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Sat 01 Nov 2014 · Yorkshire Division Two
Barnsley 1st XVWest Park Leeds
11
12
Narrow defeat for Barnsley
Rebecca Patrick2 Nov 2014 - 22:07
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Second defeat for Shaw Laners
BARNSLEY 11 WEST PARK LEEDS 12
For those of you who are historically challenged, the phrase ‘Careless talk costs lives’ will mean nothing, but for BRUFC it can be amended to ‘Careless talk costs points’ as twice the home side was penalised for back chatting the referee, which cost 6 points in a game lost by 1 single point.
This game between the unbeaten league leaders and a Barnsley team determined to make up for a poor show the previous week, was played in front of the largest crowd of the season, with the visitors bringing a good contingent of their friendly club to Shaw Lane. For the home side, injuries led to Gaunt moving to centre, Josh Smith in at full back and Todd Cheetham restored to hooker.
The home fans were conscious of WPL’s unbeaten record, but soon had something to cheer when excellent handling involving Swann and W Smith put Salkeld over in the corner for the opening score. Again the home team threatened, but WPL are renowned for the strength of their defence, and they held firm. When they finally attacked it was with both pace and power, but superb tackling led by South kept them at bay. The visitors were also let down by some poor handling when in the Barnsley half, and pressure was relieved by good clearance kicks by Gaunt. WPL finally got onto the scoreboard with a penalty, but half time saw the home side in front with the narrowest of margins.
Jack Iles was replaced by the promising Nick Davies, and it was clear that Appleyard’s previous injury had not been repaired as he laboured in midfield. After Iles returned, it was Watt’s turn for a breather, but the side got itself into trouble with a very young and energetic referee, Mr Robson from Hessle, when someone tried to do his job for him. The ensuing penalty gave WPL a 5-6 lead, but it was nip and tuck all the way, both sides making errors under pressure while defending with strength and commitment. The hardworking Naisby gave way to Tyler Smith, but it was WPL who should have scored. A couple of kickable penalties were missed, but further instruction of the referee by a home player extended WPL lead to 5-9. Tension grew when Jensen narrowed the gap to one point, and both sides went for the win, cheered on by their supporters, engaging in good banter on the sideline. Then, to the delight of the home crowd, Jensen kicked them into the lead with around 10 minutes to go.
WPL attacked ferociously, but could not quite finish the home defence off. Hatfield took a well earned rest to let Naisby back into the fray, and when a prolonged WPL attack was repelled it seems as if Barnsley had done enough. Considerable sympathetic and respectful applause saw the departure of the WPL 8, injured in a terrific attack, but again the home team stood firm until the referee awarded a penalty which saw the lead go back to WPL at 11-12.
Barnsley then threw everything into an all-out assault, which was defended strongly by the visitors. Swann tried hard to break tackles, a chase by Colbridge ended just short as the ball went into touch, South drove forward yet again, and the crowd roared their heroes on. A dramatic last minute saw the referee award the home team a penalty wide out yet within distance, and there was silence – can you imagine that on the soccer field?- as Jensen struck the ball. As it faded just to the left of the upright, there were cheers from WPL and groans from Barnsley. The referee blew for time, giving the league leaders another win, and leaving the home team to think on what might have been with a little self discipline on their part.
Both teams had given their all, and there were some exhausted bodies at the end. Barnsley can take a little comfort from a losing bonus and a performance so much better than a week ago: WPL can continue their way towards Yorkshire 1. Barnsley can lick their wounds, and prepare for Goole in two weeks, confidence renewed that they can hold their own with the best team in the league. Not the best 18th birthday for young wing forward Josh Smith – but well played, young man!
For those of you who are historically challenged, the phrase ‘Careless talk costs lives’ will mean nothing, but for BRUFC it can be amended to ‘Careless talk costs points’ as twice the home side was penalised for back chatting the referee, which cost 6 points in a game lost by 1 single point.
This game between the unbeaten league leaders and a Barnsley team determined to make up for a poor show the previous week, was played in front of the largest crowd of the season, with the visitors bringing a good contingent of their friendly club to Shaw Lane. For the home side, injuries led to Gaunt moving to centre, Josh Smith in at full back and Todd Cheetham restored to hooker.
The home fans were conscious of WPL’s unbeaten record, but soon had something to cheer when excellent handling involving Swann and W Smith put Salkeld over in the corner for the opening score. Again the home team threatened, but WPL are renowned for the strength of their defence, and they held firm. When they finally attacked it was with both pace and power, but superb tackling led by South kept them at bay. The visitors were also let down by some poor handling when in the Barnsley half, and pressure was relieved by good clearance kicks by Gaunt. WPL finally got onto the scoreboard with a penalty, but half time saw the home side in front with the narrowest of margins.
Jack Iles was replaced by the promising Nick Davies, and it was clear that Appleyard’s previous injury had not been repaired as he laboured in midfield. After Iles returned, it was Watt’s turn for a breather, but the side got itself into trouble with a very young and energetic referee, Mr Robson from Hessle, when someone tried to do his job for him. The ensuing penalty gave WPL a 5-6 lead, but it was nip and tuck all the way, both sides making errors under pressure while defending with strength and commitment. The hardworking Naisby gave way to Tyler Smith, but it was WPL who should have scored. A couple of kickable penalties were missed, but further instruction of the referee by a home player extended WPL lead to 5-9. Tension grew when Jensen narrowed the gap to one point, and both sides went for the win, cheered on by their supporters, engaging in good banter on the sideline. Then, to the delight of the home crowd, Jensen kicked them into the lead with around 10 minutes to go.
WPL attacked ferociously, but could not quite finish the home defence off. Hatfield took a well earned rest to let Naisby back into the fray, and when a prolonged WPL attack was repelled it seems as if Barnsley had done enough. Considerable sympathetic and respectful applause saw the departure of the WPL 8, injured in a terrific attack, but again the home team stood firm until the referee awarded a penalty which saw the lead go back to WPL at 11-12.
Barnsley then threw everything into an all-out assault, which was defended strongly by the visitors. Swann tried hard to break tackles, a chase by Colbridge ended just short as the ball went into touch, South drove forward yet again, and the crowd roared their heroes on. A dramatic last minute saw the referee award the home team a penalty wide out yet within distance, and there was silence – can you imagine that on the soccer field?- as Jensen struck the ball. As it faded just to the left of the upright, there were cheers from WPL and groans from Barnsley. The referee blew for time, giving the league leaders another win, and leaving the home team to think on what might have been with a little self discipline on their part.
Both teams had given their all, and there were some exhausted bodies at the end. Barnsley can take a little comfort from a losing bonus and a performance so much better than a week ago: WPL can continue their way towards Yorkshire 1. Barnsley can lick their wounds, and prepare for Goole in two weeks, confidence renewed that they can hold their own with the best team in the league. Not the best 18th birthday for young wing forward Josh Smith – but well played, young man!
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