Results - Under 9's

1st XV Curtain Raiser

HRUFC U9s HYENAS v HRUFC U9s HAWKS (Home) 26/01/2008

This game was played prior to Huddersfield’s North One victory over Darlington at Lockwood Park, and in the absence of a visiting U9s team, the Huddersfield players were permitted to pummel each other instead. At times the game was brutal, with some very heavy tackles and a high level of commitment from both teams at the breakdown. Hawks were better at to moving the ball through hands so did most of the running, but too often went sideways; Hyenas hit harder in the tackle so like their namesakes could scavenge a lot of possession and play simple direct rugby.

For the third time this season, players were trying out new positions, so the organisation was not always there, but it was good to see several relishing their new roles and slotting in as to the manner born. Hyenas’ scrum half James Addy in particular showed that he can boss the game, and it was he who broke the deadlock midway through the first half. From a scrum on halfway, he showed great awareness to spot that Hawks had left the stable door open on the blindside; aided by his opposite number momentarily drifting off, he was through the gap and away before Hawks knew what had happened and duly scored in the left corner.

Hawks roared back from the re-start with Anna Davies and Elliot Cressey gaining good yards down the middle. Solid Hyenas tackling in midfield held them up, but just when it looked like the maul had been stopped, full-back Cian Gregg popped out the side and sprinted away to score. This left the match nicely poised at 5-5 at half-time.

As the second half progressed, the game ebbed and flowed across the half-way line as the frenetic pace and full-on tackling started to take their toll. Tired and bruised players started to make mistakes and neither side was really able to build momentum. But while the handling errors mounted, the tackling held firm with the Hyenas midfield leading the way, and prop James Banks thundering into his opponents again and again. It was fitting then that the decisive try came from a handling error forced by ferocious attacking defence.

From a Hawks scrum 15 metres out, untidy ball was thrown backwards and new boy Thomas Giles received his first ‘hospital’ pass; Hyenas’ midfield pair of Harry Woodhouse and Ciaran Beal, arriving with the ball, seized him and drove him back over the line. The ball jolted loose and although Ciaran missed his attempt to touch down, James Addy following up did not and dropped on it to score his second.

There was still time for Hawks to mount another assault and they took play to within 10 metres of the Hyenas line, before Hyenas were able to wrap up an isolated runner and turn over the ball. Driving the maul back up field, Hyenas then worked the ball free for Conor Ellis to make a break for the line. Just when it seemed certain he would score, he was collared by Anna Davies and Steven Blakey and dumped into touch – an excellent example of cover defence, especially so with time up and the match lost.

All in all an excellent game, greatly enjoyed by the watching parents and the few members who came down early from the bar to add their encouragement. To the players, nothing but the highest praise for their commitment, energy and refusal to give up, whilst their discipline as usual was first rate. Well done!

Hyenas: James Banks, Daniel Dessoy, Conor Ellis; James Addy (c), Harry Woodhouse; Ciaran Beal, Alec Davies, Arthur Wilkinson; Will Robertshaw.

Hawks: Sam Bourouh, Elliot Cressey, Josh Lynch (rep. Steven Blakey); Kane McEvans, Anna Davies; Jack Parkinson, Toby Walker, Thomas Giles; Cian Gregg (c).

Mud, Wet and Tears

HRUFC U9s v York & Doncaster (Home) 18/11/2007

Hyenas v York                                                                                       Drew 15-15

A solid fighting performance against a highly skilled York team, in which Hyenas could have snatched a last-gasp win but knocked the ball forward a metre from the line. The weather mitigated against rugby, cold enough to make handling difficult while wet mud underfoot made the players reluctant to get on the floor. However, both teams got stuck in with some committed tackling and rucking, while Hyenas also managed to get a couple of rolling mauls going – and release the ball. The first of these led to Arthur Wilkinson being driven over the line to open the scoring and a further try gave Hyenas a 10-0 lead. However, the defence dozed off and failed to cover the blind side at a ruck, giving the York winger an unopposed canter to the line. An equaliser followed and the remainder of the game was nip and tuck, with chances going begging from both sides. The draw was a fair result.

Team: Ciaran Beal (c), Alec Davies, Arthur Wilkinson, Conor Ellis, Daniel Dessoy, Harry Woodhouse, James Addy, James Banks, Steven Blakey, Will Robertshaw.

