Old Rishworthians U14 27 - 10 Barnsley U14

Rishworthians start the season with a good win

Match report Sunday 2nd September
Old Rishworthians started their first full season of rugby with a well deserved win against Barnsley. Jon Porritt bagged a hat trick of tries and there were debuts for Matthew Hunt-Brown who had an excellent game at full back scoring 2 tries and Jerome Broadbent came off the subs bench and had a couple of good runs.

Rishworthians playing with the strong breeze and rain on their backs started brightly with the forwards driving into the Barnsley half. Scrum half Chris Cowey fed his backs but the ball was dropped just yards short of the line. From the scrum Barnsley cleared their lines with a kick up field. Full back Matthew Hunt-Brown fielded the ball and ran it back into the Barnsley 22 and was well tackled. The Barnsley forwards pounced on the loose ball and drove back upfield, however they lost control of the ball and stand off Jack Ledgard picked up and released his centres who sent the ball went down the line for winger Jon Porritt to score in the corner to put Rishworthians 5 - 0 up after just 5 minutes play. Ledgard was just short with his touch line conversion.

From the kick off Rishworthians were back on the attack and again the backs looking sharp slipped a pass to winger Ismail Kashan who was tackled just 5 metres short of the line. Barnsley forwards turned over the ball in the tackle and cleared the danger with a good kick to touch. From the line out Rishworthians won clean ball and Cowey fed his backs, centre Josh Kelly made a good break and fed full back Hunt-Brown who burst into the line, brushed past a couple of tackles and scored near the posts, Ledgard converted to give Rishworthians a 12 - 0 lead after 15 minutes play.

It was all Rishworthians now with Barnsley struggling to break into the home sides territory. After 20 minutes the pressure told and Rishworthians increased their lead. Good forward driving from Brierley and Zientek brought Rishworthians into the Barnsley 22 and from a ruck Cowey spun a ball out to Ledgard who made a half break and slipped a pass to Kelly who made ground before releasing the ball to winger Jon Porritt to race in for his second try in the corner. Ledgard missing the conversion. 

Just on half time another spell of forward play pressurised the Barnsley line but an infringement in a ruck gave Barnsley a penalty and a chance to clear their lines. The ball failed to find touch and the Rishworthian backs fielded the ball and ran back at the Barnsley defence. From a tackle Rishworthians forwards quickly secured the ball and again Cowey sent the ball down his three quarter line where full back Hunt-Brown came into the line to run in for his second try. Ledgard was short with his conversion from wide out. 

Half Time Rishworthians 22 - 0 Barnsley

The second half saw Barnsley, now with the wind and rain on their backs start the stronger of the 2 sides. Using their bigger pack they began to dominate proceedings driving into Rishworthians 22 for the first time in the match. It was Rishworthians turn to defend their line as Barnsley used their forward power to drive for the line. Eventually Rishworthians gave away a penalty and from the tap Barnsley forwards powered over the line for a well deserved try.

From the restart Rishworthians went onto the attack and a good run by the backs was well defended by Barnsley who turned over the ball and drove back up field using their pack. Rishworthians again defended well as Barnsley pounded the line and manage to ease the pressure with a penalty kick to touch. Rishworthians forwards were now starting to tire against the bigger pack and were losing scrums and line out ball. From a line out on half way Barnsley stole the ball and fed their backs who kicked down field into the Rishworthian 22. Full back Hunt-Brown caught the ball on the full and went on a weaving run from his own 22 back into Barnsley territory to release winger Jon Porritt to score his third try (and the try of the match) in the corner.

In the dying minutes of the game Barnsley again finished strongly using their forwards to drive into Rishworthians 22. Again they pounded the line and a tired Rishworthians pack conceded a try right on full time.

Full Time Rishworthians 27 - 10 Barnsley

Coach's Corner
The pre seasons training has paid dividends with the forwards looking more mobile and a big improvement in retaining the ball. The backs look sharp with Cowey, Ledgard and Kelly combining well. The forward of the Match went to Bradley Fowles and the backs award went to Jon Porritt for his hat trick of tries.

Match Report from Barnsley's website

Old Rishworthians U14  24 - 57  Halifax U14

Rishworthians continue to improve despite the defeat

Match report Sunday 9th September
Old Rishworthians entertained local side Halifax at Copley and found they were up against a much stronger side this week. There were several changes from last weeks game against Barnsley. In the  front row there was a debut for Elliott Norcliffe at hooker and in the back row, Luke Illingworth moved from hooker to wing forward. Jon Porritt took over the scrum half role for unavailable Chris Cowey. In the backs there was a debut for Ben Fleming on the wing and Joel Broadbent moved from the subs bench to full back.

Halifax kicked off and straight away Rishworthians were on the attack as the ball was spun down the line to winger Ismail Kashan who made good ground only to be well tackled in the Halifax 22. Halifax were quick in support to steal the ball and a good clearance kick took play back to half way. Rishworthians collected the ball and again released Kashan on the wing to go round his man but a a try saving tackle from Halifax prevented a score. Again Halifax secured the ball, but the clearance kick was charged down by Josh Kelly and Jack Ledgard was on hand to pounce on the ball and score wide out. Josh Kelly was short with the conversion attempt.

