Job done at Richmondshire

This long awaited coach trip to Richmondshire certainly generated interest and it was great to see travelling support from the committee and spectators.

Aire lost regular front row starters Ben Hague & Lewis Eastwood to illness, but were boosted by the availability of Finn Eastcott

Richmondshire boasted a squad of 25 and their home results showed that that this could be a potential banana skin.

Aire started with the slope and wind, but in the early exchanges lacked a bit of composure to finish off some promising moves.

Aire’s pack was providing a solid platform and a series of meaty drives was powerfully finished off by prop Will Warrington, who added to his impressive scoring tally this season.

This score settled early nerves and Aire’s blue print of power & precision was to be the order of the day. Richmondshire were committed in defence, but time and again the likes of Mikey Cameron & Nathan Cawood softened their defensive lines to provide space for loose forwards Mikey Dolan and Harry Beckwith to make big inroads. Scrum half Adam Bishop is having a stellar season and quick ball was accurately distributed out wide. Richmondshire struggled to cope with Aire’s pace and tempo and the second score was neatly taken by….

Richmondshire struggled to get any meaningful possession and Aire had another sortie in the home sides territory. Rookie Lavar Holmes had his first start at hooker and he was certainly intent on making an impression in the scrum and around the park.

Richmondshire defended resolutely, but try as they might they just couldn’t get holf of the pill. The 3rd score was a sweeping move down the right with crisp passing and rounded off with an accurate finish in the corner. Aire were in the mood for further scores and Huw McGrath showed great strength to power his way through and score a typically muscular effort. Nathan Cawood gathered the re-start and and made good ground. The ball was quickly recycled and speedy hands released winger Fred Ibbetson to race in and dot down.

Richmondshire managed to get some ball and their trusty maul trundled into Aire’s half. Will Warrington was a touch eager and the ref adjudged he collapsed the maul from the side and the French official pulled out le carte jaune. Aire were down to 14 for the last 8 minutes of the 2nd half; however the sin bin galvanised the lads resolve and Richmondshire failed to capitalise from the extra player.

The second half could have been difficult to navigate for Aire; however subs Connor Fitzpatrick and Will Girt ensured that momentum continued. Aire’s back 3 of Jamie Sykes, Fred Ibbetson and Ryan Lowe diffused the hosts kicking game and always made metres when retuning the ball. Aire worked their way into the red zone and were awarded a scrum. The tight 5 were working overtime to mitigate Richmondshire’s size and weight advantage and a quick heel by Lavar Holmes was picked up at the base by skipper Mikey Dolan, who used pace, feet and power to cross the white was.

The next score was the pick of the bunch started by an audacious dummy by Adam Bishop, who found Harvey Sellers in support. The defence was drifting, so Harvey stood them up with a show and go and then fed Liam Cree outside. Cree put on the after burners and a beautifully weighted pass found supporting Fred, who scorched his way over. The following wasn’t bad either, with Jamie making good ground and the ball broke left. Swift hands followed and Ryan Lowe was released to score.

The game’s last play led to Aire’s final score, which again was a long range effort and another good finish. The scoreboard finished with Aire winning 55-0.

Richmondshire were much stronger than the team that came to Nunroyd and this was a good performance by Aire. The last few weeks has seen improved connectivity, with improved accuracy and decision making. Aire’s defence was organised and all of the lads involved were determined to win the collisions.

This Saturday Aire face York Rowntrees, who will be seeking to close the gap in the table. Rowntrees are a good side, so this game will require a strong squad and another step up in performance.