Rishworthians v Sandal

Sandal just edge out Reds in a Thriller

The last time the Reds came up against the Sharks they were given a lesson in fast flowing rugby by the Sandal youngsters and came away on the wrong end of a 42-0 thrashing. At one point in Sundays game I feared that another similar whupping was on the cards, but thankfully I was absolutely wrong.

The Reds 28 - 35 The Sharks

Having only managed to play one game since the middle of December the Reds were getting fed up with constant training and were eager to get on with a match at last. The snow disappeared, the rain stopped, and the ground at Hollas Lane was in fine condition for the welcome visit of the Sharks.

The game set off at great pace from both teams with some strong tackles on both sides, but the Sharks managed to open the scoring after a few minutes with some slick passing that moved the ball from right to left across the pitch for the winger to touch down in the corner. The try was converted. The Reds however, came roaring back, and from a Sandal fumble from the kick off, the Reds gained yardage through some great rucking, and from 10 metres out, centre Thomas Sweeten took the ball at pace and glided through the opposition defence to score. Jacob Bower converted to level the scores.

Some fine play from the visitors brought out some great tackles from the Reds with Sam Bake making a low tackle on the big Sandal forward and Charlotte Siddall making an important hit on the try line. The Sharks are very imposing when they attack and their passing game allowed them to score a further 3 tries. Rishies kept their heads, battled on, and out played their opponents in the rucks, with second row pair George Radcliffe and Jacob Bower securing the ball allowing quick easy ball for scrum half Will McDonnell. The Sharks almost increased their lead before half time with an interception on half way, but McDonnell tracked back and made a superb tackle to deny the score. At half time the score was 28-7 to Sandal and it appeared that the game was already over.

Half time Rishworthian Reds 7 - 28 Sandal

Call me pessimistic, but as we all know, in recent times when the Reds have gone behind they have succumbed to the pressure of losing and have never come back. Did I say never. I will now eat my words because the assembled throng were treated to a passionate fight back by the Reds.

Jack Davis took the bull by the horns and made a number of yardage making his trade mark "Rhino" charges into the Sharks defence. A wonderfully controlled driving maul forced the Sharks defence back over their own line where Jonny Wheatcroft peeled off and scored the try. Bower converted. The Reds increased their score soon after when they had a penalty on the Sandal 15 metre line. Davis again took the ball and crashed through the defence to go over. Bower converted.

The home team were now the dominant force, particularly in the rucks, with all the forwards impressing, but it was against the run of play that Sandal increased their lead with a converted try. The Reds maintained pressure and brought play to the Sandal line again, and from the base of the ruck McDonnell picked up and dived over. Bower converted to make the score 28-35 to the Sharks setting up a tense, nail biting final few minutes.

The momentum was with the Reds and the Sharks were in disarray. The Reds forced another error from Sandal just inside their half and hooker Thomas Cockroft scooped up the loose ball and found himself with open ground in front of him. He set off with the line begging, the home crowd urging him on, but the quicker Sandal defender hauled him down inches short of the line. Greg Day, backing up, appeared to pick up and plant the ball down but the try was disallowed and the whistle blew to end the fight back.

Tries: Thomas Sweeten, Jack Davis, Jonny Wheatcroft, Will McDonnell
Cons: Jacob Bower (4)

Man of the match: Jacob Bower
Effort award: Jamie Highley
Tackle award: For some outstanding defence?.the team

Well done to both teams for producing a superb game of end to end thrilling rugby which as always was played to the spirit of the game. It was unfortunate that one team lost because a draw at the end would have been a justified result. Even in defeat this was an excellent result for the Reds because no other team in the last couple of seasons has put 4 tries passed the Sharks defence.

At half time with the score 28-7 to the Sharks, the boys, and girl, could have been dead and buried, but it is a testament to them that their heads did not drop. They showed belief in themselves and their team mates, and impressed the coaches with the character that we all knew was there.

Many thanks must go to our "part time coach", ex England and Saracens player, Chris Davis, who is head coach at Vandals. He took an effective training session on Friday evening and managed to instil a sense of confidence in the squad, which I am sure will see them through the rest of the season. The Sharks play Brods next week which will be very interesting.

Dave Mc