Old Rishworthians 7 - 26 Thornensians
Rishworthians rally after early set back

Match report Sunday 14th September
This was the U15's first match of the season with a strong squad turnout and quite a few new faces in the team some of whom were playing their first ever game of Rugby Union. Thornensians started the match strongly and took the game to Rish from the start. Despite some good tackling by Mansell and the new full-back, Mathieson, the visitors forced their way over for an early try which was well converted from out wide.

Despite this early setback, Rish rallied and had long spells in the first half where they played the better rugby and showed a level of organisation and team-work that we rarely saw last season. Rish worked very well at the breakdown and their rucking and mauling worked well throughout. They held their own in the set pieces against a much bigger set of forwards and the backs showed some promising signs when they had the ball in hand. However, a couple of lapses in concentration and some strong running by Thornensians saw the away team go in at half time 19 - 0 to the better having scored three tries, two of which were converted.

Half time Rishworthians 0 - 19 Thornensians

The second half started as the first with the visitors coming out strongly but with Rish managing to contain them well in the first five minutes and then take the offensive. Rish made one change at half time with Hope-Collins coming off for Higginbottom. A bruising second half saw Rish having to make a number of injury substitutions with the excellent Mathieson coming off with a nasty ankle injury to be replaced by the hard tackling Broadbent. Further injures to Fowles and Porrit, who had an excellent first half, gave Oates a game and saw Hope-Collins back on the field in the unfamiliar wing position.

Even with these changes, Rish played well throughout the second half with Seleznev, Brierley and Collett having strong games amongst the forwards and Jones, Watkins and Kelly combining well in the backs. A piece of good solo running by Thornensians No 9 saw the score creep up to 0 - 26 but continued pressure by Rish saw the opposition getting increasingly rattled by a home team that was matching them in most departments but just not managing to get points on the board. Eventually Rish scored a try with Collett forcing his way over from 10 metres for his first try in a competitive match after some strong work by Seleznev. Kelly, who kicked well throughout, added the two points with a well-struck conversion.

Rish kept the pressure up with Fowles, back on the pitch after treatment, going over in the corner only to have the try disallowed for an earlier infringement.

Full time Rishworthians 7 - 26 Thornensians

Don't be fooled by the scoreline - this was a promising start for a team that displayed plenty of good points to build on throughout the season. Man of the match was awarded to Harry Collett.

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Morley 10 - 17 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians record first win of the season

Match report Sunday 21st September
Rishworthians started strongly and easily dominated the first quarter of this match spending most of the opening period in their opponents half. The forwards worked well together, supporting each other and winning good ball with Cowey linking well with the backs. With so much territory and possession, Rishworthians soon put their first points on the board with Norville driving forward with support from his forwards which allowed Brierley to drive over for a well deserved try.

Morley worked hard to break up Rishworthians dominance and the match became a little scrappy as the half went on with Rishworthians having to play from their own half for longer periods than they would have liked. But they soaked up the pressure and from his own half, Fowles made a good 30 metres on another surging run. From the ruck, the ball fell loose and Porritt, having an excellent match at full-back, kicked on and controlled the ball over the try line to score.

By half-time, Rishworthians could have scored a hatful of points having dominated line-outs and loose play but some last ditch tackling by Morley kept them in the game. New boy Griffiths playing on the wing made some good runs as did both centres but it was Brierley and Fowles in the forwards who were making up most ground with a series of strong driving runs with good support from Collett, Mansell and Illingworth. Illingworth had another characteristically good game but was unable to demonstrate his hooking skills in the uncontested scrums.

Half time Morley 0 - 10 Rishworthians

James England put on another promising display at prop but made way for Oates at half-time. The second half was a half of thumping tackles, strong runs and good loose play by Rish's forwards with Broadbent showing everyone how to make the big tackles throughout the game and Oates following his example. Norville made some excellent runs when the ball got out to the wing and could have been in twice but for some desperate defending by Morley.

But having dominated for so long, Rishworthians couldn't stretch their lead and as they tired, some of Morley's strong runners started to get into the game. Morley scored two quick tries from their own half through their number 8 and number 10 as Rish went to sleep and suddenly the match was in the balance at ten points all.

Rishworthian's had to work hard to make sure the game didn't slip away from them and good defensive work by the back row forwards, with new boy Thompson getting into the game, kept Rishworthians in the match. A winger's run from Broadbent, a good drive from Fowles with support from his forwards saw Mansell force his way over for a much deserved try. The conversion by Kelly gave the away team a cushion that they held onto thanks to a try saving tackle at the last by Griffiths.

