Halifax U15s 14, Driffield U15s 15
Jo-Anne Harrison - Sunday 14 December 2008
Halifax were beaten by both their own naivety and Driffield's determination in this first round of the Yorkshire Plate competition. On a heavy, muddy pitch Halifax started at a fantastic pace, taking the lead very early in the match when Fraser Ambrose finished a strong run down the centre of the pitch to score under the posts. With the conversion from Kristian Sharples, Halifax had a 7-0 lead within the first five minutes. Buoyed by this initial success, Halifax pressed with front row members Oliver Wheadon and Sam Pollard to the fore. Unfortunately over-exuberance in the wet conditions led to a lot of spilled ball and lost possession, letting Driffield back into the match. Capitalising on Halifax mistakes, Driffield broke from the centre of the park and their speedy winger managed to touch down in the corner. This score seemed to fire the Halifax lads and from a quick kick off it was their turn to benefit from the opposition fumble. A deft run from Elliot Fletcher led to Halifax's second try, again under the posts, this time scored by Matt Tallis. The conversion, by Fletcher, saw the score go to 14-5 in the home team's favour.
However after this Halifax's level of play dropped. Driffield stuck to their guns and made the most of both Halifax's errors and some very lax refereeing. At the start of the second half they ran in two unanswered tries, taking the lead at 14-15. Halifax only managed one period of sustained pressure in the second half, but unfortunately were unable to capitalise. Youthful exuberance saw them running a very kickable penalty within the last five minutes which would probably have given them the game.
The game finished 14-15 with Driffield progressing to the next round of the competition.
Photos of the match on Flickr
West Park Leeds Under 15s v Halifax Under 15s
Margaret Pollard - Sunday 23 November 2008
Halifax U15s visited West Park Leeds on Sunday following a rearranged fixture. The first exchanges saw some excellent rugby being played by both sides. Halifax opened the scoring with George Robinson outpacing all his opposition with a fantastic run across the field to place the ball under the posts. The try was converted by Elliot Fletcher making the score 0-7.
Following the restart the visitors were fast to take command of the game once again. Throughout the game the Halifax forwards dominated the scrums, the powerhouses of Oliver Wheadon and Harry Richardson coupled with the skilful hooking from Sam Pollard consistently placed their opposite numbers under a great deal of pressure. The second try came from such a scrum, where No 8 James Griffin picked the ball from its base to run several yards down the field. The ball was then passed out to Elliot Fletcher whose quick hands passed the ball back inside to Griffin who went on to place the ball over the try line. The try was converted by Joe Gallagher. The score going in to the close of the first half was 0-14.
The second half saw the home side come back strong. They were fast to capitalise on a Halifax side who had switched off a little with their 14 point lead. Two converted tries were scored in quick succession by the home side and now placed the visitors under pressure. A period of determined effort from the Halifax side with Luke Sturman, Matthew Tallis, Gareth Poole and Frazer Ambrose taking the game to West Park Leeds with some strong forward surges saw the score remain level. In the closing stages of the game West Park Leeds placed a drop goal over the posts to win the game 17-14. Despite their disappointment at the final 17-14 result, Halifax had good reason to be pleased with their performance.
Bramley Phoenix v Halifax Under 15s
Jo-Anne Harrison - Sunday 16 November 2008
Halifax were always in control in this rearranged fixture away to Bramley Phoenix. Halifax’s powerful scrummage was a feature of the match and consequently Bramley were nearly always on the back foot. This was the case for the opening try, with James Griffin going over from the back of the scrum. The second score was also down to the forwards, with flanker George Robinson touching down near the posts. The rearranged back division also got into the act, with Halifax looking threatening each time the ball went down the line with Matt Tallis in particular displaying good skill with ball in hand.
Bramley were unable to respond and Halifax extended their lead in with Jack Higgins taking the score to 17-0. More good forward play set the platform for wing Danny Mellor to go over in the corner for the final score of the first half and despite a brief rally from Bramley at the end of the half, almost scoring down the right wing, good Halifax cover kept the score at 22-0.
