U16 Yorkshire Bowl Final – 20th April 2008

Huddersfield v West Park Leeds

Huddersfield went into the game without their captain, centre Harry Whitfield, and back rowers Henry Ward and Will Hepworth. Sam Dumigan led the team and the opening exchanges were what finals are all about with neither team giving an inch. West Park had most of the early possession and Huddersfield’s defence was stretched time after time but didn’t give. Playing into the wind Huddersfield spent most of the time camped in their own half but managed to break out on occasion, notably through great runs from James McHale on one occasion, and Elliot Knight on another, only to give away penalties and find we were back in our own half again. West Park looked close to scoring only for the chances to be snuffed out. Eventually though West Park did break through when their big winger stepped inside and crashed over. They made the conversion so 20 minutes in and we were 7-0 down. Minutes later, we gave away a penalty in front of the posts, which they kicked, and it was 10-0. Huddersfield held firm to half time but started the second half slowly, and only great last ditch tackling from various players stopped more tries coming. 10 minutes into the second half and West Park did cross after some great back play. They missed the conversion and the score stood at 15-0 with 20 minutes to go. Huddersfield continued to battle valiantly but it just wasn’t to be. Opportunities came and went, but we conceded too many penalties and turnovers and, on the day, the bounce of the ball just didn’t go our way. West Parks defence was solid and well organised and credit must go to them for stifling any chance we had to get into our stride. On the day the better team won but Huddersfield’s players could certainly be proud of their performance.

Team: McHale, Knight, Thomson, Broadbent, Widdop, Dumigan (C), Bradley, Thornton R, Baggs, Sykes, Westwell, Thornton L, Perry, Santar, Bryson.
Subs (both used): Engwell, Plunkett