Match Reports

 

One thing you can be sure of is a good match when these two teams meet. The first match of the season lived up to the expectations of the players, coaches and parents.

With the disappointment of loosing out to Skipton for a place in the final of the Malsis Tournament at the end of last season by the toss of a coin, the boys and girls in green were determined to seek retribution.

Both teams fielded two squads with Dale putting Emerald in for the first half. The battle commenced with both teams fighting hard to gain ground. Some exceptional play by both teams saw Emerald have the edge of both possession and territory but at the halfway stage the game was without score.

A tough second half followed, both teams swapping full squads. Jade eventually broke the ice with a superb try from Will Lawn closely followed by a strong and determined effort from Callum Huughes. Jades strong tackling and support play couldn't stop Skipton getting over the try line, however Guy Richardson extended the lead again to give Dale a buffer. Skipton scored for a second time but the Green Machine seemed to have the discipline on the day to keep the lead.

A superb performance by both teams and greatly appreciated by all spectators.

 

 

Wharfedale V North Ribb 10-30

30 September 2007

The second match followed on where the first left off. Dale once again dominated the field in possession with great support play. Morgan Davies strong as ever forced his way over twice to put Emerald in front. The Blues and Whites hit back with a couple of their own tries. Newcomer to the squad this season Oliver White showed he has real talent and speed to run in two further tries in his debut game - outstanding!

Dale were allowed to give both teams a run out against a slightly weakened Ribblesdale and as such Jade managed to extend the lead further in the second half. Spinning out from a tackle Ryan Birch showed he's a slippery player to hang on to at any time, whilst Lydia Otulakowski showed the rest of the team that being of slight build but strong determination can allow you to drive through several players most of which are at least ten times your size and still score a try - what an inspiration.

Congratulations to both teams from your coaches

 

Wharfedale V Wensleydale 75-5

7 October 2007

 

Wharfedale dominated the play in this weeks tussle at the Avenue.

Team Jade started the ball rolling for the Greens with Ryan Birch going over early on. Will Lawn showed his skill by side stepping 3 players to run half the length of the pitch for the second. Then came a moment of brilliance from Ryan Birch who powered through 5 separate tackles to get a well deserved second.

Wensleydale went in at the corner to give them a glimmer of hope however another blistering run from Lydia Otulakowski set up an easy try for Will Lawn who supported well. By the time Richard Ellis went over for the fifth, the half belonged to Dale.

Both teams exchanged full squads for the second half. Emerald started where Jade had left off with Henry Giles scoring the first. Once again Oliver White got his name onto the score sheet for the second week in a row. Emerald moved the ball wide for the faster runners in this half and great anticipation of the defensive weaknesses allowed Henry Giles to run in for his second. Strong scrummaging gave Eli Westwood the ball for the fourth and tries from Otto Mallalieu-Black and Ben Cornelius drew the half to an early close for the demoralised away team.

Wensleydale then fielded their first team for the final 5 minutes play but they could not stop Dale running in another four from Guy Richardson, Otto Mallalieu-Black (2) and Kate Willets.

Man of the Match Callum Nelson.

 

Harrogate RUFC U10’s 40 v Wharfedale RUFC U10’s 25

21st October 2007 

 

It was a disappointing performance by both of the Wharfedale Teams against a Harrogate team who on the day put out a well prepared, strong and disciplined performance.

A short first half resulted in no score. Harrogate came out fighting and dominated the second half by running in five tries with Dale responding only the once with a powerful charge by Morgan Davies from a restart.

Full time seemed to come all too quickly and Harrogate kindly agreed to two further halves.

Both Dale teams improved in the second series of matches. Will Lawn went over for two tries, with a third coming from Eli Westwood. Ben Cornelius also got onto the score sheet and would have got a second if his foot hadn’t been deemed as being in touch – ever had that deja-vu feeling. Three further tries from Harrogate however meant that they came out victors on the day.

Man of the Match Matthew Alton.

