Match report Sunday 1st November
On a wet and windy day events went against the Rishworthians, half term late cry offs and injuries left the squad short of players but after much debate it had been decide to take the fixture. Skipton as promised kindly lent us some players to balance the sides to allow the game to proceed. Skipton seemed to have the same problems that we have with a surplus of forwards, our team therefore was made up of 10 forwards and 3 backs and therefore asking a prop forward to play in the centre had the potential to confuse. All we asked of the Skipton lads was to tackle hard, and go forward with the ball at every opportuntity and to enjoy themselves, and to their credit that is what they did.

The game started with Rishworthians getting used to their line up and playing into the elements,initially Skipton had the majority of the possession and it was therefore no surprise when they were first to score an unconverted try. From that point Rishworthians played some of their best rugby with all the forwards working well. Joe Garside at number 8 was everywhere making tackles and always aggressive in taking the ball forwards. Excellent runs by Daniel Cooper and James Radcliffe had the Skipton defence running for cover, however time after time they either lacked the confidence that they could could make the line or the support was not quite close enough to retain possession . But even when the ball was recycled there was another problem, that initially was an irration to a team playing well but eventually demoralised them.

Rishworthians managed to go over the try line for what seemed to be good tries on 3 occasions, Kyle Jameison twice and Josh Gledhill (capitan for the day) once but on each occassion it was deemed that the ball was not grounded to the frustration of all the players. Eventually the Rishworthians managed to score. From a ruck the ball was recycled and passed along the backs as far as Harvey Keighley Payne and from 15 metres out there was no stopping him, James Callighan converting. Rishworthians still had the majority of the play however shortly before half time Skipton cleared their lines and a number of fortunate decisions went their their way which lead them to scoring a converted try close to the posts.

Half time score Skipton 12 - 7 Rishworthians

If the game had end here the players and supporters would have had no agrument with the scoreline but events happened that did not help the Rishworthians. First Harvey had to retire after taking a knock to the head, Harvey who once again was playing out of position, tackled manfully and was always there to take the ball on, he was therefore greatly missed in the second half and secondly the referee's decisions, whilst unbiased had a profound influnce on the outcome of game.

Skipton were now able to use the extra man to their advantage and 5 second half tries all coming down the right wing with missed tackles not helping. Considering the circumstances all the players continued to play well and Rishworthian rallied again to crossed the line for a try only for the decision to go against us yet agaon. Further Rishworthians pressure saw the forwards driving well, crossing the gain line and were about to score what appeared to be a simple run in for a try. Big disappointment yet again for James Radcliffe and Josh Gledhill the game was stopped and brought back for a scrum to Rishworthians with no advantage being played!!. Whilst Tom Hammond never made any of his usual barnstorming runs his tight play is getting better each week.

Thoughout the game the Rishworthians were dominant in the scrums and lineouts, the power of the scrum was shown time and time again especially on Skipton's put in with one scrum been shunted back at least 5 meteres. Special thanks to Oliver (Kyle's friend) who turned up for his first game of Rugby Union and was informed that he was playing scrum half, a position which will always influnce a game. He played with great enthasium and made at least one try saving tackle.

Full time Skipton 41 - 7 Rishworthians

I would like to thank all the players and parents who turned out for the way that they dealt with their frustrations on Sunday, This was a match we could and should have won but the unfortunate events and scoreline suggests otherwise. Thank you to Skipton for sportingly lending us some players.

Andrew Day

Full time Baildon 35 - 7 Rishworthians

Man of the Match : Joe Garside
Effort award : Daniel Cooper.

Click here to view Skipton website

Team
	1. J Radcliffe	2. K Jamieson	3. D Cooper
6.				7.
	4. Garside		5. Hammond
		8. Gledhill
9. Oliver
	10. Callighan C
		12. H Keighley-Payne T
			13. Guest
11. Guest				14. Guest
		15. Guest
Subs