Aireborough Crusaders vs West Park Leeds 3rd XV 7-17

This week saw the Aireborough Crusaders welcomed a travelling West Park Leeds 3rd XV to Nunroyd Park for their first home game of the season, and their first run out on that hallowed turf in their fancy new shirts courtesy of generous sponsor Brands Creative (visit http://www.brandscreative.net - Let Your POS Do The Talking). The visitors, billed as a scratch side brought together as a reunion of a Yorkshire Cup winning colts side of approximately 20 years previous, suggested a quality opposition of a certain vintage- though this team of veterans probably would be given a run for its money on average age with a Crusaders squad featuring the likes of spritely 60 year old Ian Wilkinson (Happy Birthday for last week Wilky!). The home side also featuring several League converts from a wave of new players from recent weeks as well as being bolstered by a number of the coaches from the club’s junior section.

Possibly worried about the long journey back to Bramhope, or maybe wanting to get into the bar to start their off-field activities sooner, an early kick-off of 2 o’clock was agreed during the week. Unfortunately, an error had left this information out of reach of the match-day official leaving the plan to start at 14:00 in the wind. Fortunately, a reluctant champion emerged from the sidelines with the spectating Ollie Catherall called into action, taking up his whistle (well Aireborough Club President Chris Clarke’s dog whistle) and getting the game started. With the words “Those of you who know me, know this is my worst nightmare” contained within his pre-match briefing, he might not be the hero we deserved, but he was the hero we needed.

The first 10 minutes under Catherall’s watchful eye was even with the two teams testing each other out, without score. West Park Leeds showed glimpses of quality and danger in attack but Aire’s defence remained firm. The most promising attack coming down the visitors right, with a well-placed kick over the top- it was only good chasing back from debutant (and Junior Coach) Nick Eager covering back from the opposite wing, to kick the ball out of play behind his own dead ball line to prevent the fast approaching WPL chaser. After a couple of moments careful deliberation, Catherall awarded a 5 metre attacking scrum to the visitors and handed over to the originally booked official. The pressure told against Aire shortly after, with West Park drawing first blood scoring an unconverted try.

A strong set-piece and good carries from the pack drove the Crusaders forward- with a dominant scrum starting from a front row of James Young, Granville Sellers and newcomer and later addition Martin Tyson, ably assisted by Andrew Wood, Simon Wilson and Karl Jacques. This allowed No.8 Mark Rollinson to add his customary go forward, linking well with captain and scrum-half James Underwood. A better passage of play saw Aire go close but stopped short. At the heart of this was Young, who took a blow to the head for his trouble and had to go off for safety reasons. But substitute prop Ian Wilkinson kept his end up, and the scrum restart close to the West Park line saw Aire retain possession. The Crusaders continued to knock at the door, and once the ball was eventually spread wide, the Welsh Wizard Rob Baker, starting this week at fly half, glided through the defensive line to score a try, then added the extras to take the lead. However, the home side’s advantage wouldn’t last long and the visitors would have the last word of the half, scoring another unconverted try out wide to end the first period.

HT- 7-10

Going in just 3 points behind at half time, the Crusaders were well within touching distance of winning the match. Unfortunately, it was a relatively poor start from Aire, who conceded ground out wide to put West Park Leeds into a dangerous position. After just 5 minutes into the second half, a simple but well worked move saw the visitors go through the defensive line and in straight under the posts. With an easier kick this time, the conversion was added, taking the opposition 10 points, and more than a score, ahead.
Tired bodies were obvious on both sides, but the game continued to be competitive with the home side starting to take the ascendancy in the final quarter of the game. Promising attacks were stopped short by a variety of silly mistakes such as handling errors and infringements at the breakdown. Progress was made in the backline, and in hindsight they should have perhaps seen more of the ball, with nice combinations such as father son combo Chris and Dan Broadbent (at centre and full back respectively). Also going well was winger Luke Buchan, who after being caught out of position early in the half did well under the high ball as West Park looked to clear their lines as Aire kept them pinned back in their own half. A move nicely worked through the hands saw the returning Ryan Owens at centre almost get round the edge, but he was bundled into touch just 5 metres from the tryline with a tackle that may well have been reviewed should the Yorkshire Merit Tables have the benefit of a TMO.

The final 5 minutes were spent in this corner, as the Crusaders desperately fought to reach the line, and then perhaps have a shot at another score to seize the win. West Park’s lineout from the tackle that sent Owens into touch went askew and possession was once again back in the hands of the home side. An infringement gave Aire a penalty, which captain Underwood opted to use his dominant scrum for a push over. The scrum started moving, well controlled by Rollinson at the back, and a score was only prevented by illegal play by WPL. With the resulting penalty Aire opted for another scrum, and another try was stopped due to an infringement. Another penalty was given and a yellow card shown- where a similar scene occurred. With the referee seemingly reluctant to give a penalty try, and the opposition discussing the situation, Underwood took a quick tap instead, snipping towards the tryline. Despite having got the ball touching the line, the referee deemed it unworthy of a try for reasons that left a feeling of minor frustration, particularly as the attacking scrum for being held up didn’t take place and the final whistle was blown. In the bar afterwards, the matchday official comparing Underwood’s attempt to burrow to the line to that of a slug, and wanting to hear no more about it, may well have been fair- and we thank both him and Catherall for allowing us to have a game this Saturday.

FT- 7-17

Though yet to register their first win of the season, progress continues to be made in the Crusaders camp. Again, there was no lack of effort, but a lack of precision and concentration saw them come off second best in a well fought contest. The player pool of Aire’s second team continues to grow, with some great debuts yet again, including from this week’s MoM:

Man of the Match- Collum Hanogue
An excellent showing from the contingent of Aireborough Junior coaches included the returning Andrew ‘Woody’ Wood in the second row, mainstay Granville Sellers leading the pack at hooker and Nick Eager making his first appearance for the club as a player. This was topped off by a shining performance from openside flanker Collum Hanogue. Hanogue seemed to be everywhere on the pitch this Saturday, tackling ferociously, manufacturing turnovers and running great support lines- we hope to see him in the shirt again. With this group, along with many other hardworking coaches and volunteers looking after the club’s youngsters, the future of Aireborough should be bright.