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SENIOR COLTS

2011 / 2012 SEASOn

 

Rossendale 29 Wharfedale 23

Mission Impossible

Here is you mission should you chose to accept it “ Take 14 players and take on 22 players the best that Lancashire can offer in the Cock of the North Finals”. By virtue of finishing second in the Yorkshire Premier league Wharfedale Colts were invited to play their opposite number from the Raging Bull Leagues (Cheshire and Lancashire).

Their opponents Rossendale had only lost twice this season and had won their league and the cup and boasting 3 or 4 contracted first team players it was always going to be a tough task made all the more harder as players cried off at the last minute due to exam commitments. At one stage it looked doubtful that a team would be raised which would have been a travesty. However determined to honour the fixture a team of 14 were thrown together and made up to 15 with a last minute inclusion. It looked like a hammering was in store but at least club pride would be intact. The first 20 mins saw Rossendale hammering at the green line and being repulsed with fierce tackles from Will Hall and Tiff Barker though it only seemed a matter of time before something gave. However this team is made of stern stuff and Max Mountain unlocked the siege and broke up field and was hauled down on the 22 but quick recycled ball saw Josh Prell power over to take a surprise lead. Back came Rossendale and some slick back play saw them retake the lead with a converted try. But the thin green line held firm and good breaks by Jacob Mc Robert and Matt Ross saw Taylor Prell retake the lead. Further crunching tackles in defence from Connor Carver and Peter Howarth had Rossendale smarting and from further good breaks Mc Robert slotted to well taken penalties to give a half time lead of 16-7.

It seemed the next score would be crucial and it went to Wharfedale as Tom Jackson made a break and fed Matt Hall who crashed over to extend the lead. Was the impossible going to happen !!!! With fresh legs introduced Rossendale where straight back on the scoreboard to reduce the arrear 23-14 and this started to give them hope a further try brought them within touching distance and with 5 mins remaining and Wharfedale players running on empty. Then the turning point of the game George Altham broke and support by James Leeming they released Josh Prell who was one on one with the full back he was brought to ground laid the ball back and was penalised perhaps unfairly for holing on and the chance was gone Still players tackled their hearts out with Sam Lund and Harry Balderson making key tackles. It couldn't prevent two further tries were scored to snatch away what would have been the most remarkable victory and was a real heroic effort by those who made the trip a real credit to the club and a great advert for the sport of rugby.

29/4/12 Westmorland Barbarians 0 Wharfedale Barbarians 29

Brothers Grimm

Answering an SOS call from the Westmorland Barbarians an U 18 side who had been let down at the last minute for their final fixture of the season enabled the Senior Colts to call on the services of several U16 players. This meant for the first time there were two sets of brothers playing in the same team the Prells and the Lockwoods all of whom have come through the system from U7's.

The scratch team started to jell immediately and the U16's really stepped up to the mark and good rucking from Will Coates and Murray Campbell saw the visitors tear up field but the telling pass just didn't go to hand. From a scrum on the 22 Matt Hall picked up and powered over to take the lead and Ben Jeffery added the extras. The home side though dug deep and some fierce defence kept the visitors at bay until half time.

The second half was much the same with the visitors dominating possession. Sam Lockwood put in some sterling work behind the pack and release the back line for Taylor Prell to increase the lead. The home side began to tire as the tackle count rose and Joshua Prell took full advantage beating several players to touch down. Good scrimmaging from Tom Jackson Max Mallalieu-Black and Jake Parkinson had the home side in retreat and Taylor Prell was able to add to his tally.

The team finished with the best move as Andy Mountain beat two defenders slipped the ball to John Kirwin who then passed on the Joshua Beaumont to seal the win.

All in all a good day out and in a very worthy cause and excellent hospitality.

 

15/4/12 Kirkby Lonsdale 7 Wharfedale 67

With all league and cup fixtures complete the colts accepted an invitation to play Kirkby Lonsdale and demonstrated to the home crowd why they have been successful this season. Quickly into their stride good counter rucking saw Matt Ross crash through the middle and off load to Joshua Nkwo who scored under the post Ben Jeffery slotted the extras. From a scrappy lineout Nkwo charged down gathered beat one defender then slipped the ball inside to Peter Howarth to score. Jake Lockwood then popped up with a brace of tries with his trade mark 10m crash and Matt Rosh rounded off the half with a scything run through the centre to open his account.

The second half saw more of the same Joshua Beaumont out witted several players before racing 50m to score. Connor Carver who was unlucky not to score in the first half then bulldozed his way over for two tries. Credit must go to the home side who didn't give in and were eventually rewarded with a penalty try to give the home side something to cheer. Joshua Prell playing his first game back after injury showed up well with some good runs and eventually he opened his account with a well taken try as he came into the line and he quickly added to this. Good scrumaging by Tiff Barker and Tom Jackson had the home side on the back foot all afternoon and Matt Hall picked up turnover ball from a scrum on the 22 and released Beaumont to finish off proceeding.

All in all a disciplined display and a good way to round off the season.

 

25/3/12 Wharfedale 7 Old Brodieans 20

Just one of those days !!!!

Sometimes things conspire against you and sometimes you are just beaten by a better team. Both of these happened as the top two teams in Yorkshire were drawn in the Quarter final of the Yorkshire cup much to the joy of the remaining sides. Not having had a competitive fixture in three weeks while the visitors were battle hardened loosing key players through injury while the visitors fielded quality players not seen before in previous encounters and not having enough in reserve as the temperatures soared only 4 fully fit replacements all these things conspired to make it a tough ask for the home side. Brods were still smarting from their first ever defeat by the home side so more than keen to set the record straight.

Playing uphill in the first half as is the rule things didn't look too bad however lack of match practise saw passes not go to hand and set piece ball wasn't being won that being said the home side matched the visitors in this full blooded contest and only a well taken penalty by the visitors separated the sides at half time.

The second half saw the home side start to assert some authority with good positional kicks by Ben Stead and some good forward breaks by Max Mountain and Peter Howarth. Connor Carver picked up from the back of a ruck took two or three defenders with him and offloaded to Tom Whyte who powered over to take the lead and Stead kicked the extras.

It has been at these times in the season that have been the teams achilles heel and this was no exception and rather than turn the screw they let sides back in and from a knock on at the restart the visitors were gifted field position which resulted in a well worked try in the corner which was well converted to retake the lead 10-7. Unfortunately this gave the visitors new belief and they poured into rucks and mauls like their lives depended on it thwarted good attacking positions and relieving pressure and with fresh legs from the bench they started to throw the ball wide to good effect and from one good wing break managed to increase the lead with try in the corner which again was well converted. It just wasn't going to be the home sides day and when the visitors slotted a penalty from close to the half way line this proved it.

All in all a disappointing end to what has been an excellent season for the colts runners up in the premier league and getting to the last 16 in the national cup and with a little more luck things could have been even better

 

4/3/12 Old Northamptonians 12 Wharfedale 9

O h N o

The senior colts dream of a home qtr final against London Irish were shattered at O ld N orthamptonians otherwise known as ON's.

If ever there was a game of two half's then this was it. In true “we've been on a coach for 3hours” style the visitors playing against the elements were hit by a landslide of slick interpassing from forwards and backs and quickly conceded a try and the conversion went in off the post. The home side were quickly back on the offensive and from a line out 10 metres out they drove all the way to the line to increase their lead.

It was not looking good at 12-0 after 10 minutes and a substantial defeat looked on the cards. But true Yorkshire grit came to the fore and they gradually started to gain a toehold on the game. Good surging runs by Jake Waring and Max Mountain a good field kicking from Ben Stead put pressure on the home side who infringed the Stead slotted the penalty to reduce the deficit. Further defensive work was called for to keep the home side at bay and good tackles from Matt Hall and Ben Brown kept them out. The lineout was starting to work and Simon Borrill made some good ground and a further penalty was put over by Stead. However with 7 minutes to half time Joshua Beaumont was Yellow carded as he defended a ruck 5 metres out. However inexplicably the visitors went for a tap and go rather than taking the easy 3 points and the player knocked on.

Turning round at 12-6 what had looked like a lost cause was now game on.

The second half was a fractious affair with multiple penalties conceded by the home side resulting in 4 yellow cards. Yet despite this advantage and that of the elements the visitors just could break through. Stead reduced the arrears with a well-taken penalty from 30 metres. Good sniping runs by Jacob Mc Robert release Connor Carver and Matt Ross but the final ball just didn't go to hand. Try as they might they just couldn't get over the line.

So close and yet so far but to have reached the last 16 nationally was a real achievement none the less.

 

19/2/12 Wharfedale 21 Westoe 3

Westward Ho plain sailing

The senior colts progressed to the last 16 on the National Colts cup with a work manlike display against a Westoe side from Newcastle that had only lost twice so far this season and were leading their regional league. The visitors started the brighter playing with the slope and were soon on the scoreboard with a well taken penalty. The home side gradually began to find their feet and good surges by Peter Howarth and Tiff Barker tore through the visitors defence and they eventually infringed under the posts and Jacob Mc Robert stepped up to level the scores. Back came Westoe and some slack tackling saw their No 8 charge through the middle and one on one against Ben Parkinson he looked odds on the score but was felled by a head on tackle by Parky. The lines were cleared and swift work by Sam Lund and Joshua Beaumont once again secured field position and a penalty, which Mc Robert scored to take the lead. The home side were now in the ascendancy and securing their own ball and turning over Westoe's. Good line out work from Tom Whyte saw Jake Lockwood burst through and from the resulting ruck Whtye was in support to score the opening try and Mc Robert added the extras.

Turning round at 13-3 and now with the elements they would have hoped to have turned the screw with more quick points but a combination of good defence and a spot of white line fever meant the visitors held out for a long period of the second half before Mc Robert slotted the penalty to give them breathing space. Eventually Mc Robert was on hand to pounce on loose ball to seal a fine win and earn the home side a trip to Old Northamptonians on the 3 rd march to play for a place in the qtr final. All in all a well fought contest by two committed teams.

The team also finished runners up in the Yorkshire premier division when Hull Ionians conveniently couldn't raise a team to play Old Brods and forfeited the match to ensure they won the league by 2 points not a satisfactory end to a close fought contest.

29/1/12 WHARFEDALE 28 OLD BRODLEIANS 3

All good things come to he who waits..

This top of the table clash saw the home side beat old Brods for the first time ever at this age group and propel them back to the top of the Yorkshire Senior Colts premier league and forces the visitors to now win their last game to secure the title. The fixture went ahead aided by an excellent effort by volunteers the previous evening to fit the frost covers.

The home side opened up well and were quickly on the offensive playing up the slope and demonstrated that they meant business good drives by Tiff Barker and Tom Jackson opened up space for the backs which the exploited well with Joshua Beaumont ripping through the defence to score under the posts Ben Stead added the extras. Old Brods came back strongly demonstrating why they have long been one of the top sides in Yorkshire with a display of route one rugby. The home side though are made of stern stuff and repelled these attacks with good tackles from Jake Lockwood and Ben Jeffery. The visitors reduced the arrears with a well taken penalty and the teams turned round 7-3 at half time.

Playing with the slope and an injection of fresh legs the home side poured down the hill but the visitors held firm but had to recourse to desperate kicks to relieve the pressure this was meat and drink to full back Joshua Prell and scrum half Jacob Mc Roberts who returned the ball with interest. From one such counter Tom Whyte was in support to take an inside pass to score under the posts with Stead adding the extras. The visitors were starting to wilt under the onslaught and Prell capped a fine performance as he bull dozed down the wing and finished close to the posts. Mc Roberts then rounded off an excellent squad performance scurrying over from close range to seal the match.

All in all the best performance so far this season and a match played in the best spirit and well controlled by the referee.

 

19/1/12 Wharfedale 22 Sedbergh 10

Sedbergh Minced

And so it came pass that the demi gods of Sedbergh ascended from their celestial home for they're annual trashing of the minions of Wharfedale.

An 11 year fixture weather permitting without a home win to date. With a scratch side of junior and senior colts playing together for the first time it is always going to be a tall order. But whats this some extra bite from the boys from the Dales. The rain abated at the start of the game and the home side were quickly on the offensive with powerful forward drives that kept the visitors on the back foot for large parts of the first half. Max Mountain picked up close to the line sucked in three defenders then flicked the ball out of the back of his hand to the terrier Sam Blakeley to score in the corner. The visitors had no answer to the powerful scrimmaging by the home side and were having to conjure attacks on the back foot something they clearly were not accustomed to. But the green wave continued and Sam Lund forced his way over to extend the lead.

The visitors showed glimpses of what they were capable of with slick interpassing breakouts but these were thwarted by some excellent tackling by Matt Hall and Sam Smith. Good lineout work saw the home side drive 20m before the back line scythed through and Josh Prell added to the tally. Half time 15-0 saw the home side make wholesale changes to give everyone a run out and were caught cold by the visitors who now started to show what they are capable of and were soon on the score sheet with a well worked try. A further try should have followed but Jake Waring tackled the player in goal and miraculously held him up. Drive after drive was then thwarted by good defence but eventually the visitors scored again. Would there be a dramatic come back and normal service resumed. A good kick off saw the visitors spill the ball in their 22 from the resulting scrum Jake Lockwood in trademark style burrowed over to extend the lead just as the sleet arrived.

The home side held on for a famous victory and the visting coaching side graciously acknowledged they were worthy winners. Heres to next year

8/1/12 doncaster 21 wharfedale 17

Arm wrestle at Armthorpe

Having taken a pummelling on the visit to the hills the Giant beomoths were in a mood for revenge. The visitors still topped the premier league albeit by virtue of playing an extra game than their nearest rivals so a win here would have set up the title decider on the 29 th Jan. The Dale aim to play open expansive rugby to tire out the bigger opponents and they opened up well with some good controlled rugby and were soon on the score board with penalty by Sam Lund. Further good work by Joshua Prell and Matt Hall saw Jake Lockwood pick up and score from close range and Lund added the extras.

The home side eventually found their feet and using their direct style of route one rugby released their powerful centre who shook off some slack tackling to score under the posts the conversion reduced the arrears. The game then see sawed as both teams fought for ascendancy with good defensive work by both sides. Good breaks by Ben Brown and Harry Balderson were both thwarted by good tackles. With half time closing in the visitors applied good pressure and turning down an easy penalty opted for the scrum under the posts. Matt Hall picked from the base of the scrum and Lund forced his way over to extend the lead and he added the extras.

