Report from Michael Stancliffe
The Under 13’s made a great start to their Yorkshire Cup campaign last weekend. The weather held off at a damp guisborough, although it was still very wet underfoot. Nineteen boys travelled for the 1st round of our very first Yorkshire Cup campaign to take on what looked like a big strong capable squad.
We scored very early on to set the mark and take the game to the home side but they were soon level following intense pressure at the scrum and break down, both areas usually strong for us but they were more aggressive and better drilled in the ruck.
We lost our way and game plan mid-half but regained composure and finished with another try just before the end of the half. Ten minute evaluation at half time on the areas where we needed to improve worked as we started the second half much better, holding our own scrum and winning turnover ball at the breakdown.
However two excellent tries from their star full back put us back under pressure as we had to start taking control of the game.
Our six replacements were being used to good effect with everyone making their mark once on the field, the hosts were beginning to tire and we were beginning to dominate. Camped in their own half for some time we maintained discipline and ran a try in the corner again to draw level.
Constant pressure from our boys who played with heart and soul, the host quick to kick the ball away out of their own half on a number of occasions. We just kept running it back at them with interest and we were rewarded with another excellent try through the hard work of our forwards.
4 tries to 3, all we had to do was see the game out, which we did with confidence. Whatever they threw at us they couldn’t get into our half and our boys showed tremendous maturity kicking the ball into touch for the referee to call time.
The boys should be immensely proud, they have come a long way in a short period from junior rugby and sets the bar very high going forward.
