Match Reports
KNARESBOROUGH 15 v ROSSINGTON HORNETS 13
If you want lead this League you must take the try bonus points when they are on offer. This Knaresborough failed to do, bonus points are eared when 4 or more tries are scored.
Knaresborough stared well despite an early penalty for Rossington. The first try for the home side came from sustained pressure from the forwards and a powerful run and touch down from fly half Jamie Bird. This was soon followed by a second for Andrew King and the bonus point seemed on the cards. This proved to be a vain hope as Rossington answered with 2 quick break-a-way tries to turn around 13 - 12 up.
In the second half Borough had all the territory and possession but gave away too many penalties and knock on's. Knarsborough must learn to play "heads up rugby" and not ignore overlaps and gaps. The professionals say when you enter the red zone (the part of the field beyond the opposition's 22 m line) you must return with points. Knaresborough's only reward in second half was 3 points from the boot of Tim Evens.Next week Knaresborough are away to Rotherham Clifton.
Nestle Rowntree RUFC 21 v Knaresborough RUFC 40
This game was much closer than the score suggests, in fact if not for the mercurial skills of the Stevenson brothers Knaresborough could have been in trouble. Nestle started the score board ticking with a well taken try by their centre. Borough then hit back when Ben Stevenson scored the first of his two tries. So keen were the visitors on playing attacking rugby that at times they neglected the defence. This allowed the home team centre to break through to take his second score. Further tries from forwards Dodds and Rawlings put Knaresborough in front 15-19 at half time.
After the break it was more or less one way traffic for borough. Big Kev Brooks started the second period with a powerful try. This was followed by the try of the season so far. Ben Stevenson took the ball from the set piece, then with quick hands, feet and brain sent Nestles in all directions the red sea of their defence opened to allow the score under the posts. Myers made amends after dropping the ball over the line by touching down a few seconds later. Will Stevenson kicked 5 conversions this was to round up a fine afternoon for Knaresborough.
Knaresborough RUFC 23 Hornsea 17
This was a much closer game than the Knaresborough supporters expected. Hornsea started with such verve and style that belied their away record and lowly position at the foot of Yorkshire league 5. But Knaresborough's more powerful forwards soon took control upfront. Quick ball and good finishing led to yet another try from the prolific Tim Evans and conversion by Will Stevenson. This was followed by a Stevenson penalty. After this it was a classic contest of Borough forwards against Hornsea backs. This resulted in the visitors breaking through the normally parsimonious home team backs to score just before the break. At the halfway stage Knaresborough led 10-5
After the break Hornsea started the second half as they had finished the first with some fantastic handling in the backs which led to a well deserved try, putting the team's level. The home team then pulled away with a strong forward effort in the set piece and at the breakdown. This resulted a push over try for scrumhalf Elliot and a close quarter score for man of the match Phil Dodds.
Harrogate Pirates 0 Knaresborough Crag Rats 15
This was the first outing this season for the crag rats and they very much enjoyed it. It was a very close game with Harrogate forwards having the edge up front. But the rats back row and half backs caused many problems for the home team. First on the score sheet was borough's wing forward Sam Frankling with a well taken try. This was followed by two tries for Jamie Bird
after some fine breaks from Topley and Finley. Sadly Knaresborough's kicker Garry Gilmour carried on were he left off 5 years ago and missed all conversions. This win for the Rats was due in no small part to man of the match Gary Marsden.
Adlwick-Le-Street RUFC 28 v Knaresborough RUFC 44
Knaresborough travailed to South Yorkshire more in hope than expectation after losing some key players from last weeks excellent win.
But nerves were soon settled after Tim Evans's break from his own half, to score a fine try and conversion with just five minutes on the clock. Adwiick struck back strait away to score a try and conversion of their own. Another try by Borough's ever impressive No.10 Paul Jenkins gave them the lead that they never relinquished, turning around at half time 14-19 up
Knaresborough started the second period with a try by the ubiquitous wing forward Richard Myers. By this time Adwick were down to 14 men after their No. 8 had to spend 10 mins in the sin bin.
After this it was a procession for Borough with further scores from Walker, Rawlings, Jenkins and Evens.
This week Knaresborough entertain Hornsea at home KO 3.00pm
Knaresborough RUFC 58 Wibsey RUFC 0
On a beautiful autumn day Knaresborough decided that their ruby would match the weather.
We never fond out if Wibsey could play as they never secured enough procession to display any skills they may have had. In the scrum a magnificent performance by Southern, Dodds and Dodds in the front row made sure that the visitors would receive very few rewards via this route and with Jack Hall leaping like a salmon in the line out, Wibsey had to live off scraps.
By half time the game was all but over as a contest with Borough leading 19-0.
Any ball Wibsey did win came with an attachment this was the Knaresborough scrum half Elliot . He was rightly named man of the match for his commitment to the cause.
With so much good possession the backs show cased all their considerable skills and flare. With the old Welsh wizard Jenks controlling things from No.10. The Stevenson brothers had a field day Ben the older and the more pugnacious taking the more direct route and Will the younger setting off on his long looping runs, his pretty blond hair flowing behind him. Both equally effective in their own way scoring tries Ben (2) Will (3).
Other tries were scored by Tim Evens, Jack Hall and James Rawlings. Will Stevenson kicked 6 conversions
Knaresborough RUFC 19 Mosborough RUFC 38
Knaresborough played top of the table Mosborough who are also undefeated this season at Hay-A-Park on Saturday. Mosborough got off to a flying start scoring a converted try after only 5 minutes. They continued to make all the running for most of the first half and shortly before half time where leading 26 points to 0. With half time approaching Knaresborough began what was a remarkable fight back and managed to score a try through Will Stevenson just before the break.
Knaresborough continued in tremendous form in the second half and a visibly shaken Mosborough found there lead cut right back to only a one score margin with
Knaresborough tries coming from Ben Stevenson and Glen Roberts and both were converted by Will Stevenson. This continued until late in the half when Mosborough broke out from their own line and at the resulting lineout close to the Knaresborough try line they pressed hard and were awarded a penalty try. From the restart Knaresborough threw caution to the wind but where caught on the counter attack and Mosborough's wing sprinted in under the posts to complete an entertaining afternoon's rugby.
This week Boro are away at Stocksbridge 3.00 ko.
Stocksbridge RUFC 17 Knaresborough RUFC 7
Knaresborough Rugby Club winning form comes to an end.
In the last 2 weeks Knaresborough have recorded victories over Pontefract and Northallerton so they travelled to Stocksbridge looking to achieve another positive result. However in a close encounter they were unable to keep their winning streak going. Playing on a very muddy pitch and with a strong wind at their backs boro found themselves leading 7 nil at halftime with a Try from Jack Hall which was converted by Jamie Bird.
The second half saw some stout defence from Boro but with the pitch deteriorating and the wind making passing difficult they were gradually overhauled by a determined Stocksbridge side. In the last quarter Stocksbridge finally broke Boros resistance and went over from close range for two tries and were awarded a penalty under the posts. However the only real winner on this occasion was the weather which stopped both sides from playing to their full potential.
This week Boro are at home to Wibsey kick off 3.00pm
Knaresborough 5 Stanley Rodillians 22
Knaresborough went down 22 points to 5 at home to a strong Stanley Rodillians team in their Yorkshire 5 league game. Despite their best efforts Boro were unable to overcome a Four tries to One deficit. The only Boro try was scored in the second half by Will Stevenson.
Pontefract Pythons 14 Knaresborough 19
Knaresborough Rugby club travelled to Pontefract Pythons for their league game and went down to a narrow defeat. While Boro competed well after a shaky start they were not quite a match for a very physical Pontefract pack. Knaresborough went into the lead with two penalties from Will Stevenson then Ponty responded with a penalty of their own before scoring a converted try. They then finished of the first half with a penalty giving them a 13 points to 9 lead going into the break.
The second half saw Boro take the game to Ponty and they gained a penalty which Will Stevenson successfully kicked to take the score to 13 points to 9. Then Boro went into the lead with an unconverted try from Andy King. Boro held onto the lead for most of the second half before two late penalties gave Ponty victory with a final score of 19 points to 14.
This week Knaresborough have a league game at home to Stanley Rodillians KO 2:15.
Knaresborough RUFC 17 Thirsk 0
Knaresborough Rugby club played Thirsk and ran out worthy winners. This was their first game since mid December due to bad weather and cancellations. Both sides made their intensions clear by trying to run the ball from deep in their own half. However unforced errors and poor decision making showed that both sides had not played for some time. This trend continued until just before half time when Ben Stevenson had a long range solo effort but bounced the ball when coming into contact with the ground in the in goal area. Miraculously he then repeated the same try scoring effort only this time the try was awarded and his brother Will successfully converted to take the half time score to 7 points to nil.
The second half started with Knaresborough extending their lead through substitute Jamie Bird who linked well with Will Stevenson and Rob Darvill to run a fine line and score the opening try of the second half pushing Boro into a 12 point lead. The game continued to flow back and forth but Boro's defence held firm and Will Stevenson scored a further unconverted try midway through the half to complete the scoring.
This week Knaresborough have a league game away against Pontifract Pythons players are asked to meet at 12: 30.
Knaresborough RUFC 3 Mosborough 16
Knaresborough Rugby club played their home league match against top of the table Mossborough and acquitted themselves very well but where not quite good enough on the day to defeat a pacey and well organised Mossborough side. The game got off to a good start with Knaresborough taking the game to their opposition. Mossborough in turn then counter attacked with flair and speed. By half time the scores were tied at 3 points each both penalties Knaresborough's was scored by Will Stevenson. But the pattern of the match was well established with Knaresborough dominant in the scrummage and Mossborough keen to attack at every opportunity.
The second half was notable for some fine defensive work from both sides and Knaresborough Man of the Match Jack Hall did some good work cleaning up any scrappy play around the breakdown. However as the second half progressed it became clear that Mossborough's more running game was starting to pay dividends with them scoring a further penalty and 2 tries in the later stages. To seal a 16 points to 3 victory.
This week Knaresborough have a league game away against Pontifract Pythons players are asked to meet at the ground at 12 noon.
Marist RUFC 34 Knaresborough RUFC 33
Knaresborough Rugby club travelled to Marists for their league fixture and the journey seemed to send them to sleep. Boro found themselves trailing by two tries after only 8 minutes. When Boro did get going they then put Marists under pressure. Chris Walker scored Boro's first unconverted try from a set piece move of the back of a scrum. This was followed by a try by Jean Olesqui which was converted by Will Stevenson. At this point Boro were leading 12 points to 10 but Marist hit back to take a half time lead of 17 points to12.
In the second half the lead continued to change hands Marists scored a further 2 converted tries and what proved to be a crucial penalty. While Boro scored 3 converted tries. Two of which came from man of the match Jean Olesque taking his total for the day to 3 and 1 from Ben Stevenson but this was not enough to recover from their slow start. .