The second half started in the same vein with possession going back and forth and the next score being crucial. A promising attack in the 22 saw poor handling knock the ball on straight into the centres hands and he raced clear to score under the posts. This gave the home side an extra impetus and they managed to, drag the visitors into a forwards arm wrestle of rolling mauls. This saw their centre released to once again slice through some slack defence to take the lead for the first time. With a good 15mins left there seemed plenty of time for the visitors to get back into the game but try as they might they just couldn't get the ball over the try line for that telling score. The home side ran out worthy winners in a hard fought well referred contest.

The chances of winning the league now lay in the hands of others but the team are still in both Yorkshire and the national cup to try and salvage some silverware.

11/12/11 Hull Ionians 3 Wharfedale 6

Battle Royal

 

With three games remaining and leading the premier league the senior colts need to win all three as a result they are there to be be shot at by the remaining pack and Hull Ionians drafted in several new faces from the team beaten convincingly at The Avenue.

The game started with the home side doing what the did for the entire game attacking with good controlled route one rugby and the visitors were straight into an afternoon of extreme tackle practise. Having weathered the early storm the visitors took the lead when Ben Stead slotted a penalty from the 10m lines. Back came the home side and despite good rucking by Will Hall and Tiff Barker the home side levelled up with a penalty. Glimpses of how the visitors can play saw Jacob Mc Robert releasing Matt Ross and Conner Carver to burst up the middle and with the try line beckoning the visitors just couldn't break through.

The second half saw the visitors with the elements start to gain some good field position only to concede penalties at the vital moment. The visitors kuckled down and even started to dominate play. Stead slotted a further penalty to retake the lead. The last quarter saw the visitors renacting the battle of the Alamo on their 5m line with a bout of handbags thrown in for good measure. But the line just couldn't be breached and they final whistle was greeted with loud cheers from the travelling supporters.

Next Sunday could be the title decider home to old Brods KO 1.00

 

27/11/11 Malton 30 Wharfedale 37

With several players out with injury and facing the 5th away trip in a row the Senior Colts had to dig deep into its reserves to pull together a meagre squad of 16 to face a resurgent Malton side. The visitors were quick out of the blocks and good forward work released the backs for a fluid handling move finished off by Ben Brown. The home side started to warm to the task and were soon on the score sheet with a penalty then with a well taken try. Good work by Matt Hall released Joshua Beaumont to score in the corner. Then Connor Carver was on hand to power over from close range to extend the lead.

The second half saw the home side start well and reduce the arrears with a well worked try before Brown was once again on hand to add to his tally. Good scrummaging by George Higgins saw Harry Balderson slice open the cover defence. But the home side were straight back scoring o9ut wide. The visitors just couldn't shake them off. Carver then picked up loose ball from the back of a ruck a bull dozed through the heart of the home defence.

Sloppy handling from the restart gifted the home side a further try. Then Matt Ross who had tackle well all afternoon was rewarded with a well taken try. The home side had the last say as the scored with the final play. A real see saw game and credit to the home side for sticking to the task and well refereed . The win takes the team back to the top of the premier league table.

 

20/11/11 Billingham 16 Wharfedale 19

Fwwww and what A debut

Playing away in the 3 rd round of the National Colts Cup to the unbeaten Billingham was always going to be a potential banana skin.

Following a glorious sunny Saturday and a great win for the 1st team Sunday was indirect contrast cold and grey similar to the trip toSheffield. The visitors started brightly and were soon rewarded with a penalty just in the home sides half. Up stepped Ben Stead playing his debut and calmly slotted it over. Further good forward work by Max Mountain and Tom Jackson saw the backs released up field quick recycled ball saw Stead cut inside and carve his way through the cover defence to score and then add the extras. It was at this point that the game got Bizarre as the ref started to give a series of bizarre decisions, which confounded the players and the spectators and had a real impact on the game. The home side reduced the arrears with well-taken penalty and a try in the corner and then took the lead with a further penalty to turn round with a one-point lead at half time.

The green machine ground into action and was rewarded by some good line breaks by Connor Carver and Matt Ross resulting in penalties as the home side retreated. Stead added both to retake the lead. But the ref continued with his barnstorming incredulous decision-making and from one such penalty the home side applied good pressure and scored in the corner albeit from a forward pass to tie the game. A tied game would be decided on who had scored most tries so the visitors need to score again.

Good scrimmaging under pressure saw Harry Balderson make good ground and gain a vital penalty kick, which Stead converted to give the visitors the narrow lead which they clung onto to secure their place in the 4 th round of the National Colts Cup. Man of the match has to go to Ben Stead who scored all the points on debut

13/11/11 SHEFFIELD 22 WHARFEDALE 5

"What a Grey day"

Wharfedale travelled to Sheffield in the midst of a foggy day  and unfortunately for the dale it remained that way throughout the game. Despite winning the majority of the possession focus and purpose became sadly muddled against a resolute Sheffield side.

The Dale had a most impressive defensive record coming into this game yet succumbed to a Sheffield side who deserved the victory on the day as they played a simple robust game focussing on their strengths.

The game started on a good note for the dale pack as they recycled from ruck and maul, quickly and efficiently, however, 

Sheffield opened the scoring when the greens audaciously and speculatively tried to counter attack. Many such type attacks have succeeded this season to date yet on this occasion the pass was almost intercepted before being kicked through and despite brave defense from Beaumont the hunting Sheffield pack turned over the ball and went on to score. The conversion was unsuccessful.

At this point lethargy and lack lustre kicked in to the Dale performance and a further try was scored on the left again the conversion was unsuccessful. Sheffield's vociferous support now encouraged the team to believe in themselves and indeed they could have gone further ahead except for a fine tackle by Parkinson on the Sheffield attacker dislodging the ball at point of contact and causing the turnover.

Dale lifted their game and indeed had sufficient possession but were unable to convert this into points.

As half time approached a Sheffield player sustained a serious head injury as there was an accidental collision.

The second half continued in the same way as the first with Wharfedale having several chances but failing to capitalise on any, and indeed Sheffield went further ahead with a well taken try. Once again the conversion was unsuccessful.

There were several rousing individual performances which led the Dale upfield   for    Jake Waring  to score. The conversion hit the post which effectively summed up the Greens day.

Sheffield continued with their simple but effective game plan, whilst the dale failed to generate any form of cohesivity and increased their lead with a well taken try and conversion, to make a final score of 22-5.

This is the biggest defeat inflicted on the Dale in the last two seasons from which lessons need to be learned. Sheffield are a force to be reckoned with, particularly if they maintain this side and form through to the end of the season.




06/11/11 Moortown 3 Wharfedale 43

A trip to highflying Moortown unbeaten and heading Division 2 and with several key players missing might be seen as a potential Banana skin. However the squad's strength in depth once again came to the fore. The rejigged back line took time to start working but once in its stride it was to prove very potent. After conceding a string of penalties the visitors fell behind with a well taken penalty. Good forward drives by Will Hall and Danny Smith saw Jake Lockwood tear through the cover defence to retake the lead and Ben Jeffery converted. There then followed a scrappy phase of play as both sides exchanged knock ons and penalties before Conner Carver starting at centre crashed his way over to extend the lead shortly before half time.

The second half saw good ruck work by Max Mountain and Peter Howarth which released the backs and from close range Matt Hall forced his way over and Alex Wilson converted. The visitors were now running rampant as the home side started to wilt under the onslaught and Conner Carver picked up a loose ball on the 22 and cutting back powered his way through several despairing tackles to add to his tally. Joshua Beaumont back from Yorkshire duty was then on hand to open his account as he skinned the cover defence to score under the posts. Carver was again on hand this time to go round the defence and as the full back came in to tackle him he produced a hand off that made the crowd wince. The final try was the try of the match as forwards and back combined in a flowing move which resulted in a walk in try for Beaumont. A good result and full credit to the home side for never giving up.

 

30/10/11 Old Brodleians 20 Wharfedale 19

There is a golfers saying about the benefit a player has when playing his home course “ local knowledge” and this was never so true as the visitors tried to maintain their unbeaten record against the second placed side. Winning the toss and electing to kick downhill was not the recommended call.

However the visitors were soon on the scoreboard with Joshua Prell cutting through to score under the posts and Ben Jeffery added the extras. The home side came straight back aided by some off form line out work by the visitors created an over lap which they exploited well to score in the corner. The home side were up for the close quarter battle perhaps aided by some generous referring decisions, which didn't seem to see the tackler not releasing. They were soon rewarded with a penalty, which they slotted to take the lead 8-7. But with the slope on their side the visitors were soon able to retake the lead as Tiff Barker forced his way over and Jeffery added the conversion. The visitors were slow to exploit the slope with any meaningful kicks and couldn't get the extra score needed at the break.

The second half started in predictable pattern as the home side hammered the ball down field aided by the slope causing the visitors to turn and has to run the ball out which they did well in the main. Only it kept coming back and as James Maxfield cleared his lines the winger caught it and returned it with interest to get the home side to within 1 point. The visitors ground their way up field however slack handing knocked the ball into the centres hands and he took off downfield to score a certain try however he hadn't reckoned on Jake Lockwood who cut him down a metre from the line then turned over the ball to clear the danger. But not for long and a slick blindside move say the home side take the lead 18-14.

The difficult conversion kick looked to have missed but after some consultation it was given. The visitors now rolled up their sleeves but with injuries to fly half Joshua Nkwo and Full Back Joshua Prell it was not going to be easy and with 2 mins remaining a 5 metre scrum saw Connor Carver pick and go infield to get the score under the post but the home defence was up to the task however quick recycling saw the ball put through the hands and Jake Waring scored his debute try to bring the scores to 20-19 with the conversion to come however up hill and into the wind it was going to be a tough ask and so it proved.

There was time for a few more plays before the home side cleared the ball to touch to seal the win. So close and yet so far and a lesson learned

 

23/10/11 Wharfedale 59 Doncaster 5

Doncaster Felled

Following a week off as Malton gave the team a walk over to round three of the National Colts Cup. It was back to league action against Doncaster. Two seasons ago the behemoths from South Yorkshire descended on the Avenue and trampled over their hosts in the Yorkshire cup giving rise to the home side joking the Doncaster was ancient Norse for Land of Giant Hairy Men.

Today the giants discovered that Wharfedale was norse for fierce short men from hills and were felled by a much improved home side who even with 6 players missing could still name a squad of 20. Disappointingly the visitors who boast a squad of 50 could only rustle up 14 players to make the trip to the frozen north. These players performed admirably in the face of the green onslaught. The greens were quickly on the offensive and Joshua Prell skinned the cover defence to score under the posts and Ben Jeffery converted. Further pressure saw the visitors spill the ball on the 10m line Ben Brown picked up and took full advantage to surge up field to increase the lead. Back came the hosts all excellent handling between Prell Mc Roberts saw Joshua Nkwo force his way over. Doncaster then mounted a spirited attack and forced their way over to reduce the arrears. The half was wrapped up by Tom Whyte taking a great line on a crash ball .

Introducing all substitutes the hosts carried on where they had left off. Surging runs by Max Mountain and George Altham created space for Harry Balderson back from injury sliced through the cover defence and Jacob Roberts converted. A quick tap and go from Roberts then released Ben Parkinson to open his account. Connor Carver was having an excellent 2 nd half stealing ball and making big hits. Picking up from half way he surged up field dummied the defence and powered over.The game was wrapped up with further tries from Parkinson and Balderson.

An emphatic win against spirited if not out gunned opponents to maintain the unbeaten run and stay top of the league.

 

9/10/11 WHARFEDALE 40 HULL IONIANS 7

Wharfedale colts entertained Hull on Sunday hoping to extend their unbeaten start to the season. Hull were second in the first division at under 17s level last year as well as beaten finalists to the all conquering Otley, whilst Wharfedale were division 2 champions, so only the best Wharfedale could offer would be good enough for this match.

In weather conditions renowned for the Avenue, horizontal rain and a strong wind blowing directly down the pitch, the dalesmen were in no mood to surrender their record and Hull, who had suffered from a difficult journey with diversions sat nav intricacies and late arrivals were quickly on the end of a 21-0 scoreline after only 20 minutes.

The first three tries came from persistent pressure within the Hull half but clinically and precisely finished with deft handling and an eye for the gap by the backs. First Josh Prell finished off a fine move down the blind side after good work between Hall, Mc Roberts had opened up the  Hull defence. The second was an individual effort fom McRoberts following a scrum in the Hull 22 and the third again from McRoberts after good forward work.The final score of the half came from Josh Beaumont after a kick ahead when he out paced the defence to score in the corner. All tries were superbly converted by Ben Jeffreys from the touchlines.


At half time the dale were 28-0 ahead, yet Hull are a far better side than the score suggested. They started the second half in style with a surging run and retained possession well against some ferocious dales defence both close to the ruck and wider out as they found it increasingly difficult to cross the gain line. Wharfedale played some excellent close quarter work retaining possession and working their way down field. This was rewarded when some crisp handling resulted in Ben Jeffrey crossing in the corner. With the howling gale in his face this was the only try he failed to convert. 33-0 Wharfedale.

To their credit Hull stuck manfully to their task their line out was good, kicking out of hand was also well timed and placed and their ball retention good, yet they were unable to breach a very solid collective defence. Eventually Wharfedale worked their way back up field thanks to the work of their pack and were rewarded when some astute kicking and handling   by Matt Ross  took the ball into the Hull 22 where Prell superbly gathered a kick and crossed under the posts.

The character of the Hull side shone through and after concerted pressure and phases of play scored a good try near the posts which was duly converted on the final whistle, making the final score 40-7.

The game was very well refereed particularly taking into account the conditions and Hull are a good side. Has it not been for the difficult journey and the kicking of Jeffreys then the result could have been much closer.

However, the collective defence of  the team and the ability to play to the conditions showed a developing maturity in the team. It is very difficult to single out players when such a victory was due to the team play but in the forwards Max Mountain, Jake Wareing and the irrepressible Hall were immense, whilst in the backs Prell, Beaumont and McRoberts orchestrated the game plan to perfection.

There are some very difficult games ahead as Hull will be a far harder proposition when we visit them later in the season

2/10/11 West park leeds 5 Wharfedale 31

Stroll at the “Park”

Wharfedale Senior Colts travelled to West Park Leeds to try and keep their unbeaten league run going.

The visitors opened up with some assured set piece work but open play let them down as did early discipline as they gave away a string of silly penalties. Good lineout work by Peter Howarth and Jake Lockwood denied the home side any promising field position they might have and good scrimmaging from Tiff Barker and Tom Jackson did the same but they couldn't break the deadlock. Both sides had missed penalties in the first half and turned round tied at 0-0.

