U11s v Rotherham
Morley U11s V Rotherham U11/12s Rugby Match Report – 07/10/07
On the road again this time south, to Wickersley School and Sports College for a game with Rotherham Titans’ U11/12s. Glorious October sunshine poured down on what proved to be a lively match.
Morley’s kick-off with the trusted boot of scrum-half Joe Firth started proceedings, only for the ball to be returned quickly by Rotherham, but good tackling from Morley’s defence stopped this early onslaught. From the resulting maul Rotherham passed the ball only for hooker Joe Horner’s timely interception and run, being eventually tackled about 10m out from Rotherham’s line.
Morley’s next attack was led by prop Tyler Harrison, with a powerful run only to be held-up over the Rotherham’s line. Afterwards Morley applied more pressure with the backs passing and running at Rotherham, but it was Sam Hood’s kick return with centres Alex Stevenson and Ryley Wan leading the chase, which created another attacking chance, only for Rotherham to defend well.
Morley’s possession and territorial advantage continued when right-wing Lawrence Earnshaw received the ball with plenty of space outside only to cut back inside and let Rotherham thwart another chance.
Against the run of play, Rotherham went on the attack, thinking they had scored only for the try to be disallowed by the referee, for not crossing the goal-line properly, and being the first of three occurrences of this happening throughout the match. But, from the resulting scrum Morley were under pressure and Rotherham went down the right-hand side to score their first try.
Coming up to half time saw full-back Sam Hood scramble back and kick to relieve more Rotherham pressure, preventing any more scoring until the half-time whistle blew.
In the second half Morley seemed to initially switch off with poor tackling and defending to let in three more Rotherham tries, making it 20-0.
A quick on the pitch team talk from coach John Firth rallied the troops and Morley applied themselves better, with attacking runs for both wingers Lawrence Earnshaw, Cameron Wallis and centre Alex Stevenson, but unfortunately without any resulting scores.
The last try from Rotherham came in open play after kicks were traded by both sides and Rotherham eventually broke through Morley’s defence.
Although the score-line looks a little one sided, linked with some questionable refereeing decisions, Morley played the better rugby overall and were unlucky not to get more out of this game.
The whole team were awarded the ‘man of the match’ for some good collective team performances.
FINAL SCORE: Rotherham 25 – 0 Morley
Team:
Luke Metcalfe, Joe Horner, Tyler Harrison, Benjamin Clay, Richard Hall,
Joe Firth, Chris Sawicki, Alex Stevenson, Ryley Wan, Lawrence Earnshaw, Sam Hood and Cameron Wallis