U16s - Ilkley Vs Barnsley

BARNSLEY RUFC U16 MATCH REPORT

ILKLEY, SUNDAY 6TH JANUARY 2008, 12 noon KICK OFF.
OPPONENTS – ILKLEY RUFC.
REFEREE –RFU SOCIETY
YORKSHIRE PLATE

SCORE –ILKLEY – 19 BARNSLEY - 12

ON ILKLEY MOOR BAHT MUCH LUCK

The lads hadn’t played for a month before this game, and doubtless Ilkley hadn’t played much more, if at all.
However, the home team seemed to have consumed less festive food and drink, and had less of a New Year torpor.
The game was played on a pitch that was significantly smaller than the main pitch, 100m x 60m , rather than 116m x 78 m, quite a difference.

It was perfect for the U13 game that preceded ours, which says it all.

Ilkley had the reputation of playing almost exclusively through their pack, which was how the game panned out. There was little space to be exploited by the backs of either side, and it certainly did not suit our style of play.
The ref unfortunately was very fussy, almost as whistle happy as the gent at Huddersfield, and unfortunately for us, we were on the wrong end of most of the decisions.

Our head coach, who is far more knowledgeable than the rest of us about such matters was not happy, therefore draw your own conclusions.

However after some prolonged mauling in our half, we managed to get some possession , put in some fast rucking and recycling, for Marlon “ the hit man” Wragg to rip the home defence apart and score the first try. Unfortunately Rob Mynett did not convert. 0 – 5

The rest of the half degenerated into an elongated game of British Bulldog, with the Ilkley mauling style orchestrated by their impressive number 8.

Brad Wood, and particularly Will O’Loughlin tried to inject some pace, and find some space ,but there was none to be had.

After placing our line under considerable pressure Ilkley got their just reward with a bull-dozed forwards try. The try was converted 7 – 5.

Just before the half finished the accomplished Ilkley stand off missed a penalty shot. The half finished 7 – 5.
The second half started and continued pretty much as the first half had done, Ilkley happy to imitate a tortoise with an ever present protective forward shell around the ball, and our lads not quite being able to out muscle them.
When we did get possession it was invariably scrappy and we gave far too many turn overs away. Our support play, and off-loads were not coming together, AND we kept getting penalised. To give Ilkley their due if it was a 50/50 ball they usually came away with it.

Our line out struggled, and our scrum creaked, became dominant and creaked again, making possession sporadic. They scored 2 more tries, very similar to their first, and we had to put in some desperate defence on our line. With time fading away we were 19-5 down.

Whilst we did not play well collectively, and we weren’t at our dynamic best, the lads never give in, the effort is always there.

The tide turned in our favour but unfortunately it was in the last minutes of the game.

We got a series of tapped penalties ! (including a “professional” foul on Mynett, deliberately held back after chipping through for a chance to score) and drove to the home line, the ball was popped to Keiron Holmes , who scorched through the home defence at an intelligent angle to plant the ball down under the posts. A just reward.
Rob Mynett got the conversion,19 – 12.

Suddenly the atmosphere changed but unfortunately only long enough for a final run at the home line by Josh Woolhouse, who got bundled into touch in the 22.

The game ended.

A curious game, well played to Ilkley, and a case of could and should have been for Barnsley.

Barnsley MOTM chosen by the ref – MARLON “THE HIT MAN” WRAGG – tireless in both attack and defence.

Mention in dispatches –

A welcome return from Tyler Smith after his collar bone injury – I hope he’s alright.

Well done to stand in Captain Josh Woolhouse, he had the extra responsibility, as well as trying to make the best of a bad job with his half back partner.

A Happy New Year to all our readers, yes, all of them.

TIME LINE:

12.05pm – KICK OFF (BARNSLEY)

12.23 – TRY (MARLON) ,CON MISSED (ROB) – 0 - 5

12.30 – TRY + CON ILKLEY – 7 – 5

12.41 HALF TIME - A 36 MINUTE HALF, NO STOPPAGES FOR INJURIES?

12.45 – RESTART (2ND HALF – ILKLEY)

12.58 – TRY + CON ILKLEY – 14 - 5

1.14 – TRY ILKLEY – 19 - 5

1.20 – TRY (KEIRON) + CON (ROB) – 19 – 12

1.23 – FULL TIME - A 38 MINUTE HALF, AGAIN NO STOPPAGES, BUT IT WORKED IN OUR FAVOUR THIS TIME. OH WELL.