The introduction of some fresh legs saw Connor Carver make an immediate impact as he first burst up field then was on hand to pick and go from the 22 and scored on the corner. Further good work by Jake Waring and Danny Smith saw the visitors back into the home side 22 and quick ball down the line put Joshua Beaumont in to increase the lead. The home side now began to wilt under the onslaught and Joshua Nkwo finished off another good forward drive and Alex Wilson converted. Joshua Prell who also has an excellent game and was rewarded with a crash ball through the heart of the home defence Wilson added the extras.

Credit to the home side who stuck gamely to the cause and despite a number of injuries managed to force over for a try after a series of attacks had been repulsed.

With the game won the visitors then sealed victory as Beaumont crashed over from a tap penalty. A good hard fought encounter played in the right spirit

 

25/09/11 Wharfedale 68 Malton & Norton 0

“Colts bring home the bacon”

Game two of the premier season saw the home side face an injury ravaged Malton and Norton side who to their credit made the long trip in order to ensure the game went a ahead so full credit to them.

So the game was played with reduced numbers on both sides to ensure a fair contest. The home side carried on where they had left in game one and were quickly on the score sheet with Ben Brown out pacing the cover defence. Good forward work by tom Jackson and Danny Smith created space for Joshua Prell to barge his way over and Alex Wilson added the extras. Prell was soon on the score sheet again this time carving his way through five tackles before scoring. Further good line out work by James Leeming and Tiff Barker released Alex Wilson to add to the scoring. Alex Kirwin was then on hand to finish off a sweeping move linking forwards and backs.

With the home side boasting a full squad of 22 players they were able to introduce fresh players at will and Ben Parkinson with excellent close support opened his account at the start of the second half. He was on hand again to add to his tally. Max Mountain showed good pace and strength to cut through the cover defence to score under the posts. Parkinson was then on hand again the score his hat trick. The match was then rounded off by Connor Carver making his debut to smash through 3 tackles before sprinting half the lengthy of the pitch to round off the match.

All in all a one sided affair but full credit to the visitors for making the trip to honour the fixture.

 

11/09/11 Wharfedale 33 Sheffield 10

“Sheffield Steal “

The Senior Colts opened up their Yorkshire premier league season with a fine win against Sheffield a side they have not met at this age group before.

Playing with the elements after loosing the toss the home side were quickly on the offensive pinning the visitors in their own half. With a set of larger forwards the visitors resorted to pick and drive to relieve the pressure but fierece mobile rucking by the home side soon turned them over and from a resulting counter attack the home were awarded a penalty. They kicked to the corner and from the resulting line out Jake Lockwood barrelled through the defence to open the scoring.

From the restart a knock on enabled the visitors to gain some ground and apply pressure on the home line only for some good tackling by Tiff Barker and Pete Howarth kept them at bay and the Joshua Prell was able to break the line and race up field he was well tackled but recycled to Matt Hall who in turn was hauled up 5 m short quickly recycled ball saw Lockwood power through a resulting maul to increase the lead and Jeffery added the extra points.

The play was soon back in the visitors 22 and Jacob Mc Roberts making his debut for the home side was having an assured performance behind a dominant pack and his excellent distribution kept the defence guessing. From a scrum in front of the posts Matt Hall picked from the base and he flicked he ball to Roberts who dummied his opposite number and scored under the posts.

Sheffield roared back into the match assisted by some poor home discipline caught and drove a 5m lineout and scored in the corner to reduce the score to 19-5.

Further good scrimmaging by the home side saw them drive the visitors backwards off their own put in and from the counter attack Joshua Beaumont scorched through the visitors defence to score under the posts. The home side then finished he half with another well taken try by Mc Roberts to add to his tally and the teams turned round 33-5 at halftime.

The second half saw the home side make a number of changes to give everyone a run out and playing into the elements they struggled to establish the rhythm they had in the first. Again they were punished for a series of infringements resulting in a mirror image of the visitor's first try oddly scored by the same player. Good defence saw them hold out from conceding further and a bit of white line fever prevented any further trys and they ran out winners 33-10. A good first win and with maximum points as well and played in the right spirit by both teams and well refereed.

 

2010 / 2011 SEASON (Under 17's)

LEAGUE 2 WINNERS - PETER HARTLEY TROPHY WINNERS

100% LEAGUE RECORD

01/05/11 Wharfedale 53 Malton and Norton 17

100% Record

Having already secured the league title then it was all credit to Malton and Norton making the trip to round off the season.

They had only lost twice this season so perhaps thought they could turn over the league winners. It was not to be and in conditions better suited to the cricket season the home side were soon on the score sheet as Josh Beaumont skinned the cover defence to open the scoring. Malton to their credit were soon on the score sheet with a penalty. Good work from Will Hall and Michael Barnes saw Beaumont cut through again to increase the lead. Jake Lockwood then powered his way over and Sam Lund converted. The visitors had no answer to the mobility of the home forwards and good line out work by Theo Baker and a driving maul saw Beaumont add his third. And Lockwood was on hand again to add to his tally to give the home side a 31-3 half time lead.

The second half saw the home side rotate the personnel and Max Mountain was soon on the score sheet. The visitors despite possessing the larger pack couldn't get any ascendency in the scrum and Matt Hall made several telling breaks. The backs were set free again and Joshua Nkwo put Beaumont free to add to his tally. Alex Kirwin nearly broke free down the left but was put into touch. From the lineout the home side stole the ball and released Beaumont to complete his scoring with an impressive 5 tries. But too their credit the visitors stuck to their guns and scored two close range tries to give them some reward for an afternoon of hard toil. Then James Maxfield scythed through the defence to finish the scoring and complete the season with 100% record in the league and two semi finals in the National and Yorkshire cup. All credit for Malton for making the trip and making a game of it.

 

27/04/11 Wharfedale 25 Otley 39

“Nearly ”

Wharfedale hosted their near neighbours Otley in the semi final of the Yorkshire cup. Lets put this game in context Otley have only lost once in the last 6 years to one Yorkshire side and two further defeats in national competitions. They were in the national U17 cup semi final and were very unlucky not to progress to the final putting them in the top 4 teams in the country. They have a squad that contains 3 England players and 5 Yorkshire players and this season in 21 games have conceded on average 8 points per game and scored 38.

The home side were straight out of the blocks and secured an early penalty to take an early lead. The visitors then got into their stride with some good drives from their forwards and released their winger to crash over to retake the lead. The home side were definitely not over awed by their illustrious opponents and from a 22 scrum Matt Hall picked and went blind and with an over lap in sight the Otley winger intercepted and raced up field to score under the posts. Undaunted the home side then marched their way up field as the visitors were no match for the lineout work by Theo Baker and the driving mauls. From a line out on the 22 the ball was recycled and Peter Howarth carved through the cover defence to reduce the arrears. The home side held out then until half time assisted by the greedy white line fever of their opponents. Half time 8-12.

The next score was going to be crucial and a rather fortuitous charge down by an off side player resulted in the visitors scoring under the posts. The omens did not look good for the home side. There then followed a most amazing turn round as the home sides forwards tore into the visitors and good runs from Jake Lockwood and Tiff Barker saw Sam “Cheese Burger Eddy” Heaton power through the Otley defence to score under the posts Sam Lund added the extras. The home side were straight back on the offensive and the visitors were in disarray and reduced to 14 men as they repeated infringed, Sam Lund popped over a penalty to give the home side the lead and the crowd went mad. More was to follow as Alex Wilson collected the ball on his own 22 made ground to the half way then released Josh Beaumont who skinned the Otley defence including the England Full back to score under the posts Lund added the extras and the large crowd were ecstatic this would be one of the upsets of all time. With 20 mins to hold out it was going to be a tall order but the home side were unlucky with a number of decisions going against them and the ref missed a forward pass as the visitors reduced the arrears. The gulf in class and levels on intensity that the visitors play at week in week out began to tell and the visitors scored two further tries which was a slightly unfair reflection on the closeness of the match.

All in all the best display of the season by the home grown locally sourced players and a real scare for the galacticos visitors from down the valley

 

10/4/11 Keighley 22 Wharfedale 38

No Quarter Given

This was the 3 rd meeting between these two sides this season and these visitors had triumphed in the first two friendly fixtures. This however was the Quarterfinal of the Yorkshire Cup.

Both teams have had good seasons Keighley winning Division 4 and Wharfedale Division 2. With the holiday season in full swing the visitors were missing some key personnel so were expecting a much closer contest than recent meetings. Played in 20-degree short sleeve temperatures it was going to be the survival of the fittest. The visitors were soon on the score sheet with a trademark quick lineout saw Matt Hall powered over by a driving maul. Further good work by Sam Heaton and then Jake Lockwood as he hit the line at speed opened up the defence and as the ball was recycled Max Mountain scored under the posts and Ben Jeffery added the conversion. The home side to their credit then started to gain a foothold in the game and a swift back move saw their winger sprint clear to score under the posts. The visitors knew they were in a game.

Good scrimmaging saw the visitors put pressure on the defence and a strong run from Will Hall was quickly recycled for Joshua Nkwo to jink his way under the posts and Jeffery added the extras.

The sides turned round at 7-19 and the home side were quickly back on the offensive and charged down a clearing kick by Jeffery and managed to score in the corner. Was an upset on the cards!! Back came the visitors and some good lineout work by Danny Smith and Theo Baker released Matt Hall who got within 5m and was hauled down but managed to get a pass to Simon Mousdale to score under the posts. Alex Kirwin took over the kicking duties to add the extra points. Lockwood was then on hand to harry the defence into an error, which he swooped on to go in under the posts, and Kirwin added the extras.

Undaunted the home side then produced a good spell of pressure and their nippy winger was on hand to reduce the arrears. Matt Hall then completed proceedings with a characteristic run through the defence to seal the win and a place in the semi final to be played next weekend. Credit to both sides for a good display of rugby in blistering heat.

 

20/3/11 Winington Park 11 Wharfedale 7

 

“So near yet so far”

The semi final of the Northern Plate saw the visitors having to make another long journey to take on their counterparts from the NW leagues. Both teams had almost identical records and neither had been beaten in their respective leagues so something had to give. Early exchanges indicated this was not going to be a walk in the “Park”. The home side had solid foundations in their front row but Will Hall Tiff Barker and Tom Jackson had other ideas and never took a step back all game to their credit and won the scrum area convincingly. The visitors gradually eased themselves into the game and from good pick and drives by Matthew Hall and Theo Baker the visitors opened the scoring as Jake Lockwood powered through from close range and Sam Lund back from injury added the conversion

The see saw dog fight continued and good cover defence from David Messenger and Joshua Beaumont kept the home side at bay. From resulting turnover ball Joshua Prell crashed through the defence and looked certain to score only to be cut down yards from the line quick ball saw a clear overlap but excellent defence snuffed this out but from a ruck further quick ball would have saw a certain try but the ball was knocked on. In a game of such intensity such chances needs to be taken.

The home side roared back down field and converted a penalty with the last kick of the half to give them a toe hold on the game.

The second half saw the visitors start brightly with some good pick and drives by Danny Smith but ball was either spilt at crucial times of the refs whistle intervened. There then followed a run of 13 decisions against the visitors which pinned them back on their line and the pressure took its toll and the home side scored from close range to take the lead for the first time. Back came the visitors and from the resulting kick off the home side talisman prop was flattened and from resulting turnover ball the ball was moved wide but a forward pass cut short the attack. The home side were then awarded another penalty on the 10mertre line which they duly converted to give then breathing space. The visitors still continued to pour forward with good runs Prell and Lockwood but just couldn't make that vital breakthrough and eventually time ran out.

All in all a cracking encountered from two very committed teams and played with the right spirit. In the end the lopsided penalty count in the second half took its toll 8 to 1 in what was an evenly contested game game. However full credit for the home side for a gutsy display and their hospitality afterwards and wishing them all the best in the Divisional Final.

 

13/3/11 sheffield 6 wharfedale 65

Tigers tamed...

With several key players missing away on county duty Wharfedale roared into the second round of the Yorkshire Cup with an emphatic win over Sheffield Tigers which gave the rest of squad a good run out ahead of the 2nd Round of the National Plate competition against Winnington Park Cheshire next weekend. The visitors were quickly into their rhythm and powerful drives by Sam Heaton and Peter Howarth saw the backs work a good move for Joshua Prell to open the scoring and Ben Jeffery added the extra points. A further good switch move saw Prell once again break through and unselfishly offload to Ben Jeffery to touch down in the corner.

The forwards continued in rampant moods and good work by Tiff Barker then saw Howarth crash over from close range Jeffery added the extras. Max Mountain then tapped a quick penalty and wove his way through the defence to increase the lead. Sheffield managed to get on the scoreboard following a high tackle. Back came the visitors and Joshua Nkwo sliced through the back line throwing a well timed dummy. Sheffield managed a further penalty to take the score to 29-6 at half time.

The second half started with Nkwo adding to his tally with a well worked back move which saw him ghost through the defence and Alex Wilson added the extras. The home side to their credit kept pressing and from one such move the ball was turned over and Will Hall set off from his own half and bulldozed his way through the first line of defence then took off down the wing eventually touching down under the posts. The tidal wave continued and Prell cut through following good interplay between Mountain and Harry Balderson. A further try by Nkwo followed and then he was on hand to chip the defence for Ben Brown to outstrip the cover defence. Then Joe Slater rounded off the scoring with a sweeping back line move.

All in all a good squad display and credit to Sheffield Tigers for never letting their heads drop and for their warm hospitality afterwards

 

6/3/11 Caldy 0 Wharfedale 19

True Grit

The U17's displayed true grit when they made the long journey to the far side of the Wirral peninsular to play Caldy in the 1 st round of the national RFU plate tournament.Caldy play in the division 1 of the northwest leagues while wharfedale play in division 2 of the Yorkshire leagues.

The visitors found them selves under intense pressure from the off as they failed to catch the kick off and immediately gifted the home side territory. There then followed a 20 minute s spell of intense pressure from the home side but the visitors were undaunted and tackled anything that moved and refused to concede territory. Just when they looked to have weathered the storm a mix up in midfield result in loose ball being hacked through towards to visitors line and it looked like Joshua Prell had been beaten to the ball only for the ref to spot he had been held back. From the resulting penalty kick the visitors put together some good quick ruck ball following good drives by Pete Howarth and Theo Baker. The home side on the back foot Joshua Beaumont picked up the ball and skinned the cover defence to take the lead.

