U16s
Matches
Sun 13 Oct 2019
Aireborough RUFC
U16s
12
25
Ripon
Disappointment for lacklustre Aire.

Disappointment for lacklustre Aire.

Granville Sellers14 Oct 2019 - 17:50
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Penalty count and indiscipline the difference on the day

Aire 12 v Ripon 25

This was the first game between these sides and both turned out big squads on what was to be a heavy Nunroyd pitch. The opening exchanges were cagey, with both teams sounding each other out. After soaking up early pressure, Aire used their big forards and found themselves within Ripon's 22m. The ball was turned over & Ripon decide to run from deep; however the wet conditions made handling difficult and the ball was coughed up and gratefully snaffled up by Aire. The ball was moved to the left and Sammy Woodley put on the after burners to scorch in at the corner for a 5-0 lead.

This score gave Aire some confidence and again they built some phases. They attacked down the left again and 10m out Jacob Bevan was taken out by a high tackle; however he managed to release Sammy again who dotted down for his 2nd. There was disbelief though when the ref blew for the high tackle with Sammy in the clear. The lads certainly felt aggrieved by this decision and this moment was the catalyst for Aire's indiscipline over the next 65 minutes. Aire failed to take advantage of the penalty and from this point on there was a succession of penalties against the home side.

There was further disruption when Aire lost playmaker Eliot Bunn, who had distributed nicely at 10.

Ripon are a useful side and would be difficult opposition enough, without constantly being pinged for some obvious and some less obvious infringements.

Over the next 40 minutes, Ripon kept the scoreboard ticking over and Aire just found themselves getting more frustrated by mistakes and penalties conceded. Tempers were frayed and Aire found themselves down to 14 players for a reckless tackle. This seemed to galvanise Aire, who actually focused on rugby and began to gain some momentum & a foothold in the game. Aire then scored a try when the rampaging Vaughan Reeves forced his way over to make in 12-22. Aire had their tales up and looked like they could cause an upset, but once again they managed to get on the wrong side of the ref & the penalty count. Ripon closed out the game with a well taken penalty at the end.

At the final whistle there was disappointment all round, because Aire had opportunity to gain some momentum, but were knocked off course by a feeling of injustice and the significant penalty count against them.

The pack had endured a frustrating day & only performed to their potential in fits & starts. Losing skipper Jonny Ivory to what appeared to be a cheap leg lift injury didn’t help & unfortunately his substantial presence wasn’t filled.

There were some solid performances, with Freddie slotting in well at 9 to replace Spencer Wood, who had a decent game in the 1st half. Josh Wood caught the eye with the ball in hand & made some good yards. Gus Smith on the wing looked threatening & also did some of the dirty work in defence. The stand out player on the day was Jack Dawson, who was a constant threat in attack & was rock solid at the back.

Aire entertain Yarnbury at Aire on Sunday & need to put in a strong performance to recover from this set back.

Match details

Match date

Sun 13 Oct 2019

Kickoff

15:00
Team overview
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