Of the six fixtures played on February 1st in N2N two were Yorkshire County derbies and one a Roses clash. The fixture between Otley and Lymm was cancelled.
Second placed Sheffield RUFC visited bottom club Harrogate and posted an emphatic win by 46-13 after leading 26-8 at half-time. They scored seven tries to ‘Gate’s two with tries from Rhodri Campbell (2), Chris Hooper (2), Elliot Fisher, Matty Drannan and Ryan Burrows. Fisher converted four of them plus a penalty goal. The home side try-scorers were Kodie Brook and Jacob Percival and Rory McNab landed a penalty goal. An easy win for Sheffield but a disappointment for ‘Gate after their fine display v Lymm last week. Man-of-the-Match was Chris Hooper of Sheffield. Attendance 100.
League leaders Leeds Tykes were the visitors at the Ferens Ground and in a blistering start scored three tries in the first fifteen minutes to take a 21-0 lead. Hull RUFC then hit back with tries from Harvey Harding and Harry Dawkins, both converted by Finlay Hobson and the half finished at 21-14 with Hull still in the game. The second period was much more even with the Tykes taking it by 12-10 for a final result of 33-24. Leeds had scored five tries to Hull’s four and considering their poor start Hull did very well to get a try bonus point. The Man-of-the -Match was the Hull No8 Paulus Latu. Attendance 234.
Preston Grasshoppers were at Dore Moor where they faced Sheffield Tigers in what was described as “a nine-try thriller”, which the Hoppers won by 34-27 after trailing by 17-15 at the break. Preston scored five tries to the Tigers four and after 70 minutes the Tigers were leading by 27-20. In a dramatic final ten minutes the Hoppers scored a converted try to make it 27-27. The Hoppers had brought on their new signing from Whitehaven RLFC, Sam Freeman for his debut appearance and in the final minute he scored a try, which was converted to win the match for his new club. Man-of-the Match was awarded to Will Bennett, the Tigers Prop. Attendance 168.
Over at Corbridge the Battle of the Dales saw the home side Tynedale win by 41-29 over Wharfedale after leading 19-17 at the break. The match was described as “a rip-roaring battle” and “a bruising encounter”. Tyne scored six tries to Wharfe’s five but while Tyne’s kicker Josh Leslie converted four of them, plus a penalty goal, Wharfe’s Josh Davidson only converted two. Wharfe’s winger Rian Hamilton scored a hat-trick of tries
but the Man-of-the-Match was Tyne’s centre Will Miller. Attendance 350 (the highest of the day in N2N.
Bottom club Billingham lifted themselves off the bottom with a surprising 39-17 home win over fourth placed Fylde after trailing 17-12 at the break. This was a fine result for Billingham who scored five tries to Fylde’s two with four of them converted by fly-half Evans. The way they came back in the second period when they scored 27 unanswered points should give them a great deal of confidence. Man-of- the- Match was Billingham’s prop Dan Dixon. Attendance 339.
Fínally, Hull Ionians crossed the Pennines to take on Chester in a game where 8th took on 7th “in a thrilling see-saw match. Chester scored six tries to Ionians four to swap league placings with their visitors. The final score was a victory for Chester by 38-33 after the first half ended at 17-17. Ionians collected the two bonus points on offer to take home with them, something they have made a habit of this season. Their total of 20 bonus points is the highest in the Division. The Man-of-the-Match was Dave Jones, the Chester full-back. Attendance 250.
Once again, the situation at the top of the table remains unchanged with Leeds Tykes, Sheffield RUFC and Lymm leading the chase on 80 points.
79 points and 75 points respectively, with Lymm now having a game in hand. In the nether regions Sheffield Tigers are 11th, Otley 12th, Billingham 13th and Harrogate 14th.
My top fixtures to be played on February 8th, based on league placings, are:-
Hull Ionians v Billingham, where 8th play 13th, Wharfedale v Leeds Tykes, where 5th play 1st, Lymm v Tynedale, where 3rd play 6th and Preston v Otley, where 9th play 12th.
Where ever you are, enjoy your rugby.
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