U16s Suffer Close Defeat in Difficult Conditions at Malton

A game that took place in difficult conditions, and won’t live long in the memory, was deservedly won by Malton.

Malton (7) 12
Yarnbury (0) 5
Try: Edward Green

Malton probably had better territory and possession stats, but only just made this count, winning by one converted try. Wet and windy conditions didn’t complement Yarnbury’s style of play, with multiple handling errors from both sides. The lineout continued to function well, following on from last week’s success, and great defensive work in their own 22 by Yarnbury kept the scores as close as they were.

A first half of few chances began with both sides changing possession and territory regularly. However in the opening exchanges Yarnbury were penalised on multiple occasions for offside, allowing Malton to get a grip on possession and work their way up to the away side’s 22. Good tackling and break down work on their own line allowed Yarnbury to exit and play continued in similar vain to the way it started. Mid way through the half, James Longhawn created a half chance by kicking through the ball on the floor, following a loose pass. He picked up superbly in the conditions and was able to offload to Alex Koppany who attempted a difficult pass to Jacob Rawson that was knocked on and landed in touch.

A score would eventually come late in the half when Malton were able to work their way up the pitch again, due to poor discipline. They played a number of phases, which was surely in double figures, and were slowed on the try line by great last ditch defensive work yet again. After an age of pick and drives, they eventually knocked on over the try line, giving Yarnbury a 5m scrum. However the scrum was one against the head and the ball could be passed wide for a score near the corner. The conversion was taken, half time Malton 7-0 Yarnbury.

The second half started in similar circumstances to the first, it was still raining, still windy, still cold, and still too close to call. The next score would prove pivotal and it came midway through the half. Malton won a penalty for offside and kicked for a lineout just inside the 22. Multiple phases were played, as usual by now with Yarnbury defending well. The ball was eventually grubber kick through, and Jacob Butterfield dived and slid to gather it on the ground and presented it back. However the ball was adjudged to have been taken fairly by a Malton player in the ruck, and he dived over to score. – Cue heated discussions between referee and coaches. Was the ball taken fairly, was it touched down by the defender, and was it even grounded. - The score stood. The conversion was missed, which showed some mercy from the rugby gods, Malton 12-0 Yarnbury.

Yarnbury would score soon after though, as following the kick off they received almost constant penalties for infringements at the breakdown, which were all quickly taken allowing the away side to travel fast up the pitch (unlike the journey home). Eventually the ball was given to Edward Green, who stormed over to score near the corner. The conversion was missed but now the difference was as it was before the ongoing drama. Yarnbury would have one final chance to draw level, following a turn over by James Longhawn, the ball was chipped over the top and Jacob Rawson collected well. Play could then be shifted left into the opposition 22 but a loose pass saw the ball go backwards and then a forward pass halted play. Full time Malton 12-5 Yarnbury.

Yarnbury: Keenan Dyer-Dixon, Jacob Rawson, Jamie Mcdonnell, Matt Schofield, Jacob Butterfield, Maxwell Lee, Jamie Baker, Carter Proctor, Sam Brown, Dan Mitchell, Ruairi Daly, Jack Brownridge, Alex Koppany, James Longhawn, Edward Green (capt)

Replacements: Saman Azari

Man of the Match: James Longhawn, made a complete nuisance of himself, causing the opposition problems at the break down, and had to play nine for a lengthy period of the game.