Rishworthians v Brodleians

Another busy minis morning at Copley

Match report Sunday 2nd October
Another busy morning with the visit of local rivals Brodleians for the opening minis games of the 2011-12 season. Brodleians always bring a large squad of players and thee was hardly any parking space in Copley. Rishworthians always look forward to playing Brodleians who have one of the strongest mini sections in Yorkshire. There are are no easy games at any age group against Brods and if we pull off any victories then we know we can be a force to be reckoned with.

It turned out to be a faily even morning with Brods winning the u8s and u12s matches and Rishies winning u7's, u9's and u10's with the u11's a draw. An excellent mornings rugby by both clubs.

Under 6's The Micros

Meanwhile at Camp Copley the micros had over 20 training. Jaes Kershaw and Charlie Lovering have reached their 6th birthday and playing with the under 7's.
See photos at bottom of the page.

Under 7's The Young Guns
Young Guns open the season with a win over local rivals

On a sunny morning at Copley HQ the under 7’s took to the pitch for their first game of the season against local rivals Old Brodleians .For the majority of the squad this was their first competitive game of rugby after moving up from the micros.

Game 1 Rishworthians 15 - 9 Brodleians
The game started with some fantastic defending from Rishies, showing what they had been working on in training for the previous 4 weeks was already paying off. The tagging was led by Rhys Hunt, Oliver Hill and Charlie Rushworth pushing Brods back on there first attack , the ball was turned over allowing Leo Iribaren to use his pace and set Jake Goldthorpe Smith up for the first try of the game with a strong run down the wing.Over the next few plays the team traded tries with some fantastic running from Charlie Harrison, Charlie Lovering and Jack getting on the score sheet , all with powerful runs from within, their own half.

Making 4 subs Rishies continued the fantastic first quarter work with Lucas Fearnley, Dagan Murray and Ben Hall taking some important tags and stopping Brods from scoring. Strong running from Max Smith set Oliver Hill up for his first try.

The third quarter saw Ewan Bell , Freddy Shields and Jobe Wilby make an immediate impact with some fantastic tagging and wonderful jinking runs, putting the team in very strong scoring positions.

The fourth quarter saw some of the more experienced players leading from the front with Jack Billington scoring a length of the field turnover try , Charlie Lovering showing footwork normally seen on Strictly Come Dancing and Charlie Rushworth making some of his trade mark cross-field passes to put Jake, Leo and Oliver in for tries.

This was a fantastic start to the season with all the players making contributions in both attack and defence, and all players making there Rishies debut doing themselves proud.

As always big thanks to all parents/grandparents for their continued support.

Scorers, Jake Goldthorpe Smith 5, Jack Billington 3, Leo Iribaren 2, Oliver Hill 2, Charlie Lovering 2
Charlie Harrison 1

Man of MatchCharlie Lovering
Top Tagger Jack Billington
Coaches Award Leo Iribaren

Young Guns squad – Jake Goldthorpe Smith ,Jack Billington, Leo Iribaren ,Oliver Hill , Charlie Lovering,Charlie Harrison ,Lucas Fearnley, Ewan Bell, Charlie Rushworth, Ben Hall, Rhys Hunt, Dagan Murray , Freddy Shields, Max Smith, Jobe Wilby

Rishworthians at Bradford and Bingley Slideshow.
click on photo to enlarge, move cursor onto enlarged photo then click on next to view more photos.
View u7's photos

Thank you to the parents/grandparents etc for their support.

Dave Smith

Under 8's The Sharks

Anybody produced a report?

Squad: Ben Gianotti, Bobby White, Jack Lumb, Joe Walsh, Lewis Paxton-White, Rafe Dolan, Thomas Doyle, Edward Windle

Tries: Bobby White x 5, Lewis Paxton-White x 3, Edward Windle, Thomas Doyle, Rafe Dolan

Under 9's The Rams and Rhinos
Great start for Under 9s first contact game

The Rishies U9 started their first season of full contact rugby with a derby against local rivals Brodleians. It was going to be an interesting morning for all concerned to see if all effort put in by the team and coaches alike during some of those very wet Wednesday evenings would bring just rewards. The under 9's had enough players for 2 teams the Rams and the newly formed Rhinos

Game 1: Rishworthians Rams 20 - 0 Brodleians
The strongest Rishworthians team possible took to the pitch and the game started with a lot of excitement; it was clear from the off that the team were well prepared to put into action all they had learned. Toby Laurie just failed to touch down in the corner before being bundled into touch, and in the next play Lewis Paxton White came up short by inches. Although the Brods defence was strong a nice cross field run from winger Thomas Doyle opened the scoring. From the subsequent kick off, the Brods drove into the Rishworth half but good defensive play saw Rishies push back into the Brods half of the pitch. Eventually that defensive effort was rewarded with a turn over and a try from a great solo run from Joseph Smallman. The remainder of the half was spent in the Brods half of the field but Rishies were not able to increase the try count.