 

Wharfedale RUFC Under 10’s Baildon Festival

28th October 2007

 

Wharfedale were able to field both the Emerald and Jade squads for the annual Baildon Festival, despite a number of absentees as a result of half term holidays and illness. Both squads were highly competitive and showed a significant improvement over the performance against Harrogate a week earlier.

Emerald ultimately finished equal top of the pile on points, but were runners up on the tries scored rule, Skipton taking the top spot.

In the first match, Emerald played Skipton in a robust encounter. Skipton started much the stronger with their powerful runners causing problems in midfield. Emerald was slower out of the blocks and some loose tackling allowed Skipton to score a deserved early try. Scrums were proving a problem area; however the line out of Edward Keighley and Morgan Davies was working well, with accurate throwing in from James Loud. As the half wore on, Emerald came more into the game with improved tackling and good support play and the break down. However, Skipton consolidated their territorial advantage with a second try. The second half was a very different story with almost unbroken pressure from Emerald. Otto Mallalieu-Black scored a typically direct try, breaking through the Skipton defence and there were penetrating runs from Morgan Davies and Edward Keighley, ably supported by the rest of the team. Kate Willets took a blow to the face but was excellent in her tackling throughout. The pressure from Emerald finally told as Morgan Davies powered in a late try following a positive run from James Loud, quick ball at the ruck being provided by Alex Grimbaldeston and a deft feed from Eli Westwood.

In the second game, Jade proved too strong for a much improved Baildon side. Jade stated brightly with Ryan McNicholl and Ryan Birch proving a constant threat with their running. Tackling and defence were excellent against a big Baildon side and Callum Hughes and Callum Nelson won significant ball at maul and Ruck. It was Callum Hughes who opened the scoring with a powerful run – typifying his strong and dynamic performance throughout. Richard Ellis then had the opportunity to score a second following excellent ball recycling and a penetrating run from Guy Richardson.

In the second half, the Baildon defence was stronger but Jade continued to dominate territory. Special mention to rookie hooker Matthew Alton who showed great tenacity with ball in hand and skill with line out throwing. Also, special note to Tommy Richardson who showed superb tackling technique and was a constant threat with his speed on the wing. The performance was capped with a marvellous piece of individual improvisation from Lydia Otulakowski who, following a dynamic run, twisted over to ground the ball whilst still in the tackle – excellent!

Emerald then played Jade in a match where no quarter was asked or given by the Wharfedale sides. The match was marked by powerful performances for Emerald by Edward Keighley who scored two tries and Eli Westwood who also bagged a brace. However, both sides can be justly pleased with all aspects of their play – in particular the support play at the breakdown which has improved significantly. This was Jade’s back to back match and the tiredness started to show – notably with key injuries to Ryan Birch, Ryan McNicholl and Callum Hughes – none of whom could continue in the tournament. Thankfully, all are now fit and well!

Emerald then played Baildon in their back to back encounter. The team were admirably led by Otto Mallalieu-Black who was ferocious in the tackle and strong when ball carrying. The forward play proved too strong for a game Baildon team and the ball handling skills of James Loud and Eli Westwood were a feature of their play. Forwards dominated though and there were tries again for Edward Keighley and a hat-trick for Morgan Davies. Emerald dominated both halves and only allowed Baildon one serious territorial gain from which they scored. However, there was an immediate response as Alex Grimbaldeston, in typically disruptive style, won excellent turnover ball, fed the ever supportive Kate Willets who showed excellent awareness to feed the highly impressive rookie Oliver Whyte to touch down. The try capped an impressive tournament for Oliver Whyte who demonstrated speed and skilful wing play and powerful defensive skills.

The final match for Jade against Skipton was declared a void game with Skipton taking the points as jade were unable to field their starting 9 due to previous injuries sustained. However, with substitutes standing in, there was a competitive game played against the well rested Skipton side. The strong Skipton forwards tested the Jade defence and despite conceding 2 early tries, the tackling was determined and positive – notably from Guy Richardson who had an outstanding game, capped with a well taken try. With substitute rotation taking place, Skipton took advantage and scored a further try before Oliver Whyte brought the score back to 15-10. Matthew Alton continued to show great strength in the loose and Tommy Richardson proved highly effective in defence. Marshalled by Lydia Otulakowski, the forwards led by the ever present Callum Nelson fought hard to the end, only conceding the final try in the last play of the game.