From the kick off Rishworthians collected the ball and the speedy three quarter line was in action again but the Halifax defence bundled winger Kashan into touch. Halifax up till this point had been on the back foot and against the run of play they won good ruck ball on the half way line and broke through some poor Rishworthian tackling to score a converted try under the posts. Two minutes later Halifax won a scrum inside their own half and from a ruck they broke up the narrow side to score another converted try under the posts. A few minutes later Rishworthians defence leaked another try. Halifax forwards drove into Rishworthians territory and from loose play they picked up the ball to run through poor tackling and score a converted try under the posts.

Rishworthians came back at Halifax with Matthew Zientek making a good break from half way to the Halifax 5 metre line and from the tackle, scrum half Porritt fed the backs and Joel Broadbent scored a fine try converted by Ledgard. Rishworthians kept up the pressure on Halifax and another fine run by Ledgard, Kelly and Watkins took them into the Halifax 22. An infringement in the ruck gave Rishworthians a penalty. from the tap the ball was spun out wide to Josh Kelly who squeezed over the try in the corner.

Half Time Rishworthians 17 - 21 Halifax

The second half saw Halifax start to dominate the forward play and push Rishworthians back in the scrums. Rishworthians defence held out but 10 minutes into the half Halifax won a scrum and released their backs to score a converted try. Five minutes later Halifax increased their lead further, again from a scrum Halifax backs ran at the Rishworthian defence and poor tackling allowed them to score an unconverted try in the corner. Halifax had their tails up now and took the game beyond Rishworthians reach with a break by their backs from well inside Rishworthian' s half to score a converted try under the posts. Rishworthians forwards began to tire and struggle against the bigger Halifax pack which drove into the Rishworthian 22 and their scrum half released the ball for their winger to score an unconverted try in the corner.

Rishworthians were not quite dead and buried, they rallied and the forwards drove into the Halifax half where from a breakdown Porritt spun the ball out to Kelly who chipped over the Halifax back line and Jack Ledgard won the chase, collected the ball cleanly and scored a consolation try converted by Kelly.

Halifax hit back within minutes to add 2 more tries in the dying minutes of the game.

Full Time Rishworthians 24 - 57 Halifax

Coach's Corner
On paper this looks a heavy defeat but it shows they are improving as a side. Last year they lost to Halifax 7 - 64 and 7 - 58. In the first half they matched Halifax and at 17 - 21 it could have gone either way. But the team tired as the bigger Halifax pack took charge of the game in both the loose and set play, plus we gifted Halifax several tries through poor tackling. When our backs do get the ball they look dangerous going forward.

Bradford & Bingley U14  59 - 0  Old Rishworthians U14 

Rishworthians stung by the bees

Match report Sunday 16th September

Old Rishworthians didn’t trouble the scoreboard operators today but they earned the respect of both sets of parents with their never say die attitude against a much bigger and vastly more experienced side.

The writing was on the wall from the off, playing against a howling wind the Old Rishworthians kicked off and the return kick sailed to the Rishworthians line where a dropped ball saw B & B score in the corner. The same events saw the second, third and fourth try scored in quick succession and a brief play in the opponents half at 28 – 0 down was the only time Old Rishworthians ventured into foreign territory. Joel Broadbent made two good running kick returns in the first half, holding the ball long enough for the forwards led well by Bradley Fowles to take the ball up, however, the strong  wind played its part as passes went awry. Losing possession cost dearly and B & B ran in two more tries before the break.

Half Time Bradford & Bingley  38 - 0  Rishworthians

The side didn’t let their heads go down at 38 – 0 and they started the second half in a determined move forcing B & B deep into their own half time after time. Unfortunately they had some good centres and wingers who rounded the defence to score two more converted tries. Old Rishworthians then had the best spell of the game. Josh Kelly and Jack Ledgards kicks keeping the home side in their own half for a good ten minute spell. After such an effort it wasn’t a surprise when a few missed tackles led to B & B’s last score. They lost on the pitch but won the admiration from both sides for the valiant effort they put in.

Full Time Bradford & Bingley  59 - 0 Rishworthians

Coach's Corner
Bradley Fowles was the forwards Man of the Match with Ledgard getting it for the backs.

 

Old Rishworthians U14  5 - 45  Huddersfield YMCA U14

Rishworthians continue to improve despite the defeat

Match report Sunday 23rd September
Rishworthians entertained near neighbours Huddersfield YMCA this morning hoping to maintain their improvement and close the gap on their rivals. There were a few changes from last week. In the forwards Josh Berry started at prop with Luke Illingworth at hooker, in the second row Callum Oates partnered Jack Smart and in the back row Ieuan Jones moved to wing forward. In the backs Joel Broadbent moved to the wing, Aiden Watkins to full back and Matthew Zientek came into the centre with Josh Kelly.

Rishworthians kicked off and YMCA collected the ball and launched an attack through their forwards driving into the Rishworthian 22, Rishworthians defence was called into early action and held the YMCA assault, managed to retrieve the ball and kicked upfield to clear the danger. However with just 5 minutes on the clock, YMCA counter attacked from their own half and their swift backs scored a converted try. Rishworthians came back ay YMCA with a good forward drive by Brierley into YMCA's 22 but were unable to score. A YMCA attack was held by the Rishworthian defence and cleared by a tap penalty taken by Kelly who made good ground before passing to Brierley who was well tackled in YMCA's 22.

After 15 minutes YMCA extended their lead with a well worked try using their forwards to suck in Rishworthian players then release their backs to run in a converted try. This signalled a good spell of play from YMCA getting to the breakdowns in numbers first, dominating the rucks & mauls and releasing their quick backs. As a result Rishworthians were pinned in their own 22 for the rest of the half and YMCA scored 2 more unconverted tries.
  
