Rishworthian Minis v Skipton Minis, match report, Rishworthians under 9's topple Yorkshire cup winners

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