Unlike last weeks defeat this game feels like a match we lost rather than Wibsey won. Going into the game squad confidence was high we could come away with some points, and despite a few last minute changes to the squad we remained confident of a positive outcome. However even during the warm up things didn’t feel right, it could have been the distraction of the 2nd team game or the fact a few lads were late to arrive (notification was given) but we didn’t feel “switched on”.

Despite this we got off to a good start and just like last week we dominated large parts of the game in the opening 20 minutes, however just like the previous week we could not turn pressure into tries. Scrummaging was strong but the lineouts failed to deliver as the Wibsey lineout continuously jumped across to spoil clean Garforth ball. Garforth dominated in the forwards and with the majority of the territorial possession led to Alex Gomerson kicking 4 1st half penalties which kept the score board ticking over. Meanwhile Wibsey were able to score 3 tries in the 1st half and kick a penalty of their own mainly due to capitalizing on Garforth errors but also through some good play in the backs.

Into the 2nd period Garforth continued to put pressure on the Wibsey pack and regularly made ground with rolling mauls and forward drives. Gomerson converted another penalty to draw Garforth within 7 points but too many dropped balls led to turnovers which, just like in the 1st half allowed Wibsey to ease the pressure. Some poor one up tackling was the major negative from the 2nd half and allowed Wibsey to score another 3 tries, whilst Garforth did respond with a Gomerson try in the corner, it was too little too late and Garforth suffered their 2nd defeat of the season.

“The forwards performed well in large sections today but we were once again victims of our own mistakes. We need to work on keeping ourselves calm and not getting carried away. If something is working keep doing it, if its not working change it” Coach Fallas commented afterwards. “I must admit to been very frustrated with today’s performance, but did not think we deserved to lose by such a big margin. But we did and credit must go to Wibsey who just seemed to be able to exploit our weaknesses, something which we need to learn to do to other teams if we are going to pull this season around.”

A major positive on the day was the fact we were able to field a 2nd XV for the 1st time in 5 years, as they entertained Bramley Phoenix. The Barmy Army fell to a 13-12 defeat despite been 1 player down for the whole game and this was credit to the lads who turned out and hopefully is the start of many more games to come.

Player of the Week – In a disappointing game for the 1st team only a few players stood out for selection, for POTW. Captain Dawson was busy around the ruck and Alex Gomerson carried strongly as well as keeping the scoreboard ticking over, However with a dominant performance in the scrums and some excellent all round rucking and mauling this weeks player of the week goes to Chris Nevison

Arse of the Week – This one was simple. In fact this weeks AOTW is a very early favorite for the Arse of the Year trophy. Picture the scene. Over on the 2nd team pitch the Barmy Army were enjoying a close fought game against Bramley Phoenix. With only 1 point separating the sides and late into the 2nd half, Jack Collins makes a break from deep inside his own half. He outpaces all would be defenders. 1 covering player is coming across but nowhere close enough to prevent young Jack from simply strolling over the line and putting the ball down under the sticks to give Garforth a 6 point advantage and potentially win the game for the Barmy Army on their return after a 5 year absence. HOWEVER Jack has other ideas. With only 5 metres to go Jack just drops the ball !!! He doesn’t mishandle it. He doesn’t even drop it in the process of grounding it…..he just drops it !!!! How? Why? Nobody will ever know, possibly not even Jack, but 1 thing we do know is that this week Jack Collins you are the Arse of the Week.