Hyenas v Doncaster                                                                              Won 20-0

In this game, Hyenas put right some of the handling problems from the York match and got stuck in a lot more readily. They also showed flexibility in responding to the threat of Doncaster’s huge prop, after his first barrelling run almost brought a try – each time he got the ball thereafter he immediately ran into a three man wall that first stopped him and then later in the game actually pushed him back several yards. All the team showed well, Arthur Wilkinson’s solo tackle on The Prop shading the Big Hit of the Week award from Will Robertshaw who thumped a Doncaster player into touch. James Addy and Harry Woodhouse tackled well and carried the ball forward tirelessly, while James Banks is starting to get to grips with the unfamiliar position of lineout forward. All in all another good game, marred slightly by some niggly behaviour from both teams (including some ‘handbags’) and for the second week in a row, talk of yellow cards.

Team: Steven Blakey (c), Arthur Wilkinson, Ciaran Beal, Conor Ellis, Daniel Dessoy, Harry Woodhouse, James Addy, James Banks, Will Robertshaw.

Hawks v Doncaster                                                                              Lost 10-20

Both teams lined up to face each other on the first truly cold Sunday of the season with Doncaster wining the toss and starting the game. Keen to test Huddersfield’s tackling capabilities they took the option of a direct run at the Hawks line; however Huddersfield stood strong and quickly brought the Doncaster player down. The visitors retained possession from the resulting ruck and tried instead to run the ball wide. After another two phases of play the Hawks managed to turn the ball over and went on the offensive for the first time; strong running and rucking saw them progress to within five metres of the Doncaster line only for an unfortunate knock-on to deny them the possible score.

The first half continued in this fashion with both teams striving for the opening score. Eventually the Hawks line was breached, although the referee hesitated and would surely have gone to the third match official (if available) to verify the score as he was concerned the Doncaster player had been held up! Needless to say the Huddersfield players accepted the referee’s decision and responded in turn with a rapid attack resulting in a fine try as the last play of the first half.

After a very tight first half, the Huddersfield players were seeking to press home their slight advantage in the ruck and within a few minutes they realised their objective with a try to give them the lead for the first time in the game. Play remained tight; however a missed tackle gave the visitors the opportunity to get back in the game with an equalising try. Sensing their opportunity Doncaster tried the same attacking move a few minutes later to secure the winning try. With time running out the Hawk’s tried desperately for a final score but were ultimately denied.

Team: Elliot Cressey, Jack Parkinson, Jacob Hodge, Jack Mathews, Cian Gregg, Kane McEvans, Sam Bourouh, Anna Davies, Toby Walker

Hawks v York                                                                                    Lost 15-40   

Following their narrow defeat by Doncaster the Hawks were looking to exact revenge on the other visiting side of the day, York. As in the first match the opening exchanges remained tight and possession changed hands a number of times before York opened the scoring. Huddersfield tried to respond but a strong York defence kept them out. One of the noticeable aspects of the Huddersfield game in both matches, however, was their extremely strong mauling technique; a number of times in both games the Hawks drove their opposition rapidly backwards with players showing a natural sense of repositioning to maintain the drive.

A second score by the visitors saw them extend their lead; however Huddersfield then responded with a fine individual try to bring them back into the game. Despite some strong tackling into touch to halt a York attack five metres short of the Huddersfield line, a mistake from the resulting line-out saw York grab an opportunist try just before half time.

The second half saw the visitors start strongly with an impressive run along the wing and a deft cut inside to reopen their account. This attack was repeated to further York’s lead and effectively secure the result for the visitors. However, the Hawks continued to defend strongly with a number of potential tries denied by dogged defence of their try-line. In the end though, York proved too strong for the Hawks and won the game comfortably.

Team: Elliot Cressey, Jack Parkinson, Jacob Hodge, Jack Mathews, Cian Gregg, Kane McEvans, Sam Bourouh, Anna Davies, Toby Walker, Alec Davies

HRUFC U9'S V CLECKHEATON (HOME) 11/11/2007

Hyenas v Cleckheaton Won 25-15

A more comfortable win for Hyenas than the score suggests, featuring some strong running and a much improves performance at the breakdown.  Most of the players found themselves trying ou new positions for the first time this season, with some pleasing results;  Jack Matthews and Harry Woodhouse were more involved playing in the threequarters and both scored good tries, while Ciaran Beal worked hard at scrum half, capping a strong display with two tries and three scoring passes.

The visitors were able to stay in contention through some powder-puff tackling from Hyenas and a rash of penalties for various offences;  most notably a series of high tackles that only ended when the home side was threatened with a sin-binning.  In attack, Hyenas took their chances well with determined running and close support, and it was good to see them turning opposition ball over from time to time, and retaining their own.  However, a fondness for trying to run round the wide outside by both teams led to a series of lineouts that disrupted the flow of the match.

