Batley Boys v KXP U11’s

Batley Boys v KXP U11’s

Score 0-16

With the heavens threatening to open at any minute, a damp and slippy pitch beckoned the mighty KXP U11’s as they took the field against our opponents, Batley Boys.

Early in the game it seemed as though the odds were going to be stacked against the Park boys with influential captain Callum leaving the field in a great deal of pain with an arm injury. ..

But, if anything, this steeled the KXP boys and they dug in and defended with the urgency and dedication that has been lacking at times this season. With Loose Forward Josh moving out of his normal role to cover Sutty at first receiver, and backrower Archie leading a massive, team defensive effort, not only were Park able to repel the early Batley attacks they began to make inroads into their defence.

Fortunately Callum allayed fears of serious injury and was able to return to the game after a short period on the sidelines and soon took control of the Park attack.

This payed almost immediate dividends. Set up by a strong charge upfield by fullback Ben, a short ball from Callum found Centre Donny, who is in outstanding form, unleashing him to exploit a gap in the Batley Boys defensive line and race away for the first try of the game.

To their credit Batley themselves produced an impressive defensive effort to frustrate the park offence and restrict scoring opportunities to a mere handful. Their scrambling defence only just managing to control some fantastic running from Halfback Joe, and forwards Archie, Josh, Tom and Kial.

One particular heroic defensive effort stopped a lovely, flowing KXP attack with the ball shifting through at least 6 pairs of hands before Centre Dylan tried to free his Winger Mason who would have raced in for a certain try only to be denied by a desperate last gasp, outstretched arm of a Batley defender.

The second half continued in a similar vein with Park on top for long periods of the game but the Batley Boys defence holding firm. Our pack of forwards put in a massive defensive stint and brave stand-in prop forwards Jordan and Oliver, ever improving prop Kial and tenacious hooker Harry joined regular suspects Tom and Josh in a pleasingly high tackle count across the board. As in the first half, they were led by Archie in what was definitely one of his finest games for King Cross. In a game where he was to earn multiple awards, his determination to tackle everything in a Blue shirt was infectious and inspired a complete defensive shut-out.

King Cross began to take control of the game and through pivots Callum and Joe and hardworking hooker Harry, the ball began to move along the line as Park pushed and probed for an opening. A long distance break from Callum almost brought the next try but he was caught close to the line. On the next set a typically brave run from Harry drew a nasty looking high shot 10 metres from the try line which gave Park the crucial platform needed for Donny to once again scythe through the defence and score a crucial try.

There was still no way through for the home sides attack as the KXP defence held strong to preserve their first “Nilling” of the season. The icing on the cake coming with a fully deserved long distance try for Callum, stepping through a tired Batley defence and racing away 40 meters for a fantastic try.

All in all, a much improved performance from King Cross backing up from a much improved attitude on the training paddock. To keep a team from scoring on their own patch was the most pleasing aspect of the performance and one that we will hopefully build on for the next two games before the summer break.

A win today was just rewards for a full team effort. The boys, and Coach James Forster, have a lot to be proud of after that game and lots to build on for the rest of the season and the future.

Try scorers – Callum Sutcliffe, Donny Hoyle x 2

Goals – Callum Sutcliffe, Archie Awty

• Man of the Match - Callum Sutcliffe
• Parents Man of the Match - Archie Awty
• Opposition Man of the Match - Callum Sutcliffe
• Top Tackler - Archie Awty
• Magic Moment - Donny Hoyle
• Coaches Award - Kial Strawson/Harry Forster