Airborough 3rds 7 Knaresborough RUFC 15
Knaresborough Rugby club travelled to Airborough 3rds and came away with a well deserved 7 points to 15 victory. In wet and slippery conditions Knaresborough handled the ball well and played a wide and expansive game. Knaresborough opened the scoring with a well worked set piece which resulted in a cross field kick being well gathered by Alex Hanson. Knaresborough scored the second try of the game just before half time when Andy King feed a short ball to matt Houseman who ran a good angle to score without a hand being laid on him.
The home team and Knaresborough both went on to score a try apiece in the second half. Knaresborough's coming from Chris Walker who finished off some good work at a rolling maul. Knaresborough man of the Match Jack Hall was instrumental in some good defensive work putting in several fine tackles.
Wibsey RUFC 7 Knaresborough RUFC 5
Knaresborough Rugby club travelled to Wibsey for their Yorkshire 5 league Match where they were hoping to secure another victory. Unfortunately in poor playing conditions they contributed greatly to their own downfall with a catalogue of unforced errors which prevented them from gaining any momentum. At the interval Boro found themselves trailing 7 points to 0 to a converted try by Wibsey.
In the second half Boro rallied and grew stronger as the game progressed. There defence remained firm with good tackling keeping the opposition from adding to their first half score. Then after a period of increasing pressure Boro scored a fine try of their own with Ben Stevenson finishing a good move off and then they narrowly missed the conversion which would have given them the draw they deserved.
This week Boro are at home to Roundhegians 3rds all players are asked to meet at 1pm
Knaresborough RUFC 15 Stocksbridge 13
Stanley Rodillians 31 Knaresborough RUFC 10
Knaresborough travelled to Stanley Rodillians to play their Yorkshire 5 league game. In the first half Boro had no answer to Rodillians speedy back line and some poor tackling also helped Rodillians to gain a strong lead that they never looked like relinquishing the only consolation for Boro in the first half was a fine try by Jean Claude Olesqui who snapped up a loose ball from a line out and powered over for try that Boro narrowly missed out on converting from wide out.
The second half however was a completely different story. With Boro reshuffling there back line to counter Rodillians attacking back line and with some fine tackling from man of the match Will Stevenson Boro proved more than a match for the home team. The half ended with both sides scoring a try a piece the Boro try coming from a barnstorming run from Kev Brooke. Boro finished the game on a high with a performance that continued to improve as the game went on.
YORKSHIRE5 LEAGUE GAME
Knaresborough RFUC 17 Pontefract Pythons 15
YORKSHIRE5 LEAGUE GAME
Knaresborough RFUC 15 York 3rd/4th 12
Knaresborough travelled to Clifton Park to play a friendly fixture against a combined York 3rd/4th team.
The Knaresborough team, buoyant from their victory last week, started out strongly with good ball retention leading to an early penalty, taken by Will Stevenson.
However, York came back with a number of assaults on the Knaresborough line; Matt Houseman with some strong tackling to deny the home team on a number of occasions. However, good phase play brought 2 tries in quick succession to the home team, leaving the half time score at 12-3 to York.
The Knaresborough pack again started the second half strongly, providing good quick ball to the backs. After a sturdy scrum, the ball was shipped out to fly half Andy King who ran 50 yards, beating the entire York backline, to score a superb individual try.
With the scores at 12-8 the York attack drove strongly into the Knaresborough half, but heroic tackling from the entire Knaresborough team left the home side frustrated. In the final third of the game, some broken play eventually saw Knaresborugh break forward and breach the York defence. Inside Centre, Cian Evans scored and converted his own try to edge Knaresborough in front.
At 12-15, the Knaresborough team held on for their second win in an row and will look to take their winning form back to the league fixture next week.
FRIENDLY
Knaresborough RUFC 42 York Rowntrees RUFC 5
Knaresborough Rugby Club new season off to good start.
In a re-arranged fixture Knaresborough started their new season with a home game against a well drilled and free running Rowntrees side. The game got off to a good start with both teams playing running rugby which resulted in some entertaining end to end play. After 25 minutes Boro finally broke the deadlock with a long range solo effort from Will Stevenson. The half continued in a similar fashion with both teams going close. Kev Brooke made several strong tackles and veteran Eddie Dodds was running around like a spring chicken. The half ended with Boro just in front at five points to nil. The second half saw Boro start to pull away from Rowntrees with Matt Houseman scoring a try that was converted by Will Stevenson after 50 minutes and 2 minutes later Rich Myers got on the score sheet with another well worked move. This spurred Rowntrees on to greater efforts and they hit back with a fine try of their own. Matt Houseman then scored a long range try breaking through several tackles to push Boro further ahead and Will Stevenson converted to see Boro run out worthy winners 24 points to 5. This weekend will be a very special one for Knaresborough Rugby club. Plans are well underway for a special Invitation Match on Sunday 13th of September to celebrate the completion of their new pitch and training area. The event will start at the ground at 1pm with a game starting at 2pm. Two teams selected by club president Barry Stevenson and club chairman Ron Bird will play each other in the first game at the new ground. It is the clubs intension to invite other local clubs, friends and sponsors to the event to say thank you to all those who have helped so much with the project. The rugby club would also like to extend an invitation to any members of the local community who would like to come along. The club committee members have now completed what was always thought of as the first phase of their development plan and now are working towards the next stage of a clubhouse and junior section. For this next stage to happen Knaresborough Rugby Club will need to raise a lot more money. Fundraising is now going ahead and many different revenue streams are being explored. Several local companies have been approached in an attempt to attract sponsors and a campaign to sell advertising boards around the ground is now underway. Any companies or individuals who would like to become involved with the club should log on to the clubs website for details.
FRIENDLY
Saturday January 17th 2009 Kick Off 2.15pm
Knaresborough 1st XV 19 Sheffield Medicals 20
The spectators who were lucky enough to be present for this game owe a huge debt of gratitude to both sides who gave there all to produce an entertaining and tense game of rugby. The commitment and determination shown by both teams was a credit to all involved. Boro started the quicker and brighter and an early unconverted try by Jamie Bird gave Boro the edge they needed. This seemed to rock the Medics side out of their stride and Boro took full advantage of their hesitancy. Jamie Bird again finished off some good forwards work to score another try for Boro which Pete Wrigley converted. Boro then had a long period of time camped on the Medics try line and came close to scoring further points on 4 or 5 occasions only to be held up over the try line by some determined defence from Sheffield. The Medics team then raised their game and swept up field to score a fine converted try. They then followed this with a well taken penalty to peg the score back to 12-10 to Boro. At this point the balance swung again and Boro scored another try of their own to take the halftime score to 19-10 to Boro. The second half started as the first half had finished with Boro dominating up front and Medics running counter attack ball at every opportunity and both teams putting in ferocious tackles to attempt to turn the ball over. The Boro forwards were putting in a huge amount of effort to keep possession away from the Medics backs and Hall and McGrail rolled back the years to have fine individual performances but if you could pick out any one person it would have to be stand in scrum half Jenkins who's all-round play and commitment was an outstanding achievement. With time running out medics finally got some clean possession and scored a fine try to peg the score back to 19-15. The final hammer blow came for Boro with only 1 minute remaining when Medics pounced onto a loose ball and swept it out wide to squeeze in at the corner and steal the game by 20 points to 19. Next week Boro are at home to Harrogate Pythons in a rearranged fixture.
Saturday January 24th 2009 Kick Off 2.15pm
Knaresborough 1st XV 36 Stocksbridge RFC 0
Knaresborough's home league game against Stocksbridge got off to a Rampaging start when the formidable figure of Keith Unwin the Boro prop bullocked his way over from 30 metres. This was followed shortly afterwards with a fine try from Jamie Bird this had Boro a in 10 points to nil lead after only 15 minutes. The half continued with Boro playing some good 15 man rugby and further tries came from Will Stevenson and Scott Mcullock with Pete Wrigley converting the former. With the pack dominating up front and Boro standoff Jenkins controlling play with versatile distribution and clever tactical kicking Boro finished the half 22 points up and looking good value for their lead.
The second half started with Boro playing down the slope and the large crowd were looking forward to a feast of tries. However Stocksbridge had other ideas and spent large periods of time camped on the Boro try line. Boro's defence held firm and Stocksbridge could not find a way through some ferocious tackling. On one of the occasions Boro ventured into the Stocksbridge half Jenkins put in accurately placed cross field kick for Scott Mcullock to catch and score under the posts. The highlight of the game however came when Man of the match Will Stevenson finished off a length of the field counter attack after more sustained pressure from Stocksbridge on the Boro line. Pete Wrigley converted both tries and Boro Finished a fine all-round display 36 Points to 0 winners
.Saturday January 24th 2009 Kick Off 2.15pm
Ilkley RFC 41 Knaresborough Crag Rats 14
Boro's second string sent a large squad to Ilkley and despite there best efforts lost 41-14 to a very strong Ilkley third team. Andy king and James Adams scored the Boro points. Ben Stevenson Boro skipper acquitted his self well when he had to play at scrum half after the late withdrawal of the regular incumbentSaturday January 17th 2009 Kick Off 2.15pm
Saturday January 17th 2009 Kick Off 2.15pm
Sheffield Oaks 3 Knaresborough 1st XV 38
Knaresborough travelled to Sheffield Oaks for their League match with several key players missing or injured and still managed to come away with a decisive victory.
Boro piled on the points in the first half to turn around with a halftime lead of 24 points to 3, with tries from Jamie Bird (2) Ben Stevenson & Pete Wrigley with Pete Wrigley also converting two of them. Sheffield Oaks only response was a penalty.
The second half started with Ben Stevenson being sent to the sin bin and Boro now reduced to 14 men still managed to score a pushover try demonstrating some fine forward control, this was also converted . Playing conditions by this time had badly deteriorated and the pitch was turning into a mud bath making handling conditions very difficult for both teams. Boro now had total control of the game and managed a further close range try when Jamie Bird once again crashed over from the back of the scrum man of the match Pete Wrigley added the conversion to finish of the scoring. Next week boro are at home to Stocksbridge
Hemsworth 33 Knaresborough 5
Knaresborough got off to a bad start conceding 14 points early on in their game at Hemsworth. The Visitors had not got into their stride before Hemsworth Had scored Two tries. Knaresborough's pack then got into the game and Dave Topley crossed the line after some good work from the rest of the forwards. However this was soon balanced out by another try for Hemsworth after a charged down clearance kick resulted in Hemsworth gaining possession close to Boros line and they forced a way through to score. Boro then had a player sent to the sin bin and while down to 14 men conceded 2 more converted tries taking the half time score to 33 points to 5.
The second half saw Boro raise their game and there forwards control of the scrum and lineout kept ht quick thinking and pacey Hemsworth backs starved of possession preventing them from any further scoring opportunities. In contrast Boro took the game to Hemsworth in the forwards Scoring 2 more tries from Topley and Hollyhead.