Full time Morley 10 - 17 Rishworthians

A good win away from home for the squad and good to see some more new players to boost the squad numbers.
Man of the match was awarded to Joel Broadbent.

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Huddersfield YMCA 26 - 5 Old Rishworthians
YMCA on top in 1st half but Rishworthians recover after the break

Match report Sunday 5th October
This was a good game played well by both teams with the final score reflecting the difference between the two teams, particularly in the first half. Huddersfield YMCA proved a little too strong and well organised for Old Rishworthians with some strong running backs and a well drilled pack opening up an insurmountable lead in the first half.

The match started well with both teams pressuring the other in different phases and both defences keeping their lines clear for the first fifteen minutes of the half. Higginbottom got in some good runs from full-back along with Broadbent who put in two try saving tackles early on. Rish's defensive work frustrated the YMCA team and errors started to creep into the game. YMCA's continued pressure finally resulted in a try. An unconvincing clearance by Rish from their own twenty five gave possession to YMCA with space to work in and the home team forced their way over for the first points of the game.

YMCA had their heads up now and they started to dominate the game for the second period of the half. Despite good work in the rucks and mauls, and good line-out work between Illingorth and Collett, Rish were under pressure and kept YMCA out for a period thanks to some good tackling from Higginbottom, Porritt and new boy Bottomley. From a well worked set-piece, YMCA drove forward and went over for a try between the posts which was converted.

Rishworth seemed to go to sleep for five minutes and YMCA pressed home their advantage and scored another quick try that was converted. With a few minutes to half time, Rishworth had to defend to save the game running away from them and managed to keep YMCA out with some fearsome tackling from Griffiths.

Half time Huddersfield YMCA 19 - 0 Rishworthians

The second half saw Rishworthians come out as a different team and, with the usual rotation policy, all the subs got a game in the second half with Conran getting his first run out and England and Oates coming into the pack.

The half started with Rishworthians absorbing more pressure and then retaliating with good surging runs from Fowles and Seleznev. Rish's improved organisation and determination paid off with Seleznev picking up from the base of the scrum and driving on for 40 metres to touch down. Kelly narrowly missed adding the conversion with a well taken place kick. At 19 - 5 and with their heads up, Rishworth looked like they could start challenging YMCA on the scoreboard. This optimism was short lived though. YMCA won a line-out and moved the ball to their backs with the full-back coming in to the line and running the angles to go over for the home team's fourth try which was well converted.

These were the last points of the match with both teams battling out a the final period of play with the forwards working hard to win ball, Jones and James, a last minute inclusion in the team, making some really strong runs in the backs and Cowey showing good skills at scrum-half.

Full time Huddersfield YMCA 26 - 5 Rishworthians

At the final whistle, both teams knew they had been in a match with plenty of action and good periods of play by both teams - an exciting contest that was well managed by the referee

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Rishworthians 5 - 58 Malton & Norton
Malton & Norton too good for Rishworthians

Match report Sunday 19th October
Rishworthian's came into this match having only played one competitive match since late September and it showed early on as they failed to get to grips with strong, well organised and skilful opponents who were cup semi finalists last season. Rishworthians were no match for Malton & Norton in the opening ten minutes and before the home team could get into their stride, the visitors had opened the scoring with a well worked backs move with their wing going over followed by a strong forwards move in the middle of the pitch resulting in their pack driving over for their second try.

Rish rallied and tried taking the game to their opponents but Malton capitalised on their superior loose and set plays and broke Rishworthians down with two more quick tries and managed to slot over their first conversion

It was beginning to look like a rout but to the Rishworthian boys credit, they started to play rugby, putting in tackles, winning some clean possession and working hard to get back into the game. Jones and Smart, playing his first game of the season, stood out amongst the Rish pack but the home forwards were still struggling against good opposition in the set pieces and despite some good territorial gains, Malton were able to break away again and turned round at half-time with an unassailable lead.

Half time Rishworthians 0 - 34 Malton & Norton

In the second half once the score reached 0 - 40 the game continued as a friendly and Rishworthian's adopted their rotational policy to give all the subs a game. The shape of the team shifted throughout the second half. Despite this, the team came out playing. Rish soaked up some heavy pressure from Malton and started to get the ball in hand, put in some good territorial kicks and started playing the game in Malton's half. Bottomley on the wing put in two surging runs as well as defending well and there was a real improvement in the home team's defensive play with Broadbent, Brierley, Collett and Ledgard putting in some big tackles.

