Old Yardleians v Bishops Castle
Yards dig deep for victory
On a weekend traditionally reserved for Easter tours, the Y’s were informed that the league match against Bishops Castle that had been postponed due to snow earlier in the season would have to be played this weekend. With a number of regular first-teamers unavailable, the club’s depth of playing talent was going to be seriously tested. A combination of youth from the Development squad and experience from the Vandals XV were selected for a tough encounter against opponents from the Welsh Borders. Heavy rain meant a muddy pitch and running rugby was not the order of the day. Although the Y’s were in control for much of the first half, scoring opportunities were few and far between and with referee Mr Kelly following the letter of the law half time arrived with no points on the board.
The second half saw Yards putting the visitors under pressure in the scrums with captain for the day, Anthony Thompson, leading from the front and with Mike Brennan and Andy Killarney winning most lineout ball, it was only a matter of time before the first score came. A powerful run from winger Andrew Pearce saw him brush aside four defenders to dive over the line but Mr Kelly had spotted a marginally forward pass earlier in the move and cancelled the score. With the speed of Pearce and Walker in the midfield causing real concern to the opposition, sustained pressure eventually led to the first and only try of the match scored by Walker and converted by full back Dave Rollins. Two further penalties one by Walker and the other by Rollins made the game safe with a 13-0 scoreline.
The selectors face a difficult decision for next week’s league visit to Handsworth where a victory would end any threat of relegation. Will they stick to a winning team or will they recall the first team tourists? Watch this space!