With Hall and Unwin making rampaging runs and Bird sniping around the fringes Boro looked like they could force their way back into the game but with time running out a serious injury to Boro player Rich Maunder ment that after a long delay the referee called an end to the match and Boro after having controlling the second half finished off regretting there slow start to the game.
Knaresborough 46 Pontefract Pythons 10
Knaresborough recorded their first league victory of the season at Hay-a-park, beating Pontefract Pythons by 46 point to 10. Knaresborough won the toss and chose to play with the strong wind at their backs. Immediately putting Ponte under pressure as ponte tried to run the ball out of defence boro flanker Jordan Willey put a big hit on the ponte full back dislodging the ball and scrum half Jamie Bird was on hand to score the try wrigley adding the extras. Boro went straight back up field came away with Bird scoring his second try following a planned line out move. Boro were now playing with more confidence following good inter play between the forwards and backs number 8 Tim Thomas powered over for boro's 3rd try wrigley adding the exrras. After good work from stand off Jenkins Willey beat three defenders to score in the corner to give boro a 24-0 lead . The last 10 minuets of the half saw Ponte come back into the game scoring a converted try and a penalty .Turning around 24-10 down ponte with the strong wind at their backs were still in the game but boro's defence held strong . Boro ran the ball well out of defence and ponte found it hard to cope with strong running of the boro players then bird broke through from 30 yards to score his 3rd try . Knaresborough were now well on top and were playing some good rugby and after a length of field move resulted in Willey going over for his second try converted by wrigley. Thomas scored his second and Bird his forth to finish the game off .
This was a much improved performance by Boro and hope to continue this form away at Sheffield Medicals.
Following a disappointing loss away to Hemsworth last week Boro were determined to overturn 4th placed Northallerton on Saturday. Having narrowly lost earlier in the season Boro new they had a chance. Starting with a virtually unchanged side Boro were on the back foot immediately as a quick Northallterton pack took advantage of the slope to score a penalty within the first 5 minutes. It was clearly going to be a battle of the forwards as the North pack started to dominate the lineouts and managed to hold the boro scrummage. The North back row pounced on every loose ball and rucked with an eagerness that initially had the Boro men on the back foot. It was not long until the well drilled visitors scored a well worked try in the corner. Boro had to raise their game and looked to their more experienced players to take control. Unable to compete at 4 on the lineouts due to an elusive tactic employed by Northallerton boro had to rely on talisman Cutting at 2 to upset the North control. Cutting pressure cause the North men to knock on at the line and Boro had the scrummage within the North 22. A solid platform allowed Boro Number 8 Topley to pick up and drive for the line, quick ruck ball saw front row Tomson on the charge only to be stopped by some strong North defence. Second phase ball fed to the blind side by Bird saw Maunder drive for the gap and draw his man to provide a perfectly weighted pass to supporting runner Topley. Topley charged for the gap and was well tackled by the North winger and outside centre but still got the inside pass away to Bird who ran over the tacking Noth full back to score. Wrigley converted and Boro were back in the game. A furiously competitive match unfortunately saw a few players receiving medical treatment, the North man of the match being one. Unfortunately for North whilst he was off the pitch the Boro forwards scored once again, this time through the Boro trademark driving maul and Maunder scoring the in the corner. Wrigley missed a difficult conversion. North began to spin the ball wide to their well sized back line with a view to breaking through the Boro defence. Although the Boro defence held firm with Spankland and Wellington doing a stirling job in the centres to keep the North assaults at bay they were eventually to find a way through and score their second try of the half. The half time whistle sounded and Boro were trailing 12 - 15. With everything to play for Boro began to raise their game and in the second half and started to dominate the territory and possession. North attempted to stem the tide with some tactical kicking from their own half only to be continually pinned back by the kicking in form Boro fullback Wilf Stevenson. The introduction of Wiley and Brooke to the forwards provided fresh legs and power to the Boro pressure and soon the front row veterans of Tomson and Olesqui were to power over for two well controlled forwards trys. Both excellently converted by Wriglet. Northallerton were not finished and valiantly fought their way back into the game with two tries also, although both conversions were missed and game remained in the balance at 26:25. The Boro 15 dug deep and placed the Northallerton pack under siege for a sustained period of 20 minutes in the corner of their 22. Continued forward drives, mauls, rucks, lineouts and scrummages wore the North men down and paid off for the Boro men. A series of infringements enables Wrigley to slot his only penalty of the match and then a switch move at the back of the ruck by Bird and Topley enabled the Boro number 8 to power over for the try to seal the game at 34:25. Unwin's men did not achieve their planned 100% record in January but 3 wins out of 4 lifts them even further off the bottom of Yorkshire 4, they are now joint 6th out of 12. With the same commitment and discipline displayed on Saturday Boro can continue to secure their place in Yorkshire 4 in readiness for the opening of their new ground and clubhouse.
Boro continued their 2008 revival with a spirited 27-7 win at home to Burley on Saturday. Starting with 15 of the 18 that beat Leeds the previous week expectations of another win were high and Unwin's men did not disappoint. Burely won the toss and decided to play up the slope and receive the kick off. A plumb drop kick from the in form Boro fly half Gotts was well collected bt the Burley number 6 only to be enveloped with a man and ball tackle by the Boro number 8. Burley were immediatley dispossessed and the Boro pack steamed into the Burley 22. With quick ruck ball the Boro 8 picked and drove to the Burley tryline to feed Captain Unwin the first try. Wrigley missed the conversion. Burley competed well in the lineouts and prevented boro from controlling all the set piece as they would have liked. Although having the possession Burley opted to attack through their backline but their attacks were expertly snuffed out by Boro centre Nellington and back row Myres. Unable to cross the game-line Burley soon lost possession and were pinned back by tactical kicking by Gotts. An infringement in the Burley 22 led to a Boro penalty and Unwin opted for the scrum. The Boro pack easily drove Burley back but Topley was unable to score his 3rd pushover in 2 games due to another infringement by the Burley scrum half. Boro were awarded a penality try and Wrigley converted. Although Burley rallied well towards the end of the 1st half with some good counter attacking play more infringments at the breakdown led to Wrigley soon added a penalty kick to make the half time score Boro 15 Burley 0. Boro started the second half stongly and it was not long until multi fasceted Gotts cut the Burley back line in half with a powerful angled run, shrugging off some burley defenders to score a well deserved try under the post. Wrigley converted to stretch the lead to 22-0. Burley once again rallied well and began to win their own scrummages to provide the platform for a sustained period of Burley pressure on the Boro 22. Burley 2nd row Nick Taylor was rewarded for their efforts with a try, well converted by Rich Parrish. The return of Boro back row legend Richard Marauder was a boost for the team and his 20 minute impact play out of position at number 8 was well received. Some powerful Boro driving runs and strong mauling by marauder soon led to an individual drive to the line with Marauder taking several of the Burley defence for a ride over the try line for the try to seal the victory 27-7. Boro 2nd team had a good match away to Thornensians although lost 21-0.
Boro recorded an emphatic 39-0 victory over Leeds to start 2008 as they plan to continue it. With only 3 wins from 11 league matches in 2007 Boro had everything to prove following a narrow loss away to Leeds earlier in the season. From the kick off Boro took control with several forward drives from Bird, Topley and Tomson down the blind side. With quick ball the Boro backs cut through the Leeds defence from the half way line. With man of the match Will Stevenson joining the line brilliantly from full back to feed his younger brother Ben on the wing to score a delightful try in the corner. With the poor conditions getting worse Boro played to their strengths in the line out and scrums taking almost all of the opposition ball . It was not long until forward domination led to the first push over try expertly dropped on by Topley. Wrigley converted. Leeds threw all they had at the Boro defence but the midfield of Gotts, Spankland and Wrigley held firm and denied Leeds any way through. Boro were able to control numerous rolling mauls with such power and accuracy that the trys flowed throughout the match, so much so the referee had trouble keeping up! Trys from Tomson, Olesqui and the second from Topley put the match well out of reach mid way through the second half. A 15 man performance was rounded off when inside centre spankland scored with some well executed lines of running and bird with a trademark bulldozing run to score under the posts. With credit to Leeds they stuck to the task in hand but it was never going to be their day with Boro forward power locking them out the match. Boro coach Mike Pennock now looks forward to each of the return fixtures throughout January as an opportunity to put Boro's 25th anniversary season back on track.
KRUFC faced Hornsea at home last Saturday and rose to the challenge with a strong performance. With the wet and windy weather this was never going to be a pretty game and KRUFC played to their strengths out muscling Hornsea in all the forward play. From the kick off Hornsea looked to play the game out wide but unforced errors and a strong Boro mid-field of Spankland and Gotts soon produced turn over ball for Jenkins to chip over the attacking Hornsea line for a line out on their 22 yard line. Boro started and continued the game stealing the Hornsea line out ball. Persistant Hornsea offenses at the ensuing breakdowns led to a penalty goal scored by the veteran Jenkins. Hornsea soon stuck back with some short moves from well worked ruck ball and a chip and chase down the touchline for Roberts to parry safely into touch. Scrappy ball from the Hornsea lineout was pounced on by the Boro back row only to be adjudged to have fouled the Hornsea scrum half in the process. It was soon 3 all with all to play for. Boro continued their domination of the set piece and were unlucky when the Boro 8 was unable to capitalise on several scrummages for a push over try. The Hornsea defence did well to keep the probing Boro attacks but were once again penalised at the breakdown. Half time Boro 6 Hornsea 3. 2nd half was played in the Hornsea half with Boro threatening to score from the set piece but equally Hornsea looked threatening on the counter attack. Towards the end of the 2nd half after numerous penalties awarded against Hornsea infringements within their own 22 Boro opted for a crash penality drive with Topley taking the ball in to set up the touchdown for Thomson. The unconverted try finished the game and Boro won 11 - 3. Only their 2nd victory of the season but Unwin is confident of a third away to Stocksbridge this Saturday.
