Sheffield Tigers 2nd XV travelled north with their 1st team to provide the opposition for the Foresters.
The conditions were in stark contrast to last week’s perfect autumnal day. Many supporters braved the elements to watch the Foresters play in virtually perpetual horizontal rain. But play they did, and despite Tiger’s bravery, the Foresters were dominate in all areas of play, with the front five laying the platform for their back row and three quarters.
Sheffield started brightly and at 3 minutes were awarded a penalty in front of goals for a Wharfedale infringement, playing the ball at the ruck off their feet. At 7 minutes, the Foresters were awarded a penalty and elected to kick for touch around the 22 metre line. From the ensuing line out, lock Jack Burton, set up a driving maul, the pack with a head of steam powered their way forward, and with superb timing, Hooker,Sid Holden broke off the maul and scored Dale’s first try, score 5-3.
Five minutes later, after a dominant turn over scrum in their own 22, Dale’s backs put several phases together culminating in wing Orson Hall being stopped short of the try line, the ruck was recycled quickly and captain Simon Borrill crashed over for Dale’s 2nd. Score 10-3.
Just past the 15th minute mark, Dale’s backs and forwards were playing some entertaining rugby, despite the conditions. However their ambition, in the Tiger’s last 3rd of the pitch was their undoing. The visitors left wing made an interception and ran 60 metres to score under the posts, 10-10.
Shortly afterwards, with the Forester’s pack totally dominating, Dale went through the phases and got deep into the Tiger’s half, where a back line move culminated in full Oli Bullock scoring in the right hand corner. Score 17-10
The Tigers pack were giving their all however they were struggling at the set piece, in particular the scrum. Another scrum turn over saw the back row take the ball up and recycle quality ball for the Forester’s half backs who smartly put the ball through the hands. Sid Holden got himself involved in this break and put wing Orson Hall away with a well timed pass to score in the left corner, 23 minutes in, 22-10.
Battling Tigers were desperately trying to stem the tide. Forester’s turned over another line-out near the Tiger’s 22 which was quickly recycled, from a forward drive. Outside centre Josh Prell, put his centre partner Ollie Bullock through from 20 metres out to score under the posts. 30 minutes in and the score was 29-10.
Dale’s forwards were dominant in the collision and were recycling the ball quickly, this resulted in another penalty in the Tiger’s 22. Dale elected to scrum. No 8 Joe Fawcett picked from the base and was stopped short of the line. The ball from the ruck was quickly cleared to flanker Zeb Hayes to drive over at close quarters to put Wharfedale 34-10 up with 3 minutes left of the first half.
The rain was now incessant and with a repeat of the last scrum, No. 8 Joe Fawcett this time crashed over from short range. The try was converted by Toby Mallinson.
Half time score 41-10
Coach Matt Shuttleworth made a number of changes at the break. .
At the restart, Tigers gamely continued to try and stem Wharfedale’s momentum. However, two successive tries were scored by Owain Thomas, both close range drives, (one try following a piece of dazzling footwork from fly half Toby Mallinson), saw the lead increased to 53-10.
A final try was scored and converted by back row forward Max Mountain around the 60 minute mark, running it in from 20 metres out.
Next week Forester’s are away to Preston Grasshoppers across the border. Prior to travelling can supporters ensure they have the appropriate documentation & visa!
Team: – 1 J Hirst, 2 S Holden, 3 J Meehan, 4 J Burton, 5 S Borrill (c), 6 M Mountain, 7 Z Hayes, 8 J Fawcett, 9 F Walker, 10 T Mallinson, 11 L Craven, 12 O Bullock, 13 J Prell, 14 O Hall, 15 S Mason.
Finishers: – J Brewis; E Summer ; J Walker; W Beecroft; R Smith; O Thomas; S Benett.
Report Geoff Burton