed to make it all the way.  Such flowing rugby will always bear fruit.  And so it was, for Thomas Cockroft himself took the ball moments later at stand off and crashed over to put the Reds 35-0 ahead.

There is always a sense of pride if you can hold your opponents to no score, but in the dying moments it looked as if Skipton would deny Rishies the pleasure.  Indeed, Rishies have let the pressure tell before when they have a lineout close to their own try line.  Not this time as Jack Davis fed out to Dan Byrnes who displayed the coolness to take the ball forward, dummy a pass out and then stretch his legs to gain enough territory to make the ball safe.  A last ditch break by Skipton was thwarted by Thomas Sweeten, another player who stepped up his game this week with some tremendous tackling, and the whistle blew for full time.

Scorers: Jacob Bower (2), William McDonnell (3), Thomas Sweeten, Thomas Cockroft


Game 2 Skipton 10 Old Risworthians 10
Charlotte Siddall, captaining the side for this second leg, won the toss and many would have been looking for the Reds to make an early mark on the scoresheet.  Not so, as Skipton stepped up a gear to regain pride for the home team.  It may not be pretty, but a driving maul can be highly damaging.  Skipton clearly had the better body position and it was only a deliberate pulling down that brought the move to a stop.  Skipton moved the ball wide from the resulting penalty but encountered George Radcliffe and his crunching tackle.  Dan Byrnes collected the loose ball and, as is becoming his hallmark, took flight up the wing to make 20 yards and give respite to the Reds? defence. Huge credit must be given to the full team ? the tackling was superb with a number of players, Charlotte Siddall, Nathan Cooper and Lewis Hilton among them - committing themselves to bring down the player.  Not only does it contain the attacking side.  It gives your team mates a surge of confidence when they see what you can all do.

Skipton would not lie down though and came back with a fresh wave, this time the ball spilling loose and into touch to give an attacking lineout on the Reds line.  Quick thinking at the front of the lineout gave the Skipton prop a chance to charge over the line and put Skipton into the lead at 5-0. The Reds, up against a double size squad, were beginning to tire, but Thomas Creasy found the legs to slide through a raft of defenders and then feed Dan Byrnes who had again placed himself so well to keep up the momentum.  It looked as if he would surely go over, but steadfast defence denied him.  Skipton could not break out of their own half though and Thomas Creasy again squeezed through the Skipton tackling to inches short of the line.  Perhaps referees will need to start checking him for grease on his shorts because the tackles did not stick.  Either way, he could have felt aggrieved at the final tackle which prevented him scoring.  There are moments, putting aside the howling gale at Baildon, when you can be forgiven for thinking there must be another Force at work: within a minute, Thomas found the ball sitting over the try ine and with a number of defenders simply looking at it.  It may not have been the try he originally wanted, but it would do just as well.

The final half saw a continuing battle between a resurgent Skipton and a defiant Rishies.  The Reds had dominated the mauls and so it was ironic when Skipton pulled one out and found that Rishies had over committed.  With no defence down the blind side it was an easy score and brought Skipton back into the lead at 10-5.  Who was more eager for an equalising score, the players, the parents or the coaches?  Very hard to say, but Will McDonnell so nearly made the line.  Again Thomas Creasy made it to barely inches short, as did Thomas Sweeten.  Finally, and fittingly, Will McDonnell had a sliver of a chance to let his legs do the work and sprinted cross field to make it in at the corner.  A huge collective sigh of relief and the final whistle confirmed the draw ? a fitting end to a very tight game.

Scorers: Thomas Creasy, Will McDonnell

Squad: Charlotte Siddall, Jack Davis, Dan Byrnes, Nathan Cooper, Thomas Cockroft, Thomas Creasy, Gregory Day, Jacob Bower, William McDonnell, George Radcliffe, Lewis Hilton, Sam Brant, Thomas Sweeten

Man of the match: William McDonnell
Effort award: Dan Byrnes

Hugh Creasy



Under 10/11's

Game 1  Littleborough 54 - 0 Rishworthians
Rishworthians were well below par, despite fielding a strong team on paper. The result was their heaviest defeat of the season against a side that played well as a team, but were not by any stretch, the toughest opposition that Rishworthians have faced this season. The Maroon and White's struggled to contain Littleborough's one speed merchant who ran in a hat-trick of tries. Too often the Copley men made good ground only to knock the ball on or lose the ball in contact. At full-time the team were disappointed by their performance and keen to make amends against local rivals  Huddersfield YMCA in their next match.

MOM: Harvey Keighley-Payne 
Effort award: Tom Hammond

Rishworthians Minis v Huddersfield YMCA & Glossop

Another excellent morning's rugby Copley

Match reports Sunday 2nd March
Rishworthians welcomed Huddersfield YMCA near neighbours Huddersfield YMCA and, for the first time, Glossop to the Copley Experience. The sun came out but there was a strong  cold wind blowing down the length of the pitch. It was a full house again at Copley with over 150 mini players plus parents enjoying an excellent mornings rugby. Thanks to all the players, parents, coaches, volunteers and match reporters who made it a highly successful morning.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's had a break from training this Sunday to Host Huddersfield YMCA under 6's. They had a joint training session followed by some matches with mixed Rishworthian and Huddersfield YMCA players. A very enjoyable morning and Rshworthians will return the compliment by travelling to YMCA later this month.


Under 7's The Young Guns
Rishworthians had another excellent turnout of seventeen players allowing them to again field two sides. Glossop were very light on under 7?s so one of their two players joined the Rishworthians Reds and the other joined Hudds YMCA.

Rishworthians Reds 8 Hudds YMCA 7
In a closely contested game both sides produced some excellent running and tagging. Tom Stott opened the scoring, each team then scoring alternately up to 4-4 with Corey White scoring three for Rish. Oliver Brian and Finn Sutcliffe scored one apiece to give Rish a 6-4 lead. Hudds pulled one back before Corey White and Finn Sutcliffe added another one apiece sandwiched by further scores from Hudds YMCA leaving a final score of 8-7 in Rishworthians favour.

Man of match in both games was awarded to two players. Finn Sutcliffe scored two excellent tries to earn his award with Corey White earning his for great all round performance.

Squad: Toby Muscat-Baron, Corey White, Oliver Brian, Kieran Lewis, Finn Sutcliffe, Tom Stott, Max Hartley, Carrick Keighley-Payne, Harry (from Glossop)

Rishworthians Blues 8 Hudds YMCA 9
Rishworthians stormed into a 3-0 lead with Jack Mallinson bagging an early hat-trick. Hudds scored to make it 3-1 before Kian Sutcliffe scored to restore a three try lead. Hudds then hit a rich vein of form to score 5 tries without reply and lead 6-4. Kian Sutcliffe and Jack Mallinson then scored one each to level the scores at 6-6. Hudds and Rish then scored alternately to leave the scores level at 8-8, Jack Mallison helping himself to another two tries bringing his individual haul to 6 tries. With very little time remaining Hudds proved too strong and scored one final try to run out 9-8 winners. A great effort by the Rish side.

Squad: Kian Sutcliffe, George Sutcliffe, William Harker, Jack Mallinson, Reggie Herd. Daniel Haigh, Henry Hilton, George Wannan, Joe Barratt

Men of match: Kian Sutcliffe for some fine running and tagging and Jack Mallinson for scoring six tries.

Thanks again to Neal Mallinson for running the blue team and to all the parents for once again ensuring a fantastic turnout and supporting the youngsters. An enjoyable morning.Thanks also to the Hudds YMCA coach for refereeing and to the two lads from Glossop who joined in so well.