Despite losing another try to Malton's powerful forwards, Rish fought back and Ledgard scored a well deserved try after some excellent work by Porritt who played well throughout the half. Ledgard and Porrit were combining well in this half and could have run in another try but for some desperate defending by Malton.

This half was a much more even contest and with Thompson and England adding strength in the forwards, Malton found Rish beginning to match them in the loose and the scrums. For long periods of this half, it looked like a much more even contest. Rish looked like a different team with the pack working together to win first and second phase ball and providing the backs with some good possession but against such a good team, they couldn't capitalise on their resurgence and as they tired, Malton ran in more points towards the end of the match.

Full time Rishworthians 5 - 58 Malton & Norton

Malton gave the Old Rishworthian's a good lesson in excellent team work and well developed individual skills but despite the scoreline, this was a properly contested match, well refereed and with both teams playing in the true spirit of the game.

Rishworthians 7 - 26 Harrogate
Rishworthians unable to turn possession into points

Match report Sunday 26th October
Rishworthian's came into this match looking to bounce back from last weeks cup exit. However the half term holiday unavailabilites left the coaches with just 15 players and enforced changes to the side. Overnight rain made a heavy pitch and the wind gusting down the pitch caused problems with the handling and kicking.

Rishworthians playing with the wind started brightly and from a scrum full back Jack Ledgard came into the back line, made good distance before releasing his winger who was bundled into touch just short of the line. The home side pressed for an early try but he Harrogate defence held firm. After 10 minutes Harrogate broke out of their 22 with a turnover ball and released their backs to take play to the half way mark. From a ruck the Harrogate back line made more ground then chipped the ball ahead and won the chase to touch down an unconverted try in the corner.

Stung by the try Rishworthians again took play back into the visitors 22 but again could not cross the line. Harrogate relieved the pressure with a clearance kick but Ledgard gathered and ran it back into their 22. Rishworthians again with all the possesion could not put together the final pass to score. Just on half time Harrogate made only their second visit into the Rishwothians half and scored. A clearance kick by Rishworthians was charged down and again the visitors won the chase to score under the posts. A simple conversion gave Harrogate a 0 - 12 lead at the break from just 2 visits into the home 22 having spent most of the half pinned in their own 22.

Half time Rishworthians 0 - 12 Harrogate

In the second half Harrogate playing with the wind enjoyed the early exchanges and it was Rishworthians turn to defend their line. After 10 minutes Harrogate found a chink in the defence for their forwards to drive over for a converted try. 5 minutes later they extended their lead, again their forwards drove into the Rishworthians 22 and from a ruck the ball was spun down the back line for their winger to score in the corner. An excellent touch line conversion in the windy conditions gave Harrogate a 0 - 26 cushion.

With 15 minutes of the game left Rishworthians made a final effort to get some points on the board. The forwards a ruck ball and scrum half Hayes making a second half debut spun quick ball to his backs and they made a good break takings plan to the visitors 22. The forwards took the ball on and prop Fowles crashed over for a try only to be denied for a double movement. Spurred on Rishworthians continued to press for those elusive points and finaly got their reward. A series of drives for the line sucked in the Harrogate players and a quick ball out to Tom Higginbottom allowed him to score under the posts. Jack Ledgard stroked the ball over but it was all too late.

Full time Rishworthians 7 - 26 Harrogate

Rishworthians 5 - 22 Ilkley
Rishworthians mistakes punished by Ilkley

Match report Sunday 2nd November
Rishworth started brightly with a full strength pack and a remodelled back line-up with the benefit of three subs to rotate into the mix this week. The early exchanges looked promising for Rish with some good work from the forwards, strong play in the scrums and rucks and the backs looking threatening when Ledgard was released with the ball in hand. However, Ilkley's experience and good work with the ball quickly undid the Rishworthian's and a well worked move saw the ball moved out to the wing and a try in the corner. Good kicking from the Ilkely no. 7 saw the try converted from wide-out.

The next phase of play saw Rish getting back into the game and the forwards working hard for possession with the contest looked fairly even for periods of play but Rishworth were making too many mistakes with a slippery ball and while they competed well in most areas, the line-out was going Ilkely's way far too often.

Following some sustained pressure in Rishworth's half, Ilkley won a penalty and ran in their second try of the half, again well converted. The half continued as a bit of a dog fight with the forwards battling it out and some strong performances from the back row trio of Seleznev, Mansell and Broadbent and fast hands and good movement from the new scrum-half, Hurst. The half ended with an electrifying run from Ledgard playing at centre but unfortunately no points.