Away to Leeds KRUFC 1st XV fielded a weakened side due to some late disappointments. The first half saw Boro play some excellent rugby in the forwards, dominating the set pieces and in particular the scrums. Some excellent driving mauls led to Bird scoring his first try down the short side. Leeds were a well drilled side and punted the ball down field at every opportunity to take advantage of the sunnry and windy conditions and their fast wingers out wide. It wasn't long until Leeds scored 3 well earned trys to lead 15 - 5 at half time.Boro cam back well and once again a driving maul from a Boro lineout led to a 20 meter drive and Thomson scoring under the posts. Bird converted. With the sun at their backs the Boro back line came to life with some excellent counter attacked spireheaded by the Steveson brothers, both making clear statements for the future of Knaresborough. After a counter attacking kick from W Steveson and some quick recycling Leeds knocked on and Boro had a scrum on their line. The Boro forwards drove Leeds back with ease. Topley capitalising at 8 with a well executed push over try. The match looked there for the taking at 15 - 17 to Boro
Leeds were soon back in it with an slick backs move to score under the posts following some weak defence in the Boro midfield. With all to play for at 20 - 17 Unwin Leeds started to give away numerous penalties, Unwin went for the win and opted for a driving lineout on more than one occasion. With nothing to show for their territory Boro were soon on the defensive following the counter attack from Leeds. The Leeds half back and man of the match sealed the game with 2 lates drop goals matched by one late Boro penality. Final score Leeds Cornithians 26 - Knaresborogh 20
KRUFC won their first league match in convincing style with a shell shocked Hemsworth barely getting a look in for the majority of the game. Boro captain Unwin has struggled with numerous injuries for the first 5 league matches and has seen his side loose the brilliant form displayed last season. Although on Saturday Boro were back as were man of the match Maunder at 6, Jenkins at 10, Brooke at 5, Cutting at 4 and Unwin himself at 3. The team gelled once again and with Vetran scrum half Bird at 9 the 'unbeatable' Hemsworth pack looked beaten within 5 minutes with Boro smashing through their defence. After the first of many turnover balls from a Hemsworth scrum, inside centre Contraous took a beautiful line of running fed by swift hands to score the first try. Bird converting well from a tight angle. It wasn't long until forward power play from Boro saw Maunder continue the 1st half scoring by crashing through from short range under the post as Boro capitalised on some poor handling by the Hems backline. Brid once again converted. With Boro being so solid in the set piece their backs had room to pass and move with Gotts showing a return to form keeping the ball alive stepping inside with pace after a speculative kick up field form Jenkins from a Boro lineout. The Boro back row were soon there to secure possesion and set up a short side steam roller drive from Bird to score in the corner. Conversion missed although Boro were firmly in control. Hems frustration was clear to see as tempers flared and
several players from both side got 10 mins for battling off the ball. With only 13 players a side Boro once again turned the screw with another display of text book driving mauls and ball control with Maunder scoring under the posts. At the end of the 1st half Hems came alive and worked an excellant try all the way up field with most of their team handling the ball until their sharp little number 7 finished the move under the posts with a try. Converted by Hems.
Half time Boro 26 Hems 7, Unwin brought on Brooke and Holyhead to provide fresh legs and power to the scrums. Hems started the 2nd half well and came close to scoring out wide on several occasions but the Boro defence held firm with no way through the mid field and the Boro back row of Topley, Wiley and Maunder snuffing out most of the Hems chances. Hems eventually battled their way over with a rolling maul but missed their conversiion. This then lead to a sustained period of pressure from Boro for the rest of the game. Camping in the corner of the Hems half the Boro forwards took advantage of a tiring Hems front 5 to provide the platform for 2 more excellant trys from the Boro back line. Jenkins showing great power and confidence to run the ball stright back into the Hems forwards making sure the ball was made available for Bird to spray a perfect pass out to Contraous who darted round the defence to score his second. Jenkins hard work was rewarded towards the end of the match with a well worked try to mark his welcome return to the 10 shirt.
Unwin congratulated his men on a deserved win but also reminded them that there
are still many more matches to be won until Boro can be satisfied with their league position.Unwin summarised the paerformance "Although boro were clearly back to form on today with key players returning to the squad for selection we still have a lot to do to recover the start of the season. Let's hope the refreshed commitment continues from all involved"
Knaresborough recommenced their 2007-2008 campaign and their 25th Silver Jubilee Anniversary with an encouraging performance against Netwon Aycliffe on Saturday. New club Captain Keith Unwin fielded a mixed side including several new signings and players returning from injury and was pleased by the way the teams performed. Two excellent performances from Kev McHaggis and Jamie Bird with 2 try's each ensured Knaresborough ran out comfortable winners at 38 points to 7. Newton Aycliffe scored all their 7 points via ex Harrogate stalwart and captain Bob Malvern who commented 'what a well spirited and competitive match' it had been. Knaresborough are once again focused on promotion to Yorkshire 3 this year with the club having further strengthened it's playing ranks throughout the summer. Keith Unwin and Paul Jenkins lead the 1st XV whilst Jamie Birds and Mat Houseman lead the 2nd XV. Due to the increased playing numbers Boro are this season looking to introduce a 3rd XV social side on a regular basis. Lasts season Boro performed well in the league finishing in the top 5 of Yorkshire 4 and due to an excellent run of form the National Junior Vase will this season start as a seeded team. Over the coming 2 weeks Boro have 2 more practice matches before the league campaign starts at home to Barmley Phoenix on 8th September. There is current huge excitement throughout the club as it enters a new phase of development with the creation of a new ground at Hay a Park. Pitch development is already underway and the players know there would be nothing better than playing next season in Yorkshire Division 3 on the new ground.
Knaresborough rounded off their season in style with a winning visit to Portobello RFC in Edinburgh last weekend. Featuring a couple of guest players and two from Portobello, it was Knaresborough who opened the scoring when a mazy run from winger Matt Houseman allowed him to feed David Wallace who touched down in the corner. Portobello hit back quickly and scored 2 tries before Chris MacDonald broke away from the back of a ruck to score and bring Knaresborough level. Knaresborough then stretched their lead through a second try for newcomer Wallace who also converted however Portobello remained in contention and early in the second half regained the lead with 2 further tries. Knaresborough then lost Richard Gotts with a knee injury and it looked like Portobello might stretch away however some fine running rugby brought Knaresborough right back into the match and Fijian guest Maka scored a fine individual try. With Portobello tiring in the final quarter, it was Knaresborough who finished stronger and Wallace rounded off a fine performance in Knaresborough colours with a third try following a pick-up from Dave Topley at the back of a scrum.
Man of the Match: Dave Wallace - a guest from GHA RFC in Glasgow for scoring a hat-trick
Tit of the Week 1: Ricko - for deciding it would be a good idea to visit O'Manns, one of the roughest bars in Edinburgh, instead of watching the game
Tit of the week 2: Spartacus - for telling everyone in the above pub that the boot bag he was holding held all the valuables from everyone on tour.
Last Saturday saw local rivals Knaresborough and Wetherby go head to head at hay-a-park. The two sides have had differing fortunes this season after both gained promotion last season from Yorkshire 5. Knaresborough have managed to retain the services of most of the first team and have added to the squad and currently lay 6th in the league, Wetherby fortunes have been very different and currently lay bottom of Yorkshire 5. The two teams were not only battling for two league points but also (due to fixture backlogs) the team were playing for a place in the Quarter finals of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy. The home team were well geared up for the game, with Ben Cutting returning to second row after 6 weeks out and Ben Contreras in the side from university. The team also had the added support of a large crowd of former club players, officials and friends to watch the game. Two early tries from back row talus man Richard Maunder, followed by an opportunist try from Ben Contreras settled the crowd. All these tries were skilfully kicked by Peter Wrigley, making the half-time score a comfortable 21 - 0. The second half continues the way of the first, Knaresborough now playing down the hill, got there backline into the action, Charlie Maunder's hard running caused the visitors problems all afternoon and Charlie was rewarded with a well worked try. Vice-captain Kevin Thomson and a further try from Charlie, with help from his brother Richard, kept the scoreboard ticking along for Knaresborough. The rout was finally completed with a break away try from wing man Peter Wrigley which was duly converted by himself. The final score finished 45 - 0 and Knaresborough move into the Quarter final draw and keeps them in 6th place in the league with the chance of move into 4th by the end of the season.
Knaresborough hosted Hornsea last Saturday in an important game for both sides, Hornsea are pushing for promotion this season and are currently in third position in the league Knaresborough, with an upturn in form in recent weeks currently lay in fifth. When the two teams met earlier in the season Hornsea narrowly won with last minute try. The return fixture between the two sides proved to be just as close. With the hay-a-park pitch looking a bit worst for wear after the heavy rain of recent week, Knaresborough's game plan was to disrupt Hornsea at the set piece and ensure that there strong forward did not allow the visitors to use there quick runners. Boro' started up the slope in the first half and keep to the game plan successfully and after a prolonged period of pressure and strong running from Kevin Brooke, finally a try was scored by Kevin Thomson and this was dually converted by Peter Wrigley. Despite the advantage of the slope Hornsea could not emulate the home side and only managed to get on the scoreboards with two penalties. The second half did not follow the form of the first and Hornsea started to work well and develop good ball from the set piece. And with the half time score of 7 - 6 hornsea added that all important try to make it 7 -13. Knaresborough played the hill well and with only a few minutes left and after great pressure of the hornsea line the home side managed to edge over and took a 1 point lead into injury time (14 - 13). From the kick over Knaresborough stood firm, but Hornsea made yards and found themselves within seconds of the boro line, and ball came out from a ruck and the hornsea number 10 managed to get his boot to it and kick it over the sticks, a heartbreaking blow for the home side. The team had worked so hard and were not going take anything away from the game. A further try added salt to the wound.
Knaresborough travelled the short distance to Wetherby last Saturday in Yorkshire 4 and after a number of disappointing results, but not disappointing performances in recent weeks, it was with great relief that both the result and the performance went Boro's way. The 41- 6 victory, which puts Knaresborough's rivals at the bottom of the league and Knaresborough themselves in a comfortable mid-table position, was as much a one sided affair as the score suggests. Boro' can look back at the game and take many positives away from it. The balance between and forwards and backs were good this week and a try from winger Liam Spence demonstrated this. The set piece play worked well and the side played with confidence, an area the team has worked hard on. The team continued in the current form of starting well in the first half, and from Spence's try, converted by Peter Wrigley, Knaresborough soon settled down and a further try, this time from captain Dave Topley, allowed the team to start playing with the control which has at time invaded them. Wetherby came to this game with two excellent league performances under there belt in recent weeks, so it was with some surprise that the home team did not manage to stay with Knaresaborough, particularly as previous encounters have been very competitive. A second try from Topley and a kicked penalty by Wetherby left the half time score 19 - 3. The second half continued as the first and two further tries from full back Charlie Maunder and a try for front row Keith Unwin meant the final score looked very healthy for Boro'.
Photo's Available
Knaresborough will be pleased to see the back of November after a very difficult month, the team have not taken any points away from any of there 3 league games and were knocked out of the national cup, on top of this the team have had to deal with a number of key long term injuries. The coaching team however have been pleased in recent weeks with the performance of the side and Saturday's game with Ilkley was no exception. IIkley are a strong outfit and have produced a number of outstanding performances in recent weeks including scoring over 100 point in a game with Bradford Salam. So an away trip to Stacks Field was going to be a challenge for a team, which included a number of new faces. The game started well and Knaresborough scored first after a good work from a changed pack, a catch and drive from the lineout resulted in the ball going out to the back and centre Charlie Maunder scored unopposed under the post. The conversation was a formality and Boro' led 7 - nil. The home side who had a great balance of youth and experience, hit back after a great deal of hard work to break through a excellent boro' defensive line and the home side crossed the whitewash to make the half time score 7 - 5 to Knaresborough. The second half never raised itself above mediocrity, due in no small measure to the torrential rain, which made handling exceptionally dif
If you want lead this League you must take the try bonus points when they are on offer. This Knaresborough failed to do, bonus points are eared when 4 or more tries are scored.