Grahame White


Under 8?s The Raiders
Old Rishworthian?s Under 8?s played in a 3 ? way fixture at home to Huddersfield YMCA and then to Glossop on Sunday. Despite missing several players from the already stretched squad,

Rishworthians 4 - 7  Huddersfield  YMCA
Rishworthian?s got off to a flying start with Sam Puddephatt scoring an early try to take the lead. However, a very well organised Huddersfield team soon got into their stride and exposed the rather fragile Rishworth defensive line to score 3 good tries and lead at half time 3 - 1. In the second half both teams produced some very good passing moves, shifting the ball wide through several sets of hands despite the howling gale that was blowing. Rishworthian?s scored again through James Mchugh, Will Symms and Callum Bell, but Huddersfield were too strong for the home team, eventually scoring 4 second half tries for a comfortable 7 ? 4 victory.

Rishworthians 4 - 5  Glossop
In the second of two matches the Under 8?s again came up against well organised opposition. Glossop who had just suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Huddersfield, were in no mood to make the long drive back home with a double defeat to their name, coming out with guns blazing. Some elusive running by their captain meant they went in at half time 3 tries to 1 up on the home side, with Callum Bell being the only Rishworth player to cross the whitewash. Bell continued his inspirational form in the second half to complete his hat trick and secure a man of the match performance, with James Mchugh also scoring a late try. However, Glossop scored a couple of good tries in the second half to eventually squeeze a 5 ? 4 victory.

Dave Puddephatt


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
We should be grateful that the sun was shining this Sunday morning, but it was perishingly cold as Rishies welcomed Huddersfield YMCA and, for the first time, Glossop to Copley. Despite the cold, Rishies had a full turnout although Gregory Day could sadly only support from the sidelines as a late injury had ruled him out of the matchday squad.  It is a fine indication of the depth of team spirit at Copley that players turn out to show their support even when injured.

What is more, the statistics showed three players scoring hat tricks, but as you will see the day was really won through a team effort with determined defence and tries created by players working together and making space for their team mates.  Both the effort award and man of the match went to the whole team for such a collective performance, earning the respect of the coaches, supporters and opposing teams.

Rishworthians 75 Huddersfield YMCA 0
Right from the kick off, YMCA and Rishies threw everything into the game.  Jacob Bower had shown remarkable perkiness in the pre-match build up and he was quick to drive forwards.  A tremendous tackle from YMCA ? the first of many ? brought him down, but Will McDonnell seized the moment to have his first chance to dart forward.  Quick recycling gave Jacob a second chance and this time he was in at the corner.

Rishies kept working the ball well and George Radcliffe found space up the right wing.  It will have been a joy for the coaches to see George spotting the touchline nearing and stepping back in-field to keep possession.  Sadly the wind took the ball from Thomas Cockroft?s grasp, but the point was proved: Rishies are learning their lessons and becoming a smarter side. Despite YMCA?s fine rucking ? and, as one of their own stronger skills, Rishies will have been surprised to be losing ball here ? Jacob Bower spotted a chance and headed diagonally to put Rishies 10-0 up. The final scoreline appears to show a gulf between the teams but that would be unfair on YMCA.  Jacob Bower made many a strong break, only to be floored by perfectly executed tackles. That is not to say Rishies were shy of making their presence felt.  YMCA made strong breaks themselves from defence but first Nathan Cooper with Will McDonnell, then Thomas Creasy with Jacob Bower, worked in pairs to drive YMCA into touch.

It was from one of the ensuing lineouts that Thomas Cockroft made his way over.  A long ball to Charlotte Siddall gave her space and time to feed Will McDonnell.  Good fast rucking ball from Thomas Creasy left YMCA struggling to keep the defensive line and gave Thomas Cockroft his chance to give Rishies their third try of the morning. Jack Davis was clearly up for the game but the tight YMCA tackling was taking his legs away.  On his second charge though, Thomas Sweeten was up on his shoulder.  This teamwork earned its just desserts with Thomas using his momentum to score at the corner.

More steady rucking and good tackling won Rishies a turnover and Jacob Bower seized the opportunity to make his hat-trick.  Thomas Creasy too crossed the line as the match headed into half time, shimmying his way through the defence and putting Rishies 30-0 up.

Half time Rishworthians 30 Huddersfield YMCA 0

YMCA started the second half well but Jack Davis, clearly frustrated at not having yet made the scoresheet, forced his way forward and found his stride to dive over. More pressure on YMCA from Billy Whyte forced a mistake and Jack pounced on the ball to cannon over.  YMCA were not letting up though, either in their rucking or mauling.  They were unlucky when, having won the scrum, the ball shot loose and into the hands of Jack Davis, who made his way ? of the length of the pitch to score and achieve his hat-trick.

Despite the scoreline, YMCA continued to work well out of defence, Joshua in particular stepping around the Rishies? attack and making 15 yards.  Will McDonnell came away with the ball but ran straight into none other than Joshua again, with a terrific tackle.  Dan Byrnes was keeping close at hand and kept the move going to feed Jacob Bower for his fourth 50-0. Charlotte Siddall had been mixing it all morning and put in a great tackle to chop down the YMCA break.  Thomas Sweeten had much to do as he took the ball, but he showed real straight line speed to belt down the pitch and score.

It was more teamwork that gave Will McDonnell his first try of the game, Jack Davis and Thomas Creasy working together to turn the ball over in the ruck and allow Will a free run to the line. Last week Dan Byrnes had shown real promise and he was again obviously charged up., putting in effective tackles throughout the game.  The greatest cheer of the morning must have been Dan?s debut try for the club.  Pressure at a lineout in the Rishies? half made it look as if Will McDonnell was in for a clattering.  A jink here and a jink there and Will dazzled his way forward, first out of trouble and then right up to the YMCA line.  The pressure told and YMCA gave away a penalty, Lewis Hilton drawing in the defence and then feeding Will McDonnell who moved the ball quickly to Dan.  As against Skipton the previous week, there was much to be done but Dan moved inside and then out to stride past the defence and score his well deserved try.

In the closing minutes Thomas Cockroft showed great stamina to bullock his way forwards and score.  The last honour was left to Will McDonnell.  In an echo of his break moments earlier, Will side stepped his way out of trouble at the lineout and then through the middle of the defence to head over and make it 75-0 at full time.

Scorers: Jacob Bower (4), Thomas Cockroft (2), Thomas Sweeten (2), Thomas Creasy, Jack Davis (3), William McDonnell (2), Dan Byrnes


Rishworthians 25 Glossop 5
After a quick pitstop, the Reds were back in action, facing a tough looking Glossop side.  Appearances were not deceiving and the opening 10 minutes was an example of as robust an exhibition of rugby as you will see.  Both sides rucked, mauled and tackled ferociously, halted only by the occasional penalty as players were tempted into infringing to pinch the ball, sometimes at their Mum?s instructions!  From one of these penalties Thomas Creasy glided through a fistful of tackles but, as against Skipton, was held up just short.  Nevertheless, Rishies kept Glossop pinned down by their own line and Will McDonnell, taking the ball at scrum half, opened the defence up with a sweetly balanced side step to put Rishies in front.

It has to be said.  Glossop were no shrinking violets and restarted with a, literally, screaming run into the heart of the Reds.  Glossop nearly made it through, working the ball right and sprinting down the line, but a splendid tackle from Nathan Cooper saved the day.  Both Thomas Sweeten and Jack Davis made sterling breaks ? Thomas timing his lay off absolutely perfectly ? but neither could make it all the way through a very tight Glossop defence.  Good hands from Sam Brant saved several spilled balls from the back of the ruck, but eventually the Rishies tackling let slip and Glossop showed they wouldn?t miss any opportunity with a fine break to level the score at 5-5.

