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Halifax Irish Junior Rugby League |
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Halifax Irish Junior Rugby League |
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| Coach | Gavin Davies | 01422 316473
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Under 13s 2007/2008 Match Reports
Sunday 13th April 2008
Halifax Irish U13s 20 pts, Underbank 12
Irish End the Season With Well Earned Victory
Halifax Irish put in a superb performance to overturn a hard working Underbank 20 points to 12 in their final game of the season.
The home team started well and dominated both position and territory in the first quarter. Josh Bailey and Isaac Mitchel looked solid in the Irish centre, whilst Iain Dale and Connor Steele tackled well out wide. Bradley Wilson kicked to the corner after some great yards by Daniel Collier and Connor Farnell pounced to score in the corner.
The positive opening seemed to make the Irish complacent, and before they knew it Underbank had scored 3 tries of their own to open a 12 – 4 lead. Irish regrouped and Harry Latham touched down to bring them back within 4 points. The first half ended as it began, with Irish on the attack. Max Billington looked to be scoring in the corner, only for a great last ditch tackle to dislodge the ball as he dived for the line. James Turner then burst through the tiring Underbank defence to score a well taken try which Farnell converted.
The second half was low scoring as the defence of both teams gained the upper hand. The stalemate was almost broken when Wilson dashed over the line, only to be held up. Corey Davies was influential in attack and defence for the home team, and his quick and accurate passing from acting half did much to tire the visitors defence. Jozef Bird capitalised on this when he broke through to score a fine try. Farnell again added the extras.
The final minutes were tense as Underbank tried everything to get themselves back in to the game, but it was not to be. Liam Turner and Anthony Doran led the home team’s defensive effort and the Irish line was never troubled.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Corey Davies (3 pts), Bradley Wilson (2 pts) Daniel Collier (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Daniel Collier Coach’s Award: Josh Bailey
Sunday 6th April 2008
Wyke 44 pts, Halifax Irish 16
Under Strength Irish Worry Wyke
Halifax Irish Under 13s visited high flying Wyke with only 12 fit players, but still put in a solid performance that was masked by a final score line that flattered their opponents.
Irish had a jittery start that saw them 20 points down before they’d completed a set of 6. To their credit the visitors got themselves going. Great work from Corey Davies and Harry Latham sucked in the Wyke defence, allowing Latham to put Josh Bailey in to a space to score his first try of the season. This motivated the visitors to tighten up defensively, with Iain Dale leading the way.
The second half started well for the Irish and Connor Steele made good yards out wide whilst Liam Turner and Callum Grady began to dominate the ruck. More decisive play from Latham fed James Turner who thundered over the Wyke defenders to score. Latham added the extras and Wyke began to look nervous. Connor Farnell combined well with Davies and Latham and looked to be scoring, only to have ball ripped out as he approached the line. Good tackling from Isaac Mitchell and debutant Oliver Holroyd gave further hope to the visitors, but Wyke’s speedster scored an individual try to open the lead again. Soon after Farnell saw a gap in the Wyke defence and he sprinted two thirds of the field to touch down under the posts. Max Billington converted confidently. The final minutes saw the Irish tire and Wyke capitalised with more tries, leaving the final score 44 – 16 in their favour.
Irish left the field exhausted but satisfied that they had played their part in a great game of junior rugby and had outscored their opponents through the middle half of the game.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Harry Latham (3 pts), Iain Dale (2 pts), Corey Davies (1 pt).
Top Tackler: James Turner Coach’s Award: Oliver Holroyd
Tuesday 1st April 2008
Halifax Irish U13s 22pts, Elland 30.
Elland Edge Irish in 11 Try Thriller
Halifax Irish Under 13s bowed out of the Halifax Cup to a much improved Elland outfit, losing 30 points to 22.
After almost a month without a fixture the home team looked rusty in the opening minutes and it didn’t take long for Elland to open the scoring. The Irish hit back with a great move involving several players before Connor Farnell scored out wide. Elland replied with a well taken try of their own and widened the gap with their third score soon afterwards.
Corey Davies then ran from acting half and fed Daniel Collier who burst through the Elland defence to make 50 yards. Again the Irish backs capitalised on this good work and Farnell was put in for his second try out wide. Elland responded again, but brave tackling from Isaac Mitchell, Iain Dale and Connor Steele helped the Irish line hold firm. Irish got within striking distance only to be thwarted by the half time whistle.
The second half started poorly for the home team and Elland scored two further tries to open a secure lead. This seemed to inspire the Irish who tightened up their defence led by some text book tackling from the impressive Harry Latham. Yet more good passing gave Farnell another half chance and he outpaced the Elland defence to complete a deserved hatrick. Bradley Wilson converted.