Half-time: Old Rishworthians 10 - 0 Old Brodleians

The second half started with Brods pushing into the Rishworthians half and it looked like they were about to score, before Joseph Smallman produced a superb try saving tackle. It was clear that the team were working well together as they drove the Brods back down the field into their half and once again Joseph Smallman broke through the Brods defence to score. Brods tightened up and the game ebbed and flowed. The tension on the side lines was noticeable but Rishies secured the win with Joseph Smallman scoring and completing his hat trick.

It was a great opening game and result from a team pumped up and ready for action. This strong line-up really took the game to the Old Brodleians, the forwards driving hard all game, the backs making some great defensive tackles and then using their speed and skill to score. The team was unlucky not to have scored more and the final score does not flatter those on the pitch. The shut out made the result all the more special.

Squad: Ben Gianotti, Jack Lumb, Joe Walsh, Lewis Paxton-White, Thomas Doyle, Edward Windle, Joseph Smallman, Toby Laurie
Tries: Joseph Smallman (3), Thomas Doyle

Game 2: Rishworthians Rhinos 15 - 30 Brodleians
After a 10 minute break for refreshments, it was time for the second game and an opportunity for the other members of the squad to play. This was a perfect opportunity for the coaches to blood new players and let them experience their first competitive match. It was clear from the start that the Brods were fired up, smarting from the result of the first game, and they ran in 2 quick tries without a response from Rishworthians. However some words of encouragement, and a reminder of the need to play as a team, was followed up by the play of the game. Rishworthians took the ball from deep in their own half and drove up field with determination; powerful driving from Jude Whitelaw and Emma McHugh in particular was rewarded with a try following a lovely diagonal run from Dillon Hilton. The remainder of the first half was error strewn by both teams with neither team being able to get the upper hand. A crunching tackle and a twisted ankle on the Rishworthians scrum-half brought the half to a close; no lasting damage I am pleased to say on what was an excellent individual performance.

Half-time: Old Rishworthians 5 - 10 Old Brodleians

Some enforced changes at half time saw a whole stream of Rishworthians players forced to play out of position. Ben Gianotti came back on and took up the mantle of scrum-half, Joe Walsh the powerhouse hooker from the first game played at inside-centre! The second half started with a lot of promise with Rishworthians tying the game with a try from Ben Gianotti. However Brods exerted more pressure on the Rishworth defence and some poor tackling allowed them to score another 2 tries. Joseph Smallman then got back onto the score sheet as Rishies were able to breach the tough Brods defensive line to bring Rishies back to within 1 try. Poor tackling was to prove our failing in the end though as the Brods were able to score two more unanswered tries before the final whistle was blown.

It was a very competitive game and if it was not for some poor tackling at times the scores would have been much closer. Trying to push players into touch rather than tackling them, and moving up into the tackle much more quickly are lessons I am sure the squad will learn. That said the effort was colossal and the forward play of Jude and Emma in particular is worthy of high praise.

Squad: Jude, Emma McHugh, Bobbie White, Dillon Hilton, Killian Smith, Lewis Paxton-White, Ben Gianotti, Patrick
Tries: Dillon Hilton, Ben Gianotti, Joseph Smallman

Man of Match Joseph Smallman
Effort Award Leo Iribaren

Guy Laurie

Under 10's The Meercats
"Cats" open the season with a win

Rishies under 10's opened their season with a good win against their local rivals, Old Brods, at Copley on Sunday. Several players who jin the squad this season performed well

Game 1: Rishworthians 35 - 15 Brodleians
With both sides fielding a number of new players, it was Rishies who took the initiative, opening up an early lead with a brace of tries from Tom Georgiou. Brod's responded well by keeping the ball amongst their pack. Denying Rishies any quality possession, Brods were rewarded with a well worked team try in the second quarter of the game. A further try from Rishies stand-off, Tom Georgiou gave the home side a 15-5 lead at half time.

Rishies failure to move the ball out wide lead to a scrappy, physical, start to the second half. With both sides tackling and rucking with even measures of success, it was Finn Sutcliffe who finally broke the Brods defensive line to edge the home side further ahead.

