Aireborough beaten by a strong Vandals outfit

Aireborough entertained Halifax Vandals playing their home fixture at Old Otliensians, who kindly offered their facilities to the two teams on Saturday afternoon.

Winning the toss and playing with the wind Aireborough found themselves defending for the majority of the first 40, as the physical Vandals side played effective keep ball, and disrupted Aireborough's set piece.

On 35 minutes Vandals forced their way over following a period of sustained pressure, the Vandals captain and front row driving over to score. Conversion successful, 0-7 at half time.

The second half started dismally for Aireborough, the kick off being allowed to bounce into touch on the 5m line, a lost lineout from good Vandals pressure and accurate hands seeing a cracking score from the Vandals right wing in the corner. 0-12.

Two further tries for Vandals left Aireborough with too much to do at 0-24 with 20 to play.

Whether Vandals thought the job was done and switched off, or Aireborough switched on, the last twenty saw Aire score two good tries through Chris Chapman and Bill Child, Ollie Catherall converting one from two, the game finishing 12-24.

Vandals will be pleased with their performance-solid up front and good execution in the back line, they'll trouble fellow promotion contenders Goole next week.

Aireborough play Stocksbridge away next week who toppled league-leaders Knottingley this week, and only an 80 minute performance will do.

Notable performances from Saturday: Bill was superb in defence and also bagged a try for his efforts; Jonny Mackey carried well opening up Vandals' three-quarters in the build-up to both tries; and MoM Phil Shopland-Reed had a great day at the office, turning ball over for fun in the opening hour, without which the half-time score would have been further in Vandals' favour.