BARNSLEY RUFC U16 MATCH REPORT

SHAW LANE, SUNDAY 30th MARCH 2008, 11 AM KICK OFF.
OPPONENTS – SHEFFIELD
REFEREE – IAN PEEL
SCORE –BARNSLEY U 16’S – 5 SHEFFIELD – 12

BARNSLEY SHOW SOME STEEL, BUT FAIL TO BLUNT SHEFFIELD

Today we entertained Sheffield for the very first, and hopefully, not the last time.
We also welcomed a new ref. from Coach Smith’s black book, Mr Ian Peel, to whom we are deeply indebted.

11.04am - As I turned up the game had already kicked off, we had conceded a penalty just inside our own half, which was tapped, and moved swiftly for one of Sheffield’s pacey backs to stroll through unopposed. 0 – 5 Oh dear.

I discovered that Sheffield had turned up with only 13 players, and that Steven Anderson and Jamie Linacre had sportingly agreed to play for them. So well done to Sheffield for turning up, and well done to our 2 lads. (Didn’t Ilkley fancy it? I suspect not.)
The initial lapse thankfully proved to be just that, and a battle royal between the packs ensued. We were guilty of coughing the ball up in turn overs too often, but that aspect of the game improved as time went on.

11.15, At last quick ball moved swiftly across the line for “Will o’ the Wisp” Loughlin, to score a good try in the corner. It went unconverted. 5 – 5

11.34amThe end of the half came with Barnsley shading the territory, but as even as the score suggests.

11.36 the second half got underway, and resumed with Barnsley encamped in the Sheffield half. Any thoughts that possession and territory would inevitably turn into points proved to be in vain. One particular searing Brad Wood break saw him pop the ball to Matt Tilley who seemingly had the line at his mercy, but got held up.

After being under the cosh Sheffield mounted their own sustained assault on the Barnsley line. A series of 5m scrums saw the defence finally crack, when quick ball was moved swiftly to the stand off, who saw a gap, and cruised over. The conversion was awarded somewhat controversially. 5 – 12 12.02 pm

The final stages of the game were played o ut with Barnsley putting the Sheffield line under immense pressure, culminating in an attacking 5m scrum. Sheffield defended this and the following defensive scrum very well. The Sheffield wing (14) hared out from defence (no one could get near him) and put in a superb clearance kick from the 22.
That was the last Hurrah for Barnsley, the game finished shortly after.
12.12 full time.

A thoroughly absorbing contest that both teams contrived to play in the muddiest half of the field, leaving the firm, grassy half untroubled by thundering boots.

Stand out players for me, Brad Wood, Keiron Holmes, Conor Egan, Sam Fitzpatrick, and Josh Woolhouse who had a real ding-dong battle with his opposite number.

Coach Smith was immensely pleased with the lads efforts, and declared that as the game unfolded it was the best rucking he’d seen from the lads all season – praise indeed.
I am also told that the Sheffield coach was effusive in his praise for the game, another good reason to want to play Sheffield again. A good, hard game, in which a draw may have been a fairer reflection of fortunes – but I would say that wouldn’t I?

Well played to Steve and Jamie – no quarter asked or given. Just as it should be.

NB- Is it me? Or does Jordan look like he’s carrying a “babe in arms” rather than a rugby ball, when in full flight. I don’t know what it does to the opposition but it scares the hell out of me.

Barnsley MOTM – the ref. picked Stephen “Raging Bull” LISTER – no argument from me – there’s more to come from Stephen.

IRELAND HERE WE COME!