In the tour match Vs Driffield and Selby RUFC

Captains report

The boys played well after 3 hours sleep and finding out it was Malcoms last day. We took a comfortable lead after David went over for our first score within 5 mins. We did not sit back as went over for another 3 tries in the first half. Some good individual performances to score those tries including Harry Plester and Rafe Donnellys breaks. David scored two good team tries as went into the break with a convincing lead. Coming into the second half Driffield had some close encounters with our line, but some strong defensive play and solid work rate kept them out despite their vigorous attempts. We then continued our unrelenting attack as we go over for a following 8 tries with some good conversions from Duckers and Goodchild scoring two including his first drop kick!

Oliver Kempster

U 15 tour match Vs Driffield and Selby RUFC

After two non-rugby days of white water rafting and paintballing, coupled with little sleep, their own body weight in kebabs and McDonalds it was always going to be a tough day at the office in the tour match.

The boys looked sleepy at breakfast, and after an impromptu court session we left York for Driffield.

As normal, the boys just took their own gear and left the coaches to carry all the kit, water bottles, first aid bag, training bag, subs coats and their own kit.

As always, we were on the furthest pitch away from the huge spectator gathering of 2 farmers and a dog…we warmed up slowly, and built the intensity in a progressive game of touch.

The opposition ambled over in dribs and drabs and then the referee called the lads together and the match got underway.

Straight from their kick- off we were able to secure the ball and at the ruck allow the backs some time on the ball. The forwards were depleted as Ben and Jack had gone home to attend a school trip and so a number of boys were stepping up for the start.

The opposition defensive line looked more like a scatter diagram and this allowed space for both the back row and the centres to exploit. After some 5 minutes of pressure, they over committed to a breakdown, and with players on the floor from an earlier breakdown, we exploited the space and went in to score.

This was very much the pattern of the game for the first half and with a comfortable lead at half time we were able to empty the bench.

Mindful of the changes, the focus was on defensive structure and work rate. The lads looking tired (no surprise really) which meant a gutsy shift was needed. A few cover tackles from Rafe, James R and Harry Mc ensured that the three breaks that Driffield made were snubbed out before they reached our 5 metre line.

Our tries were scored by Birthday Boy David Lyndon-Smith (AKA Dave) with 3, Cooper Baker 3, Finn Lavery 2, Harry Plester, Harry Mclagen, Rafe Donnelly and Billy Gibson all added their names to the score sheet with Billy Gibson making a great break out wide to run almost the length of the pitch to go under the posts. Conversions from Oliver Kempster 3, Sam Duxbury 3 and James Goodchild 2 making the final score 76-0! The game was stopped a few mins early as the oppositions heads had gone down. Scorers and conversions not entered in any specific order!!

Special mentions have to go to firstly, Taylor (on his birthday) and probably in only his second start carried well whilst driving his legs gaining precious yards on each carry. Secondly, Sam D who ran hard to support on the shoulder of the ball carrier and thirdly, the ever present and hard working James Raine who seemed to be hitting every ruck in the absence of his normal battering ram partners.

After the post match meal, the touring party exchanged gifts with the opposition team and they disappeared home leaving us the whole run of their clubhouse with an hour or so to kill before heading home. We made excellent use of the time with the U15 team entertaining the other age groups with a game of "21", "Bombers over Birmingham" (in which engine No 4 got very wet when it overheated... even it's chicken outfit) and "Yee-ha" with the boys entering into the spirit of post match rugby traditions!

A great tour with a great bunch of lads – role on next year.

Don, the briefcase flanker