1st XV
Matches
Sat 09 Dec 2017  ·  Midlands 3 East (North)
Sileby Vikings RFC
1st XV
Tries: R Rees, B LovelaceConversions: D Riley (2)Penalties: D RileyYellow Carded: J Muggo
17
48
Birstall
Sileby 17 - Birstall 48

Sileby 17 - Birstall 48

Gareth Love15 Dec 2017 - 14:36
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Old rivals.

Having played their last five matches against opposition the Vikings had never faced before the next fixture was an all too familiar adversary. Situated less than 7 miles away from each other the two teams have plotted a similar trajectory in recent years, both having emerged from Midlands 4 South but one year apart. The last time the two met in league action was at Birstall, the home team running out clear winners over the 80 minutes. However the Vikings needed no more motivation than that this was the next game in what is proving a tough debut season in Midlands 3 thus far. Sileby welcomed back to the starting line-up wing Leon Baker and wing for the day James Lewis, the latter having been unavailable since 16th September.

The first half saw both teams apply some considerable pressure. The early stages belonged largely to the away side. Showing great aspiration Birstall were running the ball from deep inside their own half to varying effectiveness. When breaks were made only excellent scramble defence ensured that the try line remained un-breeched. First prop Mark Walker showed dexterity beyond the number on his back to halt the progress of the opposition full back; second a coalition of backs prevented what looked an inevitable score by hauling down a number of Birstall players whom had broken clear.

As the half went on however Sileby began to assert themselves upon the game. Birstall’s endeavour, whilst to the applause of the away following, at times resulted in field position being sacrificed as a result of errors. This allowed the Vikings a platform from which to attack. Quick thinking from experienced Fly Half Rich Rees and Flanker Patrick O’Callaghan saw Sileby only 5 yards out, however the ball was turned over by Birstall. Later an overlap was not exploited as the Vikings midfield chose to attack through the middle; Birstall eventually winning a penalty less than 2 metres from their line.

The pressure however was relentless; the opposition finding it difficult to make an effective exit. A penalty saw Sileby once again deep within the Birstall 22. A series of pick and goes and short balls saw big runners Dan Riley, Jamie Robson and Ben Smith establish a strong platform. This was exploited by Fly Half Rich Rees whom weaved a gap from nowhere to stroll over the line untouched. The successful conversion was followed by a score soon after. An excellent driving maul this time established the position, with replacement Flanker Ben Lovelace grounding the ball beyond the line. A second successful conversion from Riley saw the score to 17-3, the team’s having earlier traded penalty goals.

That is not to say that Birstall did not exert their own further pressure during the half. A poor claim from a kick off resulted in the opposition making camp in the home side’s 22. A series of attacks were halted through excellent Sileby defence or ill-discipline. Before his removal half way through the first half Flanker Callum Spencer managed to dislodge the ball from an opposing running 5 metres short of the line. This strong defensive effort would mean that at half time the score would see the score stand at 17-3 to the home team. The message from the coaching team at half time was one of composure, to ensure that the good work of the first half would not go to waste.

The second half, unfortunately for the home side and their support, would see Birstall score 45 unanswered points. The away side dominated territory and possession throughout, but through the early minutes strong Sileby defence akin to that of the first half would prevent the away side converting said dominance into points. However as shoulders began to tire gaps began to appear for Bristall’s stronger runners to exploit. The first opposition score came through such a gap, as with the earlier try for Rich Rees the player went through the line virtually untouched. A scuffle soon after would see both teams lose a player to the bin, Jamie Muggo the guilty party for the Vikings.

The sin bin period was capitalised upon by the away side. Less than 2 minutes than the players had been banished to the bin and Birstall had scored. The ball was flung wide, and whilst the Sileby defence on the left had done well to disrupt the attacking play the ball became free, only to be picked up by a Birstall player. With the path through to the line clear the try was inevitable. The points scored during the 10 minute sin bin period was doubled with a score a few minutes later. The state of play was Birstall leading by 29-17. Sileby had to reverse the momentum that had seen their 14 point lead slip to a two score deficit.

Sileby’s opportunity to achieve this reversal was an extended period of pressure upon the Birstall line. Field position was established through a clever 22 metre drop out from Ash Rideout that saw winger James Lewis in some space. With a penalty booted deep into the Birtstall 22 the Vikings had a chance to arrest the scoring trend of the half. However a series of driving mauls and dominant scrum’s failed to breech the Birstall line and, despite considerable pressure, they were able to clear. The most disappointing element for the Vikings might well be that it was an easily avoidable offside that was how Birstall could regain possession.

The rest of the match was dominated by the away side. With Sileby tiring after their exertions throughout the game a number of soft shoulders were exploited by Birstall players to rack up the score. This included their wing bursting through a number of tackles and, perhaps the most disappointingly of all, Birtsall returning a kick off to score. For Sileby it was a disappointing end to a match that Sileby had been leading at half time and looking good for. At the half way stage in the season the Vikings finding themselves in what has been unfamiliar territory in recent years, in the relegation zone.

Sileby can take confidence from a first half display which was dominant in both attack and defence. With more consistent numbers at training and further commitment to fitness outside of these sessions then these encouraging periods will turn into matches one and positions in the table climbed. Greater accountability on behalf of individuals will fulfil both of these requirements. Next week, should the weather allow for it, will see the Vikings travel up to Grimsby. A win would certainly be a well-received Christmas gift.

Match details

Match date

Sat 09 Dec 2017

Kickoff

TBC

Competition

Midlands 3 East (North)

League position

10
Birstall
12
Sileby Town
Team overview
Further reading

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