On the Up

Match report

Harrogate U12’s V Wharfedale - Sunday 19th January 2014

Result .....Won 21- 7 !!!

( Scorers - Harry Wilson 2 tries, Harry Wilkinson 1 try, Olly Bennett 3 conversions)

Man of the Match – Will Tomalin
Tackler of the Match – Rory Nimmo

Following the success at Yarnbury last week the lads faced two tough 40 minute games against Wharfedale and Pocklington on the hallowed turf of the Harrogate 1st XV pitch.

The first game was against a big Wharfedale team and following Steve’s inspirational team talk the lads were fired up and determined not to let anyone beat them at home especially not on the 1ST XV pitch.

Harrogate piled the pressure on Wharfedale straight away with the forwards showing real commitment with Will, Olly Bryant ,Rory and Ethan putting their bodies on the line to win possession. It was not just the forwards showing great desire to win,the backs were also giving 100% with Jack, Josh and Jonty putting in some great tackles and making some strong runs.

It was only a matter of time before the breakthrough came, excellent rucking by the forwards allowed Olly Bennett to provide quick ball to Jack who passed to Josh who in turn gave the ball to Harry Wilkinson. Harry beat his man and passed to Harry Wilson who took the ball at pace and there was no stopping him. First try to Harrogate in the corner.

Unfortunately despite the efforts of Evan and Jonty, Wharfedale equalized in the last minute of the half against the run of play and at half time the score was 7-7.

The boys knew that they were the better team and as soon as the second half kicked off the forwards dominated the play. Man of the match Will Tomalin was like a man possessed and inspired the other forwards to heap pressure on Wharfedale. Connor, Ethan and Myles caused real problems for the opposition and Olly Bryant along with tackler of the match Rory, tackled anything that moved.

The pressure from the forwards created space for the backs allowing the pace and strength of Harry Wilson and Harry Wilkinson to punish Wharfedale with both players scoring excellent tries.

Olly Bennett successfully converted all 3 tries resulting in a convincing 21 -7 victory to Harrogate.

At the end of the game all 5 coaches agreed that the team showed fantastic teamwork and a real commitment and desire to win. An emotional Bob claimed that it was one of the best performances he had seen by the team and for once he was lost for words. High praise indeed!

Harrogate U12’s V Pocklington - Sunday 19th January 2014

Result .....Won 33- 21 !!!

( Scorers - Connor 2 tries, Harry Wilkinson 1 try, Olly Bryant 1 try , Rory 1 try, Olly Bennett 4 conversions)

Man of the Match – Connor Spence
Tackler of the Match – Harry Wilson

After 40 minutes of intense rugby against Wharfedale , the lads went straight into their second game against Pocklington on a pitch that was deteriorating at an alarming pace.

As soon as the game started the forwards hit Pocklington with the same intensity as the previous game and it was clear that the boys wanted to avenge the defeat at Pocklington last year. Connor and Olly Bryant led the charge and it was not long before Olly Bryant powered over for the first try.

The boys fought hard but unfortunately a couple of missed tackles resulted in an equalizing try for Pocklington. Some of the Pocklington players tried to provoke our lads but they maintained their discipline and defended strongly particularly tackler of the match Harry Wilson, Josh, Jack, James and Jonty.

Eventually the hard work paid off and after some great work by Alastair, Harry Wilkinson went over for his second try of the day.

The forwards continued to dominate possession and it was not long before Connor scored a well deserved try. Connor continued to inspire the forwards with some incisive breaks and the opposition found it increasingly difficult to deal with him.

The impressive forward play resulted in a well deserved try for Rory and the game looked all over at 28 -7.

However despite some impressive tackling from the backs particularly Harry Wilson, the boys began to tire and Pocklington hit back with 2 tries .

Captain Jack managed to calm the team and maintain the intensity of play which resulted in man of the match Connor powering over for his second try in the last few seconds of the game and earn the team another impressive victory.

Solid performances from Tom and Elliot and 4 conversions from Olly Bennett contributed to a great all round team performance.