U14s - Roundhegians Festival

Roundhegians 27 v Barnsley 0

West Park Leeds 15 v Barnsley 0

Barnsley Under 14’s made the journey to Leeds on Sunday to participate in the Roundhegians festival. With a squad decimated by injuries and other commitments it was a more than welcome return to the fold for Steven Warrior and Craig Lovelle who made their first appearances of the season in a hastily rearranged back division.

First up for Barnsley were the hosts, Roundhegians. The first half was a tentative affair with each team probing their opponent’s defences for signs of vulnerability. Barnsley’s front five of Luke Townend, Fred Butcher, Ben Thistlewood, Jacob Bailey and Jordan Darwin were, as usual more than a match for their opponents in the tight; and despite the tenacious tackling of backs Aaron Westmoreland, who is looking more assured with every game played and the ever dependable Paul Kelly, the hosts were able to run in two tries out wide to give them a 10 v 0 lead at half time.

The second half continued in much the same vain with Barnsley unable to convert any of their possession into points despite several forays into their opponents ‘twenty-two’ as Roundhegians ran in a further 3 tries to give a full time score of 27 v 0.

Barnsley entered the fray of their second game against West Park Leeds in confident mood, convinced that they would be able to convert similar possession into points. This additional self belief seemed to do the trick as there was a greater sense of urgency in the play of both sides. The half back pairing of Jack Yeardley and Jacob Lawton were linking well to provide quick ball to the centres and the flanker partnership of Sam’s Atkinson and Owen were an absolute menace to their opponents at the breakdown. But again despite all their efforts Barnsley were still unable to cross their opponents try line and were somewhat unfortunate to go in at half time trailing 5 v 0.

The second half brought more of the same; with the team were becoming increasingly frustrated as the referee appeared unsighted to many of the errors and infringements of their opponents. Nonetheless Barnsley tried hard to maintain their focus on the game, which was never more epitomised than in the runs of Kyle Holmes from the base of the scrum and the concerted attempts of centres Ash Powell and Haggie Harrison who were growing in confidence with every attempt to breech their opponents now tiring line of defence. Special mention must go to Sam Owen who had toiled tirelessly in both attack and defence all afternoon and came closest to scoring for Barnsley when he crossed the try line only to be held up by the West Park defence. With the sound of the final whistle ringing around the ground, Barnsley were unfortunate to be on the wrong end of a 15 v 0 score line.

Man of the match awards went to Sam Owen (Forwards) and Jacob Lawton (Backs)

The Under 14 Squad train on a Tuesday evening from 1900-2030 at Shaw Lane. Any Year 9 boys who are interested in playing Rugby are more than welcome to attend.