Back came the home side and wave after wave were tackled backwards with particularly good work from David Messenger and Ben Brown. With half time beckoning the home side surged forward and with a possible overlap moved the ball wide but Beaumont was quick to spot the danger and rushed up and intercepted a pass and ran 3 quarters of the field to increase the lead and Jeffery converted.

The second half was a more even affair in terms of possession and territory but the visitors were not helped by the refs liberal application of the laws and were unlucky to concede valuably gained territory through needless penalties. Good work by U16 stand in scrum half Simon Mousdale and Matthew Hall saw Max Mountain slice through the midfield defence and race clear and as the cover defence closed in he slipped the ball to Beaumont who surged clear to score under the posts.

The last ten minutes saw the home side pound the visitors line but they just couldn't through and just when they thought they'd scored Jake Lockwood hit the player with a stinging tackle which saw him spill the ball as he dived over the line.

All in all an excellent away victory built on sound defence fitness and taking chances when the came a true grit performance. The reward a divisional semi final away to Cheshire side Winnington Park.

 

27/2/11 Keighley 0 Wharfedale 38

With both teams involved in National Cup fixtures next week it was good to have a run out in a friendly fixture.

The home side are two divisions below but were well up to taking the scalp of the table topping division 2 side. In sticky conditions it was difficult for either side to assert their authority but the visitors were soon on the score board with a well taken try by Ben Jeffery. Further good forward work by Tom Jackson and Danny Smith saw Matthew Hall power over from close range.

Turning around at 0-10 the home side where well in the hunt but a try 3 mins into the second half by Joshua Prell converted by Jeffery knocked the stuffing out of the home side but to their credit they kept up some stern resistance. Joshua Beaumont then increased the lead with a well-worked back move.

Further good drives by Theo Baker and Sam Heaton set up space for Prell to slice through the defence and increase the lead. Then with time running out the ball moved wide to Alex Kirwin who stepped inside and powered over with the full back hanging on and Jeffery converted from the touch line to seal the victory. A good run out for both teams facing some tough opposite next weekend. Wharfedale have to travel to the Wirral to play Caldy

13/2/11 Wharfedale 12 Otley 32

Faced with another barren weekend as league opposition seem reluctant to travel to table topping Wharfedale they thought they'd go for broke and host the current county and division 1 champions who'd not lost for two seasons. Featuring a Stella line-up of players drawn across the county the visitors were hardly depleted by losing 5 players for the county as they were still able to fielded two England players.

Otley dominated the early exchanges and were soon on the scoreboard with a converted try. But the home side roared back and good drives by Matt Hall and Tiff Barker saw the visitors forced into conceding a series of penalties. Eventually from a 5m scrum Hall picked up and powered over and Ben Jeffery added the extras. There then followed a period to further pressure from the home side but they just couldn't break the visitors defence who began to grind their own way into the game and from a crash ball their centre powered over and looked to have been held up but was given the try. With the half running out turning round one score down would have been a creditable return but following a mysterious advantage that went missing on the half way the visitors moved the ball wide to score in the corner to go in 7-17 in the lead.

The second half saw the home side crashing through the middle and Joshua Prell coming into the line from full back made a fine break chipped the England wingers and raced through to score to narrow the gap to 5 points.

Just when the home side needed some composure ill discipline gifted the visitors territory and the pressure began to tell and they repeated counter rucked only to be denied by some heroic tackling by David Messenger and Jake Lockwood but they quickly moved the ball to the blind side to score in the corner. The home side shipped on fresh legs and solid scrummaging by Danny Smith and Will Hall still had the visitors scrum going backwards but their experienced scrum half picked up and chipped to the corner and the winger beat the cover defence to increase the lead. Minutes later the victory was sealed by a further line bursting break by the visitors centre.

All in all a very competitive match played in far from ideal conditions. The performance should set up the home side to take on all comers in the up coming Yorkshire cup and National Cup competitions.

30/1/11 Whitby 19 Wharfedale 34

Gone Fishing

Wharfedale made the long trip to Whitby to see if they could maintain their unbeaten record in Yorkshire Div 2 against an improving Whitby side lying mid table. Early pressure from the visitors was undone as turn over ball resulted in the home side countering attacking and scoring under the posts.

Wake up time for the visitors who were straight back on the offensive and were rewarded with a try from Danny Smith powering over from close range. Further good pressure saw Joshua Prell cutting through the defence to take the lead. Whitby gradually began to assert their own pressure and the visitors had to withstand an assault on their line but stood firm. They eventually broke out and Max Mountain increased the lead scoring under the posts and Alex Wilson converted the extra points. Whitby had no answer the close support work from the visitors with good pick and drives by Matthew Hall and Jake Lockwood and a desperate defensive kick saw Prell catch and slice through the to increase the lead by half time.

Playing against the slope and the wind in the second half the visitors were expecting an onslaught from the home side but good tight forward play and some excellent lineout work by Peter Howarth and Theo Baker ensured they had little ball to work with. Once again Prell was on hand as Lockwood broke through and only a foul trip prevented a certain try however the ref who was having a very good game spotted it and gave a penalty try. From the resultant restart sloppy defence meant the home side gained a 22 platform and their big forwards rose to the task and reduced the arrear with a close range try.

The visitors were soon back on the offensive and from 5 m scrum Hall picked up from no 8 and released Harry Balderson who put Ben Brown clear to score in the corner. Further sloppy restart work resulted in another try for the home side but with time running out Joshua Nkwo judged a grubber kick to perfection and Prell raced through to complete the win.

All in all a good reward for a long trip and Whitby were excellent hosts

23/1/11 west park 10 wharfedale 17

West goes west

In a clash of first v third in the Yorkshire Div 2 the visitors came away victorious to maintain their top spot and remain unbeaten.

With some key players missing the team shuffled the deck and had players playing out of position but managed to maintain good early pressure with a series of forward drives by Tiff Barker and Tom Jackson. Quick ball saw Joshua Prell come in from full back to nip down the blindside and release Ben Jeffery who then slipped the ball back in side to Joshua Nkwo to score under the posts. Alex Wilson added the conversion.

West Park were then gifted some field position by a series of penalties but just when it looked like the defence had cleared the ball into touch the ref awarded a rather dubious try with the aid of the home sides lines man.

The visitors then stormed back down the pitch and from a ruck close to the West Park line Matthew Hall picked up and powered over to increase the lead. Late on in the half the West Park backs looked to have broken free but Prell made a last ditch tackle to snuff out any chance.

Turning round with a slender lead and now playing against the elements then the home side thought they were still in the game but solid midfield tackling by Tom White and David Messenger kept them at bay and when they did kick long good catches by Prell and Jeffery were returned with interest. Keeping the ball tight meant the visitors were able to grind up field and assisted by some ill discipline from the home side. From a 5M scrum the visitors were unlucky to have the ball held up. West Park cleared their lines but the visitors roared back and Jake Lockwood playing out of position on the wing picked up a good pass from Prell to race clear and score. That should have secured the victory but credit to the home side they came back strong and scored in the corner. Then with 3 minutes left they hacked through with only Harry Balderson back in defence he managed to outpace two attackers dive on the ball then return it back to the 22 which effectively secured the win.

All in all a hard won victory and a credit to the strength in depth of the squad.

16/1/11 Wharfedale 50 Selby 0

The home side continued to pressure for the top spot in Div 2 of the Yorkshire Leagues with an impressive display in far from ideal conditions.

The Coaching staff were still mopping up puddles as the teams took the field. After several phases Jake Lockwood burrowed over in the corner and Sam Lund converted from near the touch line. Lockwood was again on hand to charge through the cover defence and score under the posts Lund added the extras.

Slick handling by the backs saw Joshua Beaumont turn on the after burners to skin the defence. Lund added another penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

The visitors stuck manfully to the task and put in some crunching tackles to keep the home side at bay and twice they held up powerful drives and Tom Jackson was sure he'd scored oh for TV replays !!!

With half time looming Beaumont went on a mazy run that saw him beat several defenders to score under the posts.

Making wholesale changes at half time the home side ensured all squad members got a run out and everyone played their part. Some good strong drives by Michael Barnes and Will Hall once again saw the ball held up. The visitors held out well in the second half but gradually the home side wore them down and Sam Heaton surged over from close range.

Further good work by Alex Kirwin and Ben Brown saw the ball quickly moved to Joshua Prell who drew the defender then released Joshua Nkwo who sliced open the defence. Further good scrimmaging by the forwards saw Matthew Hall pick and go and from the resulting ruck Joshua Nkow was able to repay Prell with a superb pass to put him clear to complete the scoring

9/1/11 Ilkley 0 Wharfedale 81

Back at Last

Playing the first game for over 6 weeks you might have expected some rustiness and when the first move broke down for the visitors the home side roared through and a try saving tackle from Joshua Beaumont kept the home side at bay.

The visitors then began to find their feet and phase after phase saw Max Mountain power over to open the scoring and Sam Lund added the extras. Further good interplay by James Maxfield and David Messenger created space for Harry Balderson to out pace the cover defence to increase the lead. Further slick handling by Joshua Nkwo released Beaumont to open his account. The visitors were now rampant and Joshua Prell sliced through to score under the posts.

The forwards continued to perform well with excellent pick and drivers from Tom Jackson and Matthew Hall which then saw Tiff Barker muscle over from close range. Prell was then on hand to add to his tally with a well worked back move.

The second half saw a wholesale change of personnel but the result was the same powerful surges from the forwards creating space for the backs to have a field day. Ben Jeffery powered in at the corner. Matt Hall then finished off a driving maul with another try. Prell add two more tries and Beaumont 1 more before they were rested. The relentless pace continued but to their credit the home side didn't shirk their tackling and stuck to the task very well.

A further two tries by Jefferies rapped up the scoring for an emphatic win.

It was good to be back.

21/11/10 Roundhegians 12 Wharfedale 33

With a depleted squad due to district trials and injuries the U17 travelled to Leeds to play Roundhegians in a friendly.

From the kick off the visitors ran through several phases then Jake Lockwood burst clear to score under the posts Sam Lund added the extras. After such a bright start the visitors must have been thinking easy game and he home side from the kick off secured the ball and with some slack tackling reduced the arrears. Minutes later they took the lead as their backs tore their way through the midfield to score and the conversion made it 12-7. The visitors then steadied themselves and some good driving mauls gained good ground and as the ball was released Lockwood was on hand to restore the lead. Further good rucking by Kieran Jackson and Sam Heaton saw Matthew Hall power through the centre and once again Lockwood was on hand to beat the cover defence.

Turning round at 21-12 the visitors must have thought with the elements in their favour they would build on this lead but too their credit the home side did not wilt and stuck to the task. Matt Hall increased the lead with a well taken try following some good drives by Will Hall and Max Mountain. And David Messenger sealed the victory as he sliced through the cover defence.

A good result for the squad and a spirited defence by the home side.

7/11/10 Wharfedale 15 West Park Leeds 5

In perfect autumnal weather the u17's maintained their unbeaten record in a game where no quarter was asked of given.

After a bright start from the home side with some good catch and drives from the line out the home side where quickly on the offensive but could not turn the pressure into points. The visitors held firm with some good tackling and strong counter rucking. A clash of heads saw Joshua Beaumont have to leave the field for treatment. From a centre field scrum the visitors took it against the head and their influential full back tore up the blind side to release the winger to score 0-5. The teams turned round with no further scores and the visitors growing in confidence with their narrow lead.

Good line out work by Theo Baker and link play by Dan Scothern saw Matthew Hall power through from close range to level up the scores. The home side now scented victory and with the introduction of fresh legs from the squad helped as the visitors started to run out of steam. A break by Max Mountain set James Maxfield free and he scrambled through the cover defence to take the lead. The visitors to their credit came back strongly but kicked away their possession in an attempt to secure field position. Joshua Prell fielded one kick and looked like he would be stopped on the 22 but side stepped and barged his way to the halfway line then linked up with Jake Lockwood who carried up within 5 m before he was hauled down. Two phases later Lockwood burst through to secure the victory. All in all a full bloodied game played by two fully committed side in the true spirit of rugby.

 

31/10/10 selby 10 wharfedale 12

The U17 maintained their 100% record but only just against spirited opposition.

With some key positional gaps the squad shuffled the pack to cover the gaps. The visitors started brightly and some good forward drives by Peter Howarth and Tiff Barker saw the backs released only to be denied by some good defence. Unable to convert the pressure into points enabled the home side to grow in confidence and aided by some very technical refereeing decisions they were able to clear their lines.

Following a break by Matthew Hall some slick interpassing with Jake Lockwood and Max Mountain saw the back lined given a glimmer of space which Joshua Beaumont exploited and after exchanging passes with James Maxfield he powered over to take the lead the conversion was missed. The home side did not let their heads drop and the sides turned round with no further score.

The visitors stated brightly with good scummaging by Will Hall and Tom Jackson but once again fell foul of the ref and from a 5 m lineout the home side caught and drove over to level the scores. Back came the visitors and with the best move of the match Beaumont cut back inside then beat the cover defence with a great side step to score under the posts and Ben Jeffery added the extras. The visitors should have then kicked on to secure the win but poor handling repeatedly let them down and as they tried to exploit an over lap only for the ball to be intercepted but knocked forward but missed by the ref and the player followed up to reduce the arrears and a kickable conversion would have levelled the score. Fortunately it was missed. The home side now scented victory and poured forward but kicked away possession. David Messenger picked up one kick through and with 3 players bearing down on him he beat all three and returned the ball up field.

A nervous 5 min period saw the visitors hold out for an ugly win

17/10/10 - wharfedale 12 yarnbury 14

With various players not available due to District trials or injury then it was chance for others to put down a marker for a position in the team.

Unfortunately due to a combination of players playing out of position and general lack of fitness from certain players then this was to prove a difficult game. Despite early pressure the home side just seemed to loose the ball at vital moments either through sloppy handling our fierce defence from the visitors. An early kick at goal was missed by Stand in kicker Alex Wilson. Then from centre field the visitors tore through the defence and with some slick interpassing scored under the posts and added the conversion. You would have thought this would have stung the home side into upping their game but with fitness starting to tell the game began to slow down and several times from promising positions lack of close support saw the visitors rob the ball and clear their lines.

