1st XV
Matches
Sat 23 Apr 2022
Aireborough RUFC
1st XV
19
12
Aireborough RUFC
Memorial game is an occasion to remember for all.

Memorial game is an occasion to remember for all.

Granville Sellers26 Apr 2022 - 21:05
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Memorial success provides lot's of positives for Aire's upcoming campaign.

Chapper’s Invitation XV v Aireborough

This match was in memory of the recent passing of club and county stalwart Jim Chapman & his son Chris proudly captained a rather mature but nonetheless star studded team including the likes of Ollie Catherall,Craig Stanley , Stu Wilson, Gwyn Jones and former skipper Rich Lister. Aireborough were skippered by club legend James “Unders” Underwood and their team had a youthful look hosting 13 current U18 Colts and the majority of other players being under 30.
There was a vibrant atmosphere with the side lines bustling with former players, youngsters and families enjoying the sunshine. This was billed as a friendly, but from the outset it was as competitive as a local derby.
It was XV that started the strongest with their big ball carriers carrying hard into the fledgling but committed Aire defence. Chapper’s ageing Galictico’s made good ground and had Aire on the back foot, but scrambling defence saved the day and Aire finally were rewarded with a penalty for hands in the ruck. Aire were intent on tempo, but unfortunately accuracy didn’t quite match ambition and errors saw them concede good attacking opportunities.
With veteran front rower Martin Booth adding ballast to a sizeable XV pack, pressure was applied and Aire’s scrum was under the pump. No 8 Mikey Dolan e and Unders put their bodies on the line to rescue the ball and did a great job retaining possession. Colts skipper Eddie Farnell supported by teams mates Callum Diamond, Matt Tindale and Tom Ayrton did a great job scavenging at the breakdown and saved Aire’s bacon several times. Weaver’s & Chappers head to head was fascinating with neither asking or giving a quarter in their defensive and ball carrying shifts. Mikey Dolan was looking sharp and made some excellent runs and made some shuddering hits.
The first period ebbed and flowed with XV looking the stronger team, but Aire younsters looked more dangerous on the break.

The second period saw a raft of changes for Aire with lightweight Colts hooker Alex Currie replacing the impressive Will Girt. Tom Hirst came into the back row along with No8 bulldozer Luke Exley. The backline saw several changes with a settled Colts midfield taking to the pitch. The XV didn’t have the luxury of too many subs, so their team remained virtually unchanged other than unleashing former player and man mountain Jonny Bryson. In a repeat of the first 10 minutes it was the XV who got the upper hand, but mistakes and forced passes cost them a succession of what seemed to be scoring opportunities. Aire stand off Joe Priestley’s attacking intent was clear and a quick tap under his post unleashed a swift attacking break which gained 60m. The tempo of the game increased, which suited the Aire youngsters and another break saw centre Harvey Sellers steam into XV 22m. The defence drifted and Harvey’s dummy was bought and he sailed in under the sticks. Bizarrely despite being under the sticks, there were no volunteers to take the conversion so Alex Currie stepped up, but the ball was shanked like one of Tricky Dickie’s tee shots.

Chappers XV were feeling the pace and heat, so in the 3rd 20 they were bolstered by Luke Exley and father and son combination of Paddy and Isaac Smith. The injection of these 3 had an almost immediate impact with big Luke Exley carrying half of the Aire youngsters over for an equalising try. Ollie Gavin, Dan & will Marchbank had more attacking chances, but scrambling defence and corner flagging saved the day for the Galacticos. As XV applied pressure there was a moment to remember when Gwyn Jones burst from the base of a ruck and his sizable frame shrugged off 2 would be tackler and he looked certain to score when ref Steve Ritchings blew for an indiscretion at the ruck. Gwyn was devastated but the official was spot on this time. The 3rd period fizzled out to make it 5-5, so it was all to play for in the last 20.
The Galactico’s were out on their feet, so Weaver’s jumped ship and made an immediate impression when he levelled Harvey who’s delayed pass to Vaughan went to ground. The game fully broke up with both teams going for the jugular no matter their position on the pitch. The spectators witnessed a moment of bellissimo rugby when stand off Joe “Giuseppe” Priestley single handedly beat most of the tiring XV defence to score a sublime try to make it 5-12 with 10 minutes remaining. The lead only lasted 2 minutes when guest playeralso made a great run to score under the post to make it 12-12. Colt’s wingers Gus Smith and Felix Kraam were looking sharp and were both unlucky not to break through.

Aire unleashed Granners off the bench to see off the final minutes all the Colts on the field; however 2 young upcoming Galactico’s had different ideas. They may have been small in stature but boy could they play and an amazing run by Max left defenders in his wake and he scored a try on the last play. His mate knocked over the conversion to seal a sensational last gasp win for Chappers XV.
The game was a full bloodied affair but in reality the score was irrelevant when compared to the occasion and the way that Jim’s memorial game brought the club back together. The atmosphere was amazing and it was great to see so many people from different places and generations back in the club house post game.
After a tough season the club has plenty of positives for next season with a solid spine of senior players, the return of Mikey Dolan return of several former colts from his team along with the vast talent coming up from this years u18’s.
New coach Granners will be commencing pre-season training 15th July, which will be fun and initially focus on ball work related fitness. Come down and be part of the rejuvenated Wolfpack.
If you want to give rugby a go or know any new players call coach Granners on 07830857130.

Match details

Match date

Sat 23 Apr 2022

Kickoff

15:00
Team overview
Further reading