More ding dong tackling sapped at both team?s energy levels but, from a scrum in the Glossop half, Will McDonnell found Thomas Creasy only for Thomas to stumble on the slippery surface.  Quick ruck ball though gave Jacob Bower sight of the corner and he was over to put Rishies 10-5 up at half time.

Half time Rishworthians 10 - 5 Glossop

The second half cracked on just where the first had left off with good breaks from both sides thwarted by solid tackling.  Thomas Cockroft looked as though he would go over, but Glossop had the better technique in the maul and kept him out.  Eventually, working from a scrum in Glossop territory, Will McDonnell spotted a chance down the blindside and accelerated through to stretch the score to 15-5. More splendid defence from both sides, Charlotte Siddall bringing down the player like a sack of potatoes and both Jacob Bower and Thomas Sweeten looking to score but brought crashing down by splendid tackles.  Still, it was that scrum half again, Will McDonnell who used his speed and agility from the base of the ruck to side step his way through and give the Reds a little breathing space.

Finally, Jacob Bower proved that his earlier exuberance had not worn him out with a sparkling run right up to the Glossop line and earning a penalty.  At the end of the game, there was little left in the Glossop legs to resist Jack Davis at short range and Rishies sealed the match at 25-5.

Scorers: Will McDonnell (3), Jacob Bower, Jack Davis

Squad: Charlotte Siddall, Jack Davis, Dan Byrnes, Nathan Cooper, Thomas Cockroft, Thomas Creasy, Jacob Bower, William McDonnell, George Radcliffe, Lewis Hilton, Sam Brant, Thomas Sweeten, Billy Whyte

Man of the match & Effort award: The entire team

Hugh Creasy



Under 10/11's

Rishworthians Under 10's  5 - 5 Glossop Under 10's
Rishworthians held Glossop to a 5 all draw in a tight forward orientated game. Tom Hammond scoring the Rishworthian try

Rishworthians Under 10's  5 - 10 Huddersfield YMCA Under 10's
A much improved performance on last season's games from the under 10's. Good defending reduced Huddersfield to just 2 tries before  Sam Moore crashed over for the Rishworthian try

Rishworthians Under 11's  0 - 10 Glossop Under 11's
Rishworthians mixed under 10's & 11's took on the full Glossop under 11 side. With very little experience of under 11 games Rishworthians competed well to reduce Glossop to tries.

Huddersfield Festival 2008

Minis in a "Smash & grab raid" at the Huddersfield Festival

Match reports Sunday 9th March
Rishworthians minis produced their best Festival performance since they were formed. The under 7's were losing Plate finalists, under 8's grabbed the Plate and the under 9's went one better to win the cup without conceding a try.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's were back to a normal training session at Copley. Meanwhile the micros who have reached 6 enjoyed a great experience playing in the under 7's B team at the Huddersfield Festival.


Under 7's The Young Guns

A team

Pool Game 1 Rishworthians A 3 Lymm 4
Rishworthians lost the opening game to a strong running Lymm side. Bpth sides scored alternately leaving the score level at 3-3 with a few seconds remaining. Lymm managed one final score to win 4-3.
Scorers: Corey White, Alex Oldroyd, Jack Mallinson   MOM: Alex Oldroyd

Pool Game 2 Rishworthians A 7 Huddersfield Silvers 1
Rishworthians had an easy win against a very young and inexperienced Huddersfiled side.
Scorers: Alex Oldroyd 2, Carrick Keighley-Payne 2, Corey White, Jack Mallinson, George Sutcliffe   MOM Carrick Keighley-Payne

Game 3 Rishworthians A 4 Huddersfield Golds 2
In a competitive game Rishworthians always had the upper hand and having gone 1-0 down the team then scored three scores without reply to lead 3-1. Both teams added one more score each leaving the final score at 4-2.
Scorers: Carrick Keighley-Payne, Corey White, Jack Mallinson, Finn Sutcliffe 

Semi-final: Rishworthians A 3 Southcoat Bulls 4
This was a game which Rishworthians deserved to win but turned the ball over four times allowing Southcoat Bulls the lion?s share of the possession. At 3-1 down the Rishworthians team did rally to score two further tries, Southcoat Bulls adding one score to give them a 4-3 win.
Scorers Kian Sutcliffe, William Harker. Alex Oldroyd    MOM Alex Oldroyd

Squad: Alex Oldroyd, George Sutcliffe, Finn Sutcliffe, Kian Sutcliffe, Corey White, Toby Muscat-Baron (1st game only), Jack Mallinson, Carrick Keighley-Payne, William Harker


Rishworthians B team
Firstly thanks to Neal and Mark for running the side on Sunday. This was a team made up of more inexperienced and younger players and for one player it was his first ever game. Taking this into consideration the players did themselves and the club proud.

Squad: Daniel Haigh, Tom Stott, Joe Barratt, Oliver Brian, Nathan Donaldson, Henry Hilton, Reggie Herd, Max Hartley, Kieran Lewis

Game 1 Rishworthians B 2 Southcoat Bulls 3
This was a fine result against a strong Southcoat Bulls side who would later defeat the A team in the semi-final.
Oliver Brian ran in two tries with man of the match going to Joe Barratt.

Game 2 Rishworthians B 5 Huddersfiled Maroons 5
An excellent result with some good rugby played by both sides. Oliver Brian ran in three further tries with Joe Barratt scoring two. Oliver Brian received man of the match for his hat-trick.

Game 3 Rishworthians B 2 Boston 3
Another close run game with the latest arrivals at the club, Tom Stott and Nathan Donaldson, both scoring a try apiece. Man of the match went to Tom Stott.

Plate semi-final  Rishworthians  B 1 Huddersfield Gold 6
Rishworthians B were well beaten by Huddersfield Gold who had already given the A team a good run for their money. The sole Rishworthians try came from man of the match Oliver Brian.

Squad: Daniel Haigh, Tom Stott, Joe Barratt, Oliver Brian, Nathan Donaldson, Henry Hilton, Reggie Herd, Max Hartley, Kieran Lewis

Well done to all the players and thanks to all the parents for their support.
There was one major blunder at the end of the morning though. My apologies go to players and parents that I was unaware that all the teams should have gone to the 1^st XV pitch to be involved in play offs for various cups and trophies. With refereeing and coaching all morning I didn?t have time to look at the programme and it was only when reading my wife?s programme at home later in the afternoon I realised the error. To make things more annoying I think the A team would have won their game and brought back some silverware. The B team could have done likewise. This does highlight the need for more people to take an active role on Sundays and relieve some of the pressure on the coaching staff.

Grahame White


Under 8?s
Raiders Clinch Shield
The Old Rishworthian Under 8?s produced a fine performance at the weekend to clinch victory in the Shield competition at the Huddersfield RUFC Festival.

Pool Game 1 Rishworthians 7 - 3 Bradford & Bingley
 In a strong pool of four teams, the Rishworthian ?Raiders? chalked up a 7 ? 3 a win against Bradford & Bingley with tries from Kallan Jamieson (4), Callum Bell (2) and Toby Muscat Barron.
Pool Game 2 Rishworthians 4 - 4 Rhyl
 In their second match the Raiders drew 4 ? 4 with Rhyl, with 3 more tries from Kallan Jamieson and one from James McHugh.
Pool Game 3 Rishworthians 5 - 5 Huddersfield
 In their final pool game the raiders played Huddersfield, drawing 5 ? 5 with 3 tries from Bell and one each from McHugh and Jamieson.

