Up and running …………………………. Exciting rugby launches new 3rd XV with crushing 67 v 22 win.

A young squad of 25 players arrived at Claro Rd for a pre season match against Yorkshire 3 side Aireborough on a glorious day for open running rugby and a large crowd were treated to a try fest with a total of 15 tries being scored.

The new 3rd XV is based around Senior Colts with a few “experienced hands” on hand to help develop into emerging talent and assist with the transition into the adult game.

In the forwards Ben Reavley (back from the Lions Tour) Tom O’Sullivan (who has now represented every senior team within the club) and Steve Maycock (fresh of the plane from the Far East) Academy coach Kevin Shattock giving valuable support and guidance to the younger players. Ben Hardy at 10 and the evergreen James Tapster in the centre provided magnificent support for the youngsters, many of whom were facing their first taste of rugby against an experienced Aireborough team featuring a number of their first team.

The game plan was to get the ball wide where we looked to exploit the speed in the back line, and after a somewhat cautious series of opening exchanges as players adjusted to the physicality of the adult game Gate started to take control up front.

The front row were far too powerful for the Aireborough side and with Tom Couzens and the Hay twins being first to the breakdown the backs were able to stretch the Airborough defence. On 10 mins following a series of phases “Tapster” showing his experience cut a great inside line to open the scoring out wide.

Within 5 minutes the lead was doubled with Lewis Minikin on the end of some great play to cross the line with Cam Roberts adding the extras.

Aireborough responded and using the power and extra weight in the pack rumbled into the 22 and after a series of valliant defensive counters Gate finally ran out of cover out wide.

The new Gate 3rd XV responded magnificently and scored two more tries both scored by Tapster to reach half time with a healthy lead of 24 v 10.

With many changes being made on both sides the youthful exuberance abounding in the Gate team and an Aireborough pack tiring saw a flood of scores in the second period and some excellent rugby being played. The “old hands” were also enjoying themselves with some barnstorming runs and some massive hits from Jeff Watt getting back into the swing after 12 months on duty in Afghanistan.

Lewis 2, James, Bruno, Tom, Luke and George all scored well taken tries and despite being well beaten the Airborough lads never gave up and scored two late tries in a match that was played in a great spirit and for the young players a great introduction into the adult game.

A promising start from a new club team which bodes well for an exciting season ahead in the Merit table.