Half Time Rishworthians 0 - 24 Huddersfield YMCA

YMCA started the second half and Rishworthian took the ball into the YMCA 22 with a good forwards drive and the ball spun out to Ledgard who made a good break but hauled into took just short of the line. Rishworthian won the line and again released their backs but they were tackled pressing for the line, newcomer Matthew Cook picked up and drove for the line but held a couple f metres short. The YMCA pack relieved the pressure with a turnover and drive upfield and after 10 minutes of Rishworthian pressure YMCA extended the lead with another break on the halfway line to score a converted try under the posts. Rishworthians then conceded another converted try within minutes and it look as if YMCA would cut loose.

Instead they rallied once more and the forwards enjoyed a spell of possession and released their backs with Ledgard, Kelly and Porritt making ground into YMCA 22. A YMCA infringement gave Rishworthians a penalty, the ball was spun out to the backs who wee well tackled but Rishworthians recycled quick ball and spun it out again for Josh Kelly to go over in the corner for an unconverted try. The YMCA response was swift and from the restart their forwards drove back to the half way line and released their backs to run half the length of the field to score a converted try just on full time.  

Full Time Rishworthians 5 - 45 Huddersfield YMCA

Coach's Corner
Rishworthians struggled to gain the upper hand in the forwards with the YMCA pack dominant in the loose, they had players getting to the break down quicker and in numbers and providing their backs with an ample supply of ball. Rishworthians backs had little chance to show their paces today but are a threat when they do have the ball and the forwards able to support them at the tackle. The team to their credit never gave up and the improvement is there but in short spells. They now need to build on this by recycling the ball and keep the possession for longer spells.
The man of the match was awarded to newcomer Matthew Cook for an all round non stop game.

Old Rishworthians U14  0 - 31  Roundhegians U14

Rishworthians unable to penetrate Roundhegians defence

Match report Sunday 30th September
Rishworthians entertained Roundhegians this morning hoping to improve on last weeks performance. The two sides have not previously met and little was known of each others strength and weakness. There was just one change to last weeks starting line up. Ben Fleming started on the wing and Jon Porritt was on the subs bench.

Roundhegians kicked off and straight away gained possession to drive into the Rishworthian 22 but solid defence kept them out. Rishworthians relieved the pressure with a Josh Kelly clearance kick but Roundhegians were back on the offensive. With just over 5 minutes on the clock the pressure told as Rounghegians took the lead. From a tap penalty they quickly spread the ball out to the back line to score an unconverted try in the corner.

From the restart Rishworthians drove into the opposition half and from a tap penalty the backs had their first look at the ball spinning it out wide to the wing and charging for the line only to be hauled into touch just a few metres short. Rishworthians continued to pressure but against the run off play inside Roundhegians 22 they coughed up the ball and Roundhegians snapped up the loose ball to sprint in for a converted try under the posts. Rishworthians soon had possession from the restart and scrum half Cowey fed his backs and winger Ben Fleming made good ground but was bundled into touch inside Roundhegians 22. Several more attacks were thwarted by a resilient Roundhegians defence as Rishworthians enjoyed a good spell of possession with the forwards supplying the backs plenty of ball.

However just on half time Roundhegians regained possession and advanced upfield into Rishworthian territory. From a series of forward drives they released their speedy backs again who spun the ball down the line to score a well worked unconverted try in the corner.  
  
Half Time Rishworthians 0 - 17 Roundhegians

Rishworthians kicked off the second half and Roundhegians gathered the ball and moved deep into Rishworthians half. The defence held firm and eventually cleared their lines with a penalty kick to touch. Rishworthians then drove forward with a good break by Jack Ledgard. Oliver Brierley picked up from the base of a scrum and drove into Roundhegians 22 but stout defence kept Rishworthian out.

Roundhegians regained the initiative with a turn over and after 10 minutes of the half took the game from Rishworthians when their winger received the ball deep in their half to sprint 60 metres, Matthew Zientek almost caught him but he passed the ball to a player in support who had a simple run in to score a converted try under the posts. Rishworthians restarted and quickly turned over Roundhegians ball, scrum half Cowey fed his backs who made a good break into the Roundhegians 22 again good tackling prevented a score. Rishworthians pounded the line in an attempt to get on the scoreboard but in the dying minutes a fumbled pass was kicked ahead by Roundhegians and they won the chase for the ball gathered up cleanly and scored a converted try under the posts. 

Full Time Rishworthians 0 - 31 Roundhegians

Coach's Corner
Rishworthians were unable to penetrate Roundhegians well drilled defence today despite plenty of possession. When the ball was shipped out wide the opposition were up on the backs quickly giving them little room to operate. Two break away tries from handling errors when pressing the Roundhegians try line flattered the score line.

Old Rishworthians U14  0 - 34  Huddersfield U14

Rishworthians make Huddersfield work hard for victory

Match report Sunday 21st October
On paper this looks a very on sided match, however, the score doesn’t reflect the effort put in by the Rishworthians.
After winning the toss they drove Huddersfield deep into their own half from the kick off and kept them their under pressure for the first 10 minutes of the match. The Huddersfield defence held firm under the early pressure and Rishworthians were unable to turn pressure into points. However Huddersfield slowly gained control of the game and nine penalties in succession against Rishworhians saw the remainder of the half played in their own 20 metres where the visitors helped themselves to 2 tries and a penalty kick. 

