Recent events , Brexit, Coronavirus, Afghanistan have been quite dramatic, causing changes in life styles etc. Thank goodness that one thing that has stayed the same and that is to watch the Foresters showing their cavalier approach to a game of Rugby! Burnley, who we were so pleased to see at the Avenue, felt the full force of the Greens attitude and we once again were provided with exciting entertainment between two good sides.
Do not be misled into thinking this was a one sided affair. Indeed it was not, as Burnley, coached by Mark Walton, proprietor of the Three Sheep Skipton, provided stern opposition and for the full eighty minutes the Greens had to work hard and sustain constant pressure to overcome the Lancashire side. The Foresters defending was outstanding and time after time waves of the opposition attacks were repelled, giving Burnley little opportunity to show any attacking flair. Burnley, perhaps with little experience of the Wharfedale ground were perhaps at fault in not using the slope to the river, in the first half, as an attempt to spend more time in the Greens territory.
The early part of the match was a little dour, both sides shaking off the cobwebs and it was well into the first half before the powerful, strong running Josh Prell went over in the corner after good handling by backs and forwards combined. This was followed after a spell of free flowing rugby allowing Simon Borrill to go over for a try, converted by Tom Mann. The Foresters tackling remained dominant and after further pressure Prell went over again, the conversion brilliantly struck by Mann. Half time came with the Greens 24-0 to the good.
During this first half, the forwards were impressive. Front row of Jimmy Meehan, Steve Graham and Ben Davies solid with excellent support from locks Simon Borrill and Ben Laycock, whilst the back row of Joe Metcalfe, Jack Pinder and Max Mountain also combined well with the backs. There was also some excellent line out work as and when required. Sam Gaudie and Tom Mann were efficient and effective as the half back partnership, Mann`s conversions well struck..
The second half saw Max Mountain go over after sustained efforts from the forwards, once again converted by Mann. Still Burnley never let their heads drop and provided good opposition at all times, not just in defence but whenever the opportunity presented itself to attack the Greens solid defence. The final score of the game came once again from sustained attacking by the Foresters and Tom Doherty scampered over for a break away try. Full back Omari Samuel was solid and always prepared to attack, given the opportunity and the Threequarters , consisting of wingers Prell and Tom Doherty with Max Bell and Alfie Weston sharp and decisive in the centre.
Not forgetting substitutes Jim Bowers, Joe Fawcett and Ben Prior who added to the overall efficiency of the Foresters performance. Once again it must be emphasised that Burnley more than played their part in this game and surely would not leave the Avenue feeling that they hadn`t contributed to a hard fought game of entertaining rugby. Encouraging for the Greens with a new season on the way and credit to the staff responsible for getting these players up to scratch.
Foresters team. Jimmy Meehan, Stevie Graham, Ben Oakes, Simon Borrill, Ben Laycock, Joe Metcalfe, Jack Pinder, Max Mountain, Sam Gaudie, Tom Mann, Josh Prell, Max Bell, Alfie Weston, Tom Doherty, Omari Samuel. Replacements :- Jim Bowers, Joe Fawcett, Ben Prior.
Fred Bullough.