Irish continued to look tight in defence, with Connor Steele and Max Billington doing their share of work. James Turner and Liam Turner tackled tirelessly and this led to a good opportunity that Jozef Bird finished clinically. Collier looked to have scored one of his trademark tries, only to be held up, but Callum Grady showed great determination soon after to score a superb individual try.
With only a minute left Irish, now only two points behind, threw caution to the wind and a clever restart from Wilson almost paid off. Fortune smiled on the visitors however and they took advantage of a tiring defence to score a fine solo try with the last play of the game.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Connor Farnell (3 pts), Harry Latham (2 pts), Callum Grady (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Harry Latham Coach’s Award: Anthony Doran
Sunday 16th March 2008
Halifax Irish U13s 10 - Brighouse Rangers 28
Rangers Overpower Injury Hit Irish
Halifax Irish Under 13s put up a brave performance against Brighouse Rangers, but they were undone by a succession of injuries that left them at times with a few as 9 men on the field.
Irish started brightly and good field position led to a crossfield kick by Bradley Wilson that Connor Farnell finished clinically. The visitors responded immediately with a converted try. Liam Turner became the first Irish casualty when he put his body on the line to make a terrific tackle. Iain Dale soon followed as he looked like scoring a great try, only to badly twist an ankle inches from the line. Brighouse capitalised on their superior numbers late on in the half and stretched to a 14 – 4 lead by half time.
The home team looked fresh and determined after the break with Isaac Mitchell and Anthony Doran making some useful yards. Good running from Max Billington and great hands from Jozef Bird kept up the forward momentum and Farnell burst through and looked like adding his second try, only to be held up over the line.
Harry Latham weaved through several tackles and drew in the Rangers’ defence before looping a lovely pass for Callum Grady to run on to and score. Wilson added the extras, but in doing so aggravated an injury and had to retire. Despite this setback, the home team still held their own for long periods. Eventually Brighouse began to find the space to score and the game swang their way. This was despite tremendous tackling from Connor Steele and the impressive Daniel Collier. Hooker Corey Davies distributed the ball well and made good yards with some decisive ‘scoots’ despite having to leave the field for a period with a facial injury.
In the end fatigue and some intelligent Rangers play got the better of the home team and the game finished 28 – 10 to Brighouse.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Daniel Collier (3 pts), Harry Latham (2 pts), Callum Grady (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Daniel Collier Coach’s Award: Connor FarnellSunday 9th March 2008
Halifax Irish U13s 14pts, Illingworth 16.
Irish Come Back Runs Out of Time
Derbies don’t come much more local than Halifax Irish Under 13s playing Illingworth as the two teams are currently ground sharing. They also don’t come much more nail biting, as Irish came from 16 points down to get within 2 points by the final whistle.
This was a real game of two halves, with Illingworth much the better team in the first period. Irish lost their influential full back Connor Farnell in the first minutes through injury after a great run. From then, Illingworth pressed, despite determined tackling from Josh Bailey, Corey Davies and Callum Duke. The half ended 16 – 0 to Illingworth.
Irish came out fighting in the second half. Great running from Isaac Mitchel, Callum Grady and Anthony Doran, backed up by more aggressive tackling from Duke began to see the Irish forwards dominate the ruck. Max Billington impressed as he fillied in at full back and Iain Dale and Liam Turner tightened up the defence on the wings. More bad luck saw Bradley Wilson retire hurt after his ball distribution had begun to test Illingworth.
Loose forward Daniel Collier brought the Irish back in to the game with two well taken tries, Harry Latham converting the second. Jozef Bird made some good yards and Irish piled on the pressure in the final minutes. Illingworth’s defence held firm until Latham put a beautifully weighted kick into the corner and Conner Steele pounced to score his first ever try. That proved to be the last action of the game however, with the Irish coming agonisingly close to the come back of the season.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Harry Latham (3 pts), Corey Davies (2 pts), Daniel Collier (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Callum Duke Coach’s Award: Max Billington
Sunday 2nd March 2008
Brighouse Rangers U13s 8 - Halifax Irish 12
Halifax Irish Edge Five Try Thriller
Halifax Irish Under 13s leapfrogged local rivals Brighouse Rangers after a tremendous game full of great rugby.
In a game that was even throughout, the visitors drew first blood when Callum Grady powered over for a well taken try. Brighouse hit back with a converted try and looked like they might press home their advantage. Good defence from Irish’s James Turner, Daniel Collier and Josh Bailey kept them out. Collier also made great yards with some blockbusting runs, as did Isaac Mitchell and Callum Duke, who was playing his first game of the season.
The second half followed the trends set in the first, with both sides defending bravely and running hard. After some more good forward play, Irish saw an opportunity out wide and Jozef Bird was on the end of a great move to score out wide. Brighouse pressed once again, but good tackling out wide by Max Billington and debutant Connor Steele cancelled out the threat. Irish pressed again after Corey Davies made good ground, but this time it was the Rangers’ tackling that held out.
