Moortown v Rishworthians

Inaugural victory for new U12's Side (The Red Backs).

Moortown 14 - 17 Rishworthians

Its was with a sense of expectancy that Rishworthians took to the field for their first match of the season, indeed for several players it was their first ever time playing a competitive game of Rugby Union. Myles was given the Captains armband on his debut and took part in a novel way of deciding kick off, an arm-wrestle, which he promptly won and decided that we would play the first period down hill.

Moortown dominated the early exchanges with some neat passing and tactical kicking, and it was to their credit that Rishworthians held out against some prolonged pressure, the whole team can be commended for some fierce tacking and the forwards especially, working as one to repel constant attacks. Edward Denham especially put in some thunderous tackles that made the Moortown pack think twice before aiming their attacks in his direction. Eventually however, Moortown made a break down the left wing and despite a last minute tackle by Max Dawes they managed to ground the ball just inside the corner flag. They duly took the extra two points, and the assembled parents/supporters tried to rally the team to prevent their heads going down, as had occurred in several matches last season. We should not have worried though, Rishworthians showed tremendous team spirit, immediately exerting pressure on Moortown with several forward led breaks resulting in a scrum. The domination in the scrum, which we showed throughout the first half, produced excellent ball for the backs and Edward Denham ran in a great try. A further try by Elliot Craven gave Rishworth a well deserved lead.

Again Moortown tried to take the game to us, but our front row were now dominating at the breakdown and backed up by excellent tacking from Jack Bruce we had them pinned down for some time along their try line, eventually after a powering break by George Heron, the ball broke to Harry Wade who scored another try and James Stott added the conversion. There was just time for one last break away by Elliot, who was only felled by a try saving tackle from two of their backs, which pushed him into touch.

Half time Moortown 7 - 17 Rishworthians

At Half time the scale of our front row domination of George, Isaac and Edward, became apparent when the referee stated that we were going to uncontested scrums as our front row was so much bigger than Moortowns, lets hope that this situation becomes a rarity rather than the norm in the season ahead.

In the 2nd period despite playing up the slope and having a major part of our game denied us, the team again withstood a period of sustained pressure by a well drilled Moortown pack and several last ditch tackles were made. Moortown kicked with great accuracy to push us back but the ball was returned each time to make up lost territory. Some excellent running by Elliot, which he produced throughout the match, kept the ball away from the try line.

In the last 5 mins Moortown scored a converted try to make for an intense last few minutes, but Rishies held out, and indeed were only denied two further tries though losing the ball under a tackle when already over the try line. An excellent team performance which gives great hope for the season ahead.

Man of the Match: Elliot Craven
Training Effort Award: Isaac and George Heron
Tacking Award: Edward Denham

Your Reporter: Steve Dawes

Squad: Jack Bruce; James Stott; Edward Denham; George Heron; Isaac Heron; Max Dawes;
Elliot Craven; Sam Burford-Eyre; Harry Wade; Jack Hirst; Jack Raby; Myles Smithies