The second half saw more Halifax pressure. Utility forward Fraser Ambrose had another good game, both in attack and defence and Arron Brason-Stewart made good use of space on the wing. Halifax opened the scoring in the second half with Robert Purdy scoring under the posts (converted by Dom Georgiou). In the closing stages of the game Nick Rawsthorn created a turn-over which the Halifax backs took full advantage of with centre Kristian Sharples putting Gareth Poole in at the corner for the final try of the game. Final score Bramley 0, Halifax 34.
Halifax Under 15s v Bradford & Bingley
Jo-Anne Harrison - Sunday 9 November 2008
Halifax faced Bradford & Bingley in this rearranged fixture, with the home team determined to avenge the defeat at the hands of the Bees earlier in the season. In a competitive first quarter, both teams attempted to play open rugby despite the inclement conditions. Halifax took the lead with typical strong running try from number 8 James Griffin, but an excellent solo try from the Bees number 14 brought the scores level at 5 apiece. As the first half progressed the Halifax scrum began to dominate and Halifax were able to turn the pressure into points. Centre Elliot Fletcher crossed to make the score 10-5 and James Griffin touched down for his second try and Halifax’s third. A storming run down the wing from Daniel 'Mad Dog' Mellor with support from Luke Sturman, lead to Fletcher crossing for Halifax’s fourth try, and with Kristian Sharples adding the conversion the half time score was 22-5 to Halifax.
Although Bradford & Bingley scored the first try of the second half, the Halifax forwards maintained their dominance, with captain Oliver Wheadon leading from the front in the scrum and Fraser Ambrose, Dan Stebbens and Sam Pollard running strongly in the loose. With the forward pressure telling, half backs Dom Georgiou and Joseph Gallagher were able to bring the backs more and more into the game and this resulted in a well taken try for centre Kristian Sharples. Although Halifax continued to press they could not find their way across the visitors line again and the final score remained Halifax 27 Bradford & Bingley 12, Halifax registering their first win against the Bees.
Halifax Under 15s v Skipton
Margaret Pollard - Sunday 2 November 2008
Despite having 5 regulars away on West Yorkshire duty and several other players missing due to holidays, Halifax U15s pooled together all their remaining players to entertain Skipton at Ovenden Park. Early exchanges saw prop Harry Richardson retiring with a back injury. Solid Joe Francis stepped in from flanker allowing Jack Watson his first taste of rugby for a couple of seasons. The visitors were soon to capitalise on a somewhat disrupted Halifax outfit with sustained early pressure and only a dogged defensive display from the home side, holding up at least two certain tries over the line, kept the score to 12-0 at the break.
The second period began much as the first had ended with Skipton making better use of whatever scrappy ball was available, Halifax again defending well with the very much out of position forward Harry Waterworth stopping what seemed to be a certain try from his wing position. Skipton pressure eventually led to a further unconverted try but this only seemed to spur the Halifax lads on and with some ebullient play from second row Tom Murphy, and strong charges from Frazer Ambrose, Robert Purdy and Dan Stebbens the game started to look more promising for the home supporters. Following a scything run from centre Matt Tallis, the returning Simon Coffey was on hand to finish an excellent period of forward play with a well deserved try. Halifax continued to press and a further spell of good forward play again saw Coffey cross for his second. However the missed conversion also signalled the end of the game and unfortunately the resurgent Home team had run out of time to make any further impression on the 10-17 score line
Halifax Under 15s v Acklam in the Yorkshire Cup
Jo-Anne Harrison - Sunday 19 October 2008
Halifax made their Yorkshire Cup debut on Sunday but were overpowered in this game by a strong and skilful Acklam side. The physical match was a pleasure to watch as a defensive Halifax responded well to wave after wave of Acklam pressure which eventually resulted in a try just before half time by Tom Finley. Despite brave defensive tackling by Kristian Sharples and Matt Tallis, the Acklam strength told with Chris Nicholson’s try and Tom Clarke’s conversion extending the visitor’s lead to 12-0. The valiant efforts of Dan Stebbins, Jack Higgins and James Griffin, and occasional attacking play led by Robert Lofthouse, ensured that Halifax kept their heads up and the score down, but Halifax were unable to reply with Acklam sealing their cup progression with another Nicholson try and Clarke conversion. The final score 19-0 to Acklam.