TEAM - James Banks (c), Alec Davies, Arthur Wilkinson, Ciaran Beal, Conor Ellis, Daniel Dessoy, Harry Woodhouse, Jack Matthews, James Addy, Steven Blakey, Toby Walker.

Hawks v Cleckheaton Won 30-5

Hawks turned on a very impressive display in this game in which they had Cleckheaton totally under the cosh from the off.  Tough tackling and good work at the breakdown meant they were able to turn ball over repeatedly, and give themselves plenty of opportunity to run.  Rucking well on their own ball, they were able for the first time this season to go through more than two phases of possession.  This led to a classic try for hooker Jack Parkinson, scored in the right hand corner on the fourth phase, following three quick rucks in centre and left field.

Like the Hyenas, Hawks were trying new positions this time, and props Anna Davies and Kane McEvans both relished being in the thick of the action;  Anna in particular ripping the ball fiercely in the maul to break free and score twice, while Kane also ran in two good tries, dodging and weaving with his usual poise.  Elliot Cressey too had a solid game at scrum half, clearing the ball from the rucks without any fuss and getting stuck into his tackling.

TEAM - Daniel Dessoy (c), Anna Davies, Cian Gregg, Elliot Cressey, Jack Matthews, Jack Parkinson, Jacob Hodge, James Banks, Kane McEvans, Sam Bourouh, Toby Walker.

At 1100 prior to the games, all the players from every age group, both home and away teams, gathered together in the middle of the pitch to observe a respectful tow minutes' silence in honour of Remembrance Sunday;  a reminder to all players that the freedom to enjoy their Sunday mornings was bought at a heavy cost to previous generations.  I would like to compliment all those present on their exemplary behaviour throughout the two minutes, which seemed much longer to many!                                                  Dave Beal U9's

YORKSHIRE DISTRICT CUP

HRUFC U9s at Wharfedale 04/11/2007

Hyenas v Old Brodleians                                                                                          Drew 0-0

A game for the purist!! One of our fiercest rivals is the team from Old Brods, with whom we’ve had some real battles over the years. This game was no exception with both sides ripping into each other in the tackle, and a lot of very determined rucking and counter-rucking. Brods managed to recycle ball with more efficiency and as a result much of the play took place in our half, with the occasional breakout by Hyenas to relieve the pressure. On these occasions, players running in isolation meant that chances weren’t taken and the ball was lost. However, to beat us, teams have to get through our defence and this is easier said than done. All the players refused to give in and tackled really well throughout – the proof being that one of the most free-scoring teams in West Yorkshire was held scoreless, despite some close shaves.

Hyenas v Skipton                                                                                                              Lost 5-10

Another evenly-balanced game with plenty of chances for both teams, Skipton just deserving the win on the basis of a very strong second-half display. However, the game also showed how contentious refereeing decisions can turn a match, indeed a whole tournament. A dubious try awarded to Skipton, and two perfectly good scores (from where we were standing) not awarded to Hyenas might have made things harder for Skipton going into the final minute or so. Simplistically, a reversal of these three decisions would have given Hyenas a 15-5 win and put us in the final as group winners ahead of Skipton – who ended up winning the Cup.

Complaining about referees is something we all like to do, but usually is pointless and leads to accusations of sour grapes. However, when players leave the field in tears because the referee has been getting things badly wrong it is a reminder to all of us that the kids play to enjoy the game, and we have a duty to help that to happen. Incidentally, the same referee also incurred the wrath of another team in a later fixture – so it’s not just me!

Hyenas v Bees                                                                                                       Won 20-0

Normal service resumed in this game as Hyenas made the most of their obvious superiority to win comfortably. Bees offered some threat in attack but they were quickly snuffed out by ferocious tackling, while in attack we retained our ball pretty easily. The tries were a result of good strong running from sharp passes after setting up quick ruck ball, aided by some feeble tackling from the Bees defence. After the disappointment of the Skipton game, this match put a spring back in the players’ step.

Hyenas v North Ribblesdale                                                                          Won 20-5

Playing with more confidence now, Hyenas dispatched North Ribblesdale with few problems, again by passing and supporting more closely than in previous games. However, there was evidence of some doziness yet again, as having taken an early lead we allowed Ribb to come straight back and level the scores. The reaction to this minor setback was as always, to get stuck in to the Ribb players (or as Dave put it, to “get up there and smack ‘em!”) with some aggressive rucking and fierce tackling. Ribb never threatened our line again, apart from once in the second half, when they got within 5 metres before Harry Woodhouse won the Big Hit of the Week award with his trademark touchline demolition job.