Semi Final 3 Rishworthians 2 - 7 Hull Ionians
Topping their group the Raiders then played a very strong Hull Ionian side in the semi final, who proved too strong for the tiring legs of the depleted Rishworthian squad, running out 7 ? 2 winners. Alex Scoley and Kallan Jamieson manged to cross the whitewash for Rishworthians.

Shield Final 3 Rishworthians 6 - 4 Rhyl
Not down hearted, the Raiders picked themselves back up for a showdown with Rhyl once more in the final of the Shield competition. Alex Scoley scored two fine tries as did Emma Bower, who had come out of retirement especially for the festival. Rhyl bounced back though and found gaps in the Rishworthian defence to score 2 tries in the first half and another pair of tries late on in the game. However, The Rishworthian Raiders showed real grit and determination in the dying seconds with late scores from the ever impressive Callum Bell and Man of the Match Kallan Jamieson to clinch a well deserved 6 ? 4 victory.

Effort Award: Emma Bower, Man of the Match: Kallan Jamieson.

Pictured with the Huddersfield Shield are (from left): Alex Scoley, Kallan Jamieson, Callum Bell, Sam Puddephatt and Emma Bower.

Dave Puddephatt


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
Sunday heralded a triumph for the "Reds" as they raised the Cup at the 2008 Huddersfield festival.  What is more, they achieved the feat without conceding a single score.  There is still plenty to do before visiting Harrogate to defend their title from 2007, but this will have given the squad the encouragement to finish the season in style.

Group Stages
With Bradford and Bingley failing to raise a team, Rishies faced two pool games.  The first was against the visiting team from Rhyl ? no doubt seeking to emulate the Dragon?s success in the Six Nations ? and the second against the much fancied home side, Huddersfield Hyenas.

Pool Game 1  Rishworthians 35 Rhyl 0
Billy Whyte joined the Rhyl squad and provided much needed backbone, but Rishies proved far too strong for the visitors.  From the off, Thomas Cockroft took the ball forward and recycled quickly to give Will McDonnell space to sprint round the back pedalling defence and register the opening try. Moments later, Jack Davis made good progress straight up the field and timed his going to ground perfectly.  Again, quick ball ? this time out to Thomas Sweeten ? created the chance and Thomas sidestepped his way through to make it 10-0.

Nathan Cooper has tackled tremendously throughout the season and Sunday was no exception.  His strong tackle, immediately followed by a piercing run took play up to the Rhyl line.  Pressure at the ruck forced a penalty and Jack Davis was too strong as he lived up to his name "The Rhino" to bulldoze his way through for his try. The Reds have mauled well all season and today was no exception.  Both Lewis Hilton and Greg Day blunted Rhyl?s attacking moves, Lewis making a fine pair of tackles in close succession.  Good rucking too from Jacob Bower turned over the ball and earned him an opportunity which, with his powerful running, brought the score to 20-0. More commitment, this time from George Radcliffe as he dived forward on the loose ball to secure possession, gave Will McDonnell an open break down the blindside and he made it 25-0 at half time.

The second half started in exactly the same spirit, Jack Davis ripping the ball clear and delivering to Will McDonnell who broke half way up the pitch.  Quick ruck ball is the key at any level of this game, and Will?s lay back from the tackle allowed Jacob Bower to keep up the momentum and cover the rest of the pitch to put Rishies 30-0 up. A minute later, the same two worked their way forward with Will feeding Jacob at stand in scrum half.  This time Jacob fed out to Thomas Creasy who ghosted his way through a pair of Rhyl backs before stretching his legs and brought the game to an early close at 35-0.

Scorers: William McDonnell (2), Thomas Sweeten, Jack Davis, Jacob Bower (2), Thomas Creasy

Pool Game 2 Rishworthians 5 Huddersfield Hyenas 0
After a close encounter last October, these two teams were always going to be nervous of this encounter.  The Reds started well through George Radcliffe, Will McDonnell and Jack Davis but Huddersfield put in determined tackling.  Jacob Bower too was bossing the ruck well, but Huddersfield started to get the upper hand and threatened the Reds? line with wave after wave of attacking moves.  In what proved to be the decisive break of the game, Will McDonnell ripped the ball clear from yet another maul on the Rishies? line and belted away up the pitch.  Sheer speed was what Will needed and sheer speed is what he gave to give Rishies the lead.

After the half time turnaround the Reds began finding cracks in the Huddersfield defence with Will McDonnell first making his way down the touchline before being shoved out and then Jack Davis too being shoulder charged into touch.  Excellent team play with Jack Davis feeding Thomas Sweeten and then Thomas in turn popping the ball up for George Radcliffe meant that the game came to a finish with the Reds camped on the Huddersfield line, worthy winners of this tense test.

Scorers: Will McDonnell

Pool result: Old Risworthians P2 W2, Huddersfield Hyenas P2 W1 L1, Rhyl P2 L2

Semi Final Rishworthians 20 Stockport 0
If the Reds are to succeed as a rugby team they will need to play fluently, working together to create and exploit open space.  They will also need to have the strength of character to handle hard physical games and this was exactly what they faced.  One of the abiding memories of the tournament will surely be Charlotte Siddall?s shuddering head on tackle on Stockport?s biggest, strongest forward.  It is tackles like this that do more than stop the move.  They build your team?s self confidence and they crack the opposition?s.  They also make the supporters beam with joy but perhaps that?s a little luxury, the icing on the cake.

The game had begun well for Rishies, Thomas Cockroft ripping the ball clear and making it to 10 yards from the Stockport line.  Charlotte?s tackle won the ball back for the Reds and Jack Davis used pace and strength to round the cover and just make it in at the corner for a 5-0 lead. Another hard tackle on Stockport spilled the ball and, as the Stockport team appeared collectively stunned, Thomas Sweeten picked up and charged through unchallenged to put the Reds 10-0 up at half time and with a sniff of a place in the final.

The second half saw Stockport pick up their game and, had it not been for determined defence from Sam Brant and Dan Byrnes together with a try saving tackle from Will McDonnell the game would have been very much in the balance.  As it was, Jacob Bower took the ball at halfway and carved round to outpace the defence and give the Rishies some breathing space at 15-0.  In the closing minutes Stockport again closed on the Reds? line.  Will McDonnell tried to break free but was wrapped up this time.  Jacob Bower though ripped the ball clear and, in a repeat performance, beat the defence over the full length of the pitch to close the game out at 20-0.

Scorers: Jack Davis, Thomas Sweeten, Jacob Bower (2)

Grand Final Rishworthians 10 Huddersfield Hyenas 0
If the Reds? supporters had been nervous at the prospect of meeting Huddersfield once, this was something else.  It was not a high scoring contest, but was a gripping battle between two talented teams.  Charlotte Siddall was again tackling ferociously, Jack Davis making direct drives into the Huddersfield lines and Will McDonnell tackling Huddersfield into touch to keep the sheet clean and hold the match at 0-0 as the half time whistle blew.

Into the second half, Jacob Bower again made it up the touch line and gave the Reds a good position.  From the penalty, Jack Davis burst forwards but against this Huddersfield defence was held up short of the line.  Great teamwork gave Rishies that quick ruck ball and Will McDonnell sidestepped through to seize the lead. Play careered around the pitch as both teams struggled to find a chink in the other?s defence.  Jack Davis showed strong spirit and earned his reward with a Rhino charge ? of the way up the pitch.  Jacob Bower followed up to make more yards before swift recycling gave Will McDonnell a second chance to score and there it was: 10-0.

