U14s - Old Rishworthians Vs Barnsley

Barnsley RUFC Under 14’s V Old Rishworthians Under 14’s- 2nd September 2007

Barnsley RUFC under 14’s travelled to Halifax last Sunday O play a very entertaining fixture against Old Rishworthians, Barnsley left their Shaw lane head quarters in glorious sunshine only to be met by heavy rain and gale force winds at the home of their west Yorkshire hosts.

Winning the toss Rishworthians opted to play with the wind at their backs after initial pressure from the Barnsley team the ball was spilled and gathered by the pacey Rishworthian backs, using their handling skills to score wide out. Barnsley battled hard against the wind with driving run’s by Holmes, Gray and Bailey coming up against stern Rishworthians defence.
Aaron Westmoreland playing his first game of rugby had to be alert or the slick Rishworthian backs counter attacks as did Jack Smith, Paul Kelly and Hamish Harrison who all made bone crunching tackle’s.
As the half wore on the home side took full advantage of the wind and slope scoring three more tries and converting one. Giving a half time score of 22 – 0 to the hosts.

Making several changes for the second half Barnsley began to exert their forward dominance with hooker Butcher taking numerous balls against the head, with Taylor and Darwin providing power from the second row, and Thistlewood and Townend rock solid as props.

Old Rishworthians began to give penalty’s away with new captain Josh Smith taking every opportunity to make ground, eventually Barnsley began to play to their strengths using the pick and drive approach, although not pretty it was effective with South African number 8 Kyle Holmes claiming two tries, unfortunately rock solid stand off Lawton missed the conversion attempts despite more driving play by Owen, Atkinson and Powell Barnsley could not break the defence Rishworthians scored one more well worked try, to give a final score of Barnsley 10 points Old Rishworthians 27 points.
The man of the match awards went to Fred Butcher (forwards) and Josh Smith (backs).
Captain Josh Smith said after the game “this was a tough game played in atrocious conditions. The Rishworthians backs threw the ball about well, something which we must aspire to. We are still a small, developing squad, so we are pleased with the performance of the whole squad despite the result.

Anyone who would like to join us should come to training
Tuesdays 7pm – 8.30pm at the club.