11/12/04 Rugby results.
1st XV v Old Otliensians (h) WON 8-3
Try: Borrill
Pen: Gilmore
2nd XV v O. Otliensians (a) WON 25-5
3rd XV v Skipton (h) WON 38-0
Tries: Harrison, Calendar, Stewart, Randall (2), Taylor
Cons: Andrew (4).
1st XV match report
-----------------------------------
The Yorkshire 4 fixture list brought us 1st versus 2nd in the table at Cookridge Lane on Saturday and the prospect of a titanic tussle. The match did not let us down! Losing the toss we were put in to bat downhill first half. With the sun and breeze behind us it was reckoned we needed sufficient points to see us through the uphill phase. Turning at only 8-0 in front the second half was going to be a massive shout against Otliensians bulldozer-sized pack.
A crowd of 68 saw Mods unleash their blistering power and pace straight from the off and before the second minute was on the table we took the lead with a wonderful set of hands through the backs with Micklethwaite timing a lovely ball to BORRILL to storm in from 25 metres in the right hand corner. 5-0. Though Gilmore narrowly missed with the conversion attempt perhaps this was to be an easy day at the office after all. Ha Ha; think again chummy boy. 'ensians had an immediate chance to narrow the lead but missed a penalty from 33 metres when we were penalised for handling in the ruck. That error was punished on 12 minutes with a GILMORE penalty. 8-0. Mods had most of the pressure but handling errors and solid defence were costing us more points. Though 'ensians never carved out much of a chance in the first half their forwards, especially from quick taps, tried to bludgeon us into submission but hadn't bargained for our rocklike defence. This was to be good practice for the nervewracking second forty. Both teams missed a penalty in the last few minutes of the half.
Now for that uphill bit. Otliensians went straight onto the offensive and were rewarded with a successful penalty kick after only two minutes of the half. 8-3. Apart from two or three brief forays into opposition territory it was all hands on the defensive deck. I don't think I have ever witnessed such a resolute "thou shalt not pass" me attitude from any Mods' side in the 360 years I've been here! 'ensians bashed and battered us with total ten man rugby but not once did a chink in our armour appear. The final whistle was the most welcome sound of the afternoon. A brilliant display and two more league points to keep us TOP OF THE LEAGUE.
Anyone who hoped I would comment on the after-match events will have to be disappointed. A good deal of words may be said about the matter but in the right place and at the right time. It isn't for me to chuck in my pennyworth on a public website.
Conje.
Try: Borrill
Pen: Gilmore
2nd XV v O. Otliensians (a) WON 25-5
3rd XV v Skipton (h) WON 38-0
Tries: Harrison, Calendar, Stewart, Randall (2), Taylor
Cons: Andrew (4).
1st XV match report
-----------------------------------
The Yorkshire 4 fixture list brought us 1st versus 2nd in the table at Cookridge Lane on Saturday and the prospect of a titanic tussle. The match did not let us down! Losing the toss we were put in to bat downhill first half. With the sun and breeze behind us it was reckoned we needed sufficient points to see us through the uphill phase. Turning at only 8-0 in front the second half was going to be a massive shout against Otliensians bulldozer-sized pack.
A crowd of 68 saw Mods unleash their blistering power and pace straight from the off and before the second minute was on the table we took the lead with a wonderful set of hands through the backs with Micklethwaite timing a lovely ball to BORRILL to storm in from 25 metres in the right hand corner. 5-0. Though Gilmore narrowly missed with the conversion attempt perhaps this was to be an easy day at the office after all. Ha Ha; think again chummy boy. 'ensians had an immediate chance to narrow the lead but missed a penalty from 33 metres when we were penalised for handling in the ruck. That error was punished on 12 minutes with a GILMORE penalty. 8-0. Mods had most of the pressure but handling errors and solid defence were costing us more points. Though 'ensians never carved out much of a chance in the first half their forwards, especially from quick taps, tried to bludgeon us into submission but hadn't bargained for our rocklike defence. This was to be good practice for the nervewracking second forty. Both teams missed a penalty in the last few minutes of the half.
Now for that uphill bit. Otliensians went straight onto the offensive and were rewarded with a successful penalty kick after only two minutes of the half. 8-3. Apart from two or three brief forays into opposition territory it was all hands on the defensive deck. I don't think I have ever witnessed such a resolute "thou shalt not pass" me attitude from any Mods' side in the 360 years I've been here! 'ensians bashed and battered us with total ten man rugby but not once did a chink in our armour appear. The final whistle was the most welcome sound of the afternoon. A brilliant display and two more league points to keep us TOP OF THE LEAGUE.
Anyone who hoped I would comment on the after-match events will have to be disappointed. A good deal of words may be said about the matter but in the right place and at the right time. It isn't for me to chuck in my pennyworth on a public website.
Conje.