The commitment, dedication, determination and skill of all players and both sides were the highlight of the tournament.

The Man of the Match decision proved too difficult to split between the power and dynamism of Edward Keighley and the combination of attacking threat and defensive work of Guy Richardson – well done to both.

 

Yorkshire Cup 4/11/07

Wharfedale U10s “Emerald”

 

Group Stage matches: The beautiful Ilkley club ground in autumnal sunshine proved the perfect setting for some top class rugby.

 

Wharfedale A 3: Skipton B 0

Morgan Davies drew first blood with a fine try at the corner after a half where much of the play remained in the Skipton half of the field. Wharfedale made it 2 when Eli Westwood took advantage of sustained pressure on the brave Skipton side. The third try from Wharfedale A came from Guy Richardson after an impressive dummy from the ever dangerous Morgan Davies.

Wharfedale A 2: Baildon 0

There was a tight first 5 minutes where the two teams got the measure of each other, but the Wharfedale team pressed home their territorial advantage when Otto Mallalieu-Black made a fine solo run to the try line. Baildon responded quickly and were foiled by a crucial tackle by Guy Richardson. Wharfedale took the game beyond Baildon when Ben Cornelius took advantage of a stolen ball and sneaked down the left hand side through a well spotted gap for a deserved try.

Wharfedale A 2: Ilkley 1

In the decider for the group, both teams needed a win. Edward Keighley started Wharfedale on winning ways after just 3 minutes. This lead was consolidated by Otto with a short run to the try line to make it 2:0.

Ilkley were no pushover though and fought back very strongly showing great spirit. They were rewarded with a try by Pickersgill who showed his great pace as he ran almost the length of the pitch. The referee blew the whistle for full time shortly afterwards, signalling that Wharfedale were clear group winners and would qualify for the 3-way final.

Final Matches

The title was to be fought between Wharfedale A, Skipton A and Old Brods.

Wharfedale A 0: Skipton A 1

Skipton had the chance to avenge the defeat of their B team in this match. After a nervous start there was no score at half time. Skipton however breached the Wharfedale defences deep into the second half, leaving the gallant Wharfedale team insufficient time to even the score despite some fine attacking and positive rugby.

Wharfedale A 1: Old Brods 2

With the title still far from decided, Wharfedale fancied their chances against the Old Brods. The Brods scored first on the stroke of half time. They could have gone further in front if it wasn’t for a last effort heroic tackle by Henry Illingworth. A second try from the Brods didn’t dampen the desire and belief of the Wharfedale team who continued to take the game to the Brods, culminating with a well deserved try from the ever threatening Alex Grimbaldeston.

 

Wharfedale have to be content with 3rd place though may be consoled with the knowledge that they had fought well and the title was well within their grasp.

Match report provided by Pete Westwood

NO MATCH REPORTS UNFORTUNATELY FOR JADE FOR ILKLEY FESTIVAL - In summary Jade played exceptionally well in some close fought games loosing each one of the three played by a single try. Well done to all the players for keeping up great spirit throughout the festival.

 

Wharfedale Jade 15 v Ilkley A 10

11th November 2007

 

The first match of the weekend proved a tough one for Jade.  A strong Ilkley side dominated the play and were far better than Jade at moving the ball.

It was no surprise when Ilkley were first to get onto the scoresheet. The Greens were determined not to let them get too far away from them and Otto Mallalieu- Black, showing he’s capable of scoring for either of the two Wharfedale teams, pulled the home side level.

Ilkley kept the pressure on however, and went ahead again from better rucking and mauling. Once again Jade pulled back from a fine moment of opportunism by Lydia Otulakowski – a player who always involves herself in finding out a loose ball.

Both teams then tried really hard to win the game and it looked as if the match was heading for a draw. The final play of the game however saw Will Lawn drive hard from a penalty close to the Ilkley line to bring home the spoils.

On the whole Jade can play better than this performance and the win can be put down to the squad’s determination rather than the skill and team play that we know they are capable of.