Huddersfield were determined to score but a double tackle from Jacob Bower and Thomas Cockroft drove them out.  A final drive for the line was closed out as Thomas Sweeten tackled Huddersfield into touch and the whistle blew ? closely followed by the cheers as the Reds? squad raced onto the pitch to celebrate a much deserved team success.

Scorers: Will McDonnell (2)

Squad: Charlotte Siddall, Jack Davis, Dan Byrnes, Nathan Cooper, Thomas Cockroft, Thomas Creasy, Jacob Bower, William McDonnell, George Radcliffe, Lewis Hilton, Sam Brant, Thomas Sweeten, Billy Whyte, Gregory Day

Man of the match & Effort award: The entire team again

Hugh Creasy



Under 10/11's
The under 10's & 11's made the short journey to Huddersfield to take part in the midi rugby festival. It was a very intense day and the results gradually improved with each game.
Haydn Corns father Andy took some photos. Click on the link to view. http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/805354
The photos on photobox and preview may be of diminished quality compaped to the actual print Andy can produce if they are not satisfactory.
If you want a print email Andy on barkisland.cubs@btinternet.com

Pool Game 1 Rishworthians 0 - 30 Otley
A tough start against an experienced and well drilled Otley side.

Pool Game 2 Rishworthians   v  Old Brodleians
Anyone know the result

Pool Game 3 Rishworthians   v  Huddersfield YMCA
Anyone know the result

Pool Game 4 Rishworthians  5 - 15  Wharfedale
then they played Old Brods and Huddersfield YMCA and results started to get better
then played wharfedale in which I think we lost 3-1
 

Rishworthians Minis at Skipton

Rishworthians & Skipton produce another good mornings rugby

Match reports Sunday 16th March
Rishworthians travelled to Skipton with a good turnout in the under 7?s. However the start of the Easter holidays saw  the under 8's travel with 6 players (we must try to recruit more players at this age group). The under 9's had just 9 players.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's have steadily increased in numbers over the last few weeks with 19 micros training. Neal Lumb and Darren Grogan lead the session with new coaches Warren Doyle and Guy Laurie helping to run the session. The players are enjoying the sessions and numbers are still good despite the cool weather.


Under 7's The Young Guns
Both sides enjoyed the morning but struggled in varying degrees to come to grips with the huge tags worn by the Skipton side. Mike Tyson would have struggled to get hold of them! Again the new boys did well and the future looks good for the under 7?s. Corey White moved up to play for the 8?s and Skipton, with 16 players available, were able to loan two players to Rishworthians helping them to put out two under 7?s sides to play against the remaining 14 players from Skipton.

Game 1  Skipton   7 - 7  Rishworthians Reds
This was a very even contest with Ben from Skipton putting the first two scores past his team mates, Tom Stott and George Sutcliffe both bagged a couple and Carrick Keighley-Payne scored the other. Man of the match went to new boy Tom Stott.

Game 2  Skipton   10 - 8  Rishworthians Reds
Another close run contest with Skipton just having the edge. Rishworthians tries came from Carrick Keighley-Payne with a hat trick, and man of the match George Sutcliffe running in the other five.

Squad George Sutcliffe, Carrick Keighley-Payne, George Wannan, Tom Stott, Henry Hilton, Reggie Herd, Ben from Skipton

Game 1  Skipton   11 - 6  Rishworthians Blues
Skipton proved too strong for a relatively inexperienced Rishworthians side. New boy Nathan Donaldson ran in a fine hat-trick as did man of the match Alex Oldroyd.

Game 2  Skipton   7 - 5  Rishworthians Blues
A much closer game with new boy Nathan Donaldson going one better than in the previous game and scoring four tries. Alex Oldroyd scored the other Rishworthians try. Man of the match went to Nathan Donaldson.

Squad Nathan Donaldson, Kieran Lewis, Daniel Haigh, Alex Oldroyd, William Harker, Max Hartley, A N Other (Skipton)
Thanks to Mark Oldroyd and Dave Harker for running the two sides and to all the parents for their support and help especially the score keepers.

Grahame White

Under 8?s The Raiders
With only 6 players Corey White moved up to play for the 8?s

Game 1  Skipton   4 - 10  Rishworthian Raiders
Skipton gave all the players a run out in the first game and Rishworthians proved too strong for them. Callum Bell ran in six tries, Kallan Jamieson scored a hat-trick, the final try coming from Alex Scoley. Man of the match had to go to Callum Bell.

Game 2  Skipton   9 - 8  Rishworthian Raiders
With a rugby festival weekend away in Wales coming up for Skipton, they put out a full strength squad in the second game. Despite Rishworthians leading 7-4 Skipton rallied late on to pull off a 9-8 victory. Callum Bell notched up another five tries with Ben Riley, Kallan Jamieson and Alex Scoley scoring one apiece. James McHugh received man of the match for his all round battling performance.

Thanks to Paul Bell for coaching the side in the second game and again to the parents for their support.
Squad Alex Scoley, Kallan Jamieson, Callum Bell, James McHugh, Corey White, Ben Riley, William Hilton

Grahame White


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
A feeling of d??vu this Sunday as Old Rishworthians made the trip to North Yorkshire, and a scenic Skipton Rugby Club, for the second time in 3 weeks. Rishys have played Skipton in 4 matches this season so far, with our youngsters winning 3 and drawing one.

Skipton   0 - 40  Rishworthian Reds

After the euphoria of last weeks relatively comfortable festival win at Huddersfield you would be excused for thinking that the team would be a touch blas?about today?s game.
Think again. A few encouraging words from the coaches and the lads were pumped up and raring to go.

From Rishys kick off the sense of intent and purpose was evident with Jack Davis battering his way through the Skipton defence only to be held up on the line. A similar Jacob Bower charge shortly after brought him to the Skipton line and from the ensuing maul Thomas Cockroft peeled off and went over for the first try. Skipton tried to run with the ball but a great tackle by Jacob Bower put the player in to touch. Will McDonnell had his first chance of a try when he picked up the ball from the base of a ruck and set off down the wing only to be pushed in to touch 10 yards out. From the ensuing throw in the Reds snaffled the ball in the tackle and Jack Davis crossed the line to make it 10-0 to the visitors.
Sustained pressure in the tackle from the likes of Greg Day, Lewis Hilton and George Radcliffe stopped Skipton gaining any momentum in the centre of the park and allowed Rishys to take full advantage with a string of turnover balls. One such ruck on half way found scrum half Will McDonnell digging the ball out of the mass and sending centre Thomas Sweeten in for another try.

The Reds were now in control of the game and Skipton could not match their enthusiasm and desire to win the ball. Every time a Skipton player received the ball he was met with an avalanche of red and white shirts bearing down on him. One such Skipton possession 5 yards from the Reds line saw a turnover with the tenacious Thomas Cockroft ripping the ball and the pass out to Thomas Sweeten allowed him to side step a Skipton centre and sprint the full length of the pitch to score his second try of the half. Another try was always on the cards, and after an excellent period of recycling by the forwards, Will McDonnell picked up from the ruck and set off from half way, leaving defenders in his wake, to score one of his signature tries. Just before half time Jack Davis stole the ball in the tackle, Greg Day and Lewis Hilton secured the ball for scrum half Will McDonnell to give quick ball to Thomas Sweeten who was brought down with a great tackle feet from the line. Quick thinking Jacob Bower was first at the breakdown, picked up the ball and dived over for a half time score of 30-0.