Halifax Under 15s 5, Bradford & Bingley 26
Jo-Anne Harrison - Sunday 12 October 2008
This final score did not reflect the balance of the game. Against proven opposition, Halifax kept the game very tight until the 23rd minute when Callum Foster scored the first of his two tries for Bradford & Bingley to bring the score to 7 - 0 following a conversion by Dan Jefferys.
Despite some strong play by the front row of Harry Richardson, Oliver Wheadon and Sam Pollard, Bradford & Bingley took their lead to 14-0 by a try from Adam Jones.
Awesome Halifax defence led by Matt Tallis almost kept Bradford & Bingley at bay until half time, but just before the interval the Bees finally outpaced the Halifax defence round the outside to touch down in the corner.
After half time, a resurgent Halifax came out and George Robinson scored to bring the home team 5 well deserved points.
Halifax continued to press, with the Bradford & Bingley defence just holding up Halifax’s Aaron B. Stewart as he crossed the line. Halifax exerted much pressure throughout the game but failed to take advantage of some excellent scrummaging and more than ample possession.
A final try by the Bees James Smith and conversion by Dan Jeffreys took the match score to Halifax 5 - Bradford & Bingley 26.
Halifax Under 15s 36, Huddersfield Under 15s 12
Margaret Pollard - Friday 10 October 2008
Halifax U15s once again emphasised their determination and improvement to register a fine victory in a midweek rearranged fixture against Huddersfield under lights at Ovenden Park. Supporters were treated to thrilling match that saw both teams playing some quality rugby.
Halifax had the better of the early exchanges with the front five dominating the breakdown allowing good retention of the ball. Following a penalty to Halifax, the backs showed some slick handling to feed elusive winger Elliot Fletcher who outpaced his opponents to score in the corner. The visitors, stung by this early reverse, rallied well and only strong tackling from the home side kept the well drilled visitors at bay. Halifax began to combine well and right winger Nick Rawsthorn emulated his left wing teammate to score their second unconverted try.
A Huddersfield penalty came to nothing when James Griffin halted the attack by tackling and stripping the ball in one movement before feeding Elliot Fletcher who once again demonstrated his skill and pace to score his second try. The missed conversion left the score at 15-0 at the break.
Not impressed with the first half efforts, the visitors moved several players around and brought on some new blood in the hope of better fortune. This did initially pay dividends with Huddersfield opening the second period with an unconverted try. Halifax soon retaliated, their uncompromising forwards producing a fine turn over ball to allow the fleet footed Fletcher to manoeuvre his way through several Huddersfield players to score under the posts. The conversion brought the score to a well deserved 22 - 5
The home side now had the upper hand and made use of all of their growing squad, going on to score a further two tries, the first from Elliot Fletcher after a superb barnstorming charge up the field by George Robinson who left several Huddersfield players in his wake. The second try came after the ball was picked from the base of the scrum, shipped out through the backs and into the hands of Robert Lofthouse who skilfully picked his way through the remaining Huddersfield tackles to score. Both tries were converted by Fletcher. The closing stages of the game saw Huddersfield combine well to score a deserved try which was superbly converted from wide to leave a final score line of 36-12.
Halifax can now look forward to Sunday and what promises to be a mouthwatering encounter at home to Bradford and Bingley.
Halifax Under 15s 79, Baildon 7
Ann Collins - Sunday 5 October 2008
Halifax confidently opened the scoring 2 minutes into the game with an excellent break from the back of a scrum by James Griffin who passed back inside for Dan Stebbens to cross the line. George Robinson immediately followed this up with a barnstorming break from his own half to bring the score to 12 - 0.
Demonstrating skilful teamwork, Halifax put a string of passes down the line which allowed Robert Lofthouse to move the home team further in front. Luke Sturman took advantage of good interplay to score his first try which was converted by Joe Gallagher. Numerous successive phases of play by the Halifax lads saw Gareth Poole finally running through and setting up Sturman for his second.
Baildon came back into the game by turning over the Halifax maul and good play by the backs created an overlap allowing Jamie Melleney to score in the corner. Olly Waddingham made an excellent conversion from the touch line.