Knaresborough stared well despite an early penalty for Rossington. The first try for the home side came from sustained pressure from the forwards and a powerful run and touch down from fly half Jamie Bird. This was soon followed by a second for Andrew King and the bonus point seemed on the cards. This proved to be a vain hope as Rossington answered with 2 quick break-a-way tries to turn around 13 - 12 up.
In the second half Borough had all the territory and possession but gave away too many penalties and knock on's. Knarsborough must learn to play "heads up rugby" and not ignore overlaps and gaps. The professionals say when you enter the red zone (the part of the field beyond the opposition's 22 m line) you must return with points. Knaresborough's only reward in second half was 3 points from the boot of Tim Evens.Next week Knaresborough are away to Rotherham Clifton.
Nestle Rowntree RUFC 21 v Knaresborough RUFC 40
This game was much closer than the score suggests, in fact if not for the mercurial skills of the Stevenson brothers Knaresborough could have been in trouble. Nestle started the score board ticking with a well taken try by their centre. Borough then hit back when Ben Stevenson scored the first of his two tries. So keen were the visitors on playing attacking rugby that at times they neglected the defence. This allowed the home team centre to break through to take his second score. Further tries from forwards Dodds and Rawlings put Knaresborough in front 15-19 at half time.
After the break it was more or less one way traffic for borough. Big Kev Brooks started the second period with a powerful try. This was followed by the try of the season so far. Ben Stevenson took the ball from the set piece, then with quick hands, feet and brain sent Nestles in all directions the red sea of their defence opened to allow the score under the posts. Myers made amends after dropping the ball over the line by touching down a few seconds later. Will Stevenson kicked 5 conversions this was to round up a fine afternoon for Knaresborough.
Knaresborough RUFC 23 Hornsea 17
This was a much closer game than the Knaresborough supporters expected. Hornsea started with such verve and style that belied their away record and lowly position at the foot of Yorkshire league 5. But Knaresborough's more powerful forwards soon took control upfront. Quick ball and good finishing led to yet another try from the prolific Tim Evans and conversion by Will Stevenson. This was followed by a Stevenson penalty. After this it was a classic contest of Borough forwards against Hornsea backs. This resulted in the visitors breaking through the normally parsimonious home team backs to score just before the break. At the halfway stage Knaresborough led 10-5
After the break Hornsea started the second half as they had finished the first with some fantastic handling in the backs which led to a well deserved try, putting the team's level. The home team then pulled away with a strong forward effort in the set piece and at the breakdown. This resulted a push over try for scrumhalf Elliot and a close quarter score for man of the match Phil Dodds.
Harrogate Pirates 0 Knaresborough Crag Rats 15
This was the first outing this season for the crag rats and they very much enjoyed it. It was a very close game with Harrogate forwards having the edge up front. But the rats back row and half backs caused many problems for the home team. First on the score sheet was borough's wing forward Sam Frankling with a well taken try. This was followed by two tries for Jamie Bird
after some fine breaks from Topley and Finley. Sadly Knaresborough's kicker Garry Gilmour carried on were he left off 5 years ago and missed all conversions. This win for the Rats was due in no small part to man of the match Gary Marsden.
Adlwick-Le-Street RUFC 28 v Knaresborough RUFC 44
Knaresborough travailed to South Yorkshire more in hope than expectation after losing some key players from last weeks excellent win.
But nerves were soon settled after Tim Evans's break from his own half, to score a fine try and conversion with just five minutes on the clock. Adwiick struck back strait away to score a try and conversion of their own. Another try by Borough's ever impressive No.10 Paul Jenkins gave them the lead that they never relinquished, turning around at half time 14-19 up
Knaresborough started the second period with a try by the ubiquitous wing forward Richard Myers. By this time Adwick were down to 14 men after their No. 8 had to spend 10 mins in the sin bin.
After this it was a procession for Borough with further scores from Walker, Rawlings, Jenkins and Evens.
This week Knaresborough entertain Hornsea at home KO 3.00pm
Knaresborough RUFC 58 Wibsey RUFC 0
On a beautiful autumn day Knaresborough decided that their ruby would match the weather.
We never fond out if Wibsey could play as they never secured enough procession to display any skills they may have had. In the scrum a magnificent performance by Southern, Dodds and Dodds in the front row made sure that the visitors would receive very few rewards via this route and with Jack Hall leaping like a salmon in the line out, Wibsey had to live off scraps.
By half time the game was all but over as a contest with Borough leading 19-0.
Any ball Wibsey did win came with an attachment this was the Knaresborough scrum half Elliot . He was rightly named man of the match for his commitment to the cause.
With so much good possession the backs show cased all their considerable skills and flare. With the old Welsh wizard Jenks controlling things from No.10. The Stevenson brothers had a field day Ben the older and the more pugnacious taking the more direct route and Will the younger setting off on his long looping runs, his pretty blond hair flowing behind him. Both equally effective in their own way scoring tries Ben (2) Will (3).
Other tries were scored by Tim Evens, Jack Hall and James Rawlings. Will Stevenson kicked 6 conversions
Knaresborough RUFC 19 Mosborough RUFC 38
Knaresborough played top of the table Mosborough who are also undefeated this season at Hay-A-Park on Saturday. Mosborough got off to a flying start scoring a converted try after only 5 minutes. They continued to make all the running for most of the first half and shortly before half time where leading 26 points to 0. With half time approaching Knaresborough began what was a remarkable fight back and managed to score a try through Will Stevenson just before the break.
Knaresborough continued in tremendous form in the second half and a visibly shaken Mosborough found there lead cut right back to only a one score margin with
Knaresborough tries coming from Ben Stevenson and Glen Roberts and both were converted by Will Stevenson. This continued until late in the half when Mosborough broke out from their own line and at the resulting lineout close to the Knaresborough try line they pressed hard and were awarded a penalty try. From the restart Knaresborough threw caution to the wind but where caught on the counter attack and Mosborough's wing sprinted in under the posts to complete an entertaining afternoon's rugby.
This week Boro are away at Stocksbridge 3.00 ko.
Stocksbridge RUFC 17 Knaresborough RUFC 7
Knaresborough Rugby Club winning form comes to an end.
In the last 2 weeks Knaresborough have recorded victories over Pontefract and Northallerton so they travelled to Stocksbridge looking to achieve another positive result. However in a close encounter they were unable to keep their winning streak going. Playing on a very muddy pitch and with a strong wind at their backs boro found themselves leading 7 nil at halftime with a Try from Jack Hall which was converted by Jamie Bird.
The second half saw some stout defence from Boro but with the pitch deteriorating and the wind making passing difficult they were gradually overhauled by a determined Stocksbridge side. In the last quarter Stocksbridge finally broke Boros resistance and went over from close range for two tries and were awarded a penalty under the posts. However the only real winner on this occasion was the weather which stopped both sides from playing to their full potential.
This week Boro are at home to Wibsey kick off 3.00pm
Knaresborough 5 Stanley Rodillians 22
Knaresborough went down 22 points to 5 at home to a strong Stanley Rodillians team in their Yorkshire 5 league game. Despite their best efforts Boro were unable to overcome a Four tries to One deficit. The only Boro try was scored in the second half by Will Stevenson.
Pontefract Pythons 14 Knaresborough 19
Knaresborough Rugby club travelled to Pontefract Pythons for their league game and went down to a narrow defeat. While Boro competed well after a shaky start they were not quite a match for a very physical Pontefract pack. Knaresborough went into the lead with two penalties from Will Stevenson then Ponty responded with a penalty of their own before scoring a converted try. They then finished of the first half with a penalty giving them a 13 points to 9 lead going into the break.
The second half saw Boro take the game to Ponty and they gained a penalty which Will Stevenson successfully kicked to take the score to 13 points to 9. Then Boro went into the lead with an unconverted try from Andy King. Boro held onto the lead for most of the second half before two late penalties gave Ponty victory with a final score of 19 points to 14.
This week Knaresborough have a league game at home to Stanley Rodillians KO 2:15.
Knaresborough RUFC 17 Thirsk 0
Knaresborough Rugby club played Thirsk and ran out worthy winners. This was their first game since mid December due to bad weather and cancellations. Both sides made their intensions clear by trying to run the ball from deep in their own half. However unforced errors and poor decision making showed that both sides had not played for some time. This trend continued until just before half time when Ben Stevenson had a long range solo effort but bounced the ball when coming into contact with the ground in the in goal area. Miraculously he then repeated the same try scoring effort only this time the try was awarded and his brother Will successfully converted to take the half time score to 7 points to nil.
The second half started with Knaresborough extending their lead through substitute Jamie Bird who linked well with Will Stevenson and Rob Darvill to run a fine line and score the opening try of the second half pushing Boro into a 12 point lead. The game continued to flow back and forth but Boro's defence held firm and Will Stevenson scored a further unconverted try midway through the half to complete the scoring.
This week Knaresborough have a league game away against Pontifract Pythons players are asked to meet at 12: 30.
Knaresborough RUFC 3 Mosborough 16
Knaresborough Rugby club played their home league match against top of the table Mossborough and acquitted themselves very well but where not quite good enough on the day to defeat a pacey and well organised Mossborough side. The game got off to a good start with Knaresborough taking the game to their opposition. Mossborough in turn then counter attacked with flair and speed. By half time the scores were tied at 3 points each both penalties Knaresborough's was scored by Will Stevenson. But the pattern of the match was well established with Knaresborough dominant in the scrummage and Mossborough keen to attack at every opportunity.
The second half was notable for some fine defensive work from both sides and Knaresborough Man of the Match Jack Hall did some good work cleaning up any scrappy play around the breakdown. However as the second half progressed it became clear that Mossborough's more running game was starting to pay dividends with them scoring a further penalty and 2 tries in the later stages. To seal a 16 points to 3 victory.
This week Knaresborough have a league game away against Pontifract Pythons players are asked to meet at the ground at 12 noon.
Marist RUFC 34 Knaresborough RUFC 33
Knaresborough Rugby club travelled to Marists for their league fixture and the journey seemed to send them to sleep. Boro found themselves trailing by two tries after only 8 minutes. When Boro did get going they then put Marists under pressure. Chris Walker scored Boro's first unconverted try from a set piece move of the back of a scrum. This was followed by a try by Jean Olesqui which was converted by Will Stevenson. At this point Boro were leading 12 points to 10 but Marist hit back to take a half time lead of 17 points to12.
In the second half the lead continued to change hands Marists scored a further 2 converted tries and what proved to be a crucial penalty. While Boro scored 3 converted tries. Two of which came from man of the match Jean Olesque taking his total for the day to 3 and 1 from Ben Stevenson but this was not enough to recover from their slow start. .