Final Pool standings:

Skipton                        P 4            W 3            D 1            L 0            Pts 7

Old Brods                     P 4            W 2            D 2            L 0            Pts 6

Hyenas                         P 4            W 2            D 1            L 1            Pts 5

Bees                             P 4            W 1            D 0            L 3            Pts 2

North Ribblesdale           P 4            W 0            D 0            L 4            Pts 0

All round, this was a pleasing set of performances, and it was good to see that the team was focussed and up for the challenge from the first whistle. One factor that has to be taken into account is that for the first time this season the players were not playing alongside their usual match day team-mates, and it does take a while to gel. Without the ball, the team played together and supported each other really well, and three tries conceded in four games against this calibre of opposition says it all. With ball in hand, we played less as a team and as a result didn’t score the tries that our share of possession demanded. In terms of behaviour, as usual from this squad it was exemplary with no dissent shown to referees and respect shown to opponents. Eventually other teams will cotton on to the tunnel idea and will wait to clap our players off in return…

Well done to all the players, and many thanks for the very vocal and enthusiastic support from parents and friends.

Hyenas squad:

Alec Davies, Anna Davies, Arthur Wilkinson, Cian Gregg, Ciaran Beal, Conor Ellis, Elliot Cressey, Harry Woodhouse, Jack Parkinson, Jacob Hodge, James Addy, Sam Bourouh, Steven Blakey, Will Robertshaw.

HRUFC U9'S AT OLD RISHWORTHIANS 07/10/2007

Hyenas v Old Rishworthians Won 5-0

This was a fighting performance by Hyenas, who took a real battering for much of the match but simply refused to lie down and die.  Old Rish repeatedly took the ball off us in the maul, and when we tried to get it down and ruck, again they were able to drive over us and turn us over.  What they couldn't do was get past some ferocious Hyenas tackling and as the game went on, we started to compete at the breakdown and force penalties.  This gave us several phases of possession in the second half that led to the only try of the match, skipper Arthur Wilkinson peeling off the side of a maul to crash over.  There was still a threat bfrom Rish however, and on the last play of the match, as their winger sprinted for the corner, full back Harry Woodhouse saved the day with a thumping tackle in which the ball, tacklee and tackler all ended up in a heap in touch: a worthy winner of Big Hit of the week.

Hawks v Old Rishworthians Lost 5-15

A similar story in this match, in which Hawks took the lead but simply could not capitalise on their advantage through inability to win and retain the ball.  Rish were also getting into their stride by now and rucked and mauled very effectively.  The result was an endless stream of attacking pressure on the Hawks' line that no amount of heroic tackling could keep out forever.  Rish soon equalised and with their tails well and truly up, had Hawks on the rack.  The defence creaked, buckled and eventually caved in, conceding two late tries to give the home side a comfortable win.

Anna Davies at full-back and Kane McEvans in the centre threw themselves at the opposition runners right to the end, but this was less of a team effort than the first match and so proved that rugby is the ultimate team game.

HRUFC UNDER 9'S AT ROCHDALE 14/10/2007

Mainly Hyenas v Rochdale Won 25-10

Our usual warm welcome from Jason and the boys at Rochdale, and another competitive fixture full of commitment and running rugby from both teams.

We focused on rucking in the pre-match training session and it paid dividends as we were able to get the ball down and away quickly with much more consistency this week.  However, the game started with a minute of dozy and careless rugby from HRUFC,  at the end of which the home side led 5-0 having scored a lovely try in our right-hand corner.  This acted as the proverbial stick thrust into a hornets' nest, and we ripped into Rochdale for the rest of the game.  Anna Davies set the tone with the week's Big Hit and from the resulting lineout we moved th ball wide, winning a maul before releasing James Addy to score.  Four further tries followed including a brilliant solo run from Kane Evans beating at least five attempted tackles, and further contenders for the Big Hit of the Week award came from Ciaran Beal and Harry Woodhouse.  Avery solid and satisfying display.

Mainly Hawks v Rochdale Won 10-0

A shortened game allowing us to rotate the players and give more game time to those who featured less in the first match.  Good performances all-round from Conor Ellis and Elliot Cressey,some thundering runs from props Sam Bourouh and Jack Matthews and a display of twinkle-toed running from Jacob Hodge that Jason Robinson would have been proud of.  All the players showed their usual level of commitment throughout and on this evidence are going to be very difficult to beat.

The next fixture is in the District Cup at Wharfedale, surely the sternest test they will face this season.