The second half saw a complete change to the front five and this brought some urgency into the game and the home side began to work their way up field with good drives from Matt Hall and Will Hall but resolute defence from the visitors kept them at bay. Stand in full back Wilson had a good game returning several kicks with interest. The break through final came after some good work by David Messenger Jake Lock wood powered over from close range and Wilson added the extras to bring the scores level. The home side were now in the ascendancy dominating set plays and from an excellent catch and drive they look set to make further in roads however a sloppy pass from the scrum half had the defence reeling backwards and from a resultant 22 drop out the visitors No12 tour straight through the whole of the home sides pack and scored under the posts and they added the conversion. Back came the home side and with the line in site James Maxfield had the ball stolen mid air as he dived for the line. Further good work then saw Ben Brown bullock his we through a tackle to reduce the arrears but clever defence meant the conversion to level the scores was kept wide and Wilson missed his kick to level the scores.

All in all a frustrating afternoon for the home side and hopefully salutary lesson for certain members of the squad. All credit must also go to the visitors who put up an excellent fight with some particularly fierce tackling

03/10/10 Wharfedale 24 Sandal 0

Not Sandal weather..

In conditions better suited to bog snorkelling the visitors were grateful to their hosts for managing to set up the fixture.

The visitors were quickly into their stride and strong forward play yielded a penalty in front which Sam Lund converted. Further good play by Matthew Hall and Tiff Barker saw the backs released and Joshua Beaumont powered over from close range and Lund added the extras. The home side had no answer to the powerful rucking and tackling but managed to hold out until half time.

The second half the visitors took advantage of the elements from a penalty on the half way line Joshua Nkwo kicked to within 3 metres from the lineout the forward caught and drove over with Matthew Hall getting the ball down and Lund kicked the extras from close to the touchline. The home side tried to get a foot hold in the game but powerful tackling from Jake Lockwood and Alex Wilson denied them any ground. Further good work by David Messenger then released Beaumont to score under the posts to secure the win with Lund adding the extra points.

All in all a very good team display played in far from ideal conditions. Credit to the home side for sticking to their task and to their coaching staff for ensuring the game took place at all.

The wins make it 3 out of 3 and take the team to the top of the table.

 

26/09/10 Malton & Norton 14 Wharfedale 25

U17's take home the Bacon

Playing away to Malton and Norton the U17's recorded their second win with a mercurial display.

Playing with the elements the visitors were quickly on the offensive. Surging breaks by Theo Baker And Jake Lockwood resulted in Joshua Nkwo cutting through the midfield to open the scoring. The pattern was quickly repeated and Joshua Beaumont strolled in at the corner. The home side were putting up a spirited defence but couldn't stop Nkwo cutting back inside to increase the lead. However with the regular kicker sidelined none of the tries were converted and when the home side powered over from close range and converted the try they were suddenly back in the game at 7-15.

The second have was a scrappy affair but the visitors managed to surge ahead with a well taken try by Beaumont. The visitors had to withstand a period of pressure and good tackles by David Messenger and Peter Howarth kept them at bay. Back came the visitors and from a desperate defensive clearance Joshua Prell tore through the midfield but instead of spinning it wide he lost it in contact and the home side pounced and roared up field to reduce the arrears to 6. With the coaches nerves now frayed Prell cut through the defence to restore the lead and close out the game. A big thanks to the travelling substitutes and supporters and for the home sides hospitality.

12/09/10 WHARFEDALE 33 WHITBY 5

U17 set sail against Whitby!

Hosting Whitby for their first competitive match in division two of the county leagues the home side put on an excellent display to see off what on paper appeared to be very competitive opponents.

Straight from the off the rampaging loose forwards had the visitors on the back foot and phase after phase followed as the green wave tore up field only some spirited defence kept them at bay. However in bright late summer sunshine the physically larger visiting pack began to wilt and Captain Matt Hall picking up from the back of a lineout and powered through the back line to open the scoring Sam Lund slotted the extras. From the retart the home side tore back up field with great interpassing only for Tiff Barker to be forced into touch after a forceful run.

Further good work by the forwards saw the back line set loose and Joshua Beaumont cut back to score out wide. The home side were now in full cry and the visitors had to resort to some circumspect kicks from defence which was meat and drink to the home sides full back Joshua Prell who will always punish such loose kicking and he sprinted to within a metre and was bundled into touch.

Further pressure saw the back line cut loose down the left hand side and Joshua Nkwo dummied his opposite number to go in under the posts Lund added the extras. With half time beckoning good work by Theo Baker and Tom Jackson set up a ruck on the 22 kick ruck ball saw David Messenger slice through the defence to further increase the lead.

The second half saw a change of personnel for the home side and this slightly disrupted the rhythm of the game. Early pressure though saw Beaumont going over for his second and Lund added the extras. The visitors stuck to their task and managed to secure a consolation try.

All in all a great start to their league season

2009 / 2010 SEASON (Under 16's)

09/05/10 wHARFEDALE 14 WINNINGTON PARK 19

 

Stepping in at short notice to host Winnington Park a top 4 Cheshire side who had been let down by Doncaster was always going to be a tall order with key players away on County trials but the squad were up to the task. The early exchanges showed why the two visiting props were in the Cheshire county squad as they counter rucked with real power and upset any steady ball the home side had.

Once they secured possession they kept it very well and were soon on the score board with a well worked try by their centres. The home side had to knuckle down and players playing out of position found it hard to find their feet. Joshua Nkwo maws having a difficult time at stand-in scrum half. Strong tackling by Jack Thompson and Sam Heaton kept the visitors at bay. However from a lineout on the halfway line the visitors march a maul deep into the 22 then released their backs to increase the score.

The home side returned down field and a good break from Theo Baker saw Harry Balderson bundled into touch 5 m short. The visitors were showing no signs of wilting and further strong drives by their front 5 saw them release their backs once again to increase the lead.

Half time 0-19

The second half saw the home side to start to warm to the task and their visitors tour start to take its toll. Max Mountain broke from the base of a maul on the half way line and good support from Will Hall and Danny Smith resulted in the visitors giving away a string of penalties under the posts Mountain eventually forced his way over from close ragNe and Ben Jeffy added the extra.

A good catch from the resulting kick off saw Theo Baker make a break through the centre. Quickly recycled ball to Joshua Nkwo saw him barrel through the cover defence then stretch out to score Jeffery added the extras. With time running out it looked like the home side would engulf the visitors as they visibly wilted in the face of the onslaught. But the home side couldn't just get the telling break until with seconds left Nkwo sliced through the middle and looked certain the score only to be hauled down one metre short and the visitors turned over the ball to relive the siege and secure a hard earned victory.

11/04/10 Baildon 12 Wharfedale 51

On a brilliant sunny day which headed the start of the cricket season the Wharfedale U16 travelled to Baildon.

The visitors were missing a few players but were able to rotate their squad the home side were not as fortunate and fielding some U17 and U15 in order to pull a team together. After some early exchanges where the home showed some real intent in the tackle area the visitors forged their way up field with good pick and drives from Peter Howarth and Michael Barnes causing the home side to be penalised for not rolling away. Sam Lund stepped up to slot the penalty.

From the resulting kick off Theo Baker caught well and returned the ball to the half way line. Quick ball released the back line but spilled ball brought the attack to a halt. From the scrum good pressure from the visitors saw James Maxfield hack the loose ball through and Ben Jeffery outstripped the defence to score a try and Lund added the extra points.

Further good work from the lineout resulting in driving maul deep into the home sides 22 quick ball saw Joshua Prell coming into the line from full back to slice through the defence. Prell was then on hand five minutes later to add to his tally following good work by Joshua Nkwo and Alex Kirwin, Lund added the extras. The home side were not going to roll over and following some good mauling work their back line outflanked the defence to reduce the arrears. Half time 7-22.

The second half saw the home side start brightly spurred on by the try only for a loose ball to be pounced on by Harry Balderson who sprinted 80m to score. Howarth drove back the resulting kick off and Matthew Hall pick and drove up to the 22 Ben Jeffery then threw an outrageous dummy to score under the posts and Lund added the extras. From this attack one of the Baildon forwards unfortunately sustained a broken ankle and had to be stretchered off. But credit to the home side they came straight back and scored a try.

Josha Nkwo who had orchestrated much of the back line moves finally got his reward cutting through from close range with Lund adding the extras. The visitors were now dominant as the home side tired in the hot weather and James Maxfield and Joshua Prell added further tries. Credit to the home side they stuck to the task and didn't shirk the tackling.

All in all a ruthless display by the visitors and our best wishes go to the injured player who we wish a speedy recovery.

 

02/04/10 wharfedale 31 gala 16

Game of Two Halves

If ever there was a game on two halves this was it.

Having only just returned from their own tour the Wharfedale U16's were pleased to play the Scottish touring side Gala. Playing straight after the 1 st team's victory over Cambridge both teams were piped on to the pitch. Early exchanges indicated the visitors would be dangerous with ball in hand and following some early pressure from the home side the visitors reliving kick down the wing bounced unkindly for the defences and the visitors latched on to the loose ball and scored under the posts and added the extra points. From the resulting kick off the visitors caught the ball well and once again a reliving kick bounced horribly for the defence and quick hand from the visitors saw them add to their lead 0-14.

The home side roared back and good drives by Michael Barnes and Will Hall saw Joshua Nkwo throw an excellent dummy and slice through the opposition to reduce the lead and Sam Lund added the extra points. The visitors were quickly back on the offensive and a knock on from the kick off gave them good field position. The ball was moved wide and caught the home sides defence off side and the visitors slotted the penalty to increase their lead. Worse was to follow as the visitors upped a gear with good work from their fly half released their winger who scored in the corner. Half Time 7-22

Following an inspirational team talk by back coach Andy Mountain the home side came out fired up and immediately was on the offensive but just couldn't convert their good work and Jake Lockwood knocked on when surging for the line. The deficit was eventually broken with 15 mins left as Danny Smith powered over from close range despite the attention of at least 3 defenders. Lund hit the posts with the conversion. It was now one way traffic as the visitors started to wilt under the forwards onslaught and only some brave tackling keeping Matt Hall and Theo Baker at bay. Eventually Lockwood bust through to reduce the arrears and Lund just missed with the conversion. Baker was winning most lineout and from a line out on the 22 the ball was put through the hands and Joshua Prell cut back to outstrip the defence to take the lead for the first time with only 5 mins remaining and Lund added the extra points.

The home side were now rampant and Harry Balderson showed excellent work down the wing beating players at will. The ball was quickly recycled and the forwards drove up the line and Danny Smith drove over from close range and Lund added the extras to seal an excellent come back.

All in all a great game played with great spirit from both sides and well refereed. Man of the match voted for by Gala Harry Balderson

 

28/03/10 Wharfedale U16 WORCESTER Tour

Wharfedale U16 team enjoyed a tour of the Worcester area and managed to play two local teams. On the Saturday they played Old Luctonians in a beautiful location. The home side had a good record this season so were going to pose serious opposition.

game 1 Luctonians U16 19 Wharfedale U16 15

Following early exchanges it was the visitors who opened the scoring as Joshua Nkwo split open the defence with one of his trade mark runs and Sam Lund added the extras. They were soon back on the offensive with powerful breaks from Max Mountain and Matthew Hall visitors give away a penalty in front of the posts and Lund increased the lead.

The home side struck back after the ball was hacked on and the defence failed to deal with the loose ball and the home side pounced to score under the posts and add the extra points. This seemed to rejuvenate the home side that started to ruck and maul with more commitment. Good defensive work by Will Hall and Theo Baker kept them at bay. The visitors then put together a good phase of play which saw them take a driving maul deep into the home sides 22 as the ball was released Lund burst free to increase the lead.

The second half saw the home side start to use the elements to their favour pinning the visitors back with some excellent field kicks. They reduced the lead with a well taken try which the converted 14-15. Although the visitors were able to rotate the squad to bring on fresh legs this had an unsettling effect on the side and the home side took full advantage and scored a further unconverted try to take the lead.

Despite good breaks by Jake Lockwood and Danny Smith the visitors couldn't secure the field position to mount a serious challenge to the home sides try line despite being urged on by a large contingent of travelling supporters.

A good game played in good conditions against quality opposition and well referred.

GAME 2 Alcester 18 Wharfedale 34

Day two saw a fixture against Alcester a very hospitable club. The visitors started strongly and following a well taken lineout by Lockwood the ball was moved through the hands and Joshua Prell picked up the ball on a cut back to open the scoring and Lund added the extra points. The home side then started to get a toe hold in the match and were unlucky not the level the scores but a knock on denied them.However from a resulting penalty the reduced the arrears. The visitors made them pay and broke free with David Messenger who slipped the ball to Alex Kirwin who went over in the corner. The green tide was now in full flow and Prell added a further try with another well worked back move. From the kick off back came the visitors and good interpassing by Michael Barnes and George Higgins saw Lockwood power over from close range. The home side seemed to have no answer to Wharfedales forward play but to their credit the didn't shirk from the task. Following a lineout on the half way line James Maxfield broke free to score under the posts. Half tome score 3-27

The second half saw the visitors start to tire and the home side to their credit managed to put together some good phases of play and score in the corner to reduce the arrears. Oliver Wild replaced Lund at scrum half and he release Sam Heaton on a charging run through the midfield but the home defense held firm and from turn over ball they raced clear to reduce the arrears. Was an unlikely come back on the cards. Further pressure saw the home side claw back a further try despite the ref missing a clear knock on.

The visitors didn't panic and with time running out Prell set off on one of his trade mark runs which him weave through the home defence and score under the posts.

Another well contested game and the team enjoyed some excellent hospitality afterwards

 

21/03/10 pRESTON 5 wHARFEDALE 19

Wharfedale catch Preston on the hop

Playing away to Preston Grasshoppers one of Lancashire's top teams at their age groups and to a team they had not beaten before was always going to a good test of how far this team has developed this season. In early spring sunshine with ideal rugby playing conditions the visitors started strongly and with some trade mark driving mauls they soon started to sap the energy of the home side how gave away a series of penalties. Eventually from a 5m scrum Sam Lund spun the ball to Joshua Nkwo who picked out Joshua Prell crashing through on the inside shoulder to race over and touch down under the posts Lund add the conversion. Back came the home side but several promising moves were snuffed out flankers by Max Mountain and Jake Lockwood and even when they managed to get one on one with the backs fierce tackling saw the ball spilled. Against the heavier pack good scrimmaging by Will Hall and Charles Knapman held up well.

The home side then had to resort to kicking possession away but good work by Harry Balderson and Ben Brown returned the ball with interest. From a 22 line out again the back line went through the gears and Prell roared over for his 2 nd try.

