Rishworthians v Baildon

A bad day at the office for The Reds.

The under 11's season got under way with the prestigious Land Rover Challenge at Leeds Carnegie. As usual the event was well attended by players and parents and it was thought that we may do well as we had avoided Sandal and Brods in the group stages. Unfortunately it was not a good day, rugby wise, for the Reds, who lost all three of their group matches. I don't know if it was the rousing, inspirational speech from coach Cockroft "It's not about winning its about enjoying yourself"?.that the players took literally, or poor coaching, but things did not go according to plan.

Rishworthians 0 - 5 Sheffield

The Reds started the game as though they meant business and were dominating the scrum and the maul with scrum half Will McDonnell stealing the ball in the maul on two occasions. Jack Davis and Jonathan Wheatcroft used their size to good effect with some strong runs, and second rower Jamie Smith was busy in the rucks and mauls. Both teams were evenly matched and the second half continued the same way with Davis dragging the opposing winger in to touch. McDonnell managed to find space down the right wing with a run from deep indeed his own half before also being hauled in to touch. Sheffield took the spoils in the dying seconds when they stole the ball in a ruck close to the Reds line and managed to go over.

Rishworthians 5 - 20 York

Again the Reds started well with the forwards winning balls in the rucks and mauls which allowed quick ball and the opening score. Will McDonnell picked up from a ruck, managed to evade 3 or 4 tacklers and sprinted down the left wing to score in the corner. The lead was short lived as York hit back with a quick tap penalty and went over to level the score. Just before half time another good run from a York player was well snuffed out with a double hit from Charlotte Siddall and McDonnell banging the player in to touch. A good catch and return from full back Nathan Cooper at the kick off gained ground for the Reds, but it was York who went in to the lead after their fly half sold a superb dummy and strolled over. A fumble from the kick off saw York steal the ball again and canter over to increase the score to 15-5. The Reds heads were now down and York finished us off at the end when their player ran the full length of the pitch to score a solo try.

Rishworthians 0 - 25 West Park Leeds

The Reds tournament was now over and this final group game was a match too many with handling errors and poor defence evident. West Park scored three times before half time all down to ineffective tackling, and two further tries came in the second half. Mention must go to Jamie Highley in his first game for the club, who made an excellent try saving tackle in the dying seconds of the game.

A very frustrating day after last seasons tremendous efforts. For some unknown reason last seasons rock solid defence has crumbled and to allow so many soft tries was disappointing to watch. We seemed to lack any cohesion in nearly all aspects of the game with the guys unable to find the spark that they had last season. Any way, that is out of the way, and next week we are at Moortown, where Steve will not be doing any motivational speaking, and where we will try to kick start our season.

Thanks again for all attending and supporting the team.
Dave Mc