Elliot Fletcher came back for Halifax scoring a try after good work by the backs. Another break through the centre from James Griffin and subsequent conversion took the score to 41 - 7 at half time.
An improved Baildon showed real character and spirit at the beginning of the second half, however, Halifax regained the momentum with Jack Higgins touching down. Halifax continued to dominate the game, running in tries whilst at the back Matt Tallis gave strong defensive support being safe under the high balls and making good ground.
In the final stages of play, a cross kick taken by Kristian Sharples resulted in Nick Rawstone scoring and Joe Francis then showed strength to go over for Halifax’s 13th try with the 14th touch down belonging to the flying Elliot Fletcher.
Halifax Under 15s 53, Huddersfield YMCA 12
Ann Collins - Sunday 20 September 2008
From the start of the match Halifax played attacking rugby in their game against Huddersfield YMCA. From the kick off, the home team forced a penalty following which they drove over for their first try scored by Luke Sturman.
This excellent start was continued as Halifax maintained their pressure in YMCA's 22 forcing another try in the corner within the first five minutes this time by James Griffin. Luke scored his second try following a 5 yard scrum and the conversion was successful.
On 14 minutes Griffin broke away from the scrum and made a solo run to touch down scoring the home side's 4th try.
YMCA began to stem the pressure, beginning to get more involved in the game, however from a YMCA 22 kick, Halifax immediately returned to the attack and the movement was completed in style by Elliot Fletcher scoring directly under the posts. At half-time the score stood at 31-0 in favour of Halifax.
At the start of the second half, Halifax conceded a penalty, resulting in the first points for YMCA through a converted try.Soon after, Halifax replied with a blind side move from a scrum leading to an unconverted try.
In a more even second half, YMCA struck back scoring once more. However, in the following passage of play, Halifax showed good defensive skills and began to take control of the game again through excellent team work leading to 3 successive tries, the second of which saw James Griffin achieve his hat trick.
The final score was Halifax 53, YMCA 12 - this was a excellent performance so early in the season.
Sandal 39 v Halifax 25 (U15’s)
Sunday 14 September 2008
For the first game of the new season the Halifax U15’s travelled to Sandal. Both side played some entertaining rugby with Sandal opening the scoring with an unconverted try wide out. Halifax rallied strongly but Sandal added a second break away try following a scrum in mid field. The conversion made it 12-0 to the home side after the first quarter.
Halifax responded well and were denied a score on the left wing, the referee determining the last pass to be forward. The visiting side applied more pressure and from a well rehearsed srummage move the ball was shipped quickly down the short side from number 8, James Griffin, to Dominic Georgiou whose quick hands fed Robert Lofthouse who then outpaced the defence to score in the corner. More good work from the forwards produced quality ball to allow Elliot Fletcher to show some masterly foot work to leave several would be tacklers in his wake to score Halifax’s second try.
The forwards were now a good match for the big Sandal pack and after electing to take a scrum from an awarded penalty some more silky handling from the backs saw fullback Gareth Poole score in the corner. Halifax deserved to go into the break with a 15-12 lead.
Early exchanges in the second half saw some excellent rugby from both teams with Sandal capitalising on uncharacteristic errors in the Halifax defence scoring 2 tries. A period of determined effort from the Halifax forwards with Luke Sturman, Oliver Wheadon and James Griffin taking the game to Sandal with some strong forward surges. The Halifax pressure paid off with 2 further tries from Elliot Fletcher to put Halifax into a 22 - 25 lead.
Halifax looked at this point to be in control and heading towards a successful morning. However a succession of unforced errors saw Halifax concede a string of unnecessary penalties. Indiscipline started to creep into Halifax side and coupled with some overzealous whistling from the referee, Sandal were allowed to score a further 3 tries without reply in the remainder of a half which seemed to last considerably longer than the allocated 35 minutes.
Despite their obvious disappointment at the final 39-25 result, Halifax had good reason to be pleased with their performance, the summer training and hard work from the coaches proving to be invaluable with all players showing a marked improvement from last season. New squad members Joe Francis, Joe Gallagher, Harry Waterworth and Mathew Tallis were welcomed into a fast developing Halifax side who can look forward to a promising season.