The second half continued in similar vein as the home side strove to make the telling break through but just couldn't find any gaps. But they managed to secure some field position courtesy of some generous referring but the visitors stood firm and looked to have cleared their lines only for Nkwo's clearance kick to be charged down and they home side son the race to touch down the loose ball.

This should have breathed new life into the home side but it seemed to have the opposite effect as the visitors upped their game at the scrum and started to get the home side back peddling and the visitors forwards poured through. Quick recycled ball then saw Prell race clear to secure his hat trick and the win.

Great game played in excellent conditions and a very hospitable club

 

14/03/10 Halifax 13 Wharfedale 14

Smash and grab raid at “The Halifax”

With key players missing the visitors had to draw on all their reserves to hold a dominant home pack at bay. The home side elected to play against the elements in the first half so it seemed imperative that the visitors got points on the board. But with little first phase possession to be had they had to live on scarps. They gradually eased into the game and Sam Lund was unlucky not to take the lead with a penalty in a kickable position. But try as they might they couldn't get the break through they needed. The home side stage some good a ruck and mauls to clear their lines and to pose their own threat on the visitor's line. Good tackling by Max Mountain and Tom Jackson held them at bay.

Turning round at half time at 0-0 was not what the visitors wanted and immediately the home side started to pin the visitors with some good field kicking. From a resultant line out the home side opened the scoring as they squeezed open in the corner but they failed to add the extra points. The visitors can back strongly and good runs by David Messenger and Josh Prell saw Josh Nkwo cut through the defence and race clear to score under the posts and Lund added the conversion.

The home side quickly pinned wharfedale into their 22, with several mauls finally securing a second try to retake the lead. The home side added to their lead with a converted penalty, meaning the visitors would need to gain a converted try to win the game. Things did not look good as the injury toll began to mount and players were have to play out of position. But gradually the visitors began to assert themselves. Following with some good play from Danny Smith and Theo Baker at the lineout, a ball was spun wide to Harry Balderson, who raced round the cover defence and dived in at the corner, only to be ruled out for a foot in touch. But the visitors continued to surge forward, and eventually Ben Jeffrey put Josh Prell to score under the posts, with Lund and the extras to retake the lead and put the score to 14-13. The home side roared back and gained a kickable penalty to retake the lead, which faded wide. The visitors then hung on to secure what had seemed an unlikely victory.

07/03/10 Wharfedale 17 Old Rishsworthians 3

Game of Two Halves

The frost tried its best to put paid to yet another fixture but with a delayed kick off the warm spring sun soon burnt through the Siberian permafrost. The visitors Old Rishworthians had held the home side to a frustrating draw just before Christmas and the home side that felt that should have come away with a win were looking to put the record straight. Early exchanges saw the visitors using their powerful forwards to grind out some territory but the home side marshalled them well with some good tackling and rucking. The home side then began to gain a foothold in the match and some good line out play by Theo Baker saw Joshua Know slice through the midfield defence to score under the posts and Sam Lund added the conversion.

Rishworthians came back strongly and some good running by their centres saw the home side transgress in kicking range and the visitors slotted the penalty to reduce the arrears. The home side were soon back on the offensive and some good pick and drives by Tom Jackson and Peter Howarth put the visitors under pressure and they had to restore to aimless relieving kicks. Joshua Prell at full back caught the ball on the halfway line and then proceeded to weave his way past the bulk of the opposition to produce a candidate for try of the season as eventually touched down in the corner. Lund added the conversion with his kick bouncing on the bar on its way over. With time running out in the first half the home side once again drove strongly up the middle and forced a penalty from the visitors Lund slotted the penalty to extend the lead to 17-3. The visitors showed no signs of wilting in the warm spring sun and spread the ball wide and were denied by some last ditch tackling by David Messenger and Ben Brown.

The second half saw a change of personnel and immediately the home side up their game with some tight kick and drives to suck in the defence but the visitors were up to the task and managed to turn over good ball and return it with interest and with the full back racing clear Will Hall tracked him down to save a certain try. Perhaps as a result of the hot sun but both teams seemed to cancel each other out but credit to the visitors who had travelled with substitutes they kept going and managed to prevent any further scores.

With spring on its way the home side managed to keep their un beaten run going but not without a severe test.

 

14/02/10 Keighley 0 Wharfedale 20

Wharfedale get a lift

With some key personnel missing either due to injury or holidays the Wharfedale U16 travelled to Keighley and demonstrated the increasing strength in depth of the squad. The game was borderline due to the frosty conditions but with the winter sun in the sky the game was played in near perfect conditions. The visitors started the more brightly but without posing any serious threat as the home team put their bodies on the line and the visitors transgressed at key moments to gift relief to the home side.

The home side began to get a toehold and with some strong scrummaging managed to stage some good attacks. But resolute tackling by David Messenger and Alex Wilson prevented a breakthrough.

The home side were then back on the offensive and Ben Brown picking up loose ball near sliced his way through the whole Keighley team only to be mauled down by a last ditch tackle by the fullback. Keighley however under pressure were lying over the ball and Ben Jeffery slotted a simple penalty.

That was all that was between the teams at half time, which was great credit to the home side.

The second half saw a change of personnel with the visitors dipping into their squad. This produced immediate results as the forwards upped the tempo and left the home side reeling. Strong drives by Will Hall and Danny Smith saw the ball spun wide for Harry Balderson to scorch over in the corner.

The visitors were now rampant and the kick off was returned up field and a similar move was unlucky not to result in a second try for Balderson but the ref called a forward pass.

The home side stuck to their task and managed to get within striking distance only to be driven on to the back foot by some good scrimmaging by the visitors. Good work by Joshua Prell and Max Mountain saw the visitors once again in good position and a rejuvenated Tom Jackson drove over from short range to increase the lead and Jeffery added the extra points.

With the home side now tiring Charles Knapman add the coup de grace with a fine finish after some good work by Theo Baker and Jake Lockwood

A good game played in the right spirit

 

07/02/10 Wharfedale 22 Halifax 5

Lund gets a little “Extra” over Halifax

The Wharfedale U16's played hosts to an improving Halifax side. Scores between the two sides have always been close and today was no exception. The home side started brightly and were quickly on the offensive with some good drives by Michael Barnes and Theo Baker. Quick recycled ball set the back line free and David Messenger cut through the defence and slipped a pass to the supporting Sam Lund who scored near the corner he then stepped up and made the difficult conversion to open a 7-0 lead. The home side then dealt poorly with the restart and gifted the visitors the offensive. Strong scumaging by the visitors ground their way within sticking distance and they out flanked the defence to score to reduce the arrears.

The visitors then started to play into the home sides hands as they repeatedly kicked away promising ball and full back Joshua Prell was in the mood to run the ball back with interest which he did at every opportunity equally supported by Harry Balderson and Alex Kirwin. However the visitors were up to the fight and tackled like demons snuffing out any chances.

The teams changed ends with the home side holding a narrow lead but were able to introduce fresh personnel from their ever burgeoning squad. Matthew Hall and Max Mountain were quickly into the fray and the home had the visitors pinned in their own half for long periods with the ball just not going to hand to make the telling break through. Following a series of penalties for holding on Sam Lund slotted the ball to increase the lead to 10-5.

From the restarted Danny Smith drove the ball in and after 4/5 phases Lund broke down the blind side and released Prell to score in the corner.

With time now running out and the visitor's legs tiring the home side drove up the middle and Jake Lockwood brust through to increase the lead and Lund added the conversion to cap and all-round “extra” performance.

All in all a good tough game of rugby played in the right spirit and close to the end.

 

31/01/10 West Park 22 Wharfedale 25

Back to winning ways!

With the return of the big freeze Wharfdale were fortunate to be playing away to West Park Bramhope who are the only club in the region to boast an all weather rugby pitch. Travelling with a squad of 24 the visitors were soon on the offensive but for some sloppy contact skills they would have registered some early points. But following a series of rucks in the 22 Danny Smith burrowed over to take the lead.

West park were to be no push over and had only lost once this season were quickly on the offensive when the visitors failed to catch the kick off and following a series of good drives the ball was spun wide and the winger raced in the level the scores.

Back came the visitors and following some good pick and drives by Sam Heaton and Charles Knapman the back line were released and James Maxfield who neatly side stepped his opposite number and raced through to extend the lead. Ben Jeffery added the conversion.

The visitors hadn't learnt their lesson and the kick off was duly dropped presenting the home with good field position which the quickly exploited for the centre to slice through an out numbered defence to score under the posts and they added the extra points to tie the game at half time 12-12

And things stayed this way until half time despite some promising breaks by Joshua Nkwo and Sam Lund with ball retention proving a big problem. With half time beckoning the West Park winger who was one of their better players set off at pace and skinned his opposite number then with the try line at his mercy Josh Prell hit him like an exocet to prevent a certain try.

The second half continued with the rice form of Kick off spills from which the home side added to their score with a blistering burst by their full back to score under the posts and the conversion was added.

The visitors now behind for the fist time started to crank up the pace and breaks by Max Mountain and Matthew Hall saw Mountain work his way through the midfield defence like a knife through butter to reduce the arrears.

The game then see sawed back and forth with good breaks from Joshua Nkwo and Prell. Following good work by the forward with good interpassing by Matt Hall and Jake Lockwood. Sam Lund picked up from the base of the scrum and powered through several tackle to regain the lead.

Back came West park and with a penalty under the posts tied the scores. The visitors were not going to be denied and following some surging runs the secure a penalty just wide of the posts. Up stepped Lund and held his nerve to slot the ball over and secure a hard won victory.

 

24/01/10 Wharfedale 7 Doncaster 22

Beaten but unbowed

Playing last year's semi finals for a place in this year's semi final was always going to be a tall order. When the game comes as your first for nearly 7 weeks due to the enforced winter lay off then it got even taller. The Doncaster side that has a sprinkling of full Yorkshire players were man for man physically larger side causing several parents to call for birth certificates not knowing that Doncaster is ancient Norse, which loosely translates to “ Land of Giants and facial hair”.

They announce their skills form the kick off receive where their man looked well wrapped up and driven back by the home side only for the ball to be ripped clear and marched up field with slick interpassing between forwards and backs. The home side then continued to live on scraps as they were starved of set piece ball by the visitor's strong pack and some sloppy lineout throws. When the break through can it was a result of a missed pass which gifted the visitors the lead a further soft try followed with some uncharacteristic weak tackling saw their winger cut inside to score close to the posts which they converted.

The home side steadied and some good handling by Joshua Nkwo saw the home side start to get a toe hold in the match with the forwards more than matching the visitors at the breakdown. But good possession was continually being turned over after two or three phases of possession. From one such breakdown the visitors exploited an over lap to firstly break right with Josh Prell putting in a try saving tackle only for them to recycle quickly to score in the corner despite some brave last ditch tackling by Jake Lockwood.

Undaunted and with heads still up the home side then enjoyed a good passage of play which saw them camped on the visitors line and from which they should have scored to reduce the deficit but a knock right under the posts allowed the visitors to clear their lines.With half time beckoning the home side seemed to have steadied the ship however another good passage of interpassing saw the visitors wing race clear to give them a half time lead of 22-0.

Showing true Dales grit the home started the second half with renewed passion and breaks by Theo Baker and Matthew Hall soon saw them camped on the visitors line who where now having to resort to giving penalties away to slow down the Wharfedale attacks. However with the line beckoning the home side were caught holding on and once again Doncaster Cleared their lines. Back came the home side and with the crowd really getting behind the home side they harried the visitors into mistakes and Ben Jeffery pounced to score near the posts, which he then converted. The tables seemed to be turning with the visitors under the cosh and having to rely on breakouts to relive the pressure. From one such move their fly half junked across the field and was almost cut in two by a tackle from Jake Lockwood. Try as they might the home side just could get that elusive second score to haul themselves into touching distance.

All in all an excellent game of Rugby and great credit to the home side to come back and win the second half.

 

13/12/09 Old Rishworthians 7 Wharfedale 7

A “curate's egg” of a game as described by one of the parents.

Playing for the first time in four weeks and not helped with some late cry offs the visitors did not put on one of their better displays. However they shaded the early exchanges and following good work by the make shift back line which saw Ben Brown hauled up 5m from the line the ball was recycled to Matthew Hall who barrelled over to take the lead and Ben Jeffery converted. In previous years this might have spelt the end of the home sides resistance but they seem to have found some extremely big forwards from somewhere and the were not going to roll over and have their tummies tickled. They also had a No 10 who looked like he knew what he was doing and their back line started to threaten. Playing out of position on the wing due to injury Sam Lund nearly broke free to score only to be bundled into touch and minutes later he collected a defensive kick and returned it with interest to set up another threatening position. But the home sides tackling was not wilting and time a time again they turned over the ball after the visitors had got themselves in their 22.

The second half saw more of the same and some good line out work by Theo Baker saw the visitors roll a maul within 5m and from the maul Tom Jackson burrowed over the line only for the ref to be unsighted and award a further 5m scrum. The home side cleared their line and some sloppy handling by the visitors gave them good field position from which their back line ran a clever scissors moved and scored under the posts and the converted to draw the scores level. Within minutes a further transgression gave the home side a very kickable penalty, which they fortunately missed. Back roared the visitors spurred on by their supporters the back line put Oliver Wild in space on the wing only to run out of space and from a 5m lineout they knocked on and Joshua Nkwo collected and put in a delicate grubber kick which he followed up and seemed to beat the cover defence to touch down only for the ref to be unsighted again. It just wasn't going to be the visitor's day and with time running out they had to put up a rear guard defence as the home side pressed hard for the victory and some strong tackling from Joshua Prell and Peter Howarth held them out.

All in all a scrappy encounter but after the enforced lay off both sides were pleased to get a game under their belt before the festive period

 

22/11/09 Wharfedale 36 Huddersfield 5

In conditions more suited to bog snorkelling the home side continued its unbeaten run with a fine win in difficult conditions.

The horizontal rain eased for the start of the match and the home side were quickly into their stride with powerful forward surges from Theo Baker and Peter Howarth only loose handling prevented an early try. An incisive move from the base of a scrum released the back line and Alex Kirwin was just hauled up short but managed to get a pass away to Joshua Prell who was also hauled down within inches of the line but quickly recycled ball saw Ben Jeffery power over from close range to open the scoring. The kick off was quickly recyled and Prell nearly out stripped the cover defence but good tackling by the visitors turned the ball over. They countered well and Ben Brown put in a try saving tackle to deny the visitors a score.