The home team took advantage of yards gained on the back of penalties to score their second try and put their noses in front. Harry Latham marshalled Irish back up the field and with time running out Liam Turner steamed on to a pass and broke tackles only to lose control of the ball unluckily as he seemed to be through. Again the visitors pressed, this time through Connor Farnell. As Brighouse’s defence became condensed, Bradley Wilson took the opportunity to exploit space on the right with a superb cross-field kick and Bird gathered the ball to score his second try.
The final whistle soon followed, with Halifax hanging on to their slender lead. Brighouse finished empty handed, but they had played their part in a super advert for junior rugby.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Daniel Collier (3 pts), Jozef Bird (2 pts), Everyone else (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Callum Duke Coach’s Award: Connor Steele
Sunday 25th February 2008
Halifax Irish U13s 4 - Keighley Cougars 12
Luckless Irish Fall at the Final Hurdle
There was definitely no luck for the Irish as they bowed out of the Supplementary Cup semi-final, losing 12 – 4 to Keighley Cougars. Irish put in one of their defensive performances of the season and dominated long periods, despite the final score line.
The home team began nervously and handling errors enabled the Cougars to pile on the early pressure. Superb tackling from Daniel Collier, Josh Bailey and Corey Davies held back the onslaught and the Irish finally composed themselves and began to make ground. The game remained scoreless for more than twenty minutes before Keighley’s danger-man broke free to score. The first half ended 4 – 0 to the visitors.
Irish, with the wind at their backs, began the second half with renewed determination. Max Billington ran the ball strongly and James Turner joined Collier in dominating the ruck. A superb move involving several pairs of hands saw Jozef Bird put Liam Turner in for a try, only to have their efforts disallowed for a forward pass. Callum Grady powered over the line for what looked like a certain try, but he was held up by great Keighley defence. The Cougars, under increasing pressure attempted to clear their line with kicks. A high bomb came to nothing as it was expertly gathered by Iain Dale, and Isaac Mitchell dropped bravely on another loose ball as several Keighley players converged on it and play remained deep in the visitor’s territory. Bradley Wilson put in an intelligent diagonal kick that Harry Latham was unlucky not to get on the end of and it looked like nothing would go in the home team’s favour. This was compounded when Keighley broke to score another long range try.
Irish heads did not drop however and they were rewarded at last when Bird put Liam Turner in again and this time he scored in the corner. Keighley restarted, only to see Connor Farnell weave through their entire team and sprint for what looked like a certain try. A heroic last ditch tackle brought him down tantalisingly close to the try line and the Cougars breathed again. Superb defence from, amongst others, Davies and Anthony Doran forced a goal line dropout. It seemed like just a matter of time before the home team drew level, but time was rapidly running out. Then, as Irish threw caution to the wind, Keighley’s key player broke yet again to score his and Keighley’s third try with the last play of the game.
The defeat was hard to take for the Irish, but they can take heart from another great performance against a well organised Keighley side.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Connor Farnell (3 pts), Liam Turner (2 pts) Jozef Bird (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Daniel Collier Coach’s Award: Isaac Mitchell
Sunday 10th February 2008
Keighley Cougars 24 pts - Halifax Irish U13s 4
Irish Effort goes Unrewarded
Halifax Irish U13s worked hard with no reward against a well organised Keighley Cougars side. Despite the game being even in many ways, the home team outscored the Irish 5 tries to one.
Keighley started well, but the visitors worked hard to grind their way back into the game. Despite this, Keighley broke away to score a converted try. This became the pattern for the first half; Irish looking promising for prolonged periods, but not converting this promise in to points. Hooker Corey Davies and loose forward Daniel Collier led the Irish’s defensive efforts whilst Max Billington and Connor Farnell ran well with the ball.
The first half saw Keighley score two more long range tries to put them 16 – 0 up by the end of the first half. This was despite some great work from Harry Latham, Callum Grady and Josh Bailey.
The Cougars scored early in the second half, but, led by some inspirational play from Collier and Iain Dale, the visitors kept their heads up and continued to press. Nathan Walker and Isaac Mitchell gave 100% as the home team tried to run round the Irish line. Ever dependable Jozef Bird was always willing to carry the ball and tackled well throughout.
Yet more good field position finally saw Irish cross the line, when lovely play from Bradley Wilson sucked in the Keighley defence and Liam Turner timed his supporting run to perfection to score in the corner. It was too little too late however, giving Keighley victory earned on the back of good defence.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Daniel Collier (3 pts), Iain Dale (2 pts) Corey Davies (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Corey Davies Coach’s Award: Bradley Wilson
Sunday 3rd February 2008
Halifax Irish U13s 0 pts - Huddersfield Sharks 32
Sharks Bite Irish Hard
Halifax Irish U13s gave a good account of themselves against high flying Huddersfield Sharks, despite what the one-sided final score suggests.