Airborough 3rds 7 Knaresborough RUFC 15
Knaresborough Rugby club travelled to Airborough 3rds and came away with a well deserved 7 points to 15 victory. In wet and slippery conditions Knaresborough handled the ball well and played a wide and expansive game. Knaresborough opened the scoring with a well worked set piece which resulted in a cross field kick being well gathered by Alex Hanson. Knaresborough scored the second try of the game just before half time when Andy King feed a short ball to matt Houseman who ran a good angle to score without a hand being laid on him.
The home team and Knaresborough both went on to score a try apiece in the second half. Knaresborough's coming from Chris Walker who finished off some good work at a rolling maul. Knaresborough man of the Match Jack Hall was instrumental in some good defensive work putting in several fine tackles.
Wibsey RUFC 7 Knaresborough RUFC 5
Knaresborough Rugby club travelled to Wibsey for their Yorkshire 5 league Match where they were hoping to secure another victory. Unfortunately in poor playing conditions they contributed greatly to their own downfall with a catalogue of unforced errors which prevented them from gaining any momentum. At the interval Boro found themselves trailing 7 points to 0 to a converted try by Wibsey.
In the second half Boro rallied and grew stronger as the game progressed. There defence remained firm with good tackling keeping the opposition from adding to their first half score. Then after a period of increasing pressure Boro scored a fine try of their own with Ben Stevenson finishing a good move off and then they narrowly missed the conversion which would have given them the draw they deserved.
This week Boro are at home to Roundhegians 3rds all players are asked to meet at 1pm
Knaresborough RUFC 15 Stocksbridge 13
Stanley Rodillians 31 Knaresborough RUFC 10
Knaresborough travelled to Stanley Rodillians to play their Yorkshire 5 league game. In the first half Boro had no answer to Rodillians speedy back line and some poor tackling also helped Rodillians to gain a strong lead that they never looked like relinquishing the only consolation for Boro in the first half was a fine try by Jean Claude Olesqui who snapped up a loose ball from a line out and powered over for try that Boro narrowly missed out on converting from wide out.
The second half however was a completely different story. With Boro reshuffling there back line to counter Rodillians attacking back line and with some fine tackling from man of the match Will Stevenson Boro proved more than a match for the home team. The half ended with both sides scoring a try a piece the Boro try coming from a barnstorming run from Kev Brooke. Boro finished the game on a high with a performance that continued to improve as the game went on.
YORKSHIRE5 LEAGUE GAME
Knaresborough RFUC 17 Pontefract Pythons 15
YORKSHIRE5 LEAGUE GAME
Knaresborough RFUC 15 York 3rd/4th 12
Knaresborough travelled to Clifton Park to play a friendly fixture against a combined York 3rd/4th team.
The Knaresborough team, buoyant from their victory last week, started out strongly with good ball retention leading to an early penalty, taken by Will Stevenson.
However, York came back with a number of assaults on the Knaresborough line; Matt Houseman with some strong tackling to deny the home team on a number of occasions. However, good phase play brought 2 tries in quick succession to the home team, leaving the half time score at 12-3 to York.
The Knaresborough pack again started the second half strongly, providing good quick ball to the backs. After a sturdy scrum, the ball was shipped out to fly half Andy King who ran 50 yards, beating the entire York backline, to score a superb individual try.
With the scores at 12-8 the York attack drove strongly into the Knaresborough half, but heroic tackling from the entire Knaresborough team left the home side frustrated. In the final third of the game, some broken play eventually saw Knaresborugh break forward and breach the York defence. Inside Centre, Cian Evans scored and converted his own try to edge Knaresborough in front.
At 12-15, the Knaresborough team held on for their second win in an row and will look to take their winning form back to the league fixture next week.
FRIENDLY
Knaresborough RUFC 42 York Rowntrees RUFC 5
Knaresborough Rugby Club new season off to good start.
In a re-arranged fixture Knaresborough started their new season with a home game against a well drilled and free running Rowntrees side. The game got off to a good start with both teams playing running rugby which resulted in some entertaining end to end play. After 25 minutes Boro finally broke the deadlock with a long range solo effort from Will Stevenson. The half continued in a similar fashion with both teams going close. Kev Brooke made several strong tackles and veteran Eddie Dodds was running around like a spring chicken. The half ended with Boro just in front at five points to nil. The second half saw Boro start to pull away from Rowntrees with Matt Houseman scoring a try that was converted by Will Stevenson after 50 minutes and 2 minutes later Rich Myers got on the score sheet with another well worked move. This spurred Rowntrees on to greater efforts and they hit back with a fine try of their own. Matt Houseman then scored a long range try breaking through several tackles to push Boro further ahead and Will Stevenson converted to see Boro run out worthy winners 24 points to 5. This weekend will be a very special one for Knaresborough Rugby club. Plans are well underway for a special Invitation Match on Sunday 13th of September to celebrate the completion of their new pitch and training area. The event will start at the ground at 1pm with a game starting at 2pm. Two teams selected by club president Barry Stevenson and club chairman Ron Bird will play each other in the first game at the new ground. It is the clubs intension to invite other local clubs, friends and sponsors to the event to say thank you to all those who have helped so much with the project. The rugby club would also like to extend an invitation to any members of the local community who would like to come along. The club committee members have now completed what was always thought of as the first phase of their development plan and now are working towards the next stage of a clubhouse and junior section. For this next stage to happen Knaresborough Rugby Club will need to raise a lot more money. Fundraising is now going ahead and many different revenue streams are being explored. Several local companies have been approached in an attempt to attract sponsors and a campaign to sell advertising boards around the ground is now underway. Any companies or individuals who would like to become involved with the club should log on to the clubs website for details.
FRIENDLY
Saturday January 17th 2009 Kick Off 2.15pm
Knaresborough 1st XV 19 Sheffield Medicals 20
The spectators who were lucky enough to be present for this game owe a huge debt of gratitude to both sides who gave there all to produce an entertaining and tense game of rugby. The commitment and determination shown by both teams was a credit to all involved. Boro started the quicker and brighter and an early unconverted try by Jamie Bird gave Boro the edge they needed. This seemed to rock the Medics side out of their stride and Boro took full advantage of their hesitancy. Jamie Bird again finished off some good forwards work to score another try for Boro which Pete Wrigley converted. Boro then had a long period of time camped on the Medics try line and came close to scoring further points on 4 or 5 occasions only to be held up over the try line by some determined defence from Sheffield. The Medics team then raised their game and swept up field to score a fine converted try. They then followed this with a well taken penalty to peg the score back to 12-10 to Boro. At this point the balance swung again and Boro scored another try of their own to take the halftime score to 19-10 to Boro. The second half started as the first half had finished with Boro dominating up front and Medics running counter attack ball at every opportunity and both teams putting in ferocious tackles to attempt to turn the ball over. The Boro forwards were putting in a huge amount of effort to keep possession away from the Medics backs and Hall and McGrail rolled back the years to have fine individual performances but if you could pick out any one person it would have to be stand in scrum half Jenkins who's all-round play and commitment was an outstanding achievement. With time running out medics finally got some clean possession and scored a fine try to peg the score back to 19-15. The final hammer blow came for Boro with only 1 minute remaining when Medics pounced onto a loose ball and swept it out wide to squeeze in at the corner and steal the game by 20 points to 19. Next week Boro are at home to Harrogate Pythons in a rearranged fixture.
Saturday January 24th 2009 Kick Off 2.15pm
Knaresborough 1st XV 36 Stocksbridge RFC 0
Knaresborough's home league game against Stocksbridge got off to a Rampaging start when the formidable figure of Keith Unwin the Boro prop bullocked his way over from 30 metres. This was followed shortly afterwards with a fine try from Jamie Bird this had Boro a in 10 points to nil lead after only 15 minutes. The half continued with Boro playing some good 15 man rugby and further tries came from Will Stevenson and Scott Mcullock with Pete Wrigley converting the former. With the pack dominating up front and Boro standoff Jenkins controlling play with versatile distribution and clever tactical kicking Boro finished the half 22 points up and looking good value for their lead.
The second half started with Boro playing down the slope and the large crowd were looking forward to a feast of tries. However Stocksbridge had other ideas and spent large periods of time camped on the Boro try line. Boro's defence held firm and Stocksbridge could not find a way through some ferocious tackling. On one of the occasions Boro ventured into the Stocksbridge half Jenkins put in accurately placed cross field kick for Scott Mcullock to catch and score under the posts. The highlight of the game however came when Man of the match Will Stevenson finished off a length of the field counter attack after more sustained pressure from Stocksbridge on the Boro line. Pete Wrigley converted both tries and Boro Finished a fine all-round display 36 Points to 0 winners
.Saturday January 24th 2009 Kick Off 2.15pm
Ilkley RFC 41 Knaresborough Crag Rats 14
Boro's second string sent a large squad to Ilkley and despite there best efforts lost 41-14 to a very strong Ilkley third team. Andy king and James Adams scored the Boro points. Ben Stevenson Boro skipper acquitted his self well when he had to play at scrum half after the late withdrawal of the regular incumbentSaturday January 17th 2009 Kick Off 2.15pm
Saturday January 17th 2009 Kick Off 2.15pm
Sheffield Oaks 3 Knaresborough 1st XV 38
Knaresborough travelled to Sheffield Oaks for their League match with several key players missing or injured and still managed to come away with a decisive victory.
Boro piled on the points in the first half to turn around with a halftime lead of 24 points to 3, with tries from Jamie Bird (2) Ben Stevenson & Pete Wrigley with Pete Wrigley also converting two of them. Sheffield Oaks only response was a penalty.
The second half started with Ben Stevenson being sent to the sin bin and Boro now reduced to 14 men still managed to score a pushover try demonstrating some fine forward control, this was also converted . Playing conditions by this time had badly deteriorated and the pitch was turning into a mud bath making handling conditions very difficult for both teams. Boro now had total control of the game and managed a further close range try when Jamie Bird once again crashed over from the back of the scrum man of the match Pete Wrigley added the conversion to finish of the scoring. Next week boro are at home to Stocksbridge
Hemsworth 33 Knaresborough 5
Knaresborough got off to a bad start conceding 14 points early on in their game at Hemsworth. The Visitors had not got into their stride before Hemsworth Had scored Two tries. Knaresborough's pack then got into the game and Dave Topley crossed the line after some good work from the rest of the forwards. However this was soon balanced out by another try for Hemsworth after a charged down clearance kick resulted in Hemsworth gaining possession close to Boros line and they forced a way through to score. Boro then had a player sent to the sin bin and while down to 14 men conceded 2 more converted tries taking the half time score to 33 points to 5.
The second half saw Boro raise their game and there forwards control of the scrum and lineout kept ht quick thinking and pacey Hemsworth backs starved of possession preventing them from any further scoring opportunities. In contrast Boro took the game to Hemsworth in the forwards Scoring 2 more tries from Topley and Hollyhead.
