Moortown Report

Barnsley eased past Moortown with a 45-8 victory on a sunny afternoon at Far Moss. Both sides made several changes to their starting line-ups with the Shaw Lane team giving starts to Tyler Smith, Jack Iles, Adam Smith and Marlon Wragg.
It was Barnsley that began the liveliest but their usual patience was not in evidence as they wasted several chances in the first 10 minutes. Moortown defended stoutly and with the wind at their backs cleared their lines with ease.
Barnsley eventually got on the scoreboard after 18 minutes when Arron Gaunt made an impressive break and the lightning Marlon Wragg sprinted in from half way after gathering a loose ball. It was just another 8 minutes until Barnsley extended their lead when Liam Scorah added 5 points as the backs moved the ball well. Jensen added the extras to make it 12-0 to the visitors.
Moortown always looked threatening, particularly through their hard running centre and it was no surprise that they got their first score on 30 minutes after Barnsley had floundered at the re-start. Bown bisected the posts with a well taken penalty.
The Moortown pack continued to work hard and were a real handful, particularly in the scrums. Two further tries however before the break, put the game beyond doubt. Neil Francis showed his class as he scooped up a loose ball to score a real snipers try. Scott Hinchcliffe, who looked lively all afternoon, then added another following simple hands. The half-finished Barnsley 24 Moortown 3.
The second half felt like a much closer affair, even though Barnsley now had a commanding lead and a strong wind at their backs. Moortown never gave in and for a 15 minute spell they dominated the forward play. On 64 minutes they were rewarded with a try, scored from a series of pick and drives, Shires crossing from close range.
It was Barnsley that finished the stronger though as Moortwon slowly tired. Captain Dave Reed added his usual brace and Marlon Wragg capped off a fine performance as he sprinted in from the half way line, again.
In the rush to watch England vs Wales a man of the match was not announced but contenders for the coveted accolade will surely be Dave Reed, Marlon Wragg and Scott Hinchcliffe.