Half time Rishworthians 0 - 14 Ilkley

Rishworth came out in the second half determined to play the game in Ilkley's half and the forwards kept Ilkley pinned back for the first few minutes. Ilkley were clearly rattled by Rish and gave a way a series of penalties with Smart punishing them with a good try from a quickly taken tap and drive. Kelly came very close with the conversion and Rish had their tails up with points on the board.

Rish's forwards were winning good ball in the centre of the pitch and feeding the half-backs from strong rucking and scrum positions but unfortunately the backline never really gelled as a unit and individual runs and tactical kicks didn't make enough headway to capitalise on the earlier score.

However, the backs were proving their worth defensively in the second half with some big hits including two successive tackles from Kelly that set an example to the rest of the team. Rish looked like they could keep the score close for long periods of the half but some indiscipline gave away a penalty in front of the posts which Ilkley calmly slotted over. Worse was to come as Rish gave away ball from their own lineout inside their half and Ilkley's strong Number 8 drove through for a well deserved try.

Despite a real effort to keep the ball moving and break down Ilkely's strong defence, Rish couldn't add to their earlier points and at the final whistle, Ilkely were the deserved winners.

Full time Rishworthians 7 - 22 Ilkley

Baildon 22 - 5 Old Rishworthians
Rishworthians give away easy points to Baildon

Match report Sunday 9th November
After a delayed start, Old Rishworthians got into this game early on and looked like they'd learned the lessons of previous matches - not to give away easy points early on. But it wasn't to be. After some excellent early exchanges between the forwards, Rishworthians looked like they had the match of Baildon and were winning and retaining good ball. From a scrum on the halfway, Rishworthians won fast ball but kicked it straight to their fullback and it was the possession that Baildon needed to go on the attack. With Rishworth temporarily down to 14 men with Mansell off the field, the home team produced a fine display amongst the backs to skim over for the first try.

The half carried on in the same vein with both packs playing some good loose play in wet and windy conditions, both sets of backs trying to run the ball whenever they could but, inevitably, the weather took its toll and mistakes crept into the match. Rishworthians were winning the line-outs with characteristic good line-out play from Illingworth and were holding their own in the rucks and mauls but a strong Baildon pack were pushing the away team off the scrums.

The game looked evenly balanced for long periods of the half with Rishworthians playing in Baildon's half for good periods. As half-time approached, Baildon started to assert themselves and the Rishworthian boys did well to soak up pressure in their own half with some good tackling from the full-back, Hayes and the two centres Watkins and Ledgard and a couple of important relieving kicks to touch from Kelly.

But the Baildon backs had good pace and movement with the ball in hand and they went over for a second try before half-time.

Half time Baildon 10 - 0 Rishworthians

The second half saw Rishworth up their game for long periods with good pick and drives from the forwards and a change of line-up as Ledgard and Kelly exchanged places. Rishworth were winning more set pieces in the second half and holding Baildon's drive on the scrum but were giving away too many penalties in open play. A series of penalties drove Rishworthians back into their own twenty five and good handling by Baildon created an overlap from which they scored a converted try.

Old Rishworthians don't give up easily though and took play to Baildon straight away but some scrappy play in poor conditions saw Baildon back in Rishworth's half and a good chip over the top by their fly half saw their winger bundle over for a try despite some excellent last ditch work by Norville.

The away side were determined not to go home empty handed and the forwards set up a series of driving runs with Seleznev, Mansell, Collett and Fowles making good territorial gains for Rishworth. From one of the resulting scrums, Seleznev picked up and drove diagonally for the corner and went over for a much deserved try to put a consolation five points on the board before the final whistle blew.

Full time Baildon 22 - 5 Rishworthians

Rishworthians showed some promising periods of play in this match with good forward's work and improved defensive work from the backs but they still lack the confidence to take teams on in open play.

Wetherby 17 - 7 Old Rishworthians
Late try not enough as Rishworthians concede early points

Match report Sunday 16th November
This was a match played in excellent conditions between two teams both desperate for a win. The match started well with good even exchanges between the backs and forwards from both teams. Having gone out with a warning not to give away early points, Rishworthian's tried to take the game to their opponents. As has happened too many times this season, once the home team penetrated Rishworthians 22 metre line, a try was there for the taking with a string of missed tackles letting in their centre for a good try.

Rishworthian's dug in after this early set back and despite some bruising injuries which sidelined Mansell and Fowles for parts of the game, the forwards worked hard to gain possession from the scrums and the backs getting a real taste for running the ball with both wingers being involved early on in the game. After their early points give away, Rishworthians tightened their tackling with some good hits in the backline by Ledgard, Kelly and Watkins and the forwards working hard to play the ball in their opponents half.