Further good forward pick and drives then released Jake Lockwood to bullock his way over and Jeffery added the extra points. The visitors didn't have anything to counter the home sides driving maul and from a subsequent scrum Howarth picked up from the base and released Oliver Wild back from injury to increase the lead.

The second half saw the visitors with the advantage of the elements and their most threatening player their number 10 put in some monsterous reliving kicks which were well fielded by Sam Lund standing in at full back. Once again good back play supported by the forwards saw Matthew Hall and Danny Smith make good ground and then release Ben Jeffery to score his second which he converted.

Slight complacency then slipped into the play and casual passing by the backs saw the visitors full back intercept and race the length of the field to open their account.

Normal service was quickly resumed and Lockwood looked to have scored in the corner only to have it disallowed from dropping the ball not to be undone he quickly seized on loose ball by the defence and carried two players over the line to add to his tally

Further strong scrumaging then saw the ball squirt out of the back of the scrum and a fearless Hall pounced to complete the scoring

All in all a well contested game played in the right spirit of the game

08/11/2009 yORK 13 wHARFEDALE 19

This Yorkshire Cup game got off to a slow start for the visitors who were in for a rude awakening from the referee, who was intent on applying the rules of the game in their strictest interpretation, particularly releasing the ball in the tackle. Almost immediately a Wharfedale player was penalised for this infringement and York took the 3 points. This was to become the theme of the game with the visitors slow to adapt to an official who was to give no more leeway than in the premiership. Luckily York missed their other chances and Wharfedale took the lead after continued pressure saw them move up the field, close enough for Charles Knapman to push over for a try and Ben Jeffery’s conversion just hit the upright. That left the first half 5-3 to the visitors.


The second half started in style for York when they slotted another penalty after yet more holding on in the tackle, which ultimately lost Dale a player for 10 minutes. Then soon after York moved the ball down the line to their winger and for once the dale defence was slow to drift and he had space to go over for a try, they also added the conversion to take an 8 point lead. Wharfedale then got the chance of a penalty just inside the York half but again Jeffery was very unlucky after a great strike to hit the upright, the omens did not look good. The turning point in the game however came after Wharfedale withstood continued York pressure and York lost field position without adding to their 8 point lead. Out of nowhere Ben Brown fielded a long kick on the wing and took off from the half way line with only one thing on his mind, a try, which he achieved with style. This time Jeffery got his conversion and Wharfedale were only 1 point adrift. With their heads up and time running out Dale looked for the killer blow which came just 2 minutes from time after sustained pick and go’s got them to within 10 metres of the York line. At the scrum, in a training ground move, Jake Lockwood moved to No8 and picked up to draw the defence, popped the ball to Sam Lund at Scrum half, who gave a short crash ball to full back Josh Prell who made the try line at full pace to take the winning points, Sam Lund converted.

Final score 13-19 and a great comeback win.

25/10/09 Wharfedale 21 Harrogate 7

 

At Last !!!

Playing away to a side they had never beaten in 10 years of trying. The visitors turned in a regal performance on the home sides first team pitch to record that elusive win. Playing with the elements the visitors were fortunate not to concede a try in the first few minutes but scrambling defense by Joshua Prell saved the day. The visitors then started to assert their superior rucking mauling skills to drive their way in sight of the try line only for some loose handling to let them down. The home side cleared their lines well but the green wave kept coming with some good picking and driving by Will Hall and Danny Smith. Quick ball the released Joshua Nkwo to slice through the home sides defense to score under the posts and Ben Jeffery converted.

From the restart the visitors charged back upfield only to be denied by some good tackling from the home side. Some desperate kicks from the home side saw Ben Brown weave his way through the defense and the release Nkwo score his second try to stretch the lead and Jeffery added the extras.

The second half started in a similar fashion with the visitors powering into the heart of the home sides defense. Valiant tackling from the home side kept them at bay. A storming break by Peter Howarth saw quick ball to James Maxfield on the wing. With a glimmer of a gap he powered on the afterburners to round hid opposite number but the cover defense had now come across but he neatly stepped inside and headed for the posts to increase the lead and Jeffery converted.

With the game now in the bag the visitors took their foot off the accelerator and the game degenerated slightly with some scrappy play and a series of mysterious penalties awarded to the home side saw he visitors having to up their tackle rate and stinging tackles from Jake Lockwood and Matthew Hall drove them back. However with the penalty count raising the home side eventually got their consolation try. The visitors rang the changes and used their substitutes to ensure everyone got a run out.

All in all an excellent win and long overdue and a great lift for the rest of the season

 

04/10/09 Wharfedale 47 Ripon 5

Playing a depleted Ripon side but with injuries of their own the home side took immediate control of the contest with surging drives from Michael Barnes and Danny Smith. The ball was quickly recycled and with quick hands saw the winger Ben brown score in the corner. The kick off was quickly returned up field and Joshua Nkwo dummied his way through the defence to increase the lead. The backs were now in full flow and further slick handling saw Nkwo add to his tally. Credit to the visitors they gave a good account particularly in rucks and mauls. Further good work from a lineout saw Ben Jeffery touching down to stretch the lead

The second half saw a rotation of players but the theme was the same with relentless pressure on the visitors line. Once again good handling and support play saw Sam Lund touch down under the posts and Ben Jeffery converted. Joshua Prell standing in at full back had a storming game and just when the visitors looked like scoring he made a try saving tackle. However from the resultant lineout the Ripon stole the ball and caught the home side knapping to score in the corner. The home side returned to the offensive and Prell added to the score following a great break by Matthew Hall. Further powerful surges by the forwards saw Charles Knapman burrow his way over the line. With the visitors wilting Brown and Knapman added further scores to round off an emphatic win.   

27/09/09 Wharfedale 54 Wetherby 0

Following last weeks narrow defeat the U16 kick started their season with an over powering display to sweep the visitors aside and progress to the next round of the Yorkshire Cup.

They applied early pressure with some close support work from the forwards with Max Mountain barging over in the corner. Good interplay between forwards and backs saw Sam Lund extend the lead with a well worked try. Storming runs by Sam Heaton and Will Hall resulted in Mountain adding to his tally. Good back play by Joshua Nkwo released Joshua Prell who outstripped the cover defence to score under the posts which Lund converted. Powerful rucking and mauling by the home side saw Haeton surge through a gap and hold off several tacklers to increase the lead and Ben Jeffery converted. Mountain rounded off a fine first half display with yet another trade mark unstoppable break from the base of a ruck. Half time 39-0.

Wholesale changes were then made at half time to ensure all the squad had a good run out the game side continued to pile on the pressure and the points. Peter Howarth charging over from close range Jack Thompson finished off a well worked backs move and Charles Knapman completed the scoring. Credit to the visitors they never gave in but were not able to match the pace and power of the home side.

20/09/09 Ilkley 14 WharfEdale 12


A wonderfully warm autumn morning saw Wharfedale go down to the narrowest of defeats against local rivals Ilkley in the first match of the season in an encounter that was high on effort and commitment, but from Dale's perspective, one that was still short on match fitness and sharpness.

The opening exchanges saw Wharfedale on the back foot, and struggling to gain possession against a marauding Ilkley pack, and a dangerous looking back line who were checked only by some good defensive tackling by stand in full back Josh Prell. Ilkey missed a sitter penalty after 10 minutes, but then their superior possesion paid off with a well-worked try down the flank which was converted. Up to now, Wharfedale had been architects of their downfall, losing too much turnover ball and being too predictable in their lineouts and set pieces.

To their credit however, Dale regrouped and played a better second quarter, managing to put together a few incisive passages of play of their own. And just before halftime, with the Dale pack rolling towards the Ilkley line, some quick ball was released down the back line and new recruit Josh Nkuo jinxed his way over the line from 15 metres out. Ben Jeffries duly converted.

With some changes at half time and Wharfedale captain Theo Baker coming off with an injury, the visitors they took time to settle, and went behind to another converted try. Yet again, the Greens regrouped and applied some telling pressure on the Ilkley line.

Credit to the home side for some fantastic tackling in defense as they held out to the last minute when Ben Jeffries broke out to bring the score to 12-14. With the last kick of the match to level the score, the ball was launched to the goal only for it to shave the post on the wrong side to give Ilkley the win.

2008/2009 SEASON (U15'S)

26/04/09 wharfedale 5 harrogate 17

With cricket being played alongside and the sun beaming down the U15's hosted Harrogate for the last match of   a successful  the season. With various absences due to injury and availability a scratch side was pulled together. Early exchanges though seemed to indicate this could be a very even contest and the home side with good line breaks from Sam Heaton and Michael Barnes pinned in thier own 22 but were unable to turn the pressure into points. The visitors though had a good back line and were soon able to break free and following a series of penalties were able to force the ball over the line   to take the lead  . Back came the home side and some good strong runs from Will Hall and George Higgins had the home side on the offensive again but the visitors defence held firm with some excellant tackling.

So the teams turned round at 0-5 with the home side in the ascendancy  .From the restart the home side committed the cardinal, sin and let the ball bounce the visitors pounced and despite knocking which was unseen by the ref they quickly recycled and scored in the corner which was well converted to stretch the lead to 12-0. The home side undaunted returned to doing what that do well and ground their way back up field and pounded the visitors try line. Full credit to Harrogate as they held firm committing penalty after penalty as they became increasingly desperate. Finally from a quick tap penalty Matthew Hall scored in the corner to reduce the arrears. The game then see sawed back a forth with the visitors putting in some good relieving kicks. Then with time running out the visitors were awarded a penalty on the 22 which they quickly moved wide and caught the home side knapping and restored their lead. Credit to home side they didn't give up and returned to pound the visitors line with some find drives from Joshua Prell and Ben Jefferies but just couldn't get the break through required.

Result Wharfedale 5 Harrogate 17 based on chances a moral victory to the home side but the visitors took their chances and that was the difference between the two sides. All in all a good season for the U15's playing 17 and wining 13 with most improved player going to Max Mountain and player of the season going to Jake Lockwood. 

19/04/09 WHARFEDALE VS. WETHERBY VS. ECCLES

With the end of the season looming Wharfedale U15's are finishing the season in style. Hosting two teams Wetherby who they haven't played since U8 level and Eccles from greater Manchester who they have never played before.

In game one Wharfedale took on Wetherby and both sides showed some rusty handling from the Easter break but the home side were soon on the score board with a searing break from Jake Lockwood. from the restart the home side were back on the offensive and following some good forward work by Michael Barnes and George Higgins Ben Jeffery outstripped the cover defence to increase the lead. The visitors fought back but excellent cover defence tackling from Jack Thompson and Joshua Prell kept them at bay.

The home side then broke out and clever interplay by Theo Baker and Sam Heaton saw Matthew Hall break through only to be hauled down a metre short of the line but he managed to pop the ball to Sam Lund who scored under the posts and Ben Jeffery added the conversion.

The second half the visitors started to wilt as the temperature started to rise. Max Mountain weaved his way through the visitors defence to increase the lead with Lockwood adding another try the home side were rampant. The visitors stuck to their task but strong tackling and counter rucking saw then turn over the ball at crucial times. The home side charged up field and a sweeping back move saw Alex Kirwin over the try line only to loose the ball in the tackle. Further pressure from the home side resulted in a further try by Mountain and finally Michael Barnes completed the scoring as he juggled the ball over the line but held on the score the try.

Result Wharfedale 43 Wetherby 0

Games two saw Wetherby take on Eccles and the Manchester side started well with some good forward breaks and were quickly two tries in the lead. Wetherby fought back and were thwarted by some good tackling and some poor handling allowing Eccles to counter to increase the half time lead. The second half was a more even affair as Wetherby strove to get on the scoreboard. Eccles struck first but with time running out Wetherby secured the consolation tries they had been working some hard for 

Result Wetherby 5 Eccles 24

Game three saw the home side take on Eccles. The home side were quickly into their stride with some good rucking and pick and go which saw Matthew Hall power over from close range. Further good work by James Maxfield saw the forwards power up the middle then from a standing start Tom Jackson bullocked his way through some loose tackling to increase the lead with Ben Jeffery adding the conversion. The backline started to move the ball through their hands and Joshua Prell broke through then released Sam Lund to increase the lead.

The second half saw the home continue to turn the screw as the back row ran riot and from a scrum on the 22 Oliver Wild outstripped the defence to score in the corner. Further tries from Lund put icing on the cake

Result Wharfedale 41 Eccles 0

A fine morning's rugby played in the right spirit in bright sunshine 

22/03/09 HALIFAX 10 WHARFEDALE 14


There was more than a touch of an end of season display to this game, as with a much depleted squad, Dale struggled initially to find their stride and rythym, but in the end applied themselves with determination and a professional team spirit to grind out a useful away victory against a constantly improving Halifax side.

With several key players missing and many having to play out of position it was perhaps understandable that the first 15 minutes saw Dale on the back foot, with most of the action in their 22. Things looked ominious when after a period of sustained pressure Halifax scored a push over try. But one key aspect of the U15s successful season is that the spirit is strong and gradually Dale worked their way back up the pitch to spend the last 10 minutes putting the home side under the cosh. The pack ground out the percentage ball and the the back line did their best to pass the ball in some swirling wind conditions, but handling was often haphazard from both sides. Just before halftime, the pack drove for the line and somehwere at the bottom of the heap, Will Hall had his hand of the ball. Stand-in scrum half Sam Lund who acquitted himself well in the role throughout the match, converted to give Dale a narrow half-time lead of 7-5.

The second half was a tense even-handed affair, with both teams breaking down promising passages of play with some nervous handling. Then from nowhere, second row Theo Baker (who has obviously been watching Strictly Come Dancng) took a quick tapped penalty, and with the home side still retreating, twinkled his way for a full 35 meters to score under the posts. Sam Lund converted and 14-5 in the circumstances looked comfortable. But to their credit, the home side came back strongly and replied with a try which luckily they couldn't convert. Dale held out for a win which wasn't going to gain any plaudits for flowing rubgy, but was cetainly gutsy and ultimately effective.

08/03/09 Wharfedale 0 York 10

Having progressed to the semi final of the plate Wharfedale were unlucky to then draw the team with a bye from the last round so had to effectively qualify again for the semi final. The playing conditions were far from perfect and the home side were missing some key personnel with injuries. They then proceeded to loose the toss and have to play against the wind in the first half. To say the York side were big would be an understatement and using the elements they were straight into the attack pinning the home side back in their 22 for the first 10 minutes but the home side held out gallantly with some crunching tackles from Jake Lockwood and Matthew Hall . The home side then gradually worked their way into the game with some good turnover ball and with the try line beckoning Max Mountain was held up to denied the home side the vital points. The visitors then had a couple of penalty kicks which narrowly missed. So with the scores locked at Nil Nil the teams turned round.