The visitors were always dangerous with the ball in their possession and their defence was as strong as ever. The Irish opened brightly however, and matched their top of the table opponents for long periods. In attack Corey Davies, Bradley Wilson and Harry Latham worked well together and only strong tackling stopped the momentum they created. Connor Farnell found space and looked like he was going to score until a superb ankle tap brought him down just short. In defence Callum Grady, Daniel Collier and Josh Bailey put in some good tackles.
James Turner had another influential game, both in attack and defence, as did Jozef Bird. Isaac Mitchell ran well and Anthony Doran made some hard yards with each carry. Max Billington kept things tight out wide.
Irish went close to scoring throughout the game, but non closer than Liam Turner who chased a good kick to score, only to be judged just offside. Huddersfield kept the scoreboard ticking over, but never gained control of the game and Irish left the field with their heads held high after a big improvement from when the two sides met earlier in the season.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Connor Farnell (3 pts), James Turner (2 pts) Harry Latham (1 pt).
Top Tackler: James Turner Coach’s Award: Daniel Collier
Sunday 27thJanuary 2008
Illingworth 12 pts, Halifax Irish U13s 30
Local Bragging Rites Go to the Irish
Halifax Irish came out on top after a game filled with skill, passion and guts against local rivals Illingworth. Both teams can feel proud with the part they played in an enjoyable cup tie that entertained the large crowd.
Opening exchanges were even, but Irish gradually ground out some good field position after good work from Josh Bailey. Callum Grady out muscled the Illingworth defence to open the scoring; giving the visitors the platform they needed to control the first half.
Corey Davies and Harry Latham dictated play which was dominated in the forwards, and Irish became irresistible with ball in hand. More great yards by Grady saw an intelligent lay off that Jozef Bird finished clinically. The second quarter saw Illingworth struggle to get out of their own half and more Irish pressure saw Daniel Collier Crash over for a great try. Iain Dale and Isaac Mitchell both looked dangerous out wide, but were thwarted by good Illingworth defence.
The beginning of the second half saw the upper hand remain with the visitors. A great tackling stint by Max Billington and good drives from Anthony Doran epitomised Irish’s enthusiasm and they were rewarded with another try by James Turner, who finished a great forward’s move. Connor Farnell had made good yards with every carry, and his determination was rewarded with a superb solo effort. Illingworth had never been out of the game however, and they finally got themselves back in to the game with two converted tries. The game looked to be turning on its head, but some tenacious tackling from Liam Turner inspired the Irish to push forward again. Pressure led to a great cross-field kick by Bradley Wilson and Bird bravely dived between Illingworth defenders to score his second try. Wilson completed the Irish scoring with three well taken conversions.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Liam Turner (3 pts), Harry Latham (2 pts) Jozef Bird (1 pt).
Top Tackler: James Turner Coach’s Award: Corey Davies
Sunday 6th January 2008
Underbank 6 pts, Halifax Irish U13s 28
It’s a Happy New Year for the Irish!
Halifax Irish U13s started 2008 in style with a convincing 28 – 6 victory away to Underbank. The opening exchanges were even and both teams looked dangerous with ball in hand. It took a barnstorming run from James Turner to break the deadlock and the visitors began to control the game. More Irish pressure led to a scrum deep in Underbank’s half. Harry Latham and Daniel Collier used a planned move which bamboozled the defence, allowing Collier to score out wide. More good possession saw Jozef Bird tear open the Underbank line and he crashed over for a fine individual try.
The second half followed the same pattern as the first, with Underbank testing the Irish defence early on. Josh Bailey, Callum Grady and the impressive Liam Turner were up to the task and the home team’s efforts were thwarted. Great yards from the Irish forwards led to a sweeping move that involved Corey Davies, Latham and Bird before Isaac Mitchell scored his first ever try in the corner. Davies teased the Underbank defence again before a clever ‘show ‘n’ go’ saw him dash over for his first try of the season. Nathan Walker converted. Bradley Wilson and Connor Farnell both fell just short after good runs. More good defence from Collier and Grady gave the visitors possession deep in their own half and Farnell ran the length of the field to score under the sticks. Max Billington added the extras.
To their credit Underbank never gave up, and they were rewarded in the final minute with a converted try. It was too little too late and the visitors and Halifax Irish came away deserved winners.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Harry Latham (3 pts), Liam Turner (2 pts) Isaac Mitchell (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Daniel Collier Coach’s Award: Max Billington
Sunday 2nd December 2007
Halifax Irish U13s 28 pts, Elland 12
Irish Back on Song
Halifax Irish entertained a spirited Elland outfit in wet conditions, coming out on top after a classy second half performance.