Brods then fought their way back in the game and after several phases of play managed to score a well worked team try prior to the last quarter. Rishies finally found their stride in the final fifteen minutes of the game, securing better quality ball at the back of the ruck and gaining turnover at the lineout, they were able to build upon their greater share of possession and score two further tries from Tom Georgiou and scrum half Oliver Brian.

Brods never gave up and scored once again before Oliver Brian finally put the result beyond doubt with a late try to give the home side a well earned victory.

Try Scorers : Tom Georgiou (4), Finn Sutcliffe 1, Oliver Brian 2.

Under 10's Squad :

Man of the Match
Effort Award:
Top Tackler:

Mark Witchell

Under 11's The Destroyers
Local derby finishies with honours even

The Destroyers began their 2011/2012 campaign with a hard fought home fixture against local rivals the Old Brodleians. With a big squad of 19 players Rishworthians and Brodleians were able to play 2 games.

Game 1 Rishworthians 7 - 7 Brodleians
After an even start with good tackling from both sides, Rish began to gain the upper hand mainly due to their dominance in the scrums. Having cleanly won the first three, it was from the next scrum deep in Brods terittory that Rish opened the scoring. Once again the ball was won cleanly following a good drive from the pack and the ball was passed out to Tom Gillespie who in turn found William Harker who forced his way over for the opening try. Tom Gillespie successfully kicked the conversion and Rish had a 7 - 0 lead. Brods came back in to the game , but good Rish tackling, most notably from Carrick Keighley Payne prevented them from scoring. The half was brought to an early close following a serious looking hand injury to a Brods player. We wish him a speedy recovery.

As the second half commenced Brods began to exert more pressure on the Rish tryline and only a last gasp tackle by Nathan Donaldson prevented a certain try. Following another even spell of play Brods finally broke the Rish resistance as they ran the ball along the line to score the equalising try in the corner. The successful conversion left the scores even at 7 - 7. In the latter stages of the game both sides adopted a kicking game, and Rish came close to securing the victory when Jake Haynes collected a Brods kick deep within his own half and a good solo run was halted only 5 metres from the Brods line. The game ended in a respectable draw, and both teams should take credit for their effort and determination.

Game 2 Rishworthians 14 - 31 Brodleians
Rish made numerous changes for the second match to allow the entire squad of 19 to have a game. Brods applied early pressure, but it was the Destroyers who had the first good opportuinity to take the lead As Brods were penalised Rish took advantage to play the ball early to Carrick Keighley Payne whose run was only halted close to the Brods line. Brods weathered more pressure and shortly afterwards took the lead with a try to the corner following a good crossfield run. The conversion was successful giving Brads a 0 - 7 lead. Further Brods pressure ensued and after good try saving tackles from Corey White and Carrick Keighley Payne Rish were powerless to prevent a further try in the corner. But this time the conversion was missed. As half time approached Rish had a good spell of plessure which culminated in Tom Gillespie forcing his way over for a good try. Kian Sutcliffe converted to claim the additional 2 points. In the final minute of the half Rish were unlucky not to score again when Jack Brooks collected the ball close to his own tryline and his fine run down the wing was only curtailed deep within Brods territory.

Following a scrappy start to the second half, Brods extended their lead with another crossfield run to the corner and the additional 2 points put them in a strong position with a 5 - 19 lead. Rish were undeterred and once again went on the attack with a superb ground-making run by William Robbins leaving Rish 10 metres short of the tryline. From the resulting ruck the ball was played out to Carrick Keighley Payne on the wing who went over in the corner to seal a good team try. Once again Rish converted this time Tom Stott securing the extra points. With the game now poised at 14 - 19 any chance of Rish coming back to steal the victory were snuffed out as Brods went on to score 2 further triies and one successful conversion in the closing minutes, leaving the final score 14 - 31. Once again credit goes to all players from both teams.

In spite of defeat in the second game the signs are good that the Destroyers have a good strong squad and can have a successful season. Finally a mention to the new squad mambers namely Jack Brooks, Henry Craven, Joe Stott, Kian Wallace and Alfie Wormald who all performed well on their debut appearances.

Squad: Jack Brooks, Henry Craven, Nathan Donaldson,, Thomas Gillespie, William Harker, Jake Haynes,
Toby Helm, Liam Holgate, Deven Illand, Carrick Keighley Payne, William Robbins, Zak Rush, Joe Stott, Thomas Stott, Kian Sutcliffe, Matthew Toomby, Kian Wallace, Corey White and Alfie Wormald.

Man of the Match Kian Sutcliffe
Effort Award Jack Brooks, Toby Helm and Matthew Tooby
Top Tackler Carrick Keighley Payne

Shaun Brittlebank

Under 12's The Raiders
Raiders

The Raiders