Refreshing once again to be reporting on a match for this excellent squad, who have had such an exasperating season which could have driven many to despair . Not the Foresters, they are made of sterner stuff than that. Don`t hold your breath but after watching the 1st XV`s sparkling display against Chester and the introduction of the Greens next generation, the Club could be entering a very exciting era. Introducing several very promising younger players has provided that vital injection of pace and athleticism which is obviously proving successful with results obtained. Fingers crossed !!
Credit to Matt Shuttleworth and all the coaching and back room personnel involved!
Straight to the point. This was a professional scintillating performance by the home side. Having already met the Raiders twice this season the Foresters expected a close encounter based on those games but to be quite honest Tynedale, as hard as they tried, could not match the determination and pace the Greens provided. Practically from the start, whenever Wharfedale had possession , the visitors were on the back foot and the home side developed more and more constructive ability as the game went on. They were seriously “on song”.
In the early stages the packs seemed to be reasonably equal but as the game developed the Foresters front row of Tom Whitehead, Sid Holden and Adam Stubbs with locks Ellliot Stockton and Jack Burton in support gained control and by the conclusion were comfortably superior. Stockton had a thrustful all round performance both in attack and defence. The pack was completed with a back row of Ben Blackwell, Olly Bullock and Max Mountain and initially through the energetic drive of Blackwell came the first try completed by Bullock in the corner. An excellent conversion by Farnworth, who kicked admirably all afternoon opened the score at 7-0. Blackwell was to prove a real handful to the opposition throughout the game.
The next try came via good line movement involving several players with the touch down completed by Finn Walker, conversion not completed but soon after Farnworth slotted over a good penalty to make the score 15-0. A slight “hiccup” next as scrum half Omar Kaup-Samuels was yellow carded for a minor infringement but this did not slow down the Foresters progress as Sid Holden , following good work from the forwards ,thundered over for another try, not converted but a lead of 20-0. Continuing with fast attacking moves the next score came from Ollie Bullock again after good forwards control, converted to give a score line of 27-0 and at this stage the Greens were truly dominant.
Tynedale never ceased to be competitive though and deserved their try just before half time , converted to allow the sides to turn around at halftime with the home side 27-7 in front and the prospect of playing “to the river” tempting. Sure enough , shortly into this phase of the game, Walker, the “Flying Finn “ ( so christened by Adge ) shot over in the corner with speed to burn, delightful conversion by Farnworth and 34-7 on the board. Credit again to Tynedale as they came back with a try of their own to make it 34-12. The Wharfedale backs were at this stage of the game concentrating on total attack. Farnworth , besides his kicking ability always keen to link up with the threequarters, the wingers Walker and Gill showing admirable speed and determination and both centres Johny Moore and Tom Darwin provided excellent link play and the latter after a brilliant break went over for the next Foresters try, converted and 41-12 to the Greens.
The half backs of Kaup- Samuels and Max Bell both had truly good solid games, passing well and providing that key link so necessary to keep play moving at all times and it was Kaup-Samuels who scored next, rampaging through with determination, converted by Farnworth and 48-12. This was quickly followed by an excellent break by Darwin , another try converted and a score of 55-12. Another fast display along a series of players gave Ben Speight the opportunity to add his name to the try scorers , which was shortly followed by a Tynedale try in the dying minutes and a final score line of 62-17.
Once again credit to the replacements used who in no uncertain way added to the all round performance provided by this squad. The whole team played well both individually and collectively and as always a pleasure to watch them.
So we go to the final, Saturday next, and win or lose all supporters of the Club should realise how lucky we are to have a “back up” team with the quality of the Foresters, who provide entertainment of the highest value week in and out. Long may it continue and thanks to them. This season has been so frustrating for the Foresters and Club supporters are well aware of this and appreciate your loyalty to the Club.
Squad :- Tom Whitehead, Sid Holden, Adam Stubbs, Elliot Stockton, Jack Burton, Ben Blackwell, Ollie Bullock, Max Mountain, Omar Kaup-Samuels, Max Bell, Finn Walker, Johny Moore, Tom Darwin, Joe Gill, Marcus Farnworth. Replacements;- Will Beecroft, Luke Craven, Ben Speight, Zeb Hayes, Spencer Bennett, Jack Kitchen, Paul Marklew.
The final is now confirm with the details below, and hope to see MANY of our Dales faithful there!
Date: Saturday 29th April KO 2:30pm
Opponents: Billingham RUFC
Venue: Malton and Norton RUFC, Old Malton Rd, Malton YO17 7EY