Yarnbury v Huddersfield YMCA

Today we travelled to Huddersfield YMCA for is usually a tight game with both teams cancelling each other out.

Today was no exception. Straight from the kick-off there was strong tackling from both teams the ball was turned over too many times to put a number on it. The tough tackling took its toll with Dan Longhawn going off injured. The rucking was strong from both teams and very well contested in both clearing and counter-rucking. The dead lock was finally broken with a try from the ubiquitous Mason Baker. Huddersfield came back strong and tested Yarnbury and the boys had to defend their try line with a massive defensive effort. However the pressure from Huddersfield became too strong and they levelled the score. The remainder of the first half was a yo-yo affair in terms of possession. Huddersfield grabbed a second try from a Yarnbury handling error and ended the half in front.

The second half pretty much continued where the first half ended with strong defensive work and rucking from both sides. Max Fletcher levelled the score from what is his niche skill where he stripped the ball in the maul from the Huddersfield player, turned and dashed for the line. He is staking out that number 7 shirt in the future is my boy. Yarnbury took the lead midway through the half with some excellent teamwork with superb offloading of the ball in the tackling allowing Kaiss Hussain to ground the ball. Huddersfield again levelled the score very soon after with a sustained period of possession. Yarnbury finally got the bit between their teeth in the final minutes of the half and bagged a trio of tries with Jack Gallagher getting over and a braced from Alex Lee; one from a text book counter-ruck and the second with a cheeky interception in his own half and then to run in through the posts. Well, he would if there were any posts but you get the picture.

A third half (?) was played and again as with the previous halves the tackling was brutal and both teams defended with their lives. Huddersfield grabbed the first try of the session and Yarnbury fought back but were held up short of the line after more strong tackling from Huddersfield. Huddersfield grabbed a second try following some excellent support play and offloading of the ball in the tackle. Yarnbury clicked into another gear in the final moments of the game and after a rare spate of passing set up Mason Baker for a wonderful try. Mason grabbed Yarnbury's last and his hat-trick just before the final whistle.

An excellent game of rugby was enjoyed by all and thank you to Huddersfield for the excellent post match grub!