 

 

Wharfedale Emerald 75 v Ilkley B 0

 

11th November 2007

 

After the disappointment of loosing out the previous weekend in the Yorkshire Cup playoffs, Emerald came out fighting. The whole team dominated the game, moved the ball well, and were unbeatable in the ruck, maul and scrum, putting in the performance of the season so far.

Tries came thick and fast, all of them coming from great play combined with strong running at Ilkley B’s stretched defences. Tries from Oliver Whyte (2), Ryan Birch (3), Elias Westwood (3), Guy Richardson (who should have scored 2), and Morgan Davies were overshadowed by the exceptional performance of Ben Cornelius who not only scored FIVE tries but who also involved himself at nearly every game play. Without doubt he was the player of the match, and with this single match is in line for player of the season.

It is a fine reflection on the spirit of the Ilkley B team that they continued throughout to try and stay in the game without becoming demoralised by the ever increasing difference in the score line – well done to them.

 

Sunday 18th November 2007

 

It was the chance for Wharfedale to welcome relative newcomers Old Rishworthians to the Avenue. The visitors made up for their lack of skill in way of size, fielding 2 under 11’s in the 8 players they brought.

With numbers low, it was up to the two large Wharfedale squads to sacrifice some of their players to help the visitors make the numbers up. This was also compounded when the squads were mixed before the game to re-balance some of the differences in discipline and performance between the two Wharfedale teams.

Wharfedale Jade Under 10’s 35 v Old Rishworthians Under 10’s 5

Jade were the first to take the field and it didn’t take long for Callum Hughes to show his strength and burst through a set of tackles to run ¾ of the pitch to get his first try. He managed the same feat another couple of times to get a well deserved hat-trick. Otto Mallalieu-Black also got onto the scoresheet along with a great effort from Ryan McNicholl. Two further tries came from Lydia Otulakowski, one from the scrum with a run down the blind side, the second even more impressive than the first. The Jade team put in a much more disciplined performance, a lot of which can be put down to the introduction and effort of Morgan Davies whose leadership would influence any team to do well.

Wharfedale Emerald Under 10’s 30 v Old Rishworthians Under 10’s 15

Loosing the strength and organisation of Morgan Davies didn’t dampen Emeralds performance. Tries came from Ben Cornelius (only 2 this week!), Ryan Birch, Alex Grimbaldeston and Oliver Whyte who scored 2 outstanding tries with excellent change of pace on the wing (this newcomer scoring a try in every game so far this season).

Old Rishworthians managed to pull 3 back with Lydia Otulakowski and Ryan Birch scoring a try each for the visitors. The visitors themselves didn't stop trying either and there were some gutsy performances from a number of the Halifax players.

Well done to all the Wharfedale players who helped make the Visitors numbers up to ensure both sides got a full run out.

A good, well disciplined performance by both Wharfedale Teams. Man of the match Callum Hughes.

 

Wharfedale RUFC - Under 10’s Huddersfield Festival

 

Sunday 20th April

 

 

Wharfedale came away with the Plate trophy for this competition but they were oh-so-close to being among the finalists.

The Green Machine's usual slow start in the first game saw Skipton have early territorial advantage. In the final quarter though, Wharfedale were camped on the Skipton line and indeed Callum Hughes crossed the line, sadly with the referee unsighted, so the game ended 0-0.

The second match against the impressive Selby also finished 0-0 with Wharfedale well on top by the end.

In a tense third pool game, Wharfedale went down 2-1 to the hosts and finalists Huddersfield, with Kate Middleton and Guy Richardson combining to send Ben Cornelius through. So, despite having performed well, Wharfedale only had two points from the pool to show for their hard work, and ended up in the Plate competition which they dominated.

A 3-1 victory over Old Rishworthians - tries for Oliver White, Guy Richardson, and Ben Cornelius - set up the final against Huddersfield YMCA. Wharfedale, now confident, were easy 1-0 winners, Ben Cornelius again scoring. His three tries from the day gave him joint man of the match status along with Will Lawn who was outstanding at scrum half.