Results - Under 14's
Match Report: 09/03/08
Huddersfield RUFC U/14’s V Leodiensian RUFC U/14’s
Final Score: Huddersfield 6 pts Leodiensian 12 pts
Huddersfield’s odyssey in this years Yorkshire Plate came to an abrupt halt following a 12-6 defeat in Sunday’s semi-final replay with Leodiensian.
Just as in last weeks draw Leos were the quicker off the mark and it took the visitors just 3 minutes to register their first try. Huddersfield full back Adam Sykes converted a penalty goal on 7 minutes to get the home side off the mark but the increasingly heavy rain made the task of playing any sort of flowing rugby difficult for both teams. As the half wore on Huddersfield began to get the upper hand but they could not convert their territorial dominance into points. The defining moment of the game came some 5 minutes into time added on as Leos worked the ball out wide to score in the corner - the touchline conversion taking them into a 12-3 half-time lead.
Huddersfield struggled to get into their stride in the second half and despite Adam Sykes’ second penalty goal on 17 minutes they failed to trouble the scoreboard gain with Leodiensian progressing to the final.
In the final analysis there was little to choose between these two teams and Huddersfield should be proud of their efforts in the competition as this clearly illustrates the progress they are making.
Huddersfield
Tries:
Penalties: Adam Sykes (2)
Match Report: 02/03/08
Leodiensian RUFC U/14’s V Huddersfield RUFC U/14’s
Final Score: Leodiensian 10 pts Huddersfield 10 pts
Huddersfield began this Yorkshire Plate semi-final with string of victories behind them and confidence running high but they were in for a real scare as Leos took an early lead and for most of the first half the home side appeared to be the dominant force. And with a very strong wind behind them Leos made the most of the adverse weather conditions. Huddersfield, to their credit, fought back strongly and in the final analysis a draw was the right result as either side would have counted themselves unlucky to lose this game.
It took the home side just 42 seconds to register their first try as their impressive centre raced through a sleepy Huddersfield defence to score an unconverted try. Leos had the game by the scruff of the neck making full use of the strong wind at their backs which enabled them to pin Huddersfield in their own quarter. Leos extended their lead on 5 minutes following centre Louie Cooper’s goal line clearance kick which was caught in the gale force wind to be collected by the home side who scored out wide. At 10-0 down Huddersfield were really up against it – but around halfway through the first half the visitors’ front row decided to roll their sleeves up – loose head Jack Barker, hooker Taras Santar and tight head Joe Scott started to control the rucks and Huddersfield began to recycle possession pushing their opponents back and for the first time in the game gaining field position. Leos were finally placed under pressure – forcing them to kick down field – full back Adam Sykes collected and fed to Louie Cooper who ran half the length of the field to score a brilliant try out wide. Huddersfield were back in it and at half time the game seemed to be swinging in their direction.
The expected advantage of playing with the wind in the second half was denied the visitors as the weather conditions calmed and Huddersfield struggled to get into their stride once again. Huddersfield tried hard and they put Leos a lot of pressure but they just couldn’t seem to get the final break. Eventually, about halfway through the second half the pressure finally told – as the ball was worked out wide Louie Cooper’s pass to winger Jordan Barrett gave the pacy winger the space to round the cover defence to score an unconverted try. The game ended with Huddersfield defending a concerted counter attack from Leos.
Well done to both teams for a thoroughly entertaining game played in very difficult conditions - we can now look forward to the replay with great anticipation.
Huddersfield
Tries: Louie Cooper, Jordan Barrett
Goals:
Match Report: 03/02/08
Bradford & Bingley RUFC U/14’s V Huddersfield RUFC U/14’s
Final Score: Bradford & Bingley 13 pts Huddersfield 10 pts
Huddersfield were desperately unlucky not to get something out of this game having outscored their hosts 2 tries to 1 in a very hard fought and close encounter. The game ebbed and flowed on a very tight pitch which clearly suited the home side as it took Huddersfield some time to adjust to the very small playing area.
The first half was very much even-stevens with both sides scoring tries - which on another day could have been disallowed for not grounding the ball properly - Bradford & Bingley Bees taking the lead on 15 minutes quickly followed by wingman Jordan Barrett’s score out wide for the visitors created by centre Louie Cooper’s skilful break. Huddersfield trailed 7-5 at the break.