Half Time Rishworthians 0 - 13 Huddersfield

13 nil down at the break the Under 14’s were still in the game and came out with fresh vigour and good handling from the backs saw the game ebb and flow in the opening 5 minutes. Huddersfield then started to regain control and kept making breaks but didn’t know they had to contend with Man of the Match - Michael Pickles who took high bombs and made last ditch tackles to frustrate the visitors.

Eventually though Huddersfield changed tack and broke through and added a converted try to put the result beyond Rishwrthians. As the second half progressed Huddersfield dominated procedings to add 2 more converted tries.

Oliver Brierley and Luke Illingworth driving in the ruck and mauls helped Rishworthians make good yardage and Ieuan Jones’s solid tackling were the pick in the forwards, Josh Kelly faired well with the boot and Joel Broadbent and Pickles made a good show in both attack and defence for the backs.

Full Time Rishworthians 0 - 34 Huddersfield
 

Old Rishworthians U14  33 - 12  Ilkley U14

Rishworthians second half rally secures excellent win

Match report Sunday 28th October
Rishworthians entertained Ilkley this morning fielding 19 players including some new recruits. Ilkley only travelled with 14 players so we loaned them a player in each half. The two sides met last season in only the under 14's third game, they came away from Ilkley losing 5 - 29 but with plenty of positives. They were looking to improve on that performance this mornng and try and re discover the form in the opening game of the season.. There were several changes today, at second row there was a debut for Luke Dawrant alongside Jack Smart and a break away trio of Cook, Zientek and Brierley. At half back Jack Ledgard returned at stand off and in the backs Jon Porritt was a full back with Pickles and Kashan on the wings, Kelly and Watkins were the centre partnership. On the subs bench were Broadbent, Oates, new recruit Tom Higginbottom and Jack Legard's half term guest Ben Sunderland.


Tom Higginbottom agreed to play the first half for Ilkley who kicked off gathered the ball and launched the first attack of the match into Rishworthians 22. Rishworthians were on the back foot and forced to defend their line as Ilkley dominated the early ruck and maul phases. The Ilkley side were soon rewarded for their good start with a converted try in the opening 5 minutes and it looked as if Rishworthians were facing a heavy defeat. However from the restart Rishworthians gathered the ball and new recruit Luke Dawrant made good ground with a powerful drive but Rishworthians were not supporting in numbers and Ilkley turned over posession. The Rishworthian forwards were under constant pressure as a well drilled Ilkley pack dominated the set pieces and loose play but resilient defence kept them out. Ilkley managed to cross the line but failed to ground the ball, another let off for Rishworthians. There followed several scrums in the Rishworthian 22 but Ilkley were denied further points.

After 20 minutes Ilkley finally broke through, from a scrum on Rishworthians 22 the ball was spun out wide for our loan player Tom Higginbottom on the wing to score an unconverted try in the corner. Suddenly Rishworthians woke up and made a rare visit into the Ilkley half with a good forward drive and scrum half Cowey giving his backs a rare sight of the ball. Winger Kashan made further ground before being bundled into touch. From the line out on the Ilkley 10 metre line, Rishworthians secured the ball and scrum half Cowey fed Jack Ledgard who jinked past his marker and the full back to score a well worked try. Matthew Cook was just short with the conversion.       

Half Time Rishworthians 5 - 12 Ilkley

I don't know whether it was words of wisdom from the coaches or something in the oranges but Rishworthians came out a different side. Tom Higginbottom swapped shirts with Michael Pickles and took up his wing position and Rishworthians restarted the second half. With the half only 2 minutes old Rishworthians drew level with Ilkley, from the kick off they gathered the ball and the forwards drove deep into the Ilkley half, they recycled the ball several times then quickly shipped the ball down the back line for Tom Higginbotom to score wide out on the wing. Matthew Cook added an excellent converson and Rishworthians were buzzing. 

It was Rishworthians now on top with the forwards driving forward and going through several phases of possession. With 10 minutes of the second half on the clock they took a deserved lead. The forwards drove the ball to just outside the Ilkley 22 and Jon Porritt now at scrum half fed Jack Ledgard who released the backs and the ball moved down the line for winger Ben Sunderland to round his opposition winger and score near the posts. Cook calmly stroked the ball over the posts and Rishworthians were 19 - 12 up.

Rishworthians looked a totally different team from the past few weeks and grew in confidence as the half progressed and 5 minutes later took the game beyond Ilkley. The visitors had rallied and worked their way to the Rishworthian 22 line, however Rishworthians stole the ball and passed it out to Josh Kelly who cheekily chipped it across field to winger Ben Sunderland who ran onto the ball, got a kind bounce, rounded his winger, pinned back his ears and out sprinted Ilkley in a 60 metre charge for the line. Cook again converted the try.   

From the restart Luke Dawrant collected the ball and made 20 yards, this time he had support from the back row of Cook and Brierley to drive it on, the ball was spun down the line and Kelly fed Higginbottom who was hauled into touch just short of the line. Ilkley never gave up and they tried to get back in the game with a good break from their stand off but Rishworthians defence held and a penalty allowed Josh Kelly to clear the danger.