Half Time Skipton   0 - 30  Rishworthian Reds

Skipton, with 9 replacements, tried to play and run with the ball, but time and time again their efforts were snuffed out by a solid Reds defensive wall. Recent rehearsed set moves have often confused the opposition and brought rewards, and one of those set pieces almost worked again. The ball came to Jack Davis who passed out to full back Nathan Cooper on the wing who almost scored in the corner, but was denied by a Skipton tackler as Nathan stretched out to ground the ball. A double tackle by George Radcliffe and Jack Davis on a Skipton forward caused the ball to be knocked on. From the 5 yard scrum Will McDonnell picked up the ball and with two defenders hanging on he dived over the try line only to be judged as being held up. The Reds were now turning the screw. Skipton could not retain possession with the Reds hounding them down and stealing the ball. Thomas Cockroft scored his second try of the day after he ripped the ball in a maul and ambled over to make the score 35-0.

The Rishys backs were hungry for more tries and all wanted to score. Will McDonnell again went on one of his runs and seemed destined to score but was again double tackled in to touch. Jack Davis did score the Reds eighth try after bursting through the defence and forcing his way over, only to be injured by a tackle while scoring. Jack, being the lad that he is, was soon back up and making tackles. The Reds were determined to keep a clean sheet and a promising run by a Skipton player was stopped, as Nathan Cooper and Will McDonnell combined to shepherd the player towards the touchline and then bang, double tackle in to touch. A last effort by Will McDonnell, sprinting down the right wing, was also stopped 5 yards short when he was also bundled in to touch. That was the final act of the match and the Reds had continued there recent successes over Skipton with an excellent 40-0 win.

Since our defeats against Sandal in the middle of January the Reds have played 11 games in our age group, winning 10 and drawing 1. We have only conceded 3 tries in those games and today was our 5th game on the trot where we have kept a clean sheet.
The defensive play is a credit to the players, who are improving every week and are playing as a team, with enthusiasm and the desire to win.

Man of the Match?.George Radcliffe
Effort award?Greg Day

Team: Greg Day, George Radcliffe, Lewis Hilton, Nathan Cooper, Jack Davis, Jacob Bower, Thomas Sweeten, Thomas Cockroft, Will McDonnell.




Under 10's
 

Rishworthians Minis at Sandal

Rishworthians compete well at Sandal

Match reports Sunday 6th April
A hastily re arranged fixture saw Rishworthians travel to Sandal for a return fixture. Games between these two clubs are always eagerly awaited especially at the under 9 level where  two of Yorkshire's best sides clash. Playing conditions were ideal under foot on a sunny but cool April morning.
The Sandal Sharks under 9's who have gone through the season to date unbeaten will be at the National finals in Twickenham having won through the Gullivers Festival in Nottingham. From all at Rishworthians we wish you well and good luck at Twickenham. Hope you bring the trophy back to Yorkshire.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's had 13 micros training plus several who have reached their 6th birthday playing for the under 7's Jack Mallinson, George Wannan, Oliver Brian and Kieran Lewis. Coaches Neil Lumb, Darren Grogan, Warren Doyle and Guy Laurie put them through their paces. 


Under 7's The Young Guns
With a complement of 11 players Rishworthians were able to put out a full team and then make up another team with three Sandal youngsters playing for Rishworthians B side. The more seasoned players made up an A team with the newcomers and one or two more experienced younger players making up a  B team.

Game 1 Sandal A  12 - 10  Rishworthians  A 
The young guns A team contained two relative newcomers to the U7?s with the absence of several more experienced players. Both Oliver Brian and Tom Stott moved up to the A team and equipped themselves well and all seven players (plus one from Sandal) put on two great performances to run a very strong Sandal side very close in the first game and to beat them in the second.

The first game was lost 12-10 with man of the match Carrick Keighley-Payne scoring a hat-trick. Other scores came from William (Sandal) 1, Finn Sutcliffe 1, Oliver Brian 1, Kian Sutcliffe 2 and Jack Mallinson 2.

Game 2 Sandal A  11 - 12  Rishworthians  A 
The second game was even closer with Rishworthians just pipping the Sandal side 12-11. Kian Sutcliffe produced a match winning, man of the match second half performance running in five tries. Other scores came from Jack Mallinson 1, Carrick Keighley-Payne 1, Tom Stott 2 and Oliver Brian 3.
An excellent performance all round.

Thanks again to the parents for their support, to Neal Mallinson for running the B team and to Phil Haigh for volunteering to write the B team report. Again both teams played some great rugby to entertain a good number of watching parents.

Grahame White

Rishworthian A Jack Mallinson, Carrick Keighley-Payne, Finn Sutcliffe, Kian Sutcliffe, Tom Stott, Oliver Brian, William Harker

Game 3 Sandal B  11 - 3   Rishworthians B
A largely inexperienced side turned out with 3 players from Sandal to make up the numbers.  The hosts roared into a 7-0 lead before Daniel Haigh pulled one back for Rishworthians only for Sandal to score again.  Rishworthians came back to make it 8-2 thanks to one of the deputising Sandal players.  Sandal then scored a brace before the deputising Sandal player scored again only to see Sandal score once more to finish the game at 11-3. 

Man of The Match Daniel Haigh.

Game 4  Sandal B  6 - 6  Rishworthians B
Again supported by 3 Sandal players the inexperienced side showed a more resolute side to their game.  Tries were exchanged by the 2 sides until 2-2 with the Rishworthian try scorers being the deputising Sandal boys.  Rishworthians then took a lead courtesy of the same scorer only for Sandal to level it again.  Daniel Haigh then put Rishworthians back in front, but Sandal came back once more to make it 4-4.  Tries were exchanged again only for Sandal to take a late lead 6-5 and at the death Rishworthians levelled it with tries 5 and 6 being scored by the Sandal players. 

Man Of the Match Reggie Herd.  

Lee Haigh


Under 8?s The Raiders
The Rishworthian Raiders travelled to Sandal on Sunday to face their toughest opposition of the season.

Game 1 Rishworthian Raiders  10  - 13 Sandal A
It started very well for the Raiders against Sandal ?A? with Kallan Jamieson and Callum Ball scoring two early tries each. Sandal eventually got into their stride though to find gaps in the Rishworthian defence and hold a 6 ? 4 advantage at half time. Two tries for Sam Puddephatt and a further four tries for man of the match Jamieson gave the Raiders a respectable 10 try tally at the final whistle. However, Sandal were just too good, showing good support play and the ability to slice through the defence at will to record a 13 ? 10 win.

Game 2 Rishworthian Raiders 8 - 11 Sandal B
In the second game v Sandal ?B? it was much the same story. Good running by the Rishworthians produced 5 tries for Callum Ball and one each for Alex Scoley, Sam Puddephatt and Kallan Jamieson. As time wore on though, tired legs and a lack of available substitutes took its toll on the Raiders. Sandal took full advantage of gaps in the defence once more to eventually win 11 ? 8.

Dave Puddephatt


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
On current form, visiting Sandal must be up there amongst the toughest fixtures for any U9 team in the country.  Certainly, having had an education at Copley in January, Old Rishworthians knew they faced a stern challenge from this year?s finalists in the Gulliver?s festival.  Never ones to shirk a challenge, Rishies were delighted to see a clear and bright, if unseasonally chilly, Sunday morning for this eagerly anticipated chance to test themselves.

