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Huddersfield Rugby Union Lockwood Park Huddersfield HD4 6EN T. 01484 469801 F. 01484 469880 E. info@huddersfieldrugby.com |
10-4-08
ADAM REMEMBERED
HUDDERSFILED U21 7 HUDDERSFIELD UNIVERSITY 5
On a pitch still drying out after the University Boat Race could have been held on it, these two young sides provided a committed, gutsy and enduring match much in the manner of the colleague they came together to remember. Adam O’Toole was tragically killed in a hit and run accident last year. This first anniversary memorial match was played in awful conditions but every one of the players who participated can take a bow for this was a full-on clash between two sides determined to make an impression and win the memorial trophy.
On a midden resembling a paddy field the two sides could have been forgiven for retiring to the bar and playing pool. However, both sides set about their task in a manner that gave them and the referee much credit. The Huddersfield U 21s were coming together as a scratch side some of whom hadn’t played for a few years. Nevertheless, all of them were determined to return to the club and play in this poignant fixture and fittingly remember “Tooley”.
The University were quickly into their stride as befitted a regular squad of players and the U 21s had to make some brave tackles in conditions where they might have made defence an option. For 20 minutes or so the University were encamped in the U21s half and it was just a matter of time before their dominant scrum would take advantage. On 22 minutes the visitors were rewarded with a try by vickery when he was driven over from a line out on the home line.
That reverse seemed to galvanise the home side who gradually battled their way into the game and several telling breaks were made but flounded when inevitably the ball was spilled in the atrocious conditions. Adventure however remained the mantra where common sense seemed to dictate a kicking game on a night when having possession was not necessarily an advantage!
After the interval the U 21s continued to press and despite struggling in the scrummage were still pilfering enough ball to dominate field position. From a scrum on the left the ball found its way to Uttley who held up the pass beautifully for kaye to time his run perfectly and dive under the posts for a crucial score. Jones converted to give the U21s a narrow advantage and the next 20 minutes passed in a blur of steam, mud, substitutes and rain as both sides continued to slug it out for the decisive score. Despite huge endeavour, it never came for either team.
As part of the U21s youth policy it was nice to see the introduction of Nield and Sharrock senior making cameo appearances that even the conditions couldn’t hide as they emerged from the bench in pristine white kit! These two deserve huge credit for their tireless work with the U21s for many years and I’m sure that Adam O’Toole would have approved and applauded their brief participation on this very special night.
Scoop Dearman