As full time approached, Rishworthians sealed the win with another fine try.The forwards drove upfield and released the backs who made good ground before loosing the ball in the tackle. However as Ilkley tried to break out they knocked on. From the scrum Jack Ledgard fed his backs and winger Ben Sunderland with work to do outpaced his opposite winger again to complete his hat trick. Cook completed the scoring and Rishworthians had turned a 0 -12 defeat into a 33 -12 victory.
 
Full Time Rishworthians 33 - 12 Ilkley

Coach's Corner
This was as they say "A game of two halves". Ilkley were in control of the first half and looked as if they would put the game beyond Rishworthins before half time. But Rishworthians dogged defence reduced them to just two scores and a bit of Jack Ledgard magic had Rishworthians tails up at the break. Second half was all Rishworthians and the new recruits plus guest Ben Sunderland gave the side more bite. Its a pity Ben lives in Cumbria he would be a great asset. Luke Dawrant stiffened up the second row and made some good breaks, Tom Higginbottom knows where the try line is scoring for both sides and may have the making of a centre outside Josh. Jack Ledgard & Josh Kelly linked well and the forwards were great in the second half.
The man of the match goes to Ben Sunderland for his guest appearance & his hat trick. Play like this next week lads and you will give Wharfedale a hard time.
 

Old Rishworthians U14  0 - 19  Wharfedale U14

Wharfedale too strong up front for Rishworthians

Match report Sunday 4th November
Rishworthians entertained "The Green Machine" Wharfedale under 14's for the first time this morning fielding 22 players including some new recruits. There were several changes today, at second row Matthew Zientek replaced the unavailable Luke Dawrant alongside Jack Smart and a break away trio of Cook, Jones and Brierley. At half back Jon Porritt started at scrum half and in the backs Aiden Watkins was a full back with Pickles and newcomer Alex Eastwood on the wings, Kelly and Higginbottm were the centre partnership. On the subs bench were Broadbent, Oates, Rawnsley, Fleming, Cowey and new recruits Jerome Griffiths and Elliot Wickham - Brown.

Rishworthians kicked off and started brightly with a forward drive and scrum half Porritt sending the ball down the back line for winger Alex Eastwood to make good ground before being hauled into touch. Another forward drive and pass out to the backs saw stand off Ledgard kick ahead into Wharfedale's 22 but their full back won the race for the ball and cleared. Rishworthians nearly scored when centre Kelly kicked a penalty into touch on Wharefedale's 22. From the line out Brierley secured the ball and Ledgard again chipped the ball over the try line but just failed to get the touch down. From the 22 drop out Brierley caught the ball and broke several tackles before eventually brought down 5 metres short of the line. However Rishworthians were penalised in the ruck and Wharfedale cleared the danger. 

Wharfedale's big pack having made a quiet start started to rumble and a series of good drives brought them upfield into Rishworthians 22. Stubborn Rishworthians defence kept them out, but with 15 minutes on the clock they drove through for a converted try near the posts. From the restart Wharfedale forwards again drove into the Rishworthians half and released their backs but good Rishworthian defence forced them into touch. From the line out Wharfedale stole the ball and drove towards the Rishworthian line, with their forwards on top in the rucks and mauls and in the scrums it was a question of how long can Rishworthians weather the storm. With only a few minutes of the half left Wharfedale forwards scored again driving over wide out.

Rishworthians restarted and took the game to Wharfedale but were unable to penetrate the oppositions defence before the half time whistle blew.

Half Time Rishworthians 0 - 12 Wharfedale

Wharfedale kicked off the second half, Rishworthians collected the ball and spun it down the line for winger Tom Higginbottom to run at the Wharfedale defence, however he became isolated and Wharfedale stole the ball and launched a counter attack into the Rishworthian 22. The defence held firm and were able relieve the pressure when awarded a penalty. Kelly found a good touch and from the line out the ball was quickly shipped to Kelly who chipped the ball over the advancing backs and just lost the chase for the ball as it bobbled tantalisingly in the Wharfedale 22.

10 minutes into the half Wharfedale extended their lead with another drive back into Rishworthian territory and from a Rishworthian scrum the ball was fumbled and Wharfedale pounced on the loose ball to pick up and drive over for a converted try neat the posts.

Rishworthians tried to get back into the game, from a scrum, Chris Cowey now at scrum half fed Ledgard who make a half break before releasing Josh Kelly. He made several yards before chipping the ball over his opposite number and just failed to get to the ball but forced the Wharfedale full back to carry the ball over his own line for a 5 metre scrum. However Wharfedale had the power in the scrum to take the ball against the head and clear the danger. Rishworthians continued to press and from a scrum passed the ball down the line for winger Jerome Griffiths to have a good run before being bundled into touch just a couple of metres short of the line.

In the dying minutes of the game Wharfedale launched an attack and fed their backs who looked as if they were in for a try but a last ditch try saving tackle forced the winger into touch and the referee blew for time.

Full Time Rishworthians 0 - 19 Wharfedale

Coach's Corner
No second half come back this week but a good performance against a bigger pack who dominated the set pieces and loose play. Rishworthians defended well but could not find a cutting edge in the backs. There were 2 or 3 chances to score from the chip and chase but in each case Wharfedale just managed get to the ball first and Jerome Griffiths was held only a metre or so from the line. Had they scored from those chances it could have lifted Rishworthians to produce another come back but not this week.
The man of the match goes to Sam Rawnsley for his work rate and tackling.
 

