The last time men in green marauded opposition to the extent this side has in the past few weeks, Little John and Friar Tuck were in their pomp ( 2nd row and prop ) ! The Foresters were yet again dominant in all areas and provided terrific entertainment for all who enjoy fast , open adventurous rugby.
Perfect they are not but they are improving so rapidly that there is this sensation of what will happen next and they certainly hold spectators attention for the full eighty minutes. Please do not think that Driffield are a poor side, just check on their results this season, but on a day such as this it must be like facing a tsunami! Not once did their heads go down and they deserve credit for their attitude.
There are several in the Foresters squad who are advancing their standards and their general “know how” so rapidly that they will soon be catching the eyes of the selectors, which of course is what the squad is intended to do. Make no mistake this group of players are an extremely vital part of the Green Machine. At this point praise indeed to the Team Manager and coaches for their development. Could they be one of the best Foresters sides in many years perhaps ? We`ll comment on that next April.
Your reporter is not knowledgeable enough regarding the intricacies of rugby union to provide a detailed technical report of the tries scored but can certainly guide the average supporter through the excitement involved in fast flowing rugby with pace.
The pack was dominant, led in the front row by George Altham, Tom Jackson and Jimmy Meehan, with solid forceful locks Jack Burton and Ben Leacock and a thrustful energetic back row of Max Mountain, Joe Fawcett and Jack Thompson. Not only excelling in prowess in the first half they had an excellent push over try in the second half, completed by Jackson. The pack were not sluggish in open play and assisted in many of the movements. Full back Marcus Farnworth was lively, attacking and adding to the backs’ movements at every opportunity. . He also kicked wonderfully well, converting nine of the eleven tries scored and was sharp enough to join the line in a good movement finished off by himself.
The first half had seen the Greens building up a head of steam, with some good defending by Driffield holding them at bay to a certain extent , yet they still managed to score three tries , two by the speedy Viner and the aforementioned Farnworth. The half time score was 19-0 and the home supporters were now looking forward to their side playing to the river, with a slight following wind. – and they were not to be disappointed !
The style of attacking play was quickly continued in the second half, with the backs looking sharp and decisive, ably assisted by the back row. Wingers Bradley Viner and Fred Hewitson were always involved, being provided excellent service by their centres Jonny Moore and Thomas Darwin. The half-back partnership of Omari Kaup-Samuels and Tom Mann was excellent in support at all times, Kaup-Samuels’ distribution getting longer and faster each game.
Once again the replacements more than played their part, Harley Debney-Succoia, Charles Glover, Sam Smith , James Arkers and the imposing physique of Ben Blackwell. The latter is more a Lancaster bomber than a Spitfire but a handful for any opposition. With the introduction of these players there was never any slowing to the pace and intensity of the Greens style. When in full flow they really are a joy to watch.
The second half saw tries from Moore, Jackson, Mann, Blackwell, Darwin. Hewetson and two by the effervescent Kaup-Samuels. I will not attempt to describe the manner in which each of these tries was scored but to emphasise that they were all constructed around the principles of copy book rugby, win the ball , make ground , terrific backing up and support, belief in each other. Hard to beat !
Starting XV
1. George Altham, 2. Tom Jackson, 3. Jimmy Meehan, 4. Jack Burton, 5. Ben Leacock, 6. Max Mountain, 7. Joe Fawcett, 8. Jack Thompson, 9 Omari Kaup-Samuels, 10, Tom Mann, 11. Fred Hewetson, 12. Jonny Moore, 13. Thomas Darwin, 14. Bradley Viner, 15. Marcus Farnworth.
Replacements
16. Harley Debney-Succoia, 17. Charles Glover, 18. Sam Smith, 19. Ben Blackwell.
…. 1 …….
Wingers Bradley Viner and Fred Hewitson were always involved, being provided excellent service by their centres Johnny Moore and Thomas Darwin. The half-back partnership of Omar Kaup-Samuels and Tom Mann was excellent in support at all times, Kaup-Samuels’ distribution getting longer and faster each game.