With the elements behind them and the big forwards from York appearing to tire then the omens appeared good. However the early exchanges of the second half saw the visitors turning up the heat and a series of penalties saw them pressure the home line but to no avail. So with 15 mins remain both sides started to bring on substitutions and this made the vital difference. The fresh front row for York started to make headway where before they had struggled and from a 5 metre line out their new prop forced his way over the line and looked to be held up only for him to squirm free and secure the vital try. The home side roared back and good break from Sam Lund and Joshua Prell saw the home side threatening the visitors try line. However they just couldn't make the break through and the visitors once more assisted by ill discipline from the home side saw them claw their way up field and once again force a rolling maul over the line to increase their score. Back came the home side and with 5 mins left and straight in front of the posts they passed up a golden opportunity to get back in the match.

All in all a hard lesson for the home team who had enough chances to win the game.But they were beaten by a more resilient side.
Wharfedale U15's 0 York U15's 10

01/03/09 ripon 20 wharfedale 26

On the back of a home victory in the Yorkshire plate against Ripon on the previous Sunday the Wharfedale side travelled to Ripon expecting a harder contest and that's exactly what they got.

The visitors were immediately on the offensive from the kick off and some sloppy handling denied them the early break through. Continued pressure took its toll and Charles Knapman surged over from close range and Ben Jeffery added the conversion. The home side though were not overawed and roared straight back to level the scores. Further good scrummaging saw the visitors stealing the ball against the head and this released Joshua Prell to retake the  lead.  With half time approaching the home side put together their best phases of play and as the ball spun wide their outside centre cut through the defence to level the scores again. The sides changed round at half time with the scores at 12-12.

The visitors continued their forward pressure and good breaks by Jack Thompson and Matthew Hall once again opened up the space for Prell to slice through the defence with Jeffery adding the extra points. The home side then countered with the try of the match as their centre chipped over the rushing defence then regather to score. The visitors then charged back up field with good rucking by Max Mountain and Theo Baker only to be penalised for holding on the home side relived their lines and were then awarded a penalty 30m out which they duly took to regain the lead 20-19 and with time running out the visitors once again surged up field and from close range Max Mountain was forced over the line to retake the lead. The visitors then faced an anxious 5 minutes of resolute defence to secure the double over a very creditable Ripon side.

All in all an excellant game of Rugby played in the right spirit.

 

18/01/09 Wharfedale 27 keighley 17

Having beaten Keighley in the away fixture the home side were caught by a vast increase in form. Following early exchanges it was clear this was going to be a hard game and following a scrum in mid field the vistors inside centre torn open the cover defence with to score under the post which they then converted .

The visitors then further increased thier lead when thier backs pounced on a loose ball to race over unopposed. This stung the home side into action and they soon had thier close forweard driving play in action with good runs from Matthew Hall and Sam Heaton which started to pin back the opposition. But good mauling from the visitors resulted in turno vers at the vital moment. However from a scrum close to the visitors 22 Jake Lockwood powered through 3 tacklers to score in the corner. With half time approaching Lockwood was on hand again to power over from close range to reduce the half time score to 10-12.

With the elements now with them the home side started to press for the lead but spirited defence from the visitors kept them at bay.

Following a good run from Sam Lund William Hall picked from the base of a ruck to take the lead. Further good driving play from the forwards then saw Charles Knapman score his debut try and with the visitors starting to run out of steam Oliver Wild picked up on a loose ball to scurry over and Harry Mc Enenaney converted.

But keighley were not done yet and some good back play saw thier inside centre reduce the lead. But the homeside stood firm to record a win and a good comeback from a rocky start. It was a game played with an excellant spirt by both teams and the visitors showed a marked increase from earlier in the season.


14/12/08 Dinnington 5 Wharfedale 10 (yorkshire shield 1st round)

 

 

A long journey down to the South Yorkshire/Nottinghamshire border proved worthwhile as a cohesive U 15s team delivered a satisfying result against strong local opposition in the first round of the Yorkshire Shield.

By getting the basics right: tight rucking and mauling, quick delivery to the back line, confident and accurate passing, and strong defensive tackling, Dale created an overwhelming amount of possession that they eventually turned to their advantage. The first period saw Wharfedale enjoy a period of solid possession before Theo Baker, scooping up a loose ball from 10 metres out twisted out of a couple of tackles to drive over for a fine try. The rest of the first half saw some intense and absorbing rugby as Dinnington came back strongly, using one or two of their star players to dangerous effect. Eventually, after a lapse of concentration from the visitors, Dinnington's most potent player playing at number 11 broke through for a 30 yard breakaway try. 5-5 at half time, but the best was yet to come from the visitors as the team grabbed the second half by the scruff of the neck by playing some great controlled offensive rugby.

Solid defending by the home side made an increasingly vocal and tense group of Dale parents wonder if the breakthrough was ever going to come. Indeed, their worst fears were almost realised when, having spent most of the half encamped on their 22, Dinngton broke out to within 2 meters of the ‘Dale line, but disciplined defending saved the day. We could all breathe easy when after several surges on the home side's try line, Will Hall bravely put his head down to squeeze the ball over from 5 metres just two minutes before the final whistle. It was a superb all round team performance, but Jack Thompson, Matthew Hall, Charles Winstanley (on the wing), and Ben Jeffries at fly-half had particularly solid games, showing grit and skill in equal measure.

The long journey back up the A1 seemed all the quicker after this fine win, and the chance to progress to the second round.

23/11/08 Wharfedale 56 Kirkby Lonsdale 12


A pitch of freezing slush did not bode well for an exciting game of rugby, but the sun shone on an emphatic display of intense and disciplined rugby by the U15s squad over their Cumbrian opponents.

The visitors got off to a great start with an early converted try against a sluggish Dale defence, but fortunately this had a galvanising effect on the home side who got in a quick riposte when scrum-half Olly Wilde slipped in under a forward surge to score a corner try. From then on it was a procession of stylish Wharfedale tries, many from distance, as the forwards constantly disrupted their opponents in open play to set up quick ball for the back line, whose passing and angles off the ball were both accurate and effective.

Max Mountain scored a great breakaway try from 40 metres out, followed by another even more impressive effort from the halfway line. Jake Lockwood then got in on the act with a 50 metre run of his own, capitalising on loose ball created by the forwards. 22-7 at half time.

The second period saw no respite for an increasingly disoriented Lonsdale defence. An extra 34 points were added by further tries from Sam Lund, Matthew Hall, Josh Prell, Max Mountain, (for his hatrick), Jake Lockwood (whose second took the prize for the longest run-in – a 70 metre solo surge from his own 22), and James Maxfield, whose burst of speed over the line finished off a great buildup move. Harry Mceneaney slotted over 2 conversions. Somewhere in the second half, the visitors managed to score a fine breakaway try of their own but it was a faint wave of defiance against the dominant rugby of the home side.

On this occasion, the Green Machine really did live up to its name.

 

16/11/08 keighley 0 wharfedale 34

On a bright autumnal morning Wharfedale travelled to Keighley with bragging rights at stake. Early exchanges were very scrappy despite the excellant conditions for running rugby. Some good forward drives saw the visitors release thier debutant winger Charles Winstanley who with his fisrt touch weaved his way passed half the home team to score under the posts. Not bad for a first touch

Further pressure then followd by the visitors and only some desperate cover tackling by the home side held them out. Some good individual breaks from Theo Baker and Will Hall saw the ball zipping along the back line with David Messenger jinking passed the cover to extend the lead.

Turning round at half time with a slender lead the visitors were quickly extending thier lead with a powerful drive from Michael Barnes from close range.

With a large squad the visitior then changed thier back line and this had an immediate effect as Max Mountain in characteristic style powered over with several players hanging on. Jake Lockwood then increased the lead further with a well worked forwards try of close interpassing. Jake was also on hand to release Joshua Prell for the try of the day  as he cut back inside and scored under the posts  . Conversions by Harry Mc Eneaney and Prell topped off a dominant performance  . 

09/11/08 Wharfedale 0 Old brodleians 19

There was plenty of Yorkshire grit on display as the U 15s battled in vain against a biting wind and a superior opposition in a match whose final score did not reflect the close-fought nature of the encounter.

In this same fixture last year, Dale lost 46-0 thus showing the progress being made with the current squad. Despite having wind advantage, Wharfedale spent the first quarter on the back foot, dealing with a very powerful Old Brods forward pack and a strong and fast back line who combined speed with some clever interpassing and switches of play. The hosts however never lost their shape and discipline and after a while began redeemed territorial disadvantage to provide an absorbing contest. Halfway in the first half however, Dale were hit by a sucker punch - a quickly taken penalty while they were still retreating 10 yards and an Old Brods player weaved a jinxing run to finish under the posts for a easy conversion. The visitors then scored a further try in the corner before halftime. 12-0 at the interval, and frozen parents were wondering not only if their extremities were still attached to their bodies, but whether Dale would collapse under a secondhalf onslaught.

Far from it. Despite losing wind advantage, the home team put on a great team display of well-disciplined rugby that neutralised some fast and aggressive attacking, while threatening the visitors try line on more than one occasion. Special mention goes to Alex Sutcliffe for some superb defensive tackling, and Max Mountain, Jake Lockwood, Tom Jackson and Sam Heaton always trying to create something on the break, ably assisted by the forward pack who stuck close to the ball throughout the match. An evenly contested second half was cruelly finished by an opposition try under the posts at the death. But Dale heads were held up high at the end with the prospect of even a tighter and more entertaining game this time next season.

02/11/08 Wharfedale 36 Baildon 0

With severely depleted numbers due to the holidays and players away at regional development. The home side displayed real strength in depth as they cobbled together a team to play the much improved visitors. In playing conditions more suited to windsurfing then ball handling was always going to be difficult and good tight forward driving plays were the order of the day. This is just how the home side played the game with well organised drives up either flank then releasing the backs when space was available. With the visitors try line in sight the forwards powered over and tries from Max Mountain and Jack Thompson established a good platform. Good play at the line out from Theo Baker and Michael Barnes continually denied the visitors ball and with half time approaching then the home side extended their lead with another well worked try by Tom Jackson.

With the elements slightly against them in the second half the home side continued with more of the same. Some good backs play by Ben Jeffrey and Joshua Prell created space for James Davy from the U14 squad to extend the lead. With the visitors now tiring powerful breaks by Mohamed Musa (The Flying Moose) and Alex Sutcliffe saw the home side increase their lead with further tries from Thompson and Mountain. Jeffrey managed to convert 3 out of 6 in impossible kicking conditions to secure a well worked victory.

All in all a good game played in poor conditions and a testament to the strength in depth of the squad

19/10/08 Wharfedale 5 Hull Ionians 24

Drawn away at Hull for the first round of the Yorkshire Cup the visitors were undone by a combination of skill and cynicism in a scrappy stop start game. Following early exchanges were the visitors looked to be getting the upper hand in the forwards some poor decision making and giving away soft penalties allowed the home side to race to a 12-0 and the prospects did not look good. However the visitors steadied and aided by a stream of cynical penalties committed by the home side they were able to start to apply pressure and good forward drives by Matthew and Will Hall saw the visitors camped on the try line. Just when it looked like a score was likely and with half time beckoning indeed overdue the home side broke out to increase the lead.

Undaunted the visitors turned round and once again started to apply forward pressure with surging runs from Tom Jackson and Theo Baker once again saw them camped on the try line. But stout defences coupled with multiple infringements at the breakdown saw the home side hold out even when two of their players ended up in the sin bin. The home side held out and started to attack down the flanks and but try saving tackles from Max Mountain and Joshua Prell kept them at bay. But once again some poor tackling let the home side in the extend their lead. The visitors however stormed back down field and Harry Mc Eneaney drove over to reduce the arrears but sadly too late to effect the outcome

12/10/08 WHARFEDALE 22 ILKLEY 0

Wharfedale consolidated a second home win in fine and professional style against a well-drilled Ilkley outfit that hadn't lost a match all season. Dale's dominance was such that although the visitors defended well they barely looked like scoring, and spent the entire second period in their own half of the pitch.

The first 15 minutes was a tense midfield battle between two evenly matched sides early on, with both teams playing skillful and intelligent rugby and the back lines defending well against counterattacks. Eventually 'Dale's pack encamped more consistently on Ilkey's 22, and some fine pressure play allowed Will Hall to wriggle free and crash over the line. 5- 0. Much the same pattern of play carried on during the rest of the first half, with Ilkley never giving up, but being pushed further and further back until, just before half time Will Hall again broke free from the rucking pack and surged over from the 22 metre line. 10-0 at half time.

A much tighter game than the previous week saw coaches John Kirwin  and Gordon Whitaker less free to make rotational squad changes, and so it was business as usual, except this time one sensed the visitors mentally wilting under some relentlessly efficient teamwork and they succumbed to two more late tries from Ben Jeffrey and Sam Lund.

This was great allround team performance, but it might be worth mentioning the unsung heros of the first row, double try scorer Will Hall, Michael Barnes and Tom Jackson who won a number of scrums against the head and David Messenger who had another assured game at full back.

05/10/08 Wharfedale 58  Wensleydale 0


The first competitive game of the season saw a convincing display against a plucky but under-strength opposition. Things looked ominous for the visitors from the off, with 'Dale up 14-0 in three minutes. Josh Prell bisected the opposition defence with a beautifully angled run to set up Sam Lund for the first, while Max Mountain created a 50 meter solo surge for the second. Both efforts were converted by Ben Jeffrey. 

Excellent set up play by the pack and some crisp and unselfish passing down the back line then created a sucession of well-worked tries scored by Tom Jackson, and two more for hatrick boy Lund. With the score 31 -1 at halftime, U 15 supremo John Kitwin was able to indulge in squad rotation of Rafaesque proportions. After initial resistence from the visitors, the deluge of tries continued - one for Prell, two more for the second hat-trick boy Jeffrey (including another 50 metre try) and a fine first try for Alex Kirwin following excellent break up play by Theo Baker in the pack and clinical passing along the entire back line on the the 10 metre line.

Scrumhalf Olly Wild scored the final try with some great scrapping on the line as the whistle blew. There will undoubtedly be tougher matches this season, but with a consistent and well-organised pack and a sharper and more robust back line, the forthcoming season should an exciting and promising one.