Barnsley U14  19 - 24  Old Rishworthians U14 

Rishworthians record first ‘double’ of the season with battling away win

Match report Sunday 6th January
Old Rishworthian U14’s headed to Barnsley to be met by the biggest and best drilled pack of forwards they have faced all season. Rishes had to dig deep and tackle hard around the fringes of the ruck for long periods as the home side made good use of the pick and drive game.

Rishworthians were out of the blocks like lightening from the kick off, scoring in the opening minutes against the wind. Excellent pressure from Matthew Cook on the home fly-half from a scrum forced the ball to pop loose on the Rishworthian side, and fast hands down the back line led to newcomer Ryan Percival on the wing jinking and scrambling over the line for the first of his four-try haul. The conversion into the wind was missed by Cook. A good take from the restart led to Rishes second try. An excellent line-break by Aidan Watkins from inside his own 22 and a good pass to winger Tom Higginbottom put Rishworthians inside the home half. Good rucking to secure the ball and more fast hands saw the ball going down the line to the opposite wing and Percival finishing in the right hand corner. Again the wind saw the conversion by Cook fall just short.

Barnsley upped their game and for the rest of the half had Rishworthians on the back foot and struggling to get out of their own half of the field. The big Barnsley forwards mauled and rucked well, making ground with every phase of play, ensuring the visitors defence was tested to the full. Great forward play from Barnsley saw the forwards drive over for 3 tries before the break, two of which were converted.

Half Time Barnsley 19 - 10 Rishworthians

With the wind at their backs, Rishworthians started the second half attempting to nullify the home forwards game by getting the ball out to the backs quickly where Rishworthians were more dominant. The home forwards were not content to let Rishworthians have it all their own way, and utilising the driving maul and more good rucking they spent long periods in the Rishworthian 22, but unable to break the defensive line which was being well marshalled by prop Bradley Fowles.

Rishworthians broke out of defence on a couple of occasions as the half wore on, and only great cover tackles by Barnsley, and a foot just in touch stopped Rishworthians getting back into the game. When the third try came, it was from errors by both sides. Rishworthians lost a lineout against the throw in the home 22, but the clearance kick from the Barnsley fly-half was sliced and gratefully claimed by Percival on the right wing just inside the 22. He then went on an arcing run to touch down in the left hand corner and Matthew  Cook kicked a superb conversion from the touchline to bring the score to 19 - 17 in favour of Barnsley.

With time running out Rishworthians found themselves at the wrong end of the pitch and under pressure, but still managed to keep the home forwards at bay. The pack were the catalyst for the winning score, turning the ball over in midfield and feeding the backs, the ball went down the line to winger Percival. With work to do he went on a 30 metre run for the line with just one defender to beat and score under the posts. Cook was left with a simple conversion to give Rishworthians a well earned victory and the double over Barnsley

Full Time Barnsley 19 - 24 Rishworthians

Coach's Corner
Rishworthians scored all their points in the opening and closing minutes of the game, and had to work hard in defence in-between to keep a good Barnsley side down to just 19 points. The backs had the edge against their counterparts, and the forwards won enough ball against a well drilled pack to feed possession for the backs to use. All 17 players should be proud of the manner in which the game was won as much as the result itself – in fairness a number of them could have got the man of the match award this week. Honourable mentions go to Bradley Fowles and Matthew Cook in particular.
Red Sox Man of the Match : Ryan Percival. As much for his work rate as the 4 try haul – a great game all round.
 

Old Rishworthians U14   0 - 29   Hessle U14

Rishworthians unable to contain Hessle pack

Match report Sunday 13th January

Rishworthian U14`s welcomed back several players after the Christmas break and were eager to follow up the previous weeks success against Barnsley. Hessle however prooved to be tough organised opponents. Rishies were pleased to see Matthew Hunt Brown back in their ranks after long term injury, and along with recent signing Ryan Percival and with regulars Ledgard and Porritt and the improving Tom Higginbottom on the wing their backs division looked a very able proposition, assuming they could get some decent possession.

It was clear from the early exchanges that Hessle would provide stiff opponents and the strengths and discipline of their uncompromising forwards would prove decisive. Rishies tackled determinedly and defended resolutely but their backs were starved of possession by the powerful well drilled and disciplined opposition forwards. On the odd occasion the backs received the ball, they rarely had any space to work in.

Following a series of forward drives Hessle finally went over in the corner and a second converted try before halftime left a 12-0 scoreline to Hessle.

Half Time Rishworthians  0 - 12  Hessle

The second half continued in a similar vein to the first with Rishies being starved on any real possession again. Hessle continued to work up the field using their forwards, and it was no surprise when they scored 3 further tries to give Hessle a convincing 29-0 victory. Frustration began to show in the Rishies ranks, and on occasion this  caused the "first class
local referee" to move them back 10 meters or even reverse decisions for arguing or general ill discipline.

However this was a decent Rishies performance against worthy opponents. Tackling was robust throughout but possession was starved as a result of the excellent Hessle pack. Discipline needs to improve significantly, as several players became frustrated and began arguing with each other, the "excellent referee" or their coaches. On several occasions wrong decisions were made, for example trying to run at a bigger oppositionn from under the their own posts when the ball needed booting into touch. They continue to learn and significantly continue to improve. They take on Bradford and Bingley on Sunday in what should be another tough encounter.

