Of the fixtures played on February 8th in N2N, two were Yorks County derbies and two were Roses clashes. The programme was significant in that four of the matches were won by four points or less.
Wharfedale were the hosts when league leaders Leeds Tykes came to the Avenue where they were given a very tough game by the Dalesmen. Leeds won by 29-24 after trailing by 10-7 at the break. The Tykes scored four tries to Wharfe’s three but it was the home side who scored in the first minute of play when Harry Bullough crossed the line which was converted by Robbie Davidson, who also landed a 16th minute penalty goal.
The Tykes scored a late try in the fourth minutes of added time from Oliver Williams which was converted by Kit Keith and the half ended almost on even terms. The second half was just as close with Wharfe scoring tries from Bullough and Tom Beresford which were both converted. Leeds scored two converted tries from Matt Burke and Adam Brown. Thomas Williams scored a late converted try for Leeds in the third minute of added time to give Leeds their narrow win to end a very close and entertaining game.
Hull RUFC travelled to Sheffield where the second-placed side scored seven tries to Hull’s three for a convincing 11th successive victory by 43-23 after leading 24-8 at the break.
The tries were scored by Hughes, Adcock, Reid, Hooper, Campbell, Drennan and Fawdry. Hull scorers were Faraimo, Hudson and Tuvotu. Hobson kicked one conversion and two penalties.
Sheffield TIgers travelled to Fylde’s Woodlands Ground and came away with a 30-28 victory after leading 15-12 at half-time. In a very close contest the Tigers made a great start with two tries in the first twelve minutes from Baker and Archer for a 10-0 lead, but Fylde hit back with a penalty try followed by a converted try from David Fairbrother. Mark Ireland then kicked a penalty goal for the Tigers and two more Tiger’s tries plus one conversion and another penalty goal for Ireland saw the Tigers in the lead by 25-14. Another converted try for Fylde took the score within four points. The Tigers final score in the 68th minute from Goatley made the score 30-21 before a 70th minute try from Fylde gave them both bonus points on offer. Man-of-the-Match was Fylde’s Tom Davis. Attendance 632, the highest in the division.
Preston Grasshoppers picked up their first back-to-back win since September when they beat Otley by 27-24 after leading 15-14 at the interval. They scored five tries to Otley’s four but could only convert one of them. Two late, but missed, penalties cost Otley the chance of a win The Hoppers got off to a flying start with two tries in the first eleven minutes after Otley had scored in the first minute. It was the first win for the Hoppers over Otley in two and a half years and the late drama when Otley’s Joe Rowntree missed those two late penalties must have been a great frustration for Otley supporters. Man-of-the-Match was Josh Ree the Hoppers full-back. Attendance 273.
Hull Ionians posted a 40-26 home win over second-from-bottom Billingham after trailing 21-12 at the break. Billingham scored three converted tries in the opening 23 minutes to race into a 21-0 lead at Brantingham Park. Ionians then hit back in fine style to score tries from Scott Westwood and Jimmy McDaniel, who went on to score two more in the second half. Billingham scored a fourth try in the second half to secure a try bonus point. Other Ionians scorers were George Mewburn, and Cameron Burnhill. The ever-reliable Lewis Minikin landed six conversions whilst Billingham’s fly-half Evans converted all four of his sides tries. The Man-of-the-Match was Cam Burnhill the Ionians full-back. Attendance 294.
Tynedale made the long cross-country journey to third-placed Lymm whom they defeated by 47-33 after leading by 28-19 at the break. Tyne scored seven tries to Lymm’s five and converted six of them with full-back Grant in fine kicking form. This result was a big blow to Lymm’s hopes of winning the title race. Man-of-the- Match was Harrison Wood the Tyne hooker. Attendance 154.
Finally, bottom side Harrogate were defeated by 29-26 at Chester after trailing by 15-14 at half-time. Both sides scored four tries in this closely contested match in which ‘Gate nearly pulled off a win late in the game. The match could have been said to being won by Chester having the better goal-kicker, their kicker Bagshaw landed three conversions and one penalty goal, while ‘Gate’s Metcalf only landed two conversions.
Man-of-the-Match was Andy Macminimee the Chester centre. Attendance 230.
The situation at the top of the table is again unchanged with Leeds Tykes on 85 points, Sheffield RUFC are on 84 and Lymm have dropped further behind on 76. In the nether regions Sheffield Tigers and Hull RUFC have exchanged places and Hull are now 11th on 35 points, Otley are on 32, Billingham are on 31 and Harrogate are on 28.
My top games for matches to be played on February 15th (based on league placings) are;
Leeds Tykes v Sheffield – Ist v 2nd
Tynedale v Chester – 5th v 7th
Sheffield Tigers v Hull Ionians – 8th v 10th
Hull RUFC v Preston Grasshoppers – 11th v 9th
Wherever you are, enjoy your rugby.
Ferensian
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 