Local derby goes Aire’s way

Aire travelled the short distance to struggling local rivals Baildon on Saturday to continue a run of form that had seen 5 wins from 6 in the league.

Baildon started the brighter down the slope and a bobbled ball by the full back prevented early Aire embarrassment. Exchanges in the Aire 22m resulted in dispair for the hosts as Ollie Catherall (sponsored by Scoff) intercepted and ran 60m to score. Conversion missed 0-5.

Baildon got back with a good score through poor Aire defence to level 5-5, before Aire began to dominate possession an territory. Repeated infringements allowed Nick Holdsworth (sponsored by Step Change) to slot a penalty, before Jonny Mackey (sponsored by Dave Greenwood) went over for his 7500th try of the season, converted by Nick Holdsworth. 5-15. The half ended after two further penalties, one for each side made the HT score 8-18 and Aire had the slope second half.

Aire dominated the first ten minutes of the half, before Baildon made a 70m break of their own scoring a great try that touched 7 sets of hands as they went under the posts. The rushed conversion missed, 13-18 and Aire loosened their game, rushing the kick off and luckily gaining a scrum on half way after a Baildon mistake. Baildon continued to play rugby, and carved Aire open to go 20-13 ahead with 20 minutes to play.

Impact from Jamie Sykes and Mikey Dolan injected some energy, and Aire held onto the ball. Repelled multiple times by resolute Baildon defence, Aire piled on the pressure and repeated infringements allowed Aire to March down the field, winning lineout after lineout to keep the pressure on a Baildon side low in confidence and not used to winning this season.

Composure in the final minutes saw Aire play some controlled tight rugby, making hard yards with backs and forwards taking tight carries. On the last play, ball secured from another clinical lineout, drives from Charlie Middleton and atom Pendriss and great ball retention from the forwards set up Si Hill 10m out and unfortunately for Baildon he was not to be stopped.

Final score 20-23.

MoM: Jamie Sykes and Mikey Dolan (making his debut) shared the award this week showing incredible work rate and mature performances in a tight derby.

Brown Ale went to a seemingly drunk Tom Copsey, who’s cramp affected running made for hilarious viewing from the touchline.

Full report from Bill Marshall in the Wharfedale Observer is here: http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/sport/sportrugbyunion/sport_rugby_general/16144931.baildons-goose-is-almost-cook-ed-after-derby-defeat/?ref=ebls