Morley play some real competitive rugby

Another wonderful mornings rugby at Scatchard Lane today, both Morley and Old Rish have been playing well. Morley U14's were Yorkshire Bowl winners last year and Old Rish getting to the Yorkshire Cup final, meant that this was set to be a tough encounter, that would give both teams the measure of how the first half of the season had gone. Not only the fact that both are still in the Yorkshire cup, meant that other clubs will be looking to this result as a marker for the rest of the competition.

Morley started the brighter with more incisive passing and clean contact areas, forcing Old Rish back into their 22 for the first few minutes.Old Rish were very strong over the ball in the counter ruck and took a few away from Morley relieving the pressure on themselves, alongside with a penalty to Old Rish for offside, however the pressure from Morley ensured the game was being played in the opposition half, a couple of forward drives saw Morley cross for the first try after 7 mins.

With a great restart and some ill discipline creeping in for Old Rish, off their feet and not back 10, being 2 of the clear ones, Morley were able to get a bit of phase play going and move the ball wide, but for an over eager move by Zander it would have been a try, quickly followed up by a few drives to release the backs and scoring on the wing on 12 mins.

Old Rish came to play and pressurised the restart, driving Morley off their own scrum (which had been strong up to this point) to drive hard at Morleys flanks, some good defending forced the kick by Old Rish, into the end goal area, another penalty by Old Rish, trying to trip the runner, gave Morley the breathing space to clear their lines.
The next few passages of play resulted in some good runs from both sides, resulting in quick thinking and moving the ball into space from Morley to get their 3rd unanswered try.
To finish off the half Old Rish drove hard and pushed forward to get their big ball carrier into the game, a bit of space close to the line meant he was able to cover the ground and get the ball over the line.

Morley responded well and gained a very well worked try, following a cross field kick, showing Morley's versatility and creative side in the final moments of the half.

Morley rang the changes to ensure all of the boys got some game time in what was a very competitive fixture and started the half better with 2 great drives up to within 5 m, only some very stout defence prevented Old Rish going further behind.

This half was an arm wrestle with Morley unable to capitalise on the early advantage, much of the game played in the middle of the park.
Morley were able to get 24 of their squad on the pitch and the inevitable fresh legs made a difference but also settling into a game this intense tends to have an impact on the game also.

Old Rish managed a late try and ended an enthralling fixture with Morley as the winners and on reflection we did have the edge today.

Good luck to Old Rish in the Cup and we look forward to the return fixture at your ground.

Morley's patience and structure paid dividends today and the points the coaches highlighted before the game were a forward platform and a wide backs defence, both were well achieved..

Well done boys great effort and good performance.