Game 1 Sandal Stingrays  0 - 65  Rishworthian Reds
With 12 players in the squad, Rishies had the opportunity to pit themselves at both Sandal teams, first up being the Stingrays.  Do not be deceived.  This team is a ?Sandal development? squad with the emphasis on the former, not the latter.  If the Reds had managed to put away only half the tries they actually scored, there would have been some very happy faces.  As it was, the team really turned on the style in a comprehensive victory which owed everything to a total team performance.  Tackling was solid, mauling was much improved and support play influential.

From the first free pass George Radcliffe was straight into the action, stalling the Sandal momentum and giving a platform to counter-ruck.  Will McDonnell collected the ball from the ensuing scrum, going backwards and with no real options on.  Or so it seemed.  Dazzling footwork sent him scorching through the defence and gave the Reds a 5-0 lead with less than a minute on the clock.

Tight pressure on Sandal with good ripping from Thomas Cockroft and both George Radcliffe and Thomas Creasy tackling robustly gave the Reds more good territory.  Jack Davis was clearly fired up as he smash-tackled the Sandal backs and with Sam Brant following up smartly Sandal scrambled the ball back over their own line, the ball just beating Thomas Creasy to the dead ball line to deny a poached try.  Still, the five yard scrum was enough, Creasy feeding Jacob Bower at stand off who displayed the subtlety of an over affectionate labrador as he bounced straight over the line. The coaches were clearly delighted with the work the team have been putting in on their mauling skills and it was a George Radcliffe rip ? one of many ? which allowed him to break free and canter over from 15 yards.  15-0 a cracking start for a team which has been working hard week in week out.

A first substitution brought Charlotte Siddall, Nathan Cooper and Thomas Sweeten on.   Siddall was in no mood to ease herself in, immediately flooring a Sandal back, with Sam Brant again following up from close range to steal the ball.  Thomas Creasy made good ground before being brought down and, with Thomas Cockroft following through to secure the ruck, the Reds could move the ball quickly to Dan Byrnes.  Dan has been denied cruelly by last ditch defence, but his speed down the wing and steady head saw him through to put Rishies 20-0 up.

Sandal reacted wisely to the free running Reds by keeping it tight and using their driving maul, spearheaded by Connor, to bear down the hill.  Breaking free, only Nathan Cooper stood between Connor and the try line.  Only Nathan?  Only Nathan?? Did Carwyn James ever utter the words: ?Only JPR to beat?, did Bill McLaren ever sigh: ?Only Gavin Hastings to get past now?.  As if!  Bang, over went Sandal, scrum Rishies.  Still, only 5 yards from the Rishies line, so when the ball was slipped back to Nathan, behind his own goal line, I?d say he had a challenge on his hands.  Next stop 5 yards from the Sandal line, a trail of sidestepped players behind him.  Lewis Hilton meanwhile had made sure to keep up with Nathan and kept the move flowing, but sadly the support wasn?t with him and Sandal managed to close the move down.  Nevertheless, deft hand work from Thomas Creasy and then Dan Byrnes ? this time selling the dummy before passing out to Nathan Cooper - gave Nathan the chance to wriggle home for a deserved try.

Sadly for Thomas Creasy, he took a knock in that move and had to be substituted for The Labrador, who came bounding onto the pitch just in time to receive the ball and frolic his way across to the corner.  Try number two for Jacob Bower. More good work from Nathan Cooper, working forward and then going to ground, gave Will McDonnell space round the outside and, like a flash, he put the Reds 35-0 up.  The tries were now flowing freely and Jacob Bower lifted his stride to scamper through for his hat trick before the half time whistle.

Half time Sandal 0 Old Rishworthians 40

Whatever had been put in Jack Davis drinks bottle, I want some.  In a rehearsed move from the restart, Will McDonnell put Jack on a crash course with the Sandal defence.  Opting not to waste energy with a side step, Jack took the direct route.  Job done, 40-0.

Throughout the game George Radcliffe had been ripping and ripping and ripping.  With Sandal 5 yards from the Rishies? line, the rumbling maul looked as if it might break the Reds? clean sheet, but George was at it again, first blocking the drive with his body position and then wrenching the ball clear to pass out to Thomas Sweeten.  Looking ever the part, Thomas picked up steam and hurtled down the hill for his first try of the game.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Siddall was working at the coalface, tackling the biggest Sandal players she could find.  Sam Brant too was clinging on in the tackle to check any Sandal progress.  Thomas Creasy tried to make his way through and looked as if he would be wrapped up but, as he turned, there was Charlotte bang on his shoulder and screaming for the ball.  It?s hard to tell whether Thomas had time to work out what was going on ? the firecracker had the ball and sizzled through to score and bring up the half-century. Immense tackling from George Radcliffe and a half pitch break from Thomas Sweeten set up good field position and, with good interplay with Dan Byrnes in the centre, Thomas received the ball again to stroll over to net his second try. As the game drew to its close, Sandal were ever more eager to cross the Rishies? line.  Denied by Lewis Hilton?s resolute defence, Rishies worked up to a scrum on halfway.  Thomas Creasy is always most dangerous with a little space to work in and so he finished the game, swerving left, right, left then right again to put the Reds 60-0 clear.

Tries: William McDonnell (2), Jacob Bower (3), George Radcliffe, Dan Byrnes, Nathan Cooper, Jack Davis, Thomas Sweeten (2), Charlotte Siddall, Thomas Creasy


Game 2 Sandal Sharks  20 - 5 Rishworthian Reds
And so to the showdown, Sandal?s finest fresh from their success at Nottingham.  Rishies are not a side to be daunted and an excellent drive from Jack Davis from the start, with Thomas Creasy breaking away and Charlotte Siddall coming into the line, put the pressure clearly on the home side.  Early attempts to break out from their line were thwarted, Nathan Cooper making his tackles and Jacob Bower forcing the knock on.

However, this Sandal side are a strong bunch and, breaking from a scrum, were too much for the Rishies? defence, the home side going 5-0 up.  Another fine run from Sandal looked to be a certain score, but Thomas Sweeten made it back to the corner to put in a fine tackle and keep Sandal out.  It was not long though, before Sandal worked their second excellent try to give a little breathing space at 10-0.

George Radcliffe had worked hard for one full game already, but he wasn?t finished yet, pressurising the Sandal fly half into conceding a fumble.  Thomas Creasy, too, was making sure his tackles went down and so stopping any driving mauls from Sandal.  Tired legs though meant that the Reds were struggling up the hill and Sandal squeezed in at the corner to reach 15-0 at half time.

Half time: Sandal 15 Old Rishworthians 0

Come the second half, come the snow.  Only flurries mind, but enough to chill the hands and cause both sides to drop the ball in rare displays of unforced errors.  Sandal always look dangerous from the scrum and opted to break down the blind side.  Will McDonnell wasn?t letting his guard slip and, together with Jacob Bower, they bundled Sandal out. Jack Davis was clearly determined to score and he bullocked his way through the Sandal defence.  Perhaps Sandal?s finest honour is their tackling, but Jack barged his way on.  A last ditch tackle feet short of the line twisted him down and, though Thomas Sweeten was first to the loose ball, it had gone forward. More terrific tackling from Nathan Cooper, Charlotte Siddall held Sandal out, with Thomas Sweeten holding Sandal up to deny a try.

The final moment went, appropriately, to a player who would not lie down and who was resolute in his desire to score.  In an almost exact repeat of his earlier break, Jacob charged down the slope and, again, only the Sandal scrum half was left to tackle him.  This time though, the pleasure was Jack?s as ? once again twisted down ? this time he held on and gave the Reds points they well deserved.