The battled continued well into the second half without further score when on 15 minutes Bees were awarded a controversial penalty after Louie Cooper charged out of the defensive line in a bid to pull off an interception only to be adjudged to have deliberately knocked on. Bees kicked the goal to take a 10-5 lead. The fired up Cooper immediately collected the ball from the kick off on the Bees ‘22’ to weave his way across the pitch to score to level the scores. Huddersfield came within an ace of taking the lead as winger Steph Harvey dribbled the ball into the tiny Bees in-goal area only to fail to ground the ball. In the dying moments of the game Bees were awarded another penalty in a kickable position and the successful goal kick ultimately gave Bees a 13-10 victory.
Huddersfield were the better team overall and they can count themselves very unlucky not to have gained greater reward from this game.
Huddersfield
Tries: Jordan Barrett, Louie Cooper
Goals:
Match Report: 24/02/08
Barnsley RUFC U/14’s V Huddersfield RUFC U/14’s
Final Score: Barnsley 5 pts Huddersfield 34 pts
Huddersfield warmed up for their upcoming Yorkshire Plate semi-final with a fine performance to beat Barnsley for the second time this season. Huddersfield ran in 5 first half tries to end the game as a competition after playing some irresistible free flowing rugby. To their credit Barnsley fought back in the second half but Huddersfield always had the edge in this game.
It took the visitors just 3 minutes to register their first try after centre Louie Cooper’s unselfish offload enabled winger Jordan Barrett to cross for the first of his hat-trick of tries. Full-back Adam Sykes superb touchline conversion in blustery conditions seemed to outline Huddersfield’s intentions. Flanker James Taylor burst over from short range on 14 minutes and 3 minutes later excellent approach play from fly-half Josh Murray-Webster and Louie Cooper saw Barrett grab his second. Hooker Taras Santar’s lovely dummy and off-load created the space for Barrett to complete his hat-trick on 20 minutes. Louie Cooper finished the first half rout with a try out wide.
Barnsley put up more of a fight in the second half though on occasions the game was interrupted as frustrations over-spilled and the game became scrappy as a consequence. Barnsley scored their only try of the game on 16 minutes to give an air of respectability. Though following the restart Huddersfield forced a Barnsley knock-on and from the resulting scrum Louie Cooper sprinted 30 yards down the wing to complete the scoring. Adam Sykes added a second conversion.
Huddersfield were simply too good for a very spirited but outgunned Barnsley outfit. They can now look forward with confidence to their Yorkshire Plate semi-final against Leodiensians next week.
Huddersfield
Tries: Jordan Barrett (3), Louie Cooper (2), James Taylor
Goals: Adam Sykes (2)
Match Report: 20/01/08
Halifax RUFC U/14’s V Huddersfield RUFC U/14’s
Final Score: Halifax 19 pts Huddersfield 15 pts
Huddersfield suffered an unexpected defeat at a rain soaked Halifax in a game they fully expected to win, especially given their recent dominance over their near neighbours. And whilst there were a number of reasons for the defeat including the appalling weather conditions, driving rain, standing water on the pitch which quickly turned into a quagmire - preventing Huddersfield from playing their usual brand of fast open and expansive rugby – there could be no excuses and Halifax fully deserved their win. In addition, the game was played over four quarters with wholesale changes being made to the team after each quarter to try to accommodate the large Huddersfield playing contingent. Huddersfield also suffered a number of injuries and at times the touchline resembled a scene from the local Casualty Department on a Saturday night. Numerous Huddersfield players were played out position to give them a chance to gain experience across the park. And whilst the intentions of the Huddersfield coaching team were laudable the sum effect of the above clearly conspired against the visitors and disrupted their momentum.
Halifax set about their task well taking an early lead when their impressive fullback (Elliot) scored in the corner after quick hands by the home side unlocked the visitors defence. Huddersfield continued to look sluggish and disjointed until well into the second quarter when flanker Steph Harvey crashed over out wide after good Huddersfield recycling created the first real period of sustained pressure on the Halifax line. Huddersfield briefly held the lead in the third quarter after centre Charlie Buckley crawled, or more accurately swam, his way through a melee of bodies to score an unconverted try. The lead was not to last too long and by the end of the quarter Halifax had added to their tally with another converted try right under the Huddersfield sticks. However, at 14-10 down and with one quarter remaining Huddersfield were still in with a chance of securing victory. The defining moment of the game came in the fifth minute of the final quarter when Huddersfield showed their frustration, at a decision to award the home side a penalty, in too demonstrative way for the liking of the referee. To their credit, whilst Huddersfield trudged back into a defensive position, Halifax displayed great awareness to take a quick tap penalty and work the ball wide to score in the corner. And at 19–10 the game was all but over for the visitors. Huddersfield second-row Edward Black grabbed a late consolation try after charging down a Halifax clearance kick but time eventually ran out for the visitors.