With Hall and Unwin making rampaging runs and Bird sniping around the fringes Boro looked like they could force their way back into the game but with time running out a serious injury to Boro player Rich Maunder ment that after a long delay the referee called an end to the match and Boro after having controlling the second half finished off regretting there slow start to the game.
Knaresborough 46 Pontefract Pythons 10
Knaresborough recorded their first league victory of the season at Hay-a-park, beating Pontefract Pythons by 46 point to 10. Knaresborough won the toss and chose to play with the strong wind at their backs. Immediately putting Ponte under pressure as ponte tried to run the ball out of defence boro flanker Jordan Willey put a big hit on the ponte full back dislodging the ball and scrum half Jamie Bird was on hand to score the try wrigley adding the extras. Boro went straight back up field came away with Bird scoring his second try following a planned line out move. Boro were now playing with more confidence following good inter play between the forwards and backs number 8 Tim Thomas powered over for boro's 3rd try wrigley adding the exrras. After good work from stand off Jenkins Willey beat three defenders to score in the corner to give boro a 24-0 lead . The last 10 minuets of the half saw Ponte come back into the game scoring a converted try and a penalty .Turning around 24-10 down ponte with the strong wind at their backs were still in the game but boro's defence held strong . Boro ran the ball well out of defence and ponte found it hard to cope with strong running of the boro players then bird broke through from 30 yards to score his 3rd try . Knaresborough were now well on top and were playing some good rugby and after a length of field move resulted in Willey going over for his second try converted by wrigley. Thomas scored his second and Bird his forth to finish the game off .
This was a much improved performance by Boro and hope to continue this form away at Sheffield Medicals.
Following a disappointing loss away to Hemsworth last week Boro were determined to overturn 4th placed Northallerton on Saturday. Having narrowly lost earlier in the season Boro new they had a chance. Starting with a virtually unchanged side Boro were on the back foot immediately as a quick Northallterton pack took advantage of the slope to score a penalty within the first 5 minutes. It was clearly going to be a battle of the forwards as the North pack started to dominate the lineouts and managed to hold the boro scrummage. The North back row pounced on every loose ball and rucked with an eagerness that initially had the Boro men on the back foot. It was not long until the well drilled visitors scored a well worked try in the corner. Boro had to raise their game and looked to their more experienced players to take control. Unable to compete at 4 on the lineouts due to an elusive tactic employed by Northallerton boro had to rely on talisman Cutting at 2 to upset the North control. Cutting pressure cause the North men to knock on at the line and Boro had the scrummage within the North 22. A solid platform allowed Boro Number 8 Topley to pick up and drive for the line, quick ruck ball saw front row Tomson on the charge only to be stopped by some strong North defence. Second phase ball fed to the blind side by Bird saw Maunder drive for the gap and draw his man to provide a perfectly weighted pass to supporting runner Topley. Topley charged for the gap and was well tackled by the North winger and outside centre but still got the inside pass away to Bird who ran over the tacking Noth full back to score. Wrigley converted and Boro were back in the game. A furiously competitive match unfortunately saw a few players receiving medical treatment, the North man of the match being one. Unfortunately for North whilst he was off the pitch the Boro forwards scored once again, this time through the Boro trademark driving maul and Maunder scoring the in the corner. Wrigley missed a difficult conversion. North began to spin the ball wide to their well sized back line with a view to breaking through the Boro defence. Although the Boro defence held firm with Spankland and Wellington doing a stirling job in the centres to keep the North assaults at bay they were eventually to find a way through and score their second try of the half. The half time whistle sounded and Boro were trailing 12 - 15. With everything to play for Boro began to raise their game and in the second half and started to dominate the territory and possession. North attempted to stem the tide with some tactical kicking from their own half only to be continually pinned back by the kicking in form Boro fullback Wilf Stevenson. The introduction of Wiley and Brooke to the forwards provided fresh legs and power to the Boro pressure and soon the front row veterans of Tomson and Olesqui were to power over for two well controlled forwards trys. Both excellently converted by Wriglet. Northallerton were not finished and valiantly fought their way back into the game with two tries also, although both conversions were missed and game remained in the balance at 26:25. The Boro 15 dug deep and placed the Northallerton pack under siege for a sustained period of 20 minutes in the corner of their 22. Continued forward drives, mauls, rucks, lineouts and scrummages wore the North men down and paid off for the Boro men. A series of infringements enables Wrigley to slot his only penalty of the match and then a switch move at the back of the ruck by Bird and Topley enabled the Boro number 8 to power over for the try to seal the game at 34:25. Unwin's men did not achieve their planned 100% record in January but 3 wins out of 4 lifts them even further off the bottom of Yorkshire 4, they are now joint 6th out of 12. With the same commitment and discipline displayed on Saturday Boro can continue to secure their place in Yorkshire 4 in readiness for the opening of their new ground and clubhouse.
Boro continued their 2008 revival with a spirited 27-7 win at home to Burley on Saturday. Starting with 15 of the 18 that beat Leeds the previous week expectations of another win were high and Unwin's men did not disappoint. Burely won the toss and decided to play up the slope and receive the kick off. A plumb drop kick from the in form Boro fly half Gotts was well collected bt the Burley number 6 only to be enveloped with a man and ball tackle by the Boro number 8. Burley were immediatley dispossessed and the Boro pack steamed into the Burley 22. With quick ruck ball the Boro 8 picked and drove to the Burley tryline to feed Captain Unwin the first try. Wrigley missed the conversion. Burley competed well in the lineouts and prevented boro from controlling all the set piece as they would have liked. Although having the possession Burley opted to attack through their backline but their attacks were expertly snuffed out by Boro centre Nellington and back row Myres. Unable to cross the game-line Burley soon lost possession and were pinned back by tactical kicking by Gotts. An infringement in the Burley 22 led to a Boro penalty and Unwin opted for the scrum. The Boro pack easily drove Burley back but Topley was unable to score his 3rd pushover in 2 games due to another infringement by the Burley scrum half. Boro were awarded a penality try and Wrigley converted. Although Burley rallied well towards the end of the 1st half with some good counter attacking play more infringments at the breakdown led to Wrigley soon added a penalty kick to make the half time score Boro 15 Burley 0. Boro started the second half stongly and it was not long until multi fasceted Gotts cut the Burley back line in half with a powerful angled run, shrugging off some burley defenders to score a well deserved try under the post. Wrigley converted to stretch the lead to 22-0. Burley once again rallied well and began to win their own scrummages to provide the platform for a sustained period of Burley pressure on the Boro 22. Burley 2nd row Nick Taylor was rewarded for their efforts with a try, well converted by Rich Parrish. The return of Boro back row legend Richard Marauder was a boost for the team and his 20 minute impact play out of position at number 8 was well received. Some powerful Boro driving runs and strong mauling by marauder soon led to an individual drive to the line with Marauder taking several of the Burley defence for a ride over the try line for the try to seal the victory 27-7. Boro 2nd team had a good match away to Thornensians although lost 21-0.
Boro recorded an emphatic 39-0 victory over Leeds to start 2008 as they plan to continue it. With only 3 wins from 11 league matches in 2007 Boro had everything to prove following a narrow loss away to Leeds earlier in the season. From the kick off Boro took control with several forward drives from Bird, Topley and Tomson down the blind side. With quick ball the Boro backs cut through the Leeds defence from the half way line. With man of the match Will Stevenson joining the line brilliantly from full back to feed his younger brother Ben on the wing to score a delightful try in the corner. With the poor conditions getting worse Boro played to their strengths in the line out and scrums taking almost all of the opposition ball . It was not long until forward domination led to the first push over try expertly dropped on by Topley. Wrigley converted. Leeds threw all they had at the Boro defence but the midfield of Gotts, Spankland and Wrigley held firm and denied Leeds any way through. Boro were able to control numerous rolling mauls with such power and accuracy that the trys flowed throughout the match, so much so the referee had trouble keeping up! Trys from Tomson, Olesqui and the second from Topley put the match well out of reach mid way through the second half. A 15 man performance was rounded off when inside centre spankland scored with some well executed lines of running and bird with a trademark bulldozing run to score under the posts. With credit to Leeds they stuck to the task in hand but it was never going to be their day with Boro forward power locking them out the match. Boro coach Mike Pennock now looks forward to each of the return fixtures throughout January as an opportunity to put Boro's 25th anniversary season back on track.
KRUFC faced Hornsea at home last Saturday and rose to the challenge with a strong performance. With the wet and windy weather this was never going to be a pretty game and KRUFC played to their strengths out muscling Hornsea in all the forward play. From the kick off Hornsea looked to play the game out wide but unforced errors and a strong Boro mid-field of Spankland and Gotts soon produced turn over ball for Jenkins to chip over the attacking Hornsea line for a line out on their 22 yard line. Boro started and continued the game stealing the Hornsea line out ball. Persistant Hornsea offenses at the ensuing breakdowns led to a penalty goal scored by the veteran Jenkins. Hornsea soon stuck back with some short moves from well worked ruck ball and a chip and chase down the touchline for Roberts to parry safely into touch. Scrappy ball from the Hornsea lineout was pounced on by the Boro back row only to be adjudged to have fouled the Hornsea scrum half in the process. It was soon 3 all with all to play for. Boro continued their domination of the set piece and were unlucky when the Boro 8 was unable to capitalise on several scrummages for a push over try. The Hornsea defence did well to keep the probing Boro attacks but were once again penalised at the breakdown. Half time Boro 6 Hornsea 3. 2nd half was played in the Hornsea half with Boro threatening to score from the set piece but equally Hornsea looked threatening on the counter attack. Towards the end of the 2nd half after numerous penalties awarded against Hornsea infringements within their own 22 Boro opted for a crash penality drive with Topley taking the ball in to set up the touchdown for Thomson. The unconverted try finished the game and Boro won 11 - 3. Only their 2nd victory of the season but Unwin is confident of a third away to Stocksbridge this Saturday.
