Old Yardleians R.F.C. 52 Old Saltleians 19
After a couple of cancelled matches, it was nice to be playing again and searching for that elusive first win of the season! Only 15 players turned up so it was "fingers crossed" that there would be no injuries this week.
Old Yardleians played the first half with the sun in their eyes but this didn't seem to bother them as a kick ahead and chase resulted in a try for Rob - converted by Steff - after just a couple of minutes. Steff looked very composed under some sustained pressure from Old Salts, clearing the danger with long kicks or else setting up a platform for others to make ground. Christmas spirit was apparent as Darren let forth a loud manic laugh as he burst through the Old Salts backs to head upfield. This did not meet with the approval of the referee! It did seem to fill the Old Yarleians with confidence and a few minutes later, Joe saw his chance to score and took it - again converted by Steff. Unfortunately Andy W. twisted his right knee badly in the lead up to the try and had to be helped off in considerable pain. Old Yardleians were down to 14 men.Rob was moved to fly half.
Despite being a man short, Old Yardleians kept up the pressure and from a 5 metre scrum, Nick went over for another try. Straight from the restart, the Old Salts line was under seige and Adam scored the fourth try of the first half. Steff converted to make the score 26-0.
In the final move of the half, Old Salts were finally allowed some ball and a very impressive quick passing move led to a try in the corner. The conversion bounced on the cross bar and went over!
Half time: Old Yardleians 26 Old Saltleians 7
The Old Yarleians pack had been so dominant in the first half, it was decided at half time to play with only 7 forwards for the second half with Jamie joining the backs to make up for the loss of Andy W. The second half started well with a try for Darren and Steff's 4th conversion in 5 attempts. A breakaway try for Old Salts followed with the right wing running from his own half to score.
The Old Yarleians pack continued to dominate and so the pressure was maintained. Will was nearly over from a good forward move and as the ball was recycled yet again a well timed pass found Chris who cooly scored in the corner. Steff was narrowly wide with the conversion.
At this point, the referee decided that the Old Yardleians dominance was such that the scrums should be uncontested. This took away their strength advantage and Old Salts had much more ball from this point onwards. A high tackle resulted in a penalty for Old Salts. A second penalty was awarded as Old Yardleians failed to retreat 10 metres - and Old Salts scored their third try which was converted. Old Salts had their best phase of the game but came up against Steff who was playing his best game of the season. An Old Salts breakaway was stopped by Steff with a crunching tackle. A few minutes later Steff calmly picked up a loose ball behind the try line and his clearance kick found touch near half way!
Old Yardleians had by now come to terms with the uncontested scrums and finished the game strongly. Rob burst through to score a try - once again converted by Steff. Andy W returned for the last few minutes although clearly still in pain. Further pressure saw Old Yardleians cross the try line once again only for the referee to be unsighted. Nick went over from the 5 metre scrum but the referee was again unsighted. Then it was Darren's turn to go over from the next 5 metre scrum but the referee was still unsighted. Finally Adam went over from yet another 5 metre scrum and the referee saw this one! Steff converted - of course!
What a win and the first of the season. WELL DONE TO ALL THE PLAYERS.
Full time: Old Yardleians 52 Old Saltleians 19
Team: Steff, Chris, Darren, Rob, Tom H, Andy W, Joe, Adam, James, Will, Tom J, Matt, Jaimie, Dan, Nick. Replacements: None
Scorers: Tries - Rob (2), Joe, Nick, Adam (2), Darren, Chris, and Andy W. Conversions - Steff (6)