The difficult conditions and constant disruptions didn’t help the Huddersfield cause but if this team want to go to the next level they have to learn to stay focussed and contain their frustrations as this tendency ultimately cost them the game.
Huddersfield
Tries: Steph Harvey, Charlie Buckley, Edward Black
Conversions:
Match Report : 13/01/08
Huddersfield RUFC U/14’s V Wharfedale RUFC U/14’s
Yorkshire Plate - Round 2
Final Score: Huddersfield 7 pts Wharfedale 0 pts
For the second time in as many matches Huddersfield prevented their opponents from scoring a single point and in doing so secured a place in the semi-finals of the Yorkshire Plate. Make no mistake this was a tough contest and Wharfedale are a good team but Huddersfield’s tenacity and an outstanding effort from their pack was enough to give them the edge in a close fought contest.
The first half was nip and tuck with neither team gaining any advantage in terms of territory or possession. Each side enjoyed periods of pressure but neither could capitalise as defences dominated. No quarter was asked and non given as both sides tackled like demons to ensure that the half ended scoreless.
Huddersfield had the better of the opening stages of the second half but despite their territorial advantage they could not find a way through a determined Wharfedale defence. The crucial, and game breaking, moment came on 17 minutes - in an almost carbon copy of a try scored against last weeks opponents - winger Jordan Barrett chased fly-half Josh Murray-Webster’s desperate clearance kick from behind his own line to steal the ball from under the noses of the visitors and then race 75 yards to score under the posts. Adam Sykes added the conversion and the game was virtually over as a contest as Huddersfield continued to dominate possession and position and quite simply Wharfedale didn’t look capable of retrieving the situation.
In the end another superb defensive effort and never say die attitude won the day for Huddersfield and they can now look forward to a place in the semi-finals.
Huddersfield
Tries: Jordan Barrett
Conversions: Adam Sykes
Match Report : 06/01/08
Huddersfield RUFC U/14’s V Hemsworth RUFC U/14’s
Final Score: Huddersfield 33 pts Hemsworth 0 pts
Considering that Huddersfield’s U/14’s haven’t played together for several weeks they produced an impressive performance to defeat a mature looking and physically more developed Hemsworth side. Clearly the home side were not firing on all cylinders but as the match progressed and the excesses of Christmas were worked out Huddersfield began to look better and better.
Despite Huddersfield’s somewhat disjointed first half display they took an early lead on 13 minutes when number 8 Edward Black received quick ruck ball to burst through the Hemsworth line from short range. Nine minutes later centre Louie Cooper wrong footed the entire Hemsworth defence to score a superb solo try both touchdowns converted by fullback Adam Sykes. The half ended on a high note after good Huddersfield passing resulted in a try out wide to winger Jordan Barrett. And with a 19-0 halftime lead Huddersfield looked to have the game in the bag.
Hemsworth, however, had other ideas and hit back hard in the second half and only superb Huddersfield defence denied Hemsworth a score. In fact Huddersfield repulsed wave after wave of Hemsworth attack surviving a full twenty-minute onslaught from the visitors. Eventually the tide turned when Louie Cooper grabbed a try against the run of play after Huddersfield re-collected possession following a clearance kick downfield. Adam Sykes added the conversion. Huddersfield’s final try added insult to injury when a Huddersfield penalty kick failed to find touch the ever-alert Jordan Barrett followed up to snatch the ball from under the noses of the bemused Hemsworth team to race away and score a fine effort which was again converted by Adam Sykes.
Huddersfield won the game as a result of their solid team work, togetherness and superb defensive effort and considering the fact that they will only get better with regular match practice - opposition beware!
Huddersfield
Tries: Edward Black, Louie Cooper (2), Jordan Barrett (2)
Conversions: Adam Sykes (4) |
