Match report Sunday 22nd November Friendly
This fixture makes for a close competitive match with bruising forward play dominating most aspects of play. This match was no different with Barnsley coming out narrow winners after a hard game played in good spirit by both teams on a cold, blustery day.

Old Rishworthian's travelled south with a squad of just 15 players with injury and illness forcing the coach to pick players out of position. From the kick off, Barnsley surprised Rish with their usual brand of strong forward play and a swift move out to the backs saw their inside centre slice through the visitors defence with ease. The conversion saw Rish seven points down within two minutes and a seeming mountain to climb.

The team rallied and got straight back at Barnsley and the forwards and backs worked hard together to take the game to Barnsley and soon demonstrated that they could be as effective in the forwards as the opposition. Quick ball to the back line in Barnsley's 22 saw Seleznev cross the line for what should have been a quick reply but a last ditch tackle saw the ball forced from his hands and not grounded.

Despite Barnsley's powerful pack, Rish matched the home team in the scrums with Illingworth taking a number of ball's against the head despite the pack being pushed backwards on each put in. The line-outs were scrappy affairs with a strong, blustering wind playing havoc with the throw in.

Old Rishworthians kept up the pressure in the first half and were soon rewarded as a ball moved out to the wing saw Bottomley sprint over for a well taken try. Despite some good plays by both teams, the half ended at one try apiece with Barnsley having the advantage of a conversion.

Half Time: Barnsley 7 - 5 Rishworthians

In the second half, Barnsley got their tactics right with large parts of the game played in Rish's half as Barnsley took advantage of their weight and strength advantage. Rish didn't get into their stride in this half with Barnsley playing a close forwards game and rarely allowing Rish to settle on any possession. When the away team did get into Barnsley's half, they weren't able to capitalise on the territorial advantage.

Under pressure, Rish gave away a series of penalty's and a quick tap saw their inside centre go over for his second of the match with the conversion stretching the lead to 14-5. The away team kept working away in the forward's securing possession for their backs but pressure from Barnsley kept Rishworthian attacks down to a minimum. A handling error close to the Rish line allowed Barnsley to increase their lead with an opportunistic third try.

Old Rishworthian's kept up the work rate and despite having no substitutes to bring on to refresh the team, their hard work and determination paid off as they played out the last ten minutes of the match in Barnsley's 22. First, Hurst crossed the line but failed to ground the ball after a good darting run. Zientek was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty try following a deliberate infringement by the home team as he went to touch the ball down. Finally, Collett forced his way over as he overlapped on the wing and took on Barnsley's defence to claim a well deserved try.

With time running out, Rish fought hard to narrow the points gap but at the final whistle, Barnsley were clearly pleased to have avenged last season's defeat.

Final Score: Barnsley 19 - 10 Rishworthians

Man of the Match: Luke Illingworth

Click here to view Barnsley website