Away to Leeds KRUFC 1st XV fielded a weakened side due to some late disappointments. The first half saw Boro play some excellent rugby in the forwards, dominating the set pieces and in particular the scrums. Some excellent driving mauls led to Bird scoring his first try down the short side. Leeds were a well drilled side and punted the ball down field at every opportunity to take advantage of the sunnry and windy conditions and their fast wingers out wide. It wasn't long until Leeds scored 3 well earned trys to lead 15 - 5 at half time.Boro cam back well and once again a driving maul from a Boro lineout led to a 20 meter drive and Thomson scoring under the posts. Bird converted. With the sun at their backs the Boro back line came to life with some excellent counter attacked spireheaded by the Steveson brothers, both making clear statements for the future of Knaresborough. After a counter attacking kick from W Steveson and some quick recycling Leeds knocked on and Boro had a scrum on their line. The Boro forwards drove Leeds back with ease. Topley capitalising at 8 with a well executed push over try. The match looked there for the taking at 15 - 17 to Boro
Leeds were soon back in it with an slick backs move to score under the posts following some weak defence in the Boro midfield. With all to play for at 20 - 17 Unwin Leeds started to give away numerous penalties, Unwin went for the win and opted for a driving lineout on more than one occasion. With nothing to show for their territory Boro were soon on the defensive following the counter attack from Leeds. The Leeds half back and man of the match sealed the game with 2 lates drop goals matched by one late Boro penality. Final score Leeds Cornithians 26 - Knaresborogh 20
KRUFC won their first league match in convincing style with a shell shocked Hemsworth barely getting a look in for the majority of the game. Boro captain Unwin has struggled with numerous injuries for the first 5 league matches and has seen his side loose the brilliant form displayed last season. Although on Saturday Boro were back as were man of the match Maunder at 6, Jenkins at 10, Brooke at 5, Cutting at 4 and Unwin himself at 3. The team gelled once again and with Vetran scrum half Bird at 9 the 'unbeatable' Hemsworth pack looked beaten within 5 minutes with Boro smashing through their defence. After the first of many turnover balls from a Hemsworth scrum, inside centre Contraous took a beautiful line of running fed by swift hands to score the first try. Bird converting well from a tight angle. It wasn't long until forward power play from Boro saw Maunder continue the 1st half scoring by crashing through from short range under the post as Boro capitalised on some poor handling by the Hems backline. Brid once again converted. With Boro being so solid in the set piece their backs had room to pass and move with Gotts showing a return to form keeping the ball alive stepping inside with pace after a speculative kick up field form Jenkins from a Boro lineout. The Boro back row were soon there to secure possesion and set up a short side steam roller drive from Bird to score in the corner. Conversion missed although Boro were firmly in control. Hems frustration was clear to see as tempers flared and
several players from both side got 10 mins for battling off the ball. With only 13 players a side Boro once again turned the screw with another display of text book driving mauls and ball control with Maunder scoring under the posts. At the end of the 1st half Hems came alive and worked an excellant try all the way up field with most of their team handling the ball until their sharp little number 7 finished the move under the posts with a try. Converted by Hems.
Half time Boro 26 Hems 7, Unwin brought on Brooke and Holyhead to provide fresh legs and power to the scrums. Hems started the 2nd half well and came close to scoring out wide on several occasions but the Boro defence held firm with no way through the mid field and the Boro back row of Topley, Wiley and Maunder snuffing out most of the Hems chances. Hems eventually battled their way over with a rolling maul but missed their conversiion. This then lead to a sustained period of pressure from Boro for the rest of the game. Camping in the corner of the Hems half the Boro forwards took advantage of a tiring Hems front 5 to provide the platform for 2 more excellant trys from the Boro back line. Jenkins showing great power and confidence to run the ball stright back into the Hems forwards making sure the ball was made available for Bird to spray a perfect pass out to Contraous who darted round the defence to score his second. Jenkins hard work was rewarded towards the end of the match with a well worked try to mark his welcome return to the 10 shirt.
Unwin congratulated his men on a deserved win but also reminded them that there
are still many more matches to be won until Boro can be satisfied with their league position.Unwin summarised the paerformance "Although boro were clearly back to form on today with key players returning to the squad for selection we still have a lot to do to recover the start of the season. Let's hope the refreshed commitment continues from all involved"
Knaresborough recommenced their 2007-2008 campaign and their 25th Silver Jubilee Anniversary with an encouraging performance against Netwon Aycliffe on Saturday. New club Captain Keith Unwin fielded a mixed side including several new signings and players returning from injury and was pleased by the way the teams performed. Two excellent performances from Kev McHaggis and Jamie Bird with 2 try's each ensured Knaresborough ran out comfortable winners at 38 points to 7. Newton Aycliffe scored all their 7 points via ex Harrogate stalwart and captain Bob Malvern who commented 'what a well spirited and competitive match' it had been. Knaresborough are once again focused on promotion to Yorkshire 3 this year with the club having further strengthened it's playing ranks throughout the summer. Keith Unwin and Paul Jenkins lead the 1st XV whilst Jamie Birds and Mat Houseman lead the 2nd XV. Due to the increased playing numbers Boro are this season looking to introduce a 3rd XV social side on a regular basis. Lasts season Boro performed well in the league finishing in the top 5 of Yorkshire 4 and due to an excellent run of form the National Junior Vase will this season start as a seeded team. Over the coming 2 weeks Boro have 2 more practice matches before the league campaign starts at home to Barmley Phoenix on 8th September. There is current huge excitement throughout the club as it enters a new phase of development with the creation of a new ground at Hay a Park. Pitch development is already underway and the players know there would be nothing better than playing next season in Yorkshire Division 3 on the new ground.
Knaresborough rounded off their season in style with a winning visit to Portobello RFC in Edinburgh last weekend. Featuring a couple of guest players and two from Portobello, it was Knaresborough who opened the scoring when a mazy run from winger Matt Houseman allowed him to feed David Wallace who touched down in the corner. Portobello hit back quickly and scored 2 tries before Chris MacDonald broke away from the back of a ruck to score and bring Knaresborough level. Knaresborough then stretched their lead through a second try for newcomer Wallace who also converted however Portobello remained in contention and early in the second half regained the lead with 2 further tries. Knaresborough then lost Richard Gotts with a knee injury and it looked like Portobello might stretch away however some fine running rugby brought Knaresborough right back into the match and Fijian guest Maka scored a fine individual try. With Portobello tiring in the final quarter, it was Knaresborough who finished stronger and Wallace rounded off a fine performance in Knaresborough colours with a third try following a pick-up from Dave Topley at the back of a scrum.
Man of the Match: Dave Wallace - a guest from GHA RFC in Glasgow for scoring a hat-trick
Tit of the Week 1: Ricko - for deciding it would be a good idea to visit O'Manns, one of the roughest bars in Edinburgh, instead of watching the game
Tit of the week 2: Spartacus - for telling everyone in the above pub that the boot bag he was holding held all the valuables from everyone on tour.
Last Saturday saw local rivals Knaresborough and Wetherby go head to head at hay-a-park. The two sides have had differing fortunes this season after both gained promotion last season from Yorkshire 5. Knaresborough have managed to retain the services of most of the first team and have added to the squad and currently lay 6th in the league, Wetherby fortunes have been very different and currently lay bottom of Yorkshire 5. The two teams were not only battling for two league points but also (due to fixture backlogs) the team were playing for a place in the Quarter finals of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy. The home team were well geared up for the game, with Ben Cutting returning to second row after 6 weeks out and Ben Contreras in the side from university. The team also had the added support of a large crowd of former club players, officials and friends to watch the game. Two early tries from back row talus man Richard Maunder, followed by an opportunist try from Ben Contreras settled the crowd. All these tries were skilfully kicked by Peter Wrigley, making the half-time score a comfortable 21 - 0. The second half continues the way of the first, Knaresborough now playing down the hill, got there backline into the action, Charlie Maunder's hard running caused the visitors problems all afternoon and Charlie was rewarded with a well worked try. Vice-captain Kevin Thomson and a further try from Charlie, with help from his brother Richard, kept the scoreboard ticking along for Knaresborough. The rout was finally completed with a break away try from wing man Peter Wrigley which was duly converted by himself. The final score finished 45 - 0 and Knaresborough move into the Quarter final draw and keeps them in 6th place in the league with the chance of move into 4th by the end of the season.
Knaresborough hosted Hornsea last Saturday in an important game for both sides, Hornsea are pushing for promotion this season and are currently in third position in the league Knaresborough, with an upturn in form in recent weeks currently lay in fifth. When the two teams met earlier in the season Hornsea narrowly won with last minute try. The return fixture between the two sides proved to be just as close. With the hay-a-park pitch looking a bit worst for wear after the heavy rain of recent week, Knaresborough's game plan was to disrupt Hornsea at the set piece and ensure that there strong forward did not allow the visitors to use there quick runners. Boro' started up the slope in the first half and keep to the game plan successfully and after a prolonged period of pressure and strong running from Kevin Brooke, finally a try was scored by Kevin Thomson and this was dually converted by Peter Wrigley. Despite the advantage of the slope Hornsea could not emulate the home side and only managed to get on the scoreboards with two penalties. The second half did not follow the form of the first and Hornsea started to work well and develop good ball from the set piece. And with the half time score of 7 - 6 hornsea added that all important try to make it 7 -13. Knaresborough played the hill well and with only a few minutes left and after great pressure of the hornsea line the home side managed to edge over and took a 1 point lead into injury time (14 - 13). From the kick over Knaresborough stood firm, but Hornsea made yards and found themselves within seconds of the boro line, and ball came out from a ruck and the hornsea number 10 managed to get his boot to it and kick it over the sticks, a heartbreaking blow for the home side. The team had worked so hard and were not going take anything away from the game. A further try added salt to the wound.
Knaresborough travelled the short distance to Wetherby last Saturday in Yorkshire 4 and after a number of disappointing results, but not disappointing performances in recent weeks, it was with great relief that both the result and the performance went Boro's way. The 41- 6 victory, which puts Knaresborough's rivals at the bottom of the league and Knaresborough themselves in a comfortable mid-table position, was as much a one sided affair as the score suggests. Boro' can look back at the game and take many positives away from it. The balance between and forwards and backs were good this week and a try from winger Liam Spence demonstrated this. The set piece play worked well and the side played with confidence, an area the team has worked hard on. The team continued in the current form of starting well in the first half, and from Spence's try, converted by Peter Wrigley, Knaresborough soon settled down and a further try, this time from captain Dave Topley, allowed the team to start playing with the control which has at time invaded them. Wetherby came to this game with two excellent league performances under there belt in recent weeks, so it was with some surprise that the home team did not manage to stay with Knaresaborough, particularly as previous encounters have been very competitive. A second try from Topley and a kicked penalty by Wetherby left the half time score 19 - 3. The second half continued as the first and two further tries from full back Charlie Maunder and a try for front row Keith Unwin meant the final score looked very healthy for Boro'.
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Knaresborough will be pleased to see the back of November after a very difficult month, the team have not taken any points away from any of there 3 league games and were knocked out of the national cup, on top of this the team have had to deal with a number of key long term injuries. The coaching team however have been pleased in recent weeks with the performance of the side and Saturday's game with Ilkley was no exception. IIkley are a strong outfit and have produced a number of outstanding performances in recent weeks including scoring over 100 point in a game with Bradford Salam. So an away trip to Stacks Field was going to be a challenge for a team, which included a number of new faces. The game started well and Knaresborough scored first after a good work from a changed pack, a catch and drive from the lineout resulted in the ball going out to the back and centre Charlie Maunder scored unopposed under the post. The conversation was a formality and Boro' led 7 - nil. The home side who had a great balance of youth and experience, hit back after a great deal of hard work to break through a excellent boro' defensive line and the home side crossed the whitewash to make the half time score 7 - 5 to Knaresborough. The second half never raised itself above mediocrity, due in no small measure to the torrential rain, which made handling exceptionally dif
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