The game could not have started better for the home team as a great kick-off saw Max Billington out pace the Elland players to recover the ball and score his first try of the season. More early pressure led to a sweeping move, expertly finished by Connor Farnell. Callum Grady and James Turner tackled well and Corey Davies marshalled things going forward, but handling errors in the slippy conditions began to frustrate the home team. Elland took the chance and forced themselves back in to the game, scoring twice themselves, leaving the half time score 8-a-piece.
Irish opened the second half brightly and finally began to adapt to the wet conditions. Daniel Collier and Jozef Bird added two more tries for the Irish after good work in the forwards by Josh Bailey, Liam Turner and Anthony Doran. This gave the Irish a cushion and their backs began to turn on the style. This culminated in a terrific try finished by Iain Dale. The home team continued to press with Isaac Mitchell, Nathan Walker and Harry Latham all playing their part. Farnell found some space and ran two thirds of the pitch for a great individual try. Halifax Irish’s score was completed by two Bradley Wilson conversions. Elland never gave up and it was the visitors who scored last with the final play of the game.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Max Billington & Iain Dale (3 pts), Bradley Wilson (2 pts) Everyone else! (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Callum Grady Coach’s Award: Liam Turner
Sunday 25th November 2007
Huddersfield Sharks 46 pts - Halifax Irish 0
Harsh Score Hides Irish Improvement
A one sided score line masked a big improvement in Halifax Irish U13s, who lost to a very aggressive Sharks outfit. Huddersfield started strongly and dominated the opening minutes, scoring at regular intervals. Despite this, Corey Davies and Jozef Bird made some big tackles to stem the tide. Max Billington made good yards with a decisive run and Harry Latham kept forwards Callum Grady and Josh Bailey working hard and running strong. Great work from Anthony Doran turned the ball over in the Shark’s half, but their defence held firm. Sharks remained on top and the first half ended with the home team comfortably ahead.
The second half began with a great kick from Bradley Wilson, giving Irish position in Huddersfield’s half. This set the pattern for a much closer second half. Irish went close on several occasions, with Daniel Collier, Connor Farnell and James Turner all coming within inches of scoring. Everything seemed to be against them however, as decisions went against them and the home team scored more breakaway tries. Davies, Wilson and Latham continued to encourage expansive rugby, keenly supported by Isaac Mitchell, Liam Turner and Nathan Walker, but superb defence kept the Irish at bay.
Top of the table Huddersfield were worthy winners, but the game was closer than the score suggests, with over half of the home team’s points coming from interception tries, or breaks due to one on one turn overs and the subsequent conversions.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Daniel Collier (3 pts), Jozef Bird (2 pts) Corey Davies (1 pt).
Top Tackler: James Turner Coach’s Award: Harry Latham
Sunday 18th November 2007
Littleborough 44 pts, Halifax Irish U13s 0
Below Par Irish Learn a Hard Lesson
Halifax Irish lost to a determined Littleborough, who adapted much better to the wintry conditions.
The game started well for the visitors and both teams seemed evenly matched in the opening exchanges. Forwards Callum Grady, Anthony Doran and Daniel Collier ran strongly, whilst good tackling from James Turner and Iain Dale kept things tight in defence. The cold, muddy conditions seemed to have a negative effect on the Irish and the second quarter saw the home team begin to dominate. Irish’s problems were compounded by the loss of Jozef Bird, and by half time the game looked out of reach for the visitors.
They second half started as badly and the first had ended for Halifax Irish, despite good running from Connor Farnell and Harry Latham. They managed to find their second wind however, with Corey Davies and Josh Bailey working hard in defence. At this point, the Irish needed something to go their way, but luck was against them, despite probing kicks by Bradley Wilson and good support play by Isaac Mitchell, Nathan Walker and Liam Turner. Fatigue began to play its part and Littleborough pulled further away in the closing minutes for a well deserved victory.
Awards:
Man of t’match: James Turner (3 pts), Daniel Collier (2 pts) Josh Bailey (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Daniel Collier Coach’s Award: Callum Grady
Sunday 11th November 2007
Halifax Irish U13s 4 pts, Keighley Cougar Cubs 20
Keighley Defence Proves the Difference
Halifax put in a performance full of spirit, but it was not enough to crack a much improved Keighley side.
For the third week running, Irish were slow out of the blocks and found themselves 8 points down in the first minutes. More Keighley pressure saw the home team take position deep in their own half. James Turner ran strongly, gathering momentum as he broke a couple of tackles and this led to him running the length of the field, fending off tackles and scoring out wide. Turner’s heroics fuelled a mini fight back by the home team, with more strong running from the impressive Jozef Bird and Daniel Collier. Nathan Walker played through the pain barrier after a nasty bang to the face, epitomising the Irish’s spirit, but Keighley’s key players found room out wide to score twice more.
