West Leeds & Bramley v Yarnbury RFC

The first competitive meeting after an extended Christmas break for the youngest team of the Yarnbury Junior section brought a three-way match against our hosts for the day, West Leeds, and a team from Bramley. We say "team" but unfortunately it was a David and Goliath situation where the 17 heroes of Yarnbury, eagerly awaiting the on-field battle, were met with a team of 7 from West Leeds and a team of 5 from Bramley. You could be forgiven for thinking our reputation preceded us! After much cogitation between the Yarnbury coaches it was decided that Yarnbury would enter into an emergency loan deal with the Bramley opposition to bolster their numbers and ensure a competitive match ensued

A second pitch was hastily marked out to facilitate simulataneous matches. The first round of matches saw the Yarnbury Year 2 first team line up against the hosts. Normal services resumed almost from the kick off as Yarnbury raced, nay jogged, into a 4-0 lead. Such was the pace and ferocity of the Yarnbury defence the referee had to halt proceedings to remind Yarnbury that they must wait until the ball has been passed before they advance from the defensive line. The Yarnbury coach, calling upon his most diplomatic repertoire and with arms akimbo, questioned the referee with "I'm not being funny mate but don't we play to the whistle eh?" The referee calmly pointed out that under the RFU rules you must wait until the ball has been passed before the defence can advance. At the re-start, the referee blew his whistle and, after a period of reflection, the ball was passed, marginally beating the ubiquitous Charley Popley to the receiving player... quick off the mark that kid I can tell you....

The final score was 6-1 to Yarnbury. A one-sided game it has to be said but West Leeds never gave up and despite strong running from the West Leeds attack the Yarnbury defence was just too strong.

The year 2 second team were also victorious against the Bramley team strengthened by the Yarnbury loanees. The Yarnbury team gave an excellent account of themselves with Jude Hollick delivering a man of the match performance.

The year 1 boys played a West Leeds side hell bent on revenge from the earlier game and unfortunately suffered a defeat as a result but they should hold there heads high as they are clearly becoming a strong team for the folliwng season where they will be a first team to be feared amongst the U7 community. Mark my words.....