A score at this stage would have put Old Rishworthian's right back in the contention but unfortunately, some good tackling by the home team in the middle of the field forced an error from Rish and allowed Wetherby's backs to run in their second try. With the conversion. Despite the score, Hayes was having a good game at full-back, catching everything that came his way and, along with Norville on the wing, putting in some good tackles. Wetherby went in at the break 12-0 to the good.

Half time Wetherby 12 - 0 Rishworthians

As ever, the second half saw a more motivated Rishworthian's team take to the field and take the play into Wetherby's half. Some good tactical kicking by Ledgard and a kick and chase by Porritt saw Rishworth threatening to get some points on the board.

Thompson was proving himself in the loose with some excellent mauling and Zientek and Oates providing plenty of support. Hurst at scrum-half starting to run the game at the set plays with Rish improving in the scrums and the line-outs throughout the half.

But despite some good attacking play, Rish were having trouble with their rucking, all too often getting driven off the ball too often by a smaller pack. From some scrappy loose play, Wetherby's No 8 got hold of the ball in Rish's half and despite a last ditch tackle by Seleznev, went over to extend Wetherby's lead.

Rish have specialised in upping their game for a consolation try in the last quarter of the game and today was no different except that they started playing for proper now. Strong runs by Collett, Mansell and Smart saw Rish camped in Wetherby's 22 for a concerted period of play until the pressure paid off and Illingworth forced over for a well deserved try which was converted by Kelly. The last five minutes saw Rish working hard to fight their way back into the match and get more points on the board but despite some strong play from both the backs and the forwards, the game ended in victory for Wetherby.

Full time Wetherby 17 - 7 Rishworthians

Rishworthians were disappointed not to come away with a win after a much improved second half performance but some poor discipline and slack tackling at critical points in the match let them down.

Rishworthians 5 - 30 Yarnbury
Rishworthians fade in second half

Match report Sunday 23rd November
The final scoreline in this match didn't reflect how close the play was for large parts of the game. Rishworthians started well and looked like the stronger team. An early injury to Brierley meant a reshuffle in the pack with Seleznev coming in at No.8. Following good pressure by the forwards in Yarnbury's 22, Rishworthians took advantage of two quick penalties with Smart picking up and surprising the visitors with a drive for the line. This is the start Rishworthians were looking for and with points on the board they played with a confidence that hasn't been there in the past few weeks.

The lead didn't last for long though as Yarnbury fought their way back into the match. Some powerful exchanges between both teams finally saw the visitors deep in Rishworthian's half and some desperate play by Rishworthians ended in a penalty just outside the home 22. Yarnbury's number 9 took a quick tap and weaved his way through for a good solo try.

Rishworthians kept playing and worked hard to get back into the game but they were up against a team who moved the ball well between backs and forwards. A defensive scrum by Rishworthians saw their No 10 put under real pressure by Yarnbury's back row and a loose ball was pounced on for a surprise second try for the visitors.

Half time Rishworthians 10 - 5 Yarnbury

Half-time turned around with the visitors leading by 10-5 but, despite trailing, Rishworthians were showing a team spirit and discipline that has been lacking in the past few matches. The second half started with Rishworthians playing into the wind and finding it difficult to clear their lines with the ease they had in the first half. Despite this, the match looked evenly balanced for a good period of play but strong work by Yarnbury's forwards when they got into Rishworthians 22 saw them drive over for a try to extend their lead.

Rishworthians had a few chances to get back into the game and the team worked hard for each other but they were up against an opposition with some good runners in open play. A failed kick to touch saw Yarnbury's No 13 pick up the ball on his 10 metre line and showed real pace to score in the corner despite some last minute tackling. With the score now at 5- 20, this became a damage limitation exercise for Rishworthians with both teams getting stuck in a scrappy period of play for large parts of the second half. As the game went on, Yarnbury's handling and running skills became more apparent and a soft penalty by Rishworthians saw their opponents move the ball wide and score in the corner. The match was rounded off by the visitors breaking out of their own half and running a final try into the corner.

Full time Rishworthians 5 - 30 Yarnbury

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Rishworthians v Yarnbury Slideshow.
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Team
	1. England	2. Smart T	3. Thomson
6. Illingwort				7. Broadbent
	4. O Brierley		5. Collett
		8. Mansell
9. Cowey
	10. Ledgard
		12. Kelly
			13. Watkins
11. Norville				14. Zientek
		15. Bottomley
Subs
Oates	J Porritt	Seleznev	Fowles