The half ended well for the Irish, with Callum Grady putting in some block busting tackles to turn the ball over deep in Cougar territory, but the half time whistle thwarted the opportunity.
At 16 – 4 down, the home team’s heads might have fallen, but they were the better team in the second half, dominating territory and position; they just lacked the finishing touches. Ever improving Josh Bailey led the way with some good runs, whilst Harry Latham and Corey Davies tackled their hearts out.
Out wide Max Billington and Isaac Mitchell made themselves much harder to beat and this restricted Keighley’s offence. Anthony Doran, Liam Turner and Iain Dale made some hard yards, but it was the second rower James Turner that continued to give Keighley the most trouble. A great kick from Bradley Wilson looked like putting someone in for a try, but the advancing Irish players got there just as the ball went dead.
Against the run of play, Keighley scored again and that proved to be the final nail in the coffin for the Irish, who continued to press, without adding any further points.
Awards:
Man of t’match: James Turner (3 pts), Jozef Bird (2 pts) Daniel Collier (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Callum Grady Coach’s Award: Nathan Walker
Sunday 4th November 2007
East Leeds A 44 pts, Halifax Irish U13s 0
Irish Find the Going Too Tough at East Leeds
Halifax Irish’s adventure in the Yorkshire Cup came to an end as they lost to East Leeds A.
After good wins against Cottingham and Keighley, the opposition proved too classy for the Irish, who were always second best in this last 16 clash. The game began terribly for the visitors who didn’t have any possession for the first quarter of the match. Their position was compounded by several decisions which went against them and the home team scored at will throughout the first half. Irish finally gained some ball after a fantastic tackle from Callum Grady and Jozef Bird and the Halifax forwards began to hold their own. Strong running from Daniel Collier and Anthony Doran made good yards, but the home team’s line was never threatened.
The second half saw several of the Irish team up their game and things became much more even. Aggressive tackling from Corey Davies, Josh Bailey and James Turner made sure several of the home team knew they’d been is a game, whilst Liam Turner, Isaac Mitchell and Nathan Walker tightened things up out wide. Harry Latham and Iain Dale began to use the ball well, allowing the likes of Grady and Collier to make increasing inroads.
Superior firepower meant East Leeds were always dangerous, but they were restricted to 8 points in the second half. Their last try seemed to have been thwarted by a superb tackle from Bradley Wilson, but yet again the decision went against the visitors.
Halifax Irish can take much from their second half performance against a well drilled outfit and they left wishing their opponents every success in the quarter finals.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Jozef Bird (3 pts), Corey Davies (2 pts) Josh Bailey (1 pt).
Top Tackler: James Turner Coach’s Award: Daniel Collier
Sunday 28th October 2007
Newsome Panthers 28 pts, Halifax Irish U13s 16
Irish Bow Out of t’West Riding Cup
Halifax Irish bowed out of the West Riding Cup to an impressive Newsome Panthers outfit.
The game could not have started any worse for the Irish and they found themselves 14 – 0 behind in the first 5 minutes of the game. A good tackling stint from Callum Grady and James Turner stemmed the tide and the Irish began to work their way back in to the match. Quick plays of the ball and pin point passing from Corey Davies created pressure and penalties that saw Daniel Collier crash over for a trademark try which Bradley Wilson converted.
Good runs from Max Billington, Nathan Walker and Harry Latham gave Irish good field position, but Newsome scored a pair of length of the field tries to extend their lead once again before half time.
The second half saw Irish up their game offensively, with Liam Turner, Iain Dale and Josh Bailey all playing their part. Latham was proving to be an increasing influence on the game and his efforts were rewarded with a fine try out wide. Latham went close again when good support from Isaac Mitchell distracted the defence, but Newsome scrambled well to recover. Danger man Connor Farnell came close on several occasions, but Newsome were always dangerous on the break, scoring yet more long distance tries throughout the half. Man of the match Collier capped a great performance with another try; Wilson again converting.
The game ended soon after, with the Panthers running out deserved victors, but the Irish not outclassed by their strong running hosts.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Daniel Collier (3 pts), Harry Latham (2 pts) James Turner (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Callum Grady Coach’s Award: Anthony Doran
Sunday 21st October 2007
Halifax Irish U13s 32 pts, Keighley Cougar Cubs 4
Cougars Have Their Claws Clipped
Halifax Irish progressed through in the Yorkshire Cup after running out comfortable winners against Keighley Cougars.
The glorious conditions drew in a large crowd and they were royally entertained by two evenly matched teams. Things began well for the home team and they got the better of the opening exchanges. Harry Latham capitalised with a great try. More pressure saw Latham score again, this time following a pin-point kick from Bradley Wilson. Keighley tried to respond, using their big forwards to make good yards, but good defence from Josh Bailey, Corey Davies and James Turner kept them out. Daniel Collier then broke through the Cougars’ defensive line, running two thirds of the field to score under the sticks. Wilson added the extras. Keighley’s heads did not drop and they replied with a good try of their own out wide, leaving the half time score 14 – 4 to the Irish.
