Acklam ’s first quarter display was very impressive as they played 15 man rugby which stretched Bishop’s defence. Acklam’s reward came in the 10th minute with a Danny Ashton penalty. The restart kick from Bishop’s was not good as Danny Ashton immediately counter attacked with a kick through which he caught and off loaded to support player Pedro Roberts who scored the games opening try. In the 18th minute Acklam scored their second try through Colt Jack Grabham who finished off some impressive interplay by the Acklam team. Acklam thoroughly deserved their half time lead as they had controlled the play, were comfortable in possession of the ball and they were far quicker to the break down. H.T. 15-0.

The second half started with an exceptional try by Acklam after only two minutes when Steve Chambers finished off some delightful interplay. It was during the mid period of the second half when Bishop became a real threat as their forwards took control of the scrummage, this was highlighted by the number of penalties Acklam conceded. Bishop scored two tries, the first in the 55th minute and the second in the 67th minute. In the last ten minutes Acklam regained their composure and in the 75th minute Danny Haggarth scored the bonus try from 7 meters out after Acklam won a scrum against the head.

This was certainly a game of contrasts, Acklam playing 15 man rugby and Bishop’s a 10 man game. Also the contrasts of halves, with Acklam in control during the first half and Bishop’s making life difficult for Acklam through their forwards in the second half. All credit to Bishop’s forwards as they created more pressure in the scrum than Acklam experienced all of last season in Yorkshire 1.

Talbots beat Middlesbrough 29-15 on the adjacent pitch.