Try: Jack Davis

Squad: Charlotte Siddall, Jack Davis, Dan Byrnes, Nathan Cooper, Thomas Cockroft, Thomas Creasy, Jacob Bower, William McDonnell, George Radcliffe, Lewis Hilton, Sam Brant, Thomas Sweeten

Man of the Match: Jack Davis

Effort Award: George Radcliffe

Hugh Creasy

Rishworthians Minis v Huddersfield YMCA

Under 7's are developing well

Match reports Sunday 30th March
Rishworthians made the short journey to Huddersfield YMCA on a sunny morning. Although the sun came out there was a cool wind blowing down the length of the pitch. There were still some players away on holiday and possibly some forgot to put their clocks forward. Thanks to all the players, parents, coaches, volunteers and match reporters who made it a highly successful morning.

Under 6?s The Micros
The under 6's had a break from training at Copley and travelled with the under 7's & 8's to Huddersfield YMCA. They had a joint training session followed by some fun games and matches with mixed Rishworthian and Huddersfield YMCA players. Rishworthians and Huddersfield YMCA plan to run these sessions again next season for the micros.


Under 7's The Young Guns
Rishworthians with a squad of nine players took on a mixed under 7 and under 8 team from Huddersfield YMCA. They played well against much bigger players and came away with a well earned draw.

Rishworthians 4 - 4  Huddersfield YMCA
In a closely contested game both sides produced some excellent running and tagging. Wiliam Harker opened the scoring, each team then scoring alternately with Finn Sutcliffe, Kian Sutcliffe and Tom Stott scoring one apiece to give the Young Guns a 4-3 lead. Huddersfield YMCA scored in the final play to tie the match at 4 - 4.


Under 8?s The Raiders
Old Rishworthian under 8?s played away at Huddersfield YMCA on the first day of summer. At last there was some sunshine! And with a squad of 7 well motivated players the ?Raiders? bagged a win

Rishworthians 6 - 5  Huddersfield  YMCA
The team responded well defensively and began to work very well as a team. The first try came courtesy of a great pass out wide from Sam Puddephatt to Kallan Jamieson who avoided the YMCA defence and crossed the whitewash. With further tries from Callum Bell and James McHugh and a near miss by Alex Scoley, half time saw the Raiders holding a one try lead.

Half time Rishworthians 3 - 2  Huddersfield  YMCA

The second half allowed the team to work on moving the ball through the hands to expose the gaps in the YMCA defence. The ever impressive Callum Bell added a further two tries to his total and Kallan Jamieson also sneaked into the corner for his second of the morning. However, YMCA never gave up and took advantage of a couple of lapses in concentration by the Raiders defence to close the gap to just one try. The Raiders proved too strong though eventually running out 6 ? 5 winners at the final whistle.

The Effort Award was presented to a much improved Sam Puddephatt with William Hilton being named Man of the Match.

Dave Puddephatt


Under 9's The Reds & All Blacks
Training


Under 10/11's
Training
 

Rishworthians Minis v Old Brodleians

Rishworthians & Brodleians enjoy good rugby despite poor conditions

Match reports Sunday 27th April
After yesterdays glorious afternoon the players coaches and parents arrived for the last fixture of the season. What a change in the weather!!. It was a horrible wet morning at Copley with conditions rapidly worsening under foot. However all four sides played some great rugby and players from both clubs were a credit to themselves and their clubs. Rugby was the winner here.

Under 6?s The Micros
The micros had their last training session of the season. Its been the most successful micros squad to date with numbers reaching over 20 registered players. Several have played with the under 7's to gain valuable experience for next season when they become the under 7 squad and play competitive rugby. Reading the match reports they will be a force to be reckoned with collecting several man of match awards. Thanks to the coaches and parents for giving up your time supporting these youngsters. I hope you gained as much pleasure coaching and supporting them as they have playing the game.

Under 7's The Young Guns
With seventeen players turning out for Rishworthians (18 if you count Tom Stott who bravely turned up to have his photograph taken despite being very poorly) and 12 for Old Brods, Rishworthians were able to lend a few players to Old Brods to make up four teams. Thanks to George Wannan, Reece Barraclough and Henry Hilton for representing Brods.

Match 1 Rishworthians A  10 - 10  Old Brodleians A
In an end to end game both sides battled the conditions and produced some fine running rugby. Brods took an early lead before Kian Sutcliffe scored the first of his six tries. Two further tries from Brods gave them a 3-1 lead. Kian then score again to make it 3-2. Brods then scored again before Kian added his third to leave the score at 4-3 to the Brods. The teams then scored alternately up until the Brods led 8-7 with tries for Rishworthians coming from William Harker, Kian Sutcliffe 2, and George Sutcliffe. Brods then extended their lead to 9-7 before three tries on the bounce from William Harker, Kian Sutcliffe and George Sutcliffe gave Rishworthians a fragile 10-9 lead. Brods recovered well and scored with the last play of the game to leave a final score of 10-10. 

No surprise as to man of the match ? Kian Sutcliffe with his six try haul.

Match 2 Rishworthians A   8 -4   Old Brodleians B
By now the pitches resembled a mud bath but again both teams were able to play some great rugby. George Sutcliffe opened the scoring before Brods levelled it at 1-1. Further tries from Kian Sutcliffe and George Sutclife gave Rishworthians a deserved 3-1 lead. Brods did get one back before tries from William Harker and George Sutcliffe (3) gave Rishworthians a 7-2 lead. Brods then scored twice before William Harker completed the scoring to give Rishworthians an 8-4 victory.

Man of the match went to Henry Hilton for his tagging but a special mention needs to be given to George Sutcliffe for his excellent 5 try haul.

 Squad: Kian Sutcliffe, Corey White, William Harker, Kieran Lewis, Reggie Herd, George Sutcliffe, Henry Hilton, Joe Barrett

Thanks again to Mark Oldroyd and Neal Mallinson for coaching the sides. Thanks also to the parents for such an excellent turnout on a horrible morning. Finally thanks to the Old Brods for helping to make the morning such a success and for playing the game how it should be played ? for enjoyment. 

Grahame White


Rishworthians B 12 - 7 Old Brodleians B.

On a rain soddened pitch Rishworthians & Old Brodleians battled out what begun as an even contest.  Rishworthians took a lead with Brodleians continually replying until the home side led 5-4.  Jack Mallinson scored the first 2 tries, Oliver Brian, Carrick Keighley-Payne and Nathan Donaldson then scored respectively.  Oliver Brian scored again either side of Nathan Donaldsons second try to make it 8-4.  Old Brodleians then replied only to see Alex Oldroyd and Jack Mallinson score again.  Old Brodleians then scored twice before Alex and Oliver finished off the scoring at 12-7.  Man of the Match Jack Mallinson.

Rishworthians B  7-8 Old Brodleians A.

The second game began well with Oliver Brian continuing where he had left off in the previous game by opening the scoring, although Old Brodleians quickly replied twice.  Finn Sutcliffe then levelled the scores before the visitors went back in front.   Alex Oldroyd scored again before Brodleians scored three on the trot to make it 6-3.  Rishworthians came back again through Alex Oldroyd but Brodleians scored twice again to go 8-4 up.  Despite a late rally which saw Oliver Brian score 3 more tries Rishworthians were unable to get back on level terms and lost 8-7.  Man of The Match Alex Oldroyd.

Special mention to Oliver Brian for his consistancy in both games scoring 4 tries in each.

Team : Jack Mallinson, Carrick Keighley-Payne, Daniel Haigh, Alex Oldroyd, Finn Sutcliffe, Nathan Donaldson, Oliver Brian.

Lee Haigh.



Under 8?s The Raiders