Dockers started their 2012 season with an impressive victory over a confident Warriors side at Shelley Avenue. In conditions more suited to ducks than Dockers our boys worked as a unit and produced some impressive play. It was obvious from the start we were in confident mood with Lochlan Fitzgerald feeding a delayed pass for Iyra Cooper-Brice to put him clear of the oncoming defence. Having rounded two would be tacklers the centre off loaded to the supporting Connor Young to score in the corner. Ally Tomlinson missed the conversion on this occasion but the tone was set. The forwards dominated throughout with George Batty and Connor Key putting in some massive hits time after time to restrict Myton to their own half. Ben Matos-Gois and Brad Carter carried the team forward and created the field position for further tries from the impressive Josh Pearson and a stunning length of the field effort from pacey loose forward Harry Inman. The home side rarely looked troubled and produced some outstanding goal line defence when Myton ventured anywhere near, Connor Young collecting anything that came his way with a man of the match display at the back.

The second half continued in the same vein with a further try for Iyra coming from a similar move from the scrum as Dockers continued to play an expansive game. Connor Key rounded off a fine display in the second row with an opportunist try. Ally Tomlinson nailed 4 from 6 conversions capping a confident game at 6.

In all a very enjoyable first outing and I’m sure the parents and supporters who braved the elements are looking forward to seeing that sort of effort and commitment weekly. From a coaches point of view it was a just reward for the hard work put in by the team in training after a disappointing trip to Dewsbury. Particularly pleasing was keeping our opponents scoreless, the defensive effort and speed was top drawer. As a team we are still growing and the new bodies are fitting in well. Special mentions for Tom Lestan and Sterling Hewson who are improving each time they get out on the park.


It was a great start but we still have a long way to go! Enjoy the season!