Full Time  Rishworthians  0 - 29  Hessle
 

Skipton U14   7 - 10  Old Rishworthians U14

Rishworthians just edge Skipton

Match report Sunday 27th January

Half Time Skipton  0 - 0  Rishworthians

Full Time  Skipton  7 - 10  Rishworthians
 

Rishworthians U14  7 - 5  Huddersfield YMCA U14

Rishworthians gain their first win over Huddersfield YMCA

Match report Sunday 24th February
From the kick off Rishworthians drove into Huddersfield YMCA territory and a good run by winger Higginbotom saw him well tackled 5 metres short of the line, good rucking by Rishworthian forwards retained possession and pounded the YMCA line but their defence held firm. YMCA eventually forced a turnover and a good break from their backs took them into the Rishworthian half of the field and Rishworthians suddenly found themselves defending their try line. The game continued with both sides attacking their opposition try line but both defences were on top.

After 15 minutes Rishworthians broke the deadlock. The forwards set up a series of drives and from just outside YMCA's 22 scrum half Hinchcliffe fed the backs and winger Higginbottom made a good run down the left but was tackled. The forwards drove over the ball and Hinchcliffe quickly spun the ball down the back line where Ryan Percival on the right wing took a pass and dived over in the corner. Matthew Cook landed an excellent conversion from the corner to give Rishworthians a 7 - 0 lead.

There was no further score in the half but the game was far from dull. Both sides played attacking rugby at a frenetic pace. It was end to end stuff with some excellent defending. The half ended with Rishworthians in the ascendancy camped in the YMCA 22.

Half Time Rishworthians 7 0 Huddersfield YMCA

From the restart Huddersfield YMCA were out of the blocks determined to get on the scoreboard, but again Rishworthians weathered the storm and broke away to relieve the pressure. However YMCA reduced the arrears after 10 minutes play to drive over for a well deserved try wide out. The conversion was missed and Rishworthians hung onto a 7 - 5 lead.

The game continued in the same vein as the first half and had the spectators running back and forth up the touch lines encouraging their teams as they attacked both try lines.
With time running out Huddersfield cleared their lines with a kick to touch. Rishworthians took a quick line out and stand off Jack Ledgard made a cross field break to release speed merchant Percival who ran in to score under the posts. However noise of the spectators had drowned the referee's whistle to bring play to the line out for an infringement. There was no further play as the referee blew for full time to end an enthralling game and a great advert for under 14 junior rugby played in a great spirit by both sides 

Full Time  Rishworthians  7 - 5  Huddersfield YMCA
 

Rishworthians U14  8 - 22  Selby U14

Rishworthians make Selby work hard for victory

Match report Sunday 9th March
In a hastily re arranged fixture Rishworthians took on a strong Selby side who recently beat Skipton 40 - 0 in the Yorkshire cup quarter finals and just lost to Bradford & Bingley in a play off for a semi final place.

From the kick off Selby drove into Rishworthians territory and were in command during the early exchanges. With the half only 3 minutes old Selby crossed the white wash only to be brought back by the referee. Rishworthians cleared their lines with a kick upfield but Selby collected the ball to run back at Rishworthians defence. The signs looked ominous when after just over 5 minutes Selby crashed over wide out for an unconverted try. From the restart Rishworthians started to put together several phases of forward play and scrum half Norcliffe released the ball to his backs and centre  Matthew Hunt-Brown made a strong run before being well tackle near the Selby 22. Rishworthians continued to press but eventually lost possession driving for the line.

Selby came back into the game when after 20 minutes the backs broke free in their own half and with an overlap looked certain to score but the final pass went astray. However from a ruck they recycled quick ball and crashed over wide out from short range to score an unconverted try. Again Rishworthian from the restart used their forwards to push into Selby territory, Norcliffe fed his backs and Hunt-Brown who always looked dangerous with ball in hand brushed aside a couple of tackles to feed winger Mansell who went for the line but was well marshalled into touch. This signalled another Selby spell of possession as they used their backs to break out and camp in the Rishworthians 22. From here the Selby forwards pounded the line but stubborn defence kept their forwards out. With half time approaching the home defence creaked under the pressure and Selby scored a converted try.

Half Time Rishworthians 0 - 17 Selby

Rishworthians started the second half in a determined mood to get on the scoresheet. A good drive by Luke Dawrant in the forwards and quick ball gave the backs another chance to launch an attack, Hunt-Brown again caused the Selby defence all sorts of problems when he ran at them. After going past three players he was well tackled but the ball was turned over and Selby were back in the ascendancy. Rishworthians defence held again and managed to win turn over ball. After 15 minutes of the half played Rishworthians opened their account. Pinned back in their own 22 Rishworthians made a risky break out via their backs, Hunt-Brown collected a pass from Kelly, brushed off several tackles and sprinted for the Selby line. With just one more defender to beat he chipped ahead collected a kind bounce and scored in the corner. Full back Matthew Cook was just wide with the conversion.

Rishworthians now enjoyed a good period of possession and from further pressure in Selby's 22 they were awarded a penalty under the posts. Cook made no mistake and Rishworthians  8 - 17 down were still very much in the game. They continued to take the game to Selby with the forwards driving well and Hunt-Brown always a threat in he backs. However despite the pressure they were unable to add to their score and with the game almost at an end Selby broke away to score wide out and land a well struck conversion.
 

