Yorkshire Merit League – Premiership Semi-Final
Be assured that due to the scarcity of matches concerning the Foresters recently, there has been no possibility of writers cramp !! This felt like the start to a new season, not the near end of one and we asked could the team remember and retain their determination, enthusiasm and will to win or would they be “rusty and creaky”. Whilst there were , from time to time, signs of lack of playing time, the Foresters produced a great deal of quality rugby and the required endeavour. Some mistakes were made but overall the Foresters gave a fine performance and as we all know they are a very difficult side to overcome.
We waited with baited breath to compare the two sets of forwards and the Greens were superb. Not only matching the Buccaneers but on many occasions dominating them. Front row of Jack Wells, Harley Debney Succola and Jack Hirst solid, with locks Jack Burton and Fin Brewster and a back row of Sam Smith, Joe Fawcett and skipper Max Mountain all forming a very competent pack. Not only good in set scrums but assisted throughout in all forward attacking play and exceptionally good in the line outs, competing and winning many of the oppositions attempts. The early score for the home side came as a result of forwards dominance and after sustained attacks the captain Mountain thundered over for a try which was dutifully converted by full back Marcus Farnworth who once again combined with his kicking duties performed with credit at full back.
Adding to the very good start by the Foresters, the backs, coming into the game more and more set up an approach for the Hull line which resulted in a brilliant break from Bradley Viner and over he went in the corner. He played a massive contribution to the Foresters
success throughout the eighty minutes. The try not converted but please bear in mind kicking against the strong wind was nigh impossible. The Buccaneers , not to be out done and showing plenty spirit responded with a try under the posts , converted making a score line of 12-5 and they probably felt at this stage that they were getting into the game more and more and their loyal band of supporters were giving them every encouragement to believe so. The Foresters defensive work was first class.
From this point on the Greens backs were becoming more and more involved, starting to really move the ball along the line and gaining confidence the longer the game went on. Half backs Ollie Mcnab and Max Bell finding their three-quarters on a very regular basis, with good controlled ball handling and fast efficient passing . Assisting in the backs control of the game were centres Tom Darwin and Josh Prell, with Ben McParland on the other wing. All played well and showed that the long absence had not affected them too seriously. Marcus Farnworth had his usual reliable game at Full Back. Darwin was next on the try scorers list, again after good work by forwards and backs , this converted by Farnworth and the half time came with the home side comfortably ahead at 19-5
The next serious question is how would the Ionians compete against the strong wind they now faced and to be totally fair they did as well as could be expected. The Foresters were now using their, as always, excellent replacements, consisting of Stevie Graham, Tom Whitehead, Freddie Marsden and Ethan Spencer. A great deal of the Foresters success is due to having quality replacements and once again this proved the case here. The Greens were now in full attack mode and the next score came from winger McParland , finishing off strong drives by both forwards and backs, not converted but the score now read 24-5. The home side went through a period of total attacking rugby, rewarded after a powerful burst by Prell who went over for a try, converted by Farnworth. This was followed soon after further dominance by the backs allowing the ever dangerous Viner to score, again Farnworth converted and with the home team proving fast and alert Hull did remarkably well to fight back with a try and conversion of their own and giving us a final score of 38-12.
Please do not think that the Hull side were significantly inferior but every time the Foresters started one of their numerous free flowing movements, using backs and forwards combined , a score looked on the cards and without being silly, the score line could have been greater in favour of Wharfedale but they should feel pleased with the display they produced and equally happy with the final score. Players are proud to partake in this squad.
The last game of the season will be the Final , to be held against Sheffield at Pontefract . This takes place next Saturday and win or lose the Foresters can rest assured they have provided, throughout this disrupted season, splendid attacking rugby which has been a pleasure to watch. This is a proud set of players with an in built determination to succeed and play entertaining rugby. Supporters of Wharfedale appreciate their commitment. Could we once more give tribute to the Foresters coaches and Team Manager , they really do concentrate and succeed on the Foresters continuous development. Wharfedale is proud of the Foresters and we wish them well next week.
Team: Wells, Debney Succola, Hirst, Burton, Brewster, Smith, Fawcett, Mountain ( c ), McNab, Bell, Viner, Darwin, Prell, McParland, Farnworth. Replacements: Graham, Whitehead, Heyes, Marsden, Spencer.
Fred Bullough.
A little story to complete. This week whilst partaking of liquid refreshment in a local hostelry, I bumped into an ex Foresters player who performed in the 80s and 90s and his enthusiasm for his fellow players of that period was heart warming and proof indeed of the camaraderie of this Wharfedale team. They have always and still today do the Club proud.