Keighley’s aggressive pack started the second half well, but heroic defence from Iain Dale and Isaac Mitchell frustrated the visitors. This frustration was compounded when another excellent Wilson kick put Connor Farnell in for his first try of the game. Nathan Walker converted well and Halifax Irish began to dominate. The home team’s defensive line, led by props Callum Grady and Anthony Doran squeezed the Cougars, leading to Farnell’s second try and another Wilson conversion. Liam Turner, playing an unaccustomed role in the centres, ran well and tacked hard when required. As Keighley tired, Farnell burst through to complete his hat trick and Walker completed the scoring.
The game finished with a richly deserved victory for the Irish, who put in a fine team performance.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Bradley Wilson (3 pts), Daniel Collier (2 pts) Callum Grady (1 pt).
Top Tackler: James Turner Coach’s Award: Josh Bailey
Sunday 14th October 2007
Halifax Irish U13s 4 - Wyke U13s 48
The game could not have got off to a worse start for the home side as Irish kicked off, only to see the visitors run the ball around them for a try within the first 60 seconds. A quick conversion giving Wyke a 6 point lead within the first couple of minutes of the game. Unfortunately for the home team, the run of play went pretty much the same way for the remainder of the first half with two particularly capable Wyke players dominating the play and outpacing the home defence to score on three further occasions.
At this stage of the match, and with Connor Farnell once again having given Irish a boost with one of his great runs resulting in a much needed 4 points, the home side were still looking strong and quite capable of pulling back a few points. Half time score Halifax Irish 4 - Wyke 20.
Irish returned after the break to continue a courageous defensive battle, chalking up an unprecedented number of tackles with all of the team playing their part. Special mention due to James Turner playing strongly as ever despite being not fully recovered from illness. Some great chasing and tackling by Bradley Wilson and Connor Farnell prevented one breakaway try attempt and Callum Grady made some good runs.
As always, Harry Latham frustrated the opposition with his darting and weaving around multiple players but all of these efforts were just not enough to prevent the same few key Wyke players taking advantage of their size and speed to score several more tries leaving the final score at Halifax Irish 4 - Wyke 48.
Awards:
Man of t’match: James Turner (3 pts), Harry Latham (2 pts) Callum Grady (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Danny Collier Coach’s Award: Connor Farnell
Sunday 7th October 2007
Halifax Irish U13s 24 - Cottingham Tigers U13s 18
Halifax Irish Tame the Tigers…Just!
Halifax Irish progressed through in the Yorkshire Cup after a nail biting finish to this superb advert for junior rugby.
The game could not have started better for the home side as Cottingham kicked off, only to see Connor Farnell run the ball back and around them for a super score. Bradley Wilson converted. Irish kept up the pressure and the opening quarter was played almost exclusively in the Tiger’s half. Great go forward form Daniel Collier and Callum Grady set up a ‘5th and last’ within ten metres of the Cottingham try line. Wilson looked to kick, then scooted through the unsuspecting defence to score his first try of the season. Nathan Walker added the extras.
A great draw and pass from the ruck by Corey Davies allowed Liam Turner to make great yards and Irish built yet more pressure close to the try line. Superb dummy runs from Grady and James Turner caused enough confusion for Collier to crash over for a great try. Wilson again added the conversion to open an 18 – 0 lead.
Cottingham had a much bigger pack, but great defence from Josh Bailey, Max Billington and Isaac Mitchell kept them out and the tackle of the game from Grady epitomised the advantage the home team had over their opponents.
The Tigers regrouped in the second half and began to stretch Irish who tired badly in the last quarter. Two tries out wide and two from close brought the visitors back level at 18 points each and set the game up for a frantic last five minutes.
Iain Dale’s never say die attitude kept him working hard for the home team and against the odds, Irish began to press. Turnover ball saw James Turner make good yards and Farnell burst through to score his second try. Walker converted and Irish had the cushion they needed.
The last play of the game saw Harry Latham test the Cottingham defence again with a fine run, but the visitors scrambled well to deny him. Full time came and the players left the field to a well deserved round of applause from the large crowd.
Halifax Irish U13s are looking to strengthen their squad for the new season. Interested? Please call HX 316473
Awards:
Man of t’match: Daniel Collier (3 pts), Callum Grady (2 pts) Everyone Else! (1 pt).
Top Tackler: James Turner Coach’s Award: Harry Latham
Sunday 23rd September 2007
Halifax Irish U13s 18 - Littleborough U13s 20.