Full Time  Rishworthians  8 - 22  Selby
 

Barnsley U14  27 - 26  Old Rishworthians U14 

Barnsley gain revenge after 2 defeats by Rishworthians

Match report Sunday 16th March
Old Rishworthian U14’s headed to Barnsley having won the two previous encounters 27 - 10 at Copley and 24 - 19 in a close game at Barnsley. Again they were up against a big and well drilled pack of forwards and they had to dig deep and tackle hard around the fringes of the ruck for long periods as the home side made good use of the pick and drive game.
Rishworthians knew they would be hard pressed to win the game in the forwards and if they were to come away with the spoils the game plan would be to produce quick ball for backs. 

Rishworthians backs were soon in action with a couple of good runs but the Barnsley defence tackled well to thwart Rishworthians. However the visitors opened the scoring when stand off Jack Ledgard received quick service spotted a gap to jink through for a try converted by Matthew Cook. Barnsley upped their game and for the rest of the half had Rishworthians on the back foot and struggling to get out of their own half of the field. The big Barnsley forwards mauled and rucked well, making ground with every phase of play, ensuring the visitors defence was tested to the full. Great forward play from Barnsley saw the forwards drive over for a converted try.

Just before the break Rishworthians backs made an excellent break but were held on the Barnsley 22, the ball was quickly recycled and fed down the back line where winger Ryan Percival rounded his opposite winger to race in for a try near the posts. Matthew Cook adding the conversion to give Rishworthians a deserved lead at half time.

Half Time Barnsley 7 - 14 Rishworthians

Rishworthians started the second half attempting to nullify the home forwards game by getting the ball out to the backs quickly where Rishworthians were more dominant. The home forwards were not content to let Rishworthians have it all their own way, and utilising the driving maul and more good rucking they spent long periods in the Rishworthian 22, and crossed twice for 2 converted tries to take a 21 - 14.

Rishworthians came back into the game with sporadic breaks by their backs. One of these beaks brought success with quick ball spun out to Matthew Hunt - Brown to break through seveal tackles and print for the line. Cook had a simple conversin to level the scores at 21 -21.oke out of defence on a couple of occasions as the half wore on, and only great cover tackles by Barnsley, and a foot just in touch stopped Rishworthians getting back into the game. When the third try came, it was from errors by both sides. Rishworthians lost a lineout against the throw in the home 22, but the clearance kick from the Barnsley fly-half was sliced and gratefully claimed by Percival on the right wing just inside the 22. He then went on an arcing run to touch down in the left hand corner and Matthew  Cook kicked a superb conversion from the touchline to bring the score to 19 - 17 in favour of Barnsley.

With time running out Rishworthians found themselves at the wrong end of the pitch and under pressure, but still managed to keep the home forwards at bay. The pack were the catalyst for the winning score, turning the ball over in midfield and feeding the backs, the ball went down the line to winger Percival. With work to do he went on a 30 metre run for the line with just one defender to beat and score under the posts. Cook was left with a simple conversion to give Rishworthians a well earned victory and the double over Barnsley

Full Time Barnsley 19 - 24 Rishworthians

 

Rishworthians U14  36 - 0  Ripon U14

Rishworthians improvement continues with a good win over Ripon

Match report Sunday 13th April
Rishworthians hosted Ripon this Sunday and produced another good performance probably better than the performance last week against Skipton on a sticky pitch after heavy over night rain. Five of the six tries came from the ever improving back line with some good handling and running rugby despite the conditions.

Rishworthians kicked off and worked their way into the Ripon half with some good forward drives. With no recognised scrum half Josh Kelly took the number 9 shirt for the first time and soon had his back line in the action. From a ruck the ball went down the line and winger Ryan Percival was bundled into touch near the line. The forwards were enjoying the early exchanges and the backs receiving plenty of ball but conditions made handling difficult resulting in several dropped passes and knock ons. However after 10 minutes Rishworthians opened their account with a fine try. Again the forwards kept Ripon in their own half and scrum half Kelly fed stand of Jack Ledgard who made a break and released centre Matthew Hunt-Brown to dart in for a try under the posts. Full back Cook adding a simple conversion.

Ripon came more into the game but struggled to penetrate the Rishworthian's defence. Mid way through the half Rishworthians stepped up a gear and extended their lead. The forwards laid the platform driving deep into Ripon territory and quick ball from a ruck Kelly fed Ledgard who brushed passed is markers and jink his way under the posts for a try. Josh Kelly adding the conversion   

Half Time Rishworthians 14 - 0 Ripon

Rishworthians made several changes at half time but they kept their shape and with just over 5 minutes play they took the game beyond Ripon. The back line made a good break to take play up to the Ripon 22 where from a ruck Kelly a break and fed Ledgard to weave his way over wide out. Cook's conversion was just wide of the posts. Rishworthians were now on top and in charge of the game. It was only a question of time before they extended the lead. A good run from Hunt-Brown moved play into the Ripon half and from there the forwards set up a series of pick up and drives to within 5 metres of the line. From the base of a ruck Vitaly Seleznev collected the ball to power over and score his first try for the club wide out. Cook was unsuccessful with the conversion. 

Mid way through the half Ripon enjoyed a good spell of possession but were again unable to break through the home side defensive line. A Rishworthian clearance kick up field was chased by Kelly who collected a kind bounce on half way and sprinted for the line to score in the corner. Cook's conversion from the touchline was just short. With just a few minutes of the game left the forwards again drove into the Ripon 22 and Kelly passed the ball out to the backs, Ledgard received the ball made a half break and released Hunt-Brown to score under the posts and pass 50 points for the season. Bradley Fowles converted.   
 

Full Time  Rishworthians  36 - 0  Ripon
 

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