Halifax Irish Pipped at the Post
Halifax Irish Under 13s can consider themselves unlucky not to get anything out of this entertaining clash against unbeaten Littleborough.
The home
side were slow out of the blocks, finding themselves 8 points down within
the first minutes, but they composed themselves and began to dominate the
remainder of the first half. Centre Connor Farnell weaved his way through
for a great try and Bradley Wilson converted from in front of the sticks.
This score inspired the Irish and a great kick from
Great
pressure in defence from Isaac Mitchell led to more Irish possession and a
superb kick by
The second half began evenly, with Littleborough running strong and defending hard. Hooker Corey Davies stood tall in defence for the home team and James Turner ran well with the ball, aided by his effective hand off. Callum Grady and Anthony Doran muscled up to match the visitors aggressive forwards and Daniel Collier put in some telling tackles and strong runs. Littleborough scored a deserved try out wide, despite the defence of Iain Dale and Farnell and this led to a final few minutes that saw Littleborough grab the initiative. Great restarts saw the visitors pile on the pressure, scoring two late tries. Halifax Irish tried to respond, but the final whistle blew leaving the final score 20 – 18 in Littleborough’s favour.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Connor Farnell (3 pts), Daniel Collier (2 pts) Liam Turner (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Corey Davies
Coach’s Award: James Turner
Sunday 16th September 2007
Halifax Irish U13s 40 - Greetland U13s 4.
Impressive Irish Outclass Greetland
Halifax Irish Under 13s retained the bragging rights over Greetland as they came away victorious for the second week running. The game began well for the home team, as danger man Connor Farnell crossed for a well taken try. Farnell’s early score set the pattern for the first half and Irish dominated in both attack and defence.
James Turner capitalised close to the Greetland line and touched down after an aggressive drive. Fellow forward Anthony Doran crossed soon after when he was there to finish a decisive break from Corey Davies. Davies helped to set up the next try when he and half back Harry Latham both scooted to cover two thirds of the pitch in two quick plays. Their hard work set up a sweeping move that Iain Dale finished well. Latham teased the visitors once again, this time scoring a fine individual try.
Yet more good field position saw a superb planned move from the base of a scrum result in Daniel Collier crash over in the corner. Three conversions from Bradley Wilson saw the half finish 30 – 0 in the home team’s favour. Wilson’s accurate kicking game in windy conditions had been a thorn in Greetland’s side throughout the half.
To their credit, Greetland started the second half brightly and only good defence from Callum Grady and Liam Turner kept them out. The visitors kept probing and eventually found space out wide to get themselves on the scoreboard. Halifax Irish regrouped and responded well to the threat. Isaac Mitchell ran well with ball in hand and it wasn’t long before another good move saw James Turner score his second try. Man of the match Anthony Doran capped a fine performance with his second try and Nathan Walker converted despite the blustery conditions.
The final whistle blew leaving the score 40 – 4 in the home team’s favour; just reward for a fine team performance.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Anthony Doran (3 pts), Bradley Wilson (2 pts) everyone else (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Corey Davies
Coach’s Award: Iain Dale
Sunday 9th September 2007
Greetland U13s 4 - Halifax Irish U13s 28.
Five Star Farnell Sinks Brave Greetland
A superb second half performance saw Halifax Irish open the season with a well earned victory at local rivals Greetland. Irish opened brightly, and with the slight advantage of wind and slope, they had the better of the early exchanges. Props Callum Grady and Anthony Doran ran well and Corey Davies combined well with Harry Latham to keep the home team guessing. Early pressure told, and centre Connor Farnell scored a well worked try. Full back Bradley Wilson turned the screw with a clever restart that gave possession back to the visitors and it wasn’t long before Farnell crossed again to open an 8 point lead. Greetland responded well, pulling a try back and the half ended 8 – 4 to the Irish, but the momentum with the home team.
Halifax Irish regrouped and put together a fine team performance to make the game their own in the second half. Farnell added three more tries, including an intelligent scoot from acting half and a fine individual effort. The pick of his tries was a fine team effort from a scrum deep in their own half. Great passing from Latham and Wilson gave Farnell space out wide and he did the rest with a length of the field sprint.
Greetland ran hard with ball in hand, but tenacious defence led by Iain Dale, Daniel Collier and top tackler Liam Turner kept the home side well away from the danger zone. Conversions from Wilson and the impressive Nathan Walker added to the score and strong running out wide from Max Billington and debutant Isaac Mitchell stretched Greetland right across the field.
More great defence from Irish saw Greetland fumble deep in their own half and James Turner pounced to complete the scoring. Turner’s try capped a great team effort and gave Irish a fine start to the season.
Awards:
Man of t’match: Connor Farnell (3 pts), James Turner (2 pts) everyone else (1 pt).
Top Tackler: Liam Turner
Coach’s Award: Isaac Mitchell