Wibsey Warriors U-10s v Beeston Broncos U-10s

Date: Saturday, April 5

A much closer game than the scoreline suggests. The two teams were eventually separated by a single try, and three conversions.

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The weatherman had warned that we were in for a storm – but the playing conditions at Wibsey overlooking Heaton Valley were well nigh perfect. Just enough mud to hide the bruises, but firm enough under foot, and sunshine accompanied by a chill wind.

A length-of-the-pitch run for the first Broncos try from captain Callum B from the Wibsey kick-off was a beaut – and uphill too. But sadly, the immediate riposte in the opposite direction – slope assisted – told us the match was going to be no walkover.

Good work by Charlie D and Reece I before halftime meant that we went into the break with a hope that we could use the slope to our advantage in the second half and pull back the 14 point deficit. (Wibsey's 3 first half conversions – taken with a ballstand raising the oval at least 2 inches higher than the Broncos' ancient technology rescued from the Ark! – were going to be significant to the outcome).

A great energetic start to the second half with quality tries from Lewis B and Leon C. Wibsey fought back with 2 further tries of their own. Callum B ran in 2 trademark scores from far out, but Wibsey had the last comment. No conversions from either team in the second half – but worth mentioning that the try count was 4 – 3 to the Broncos.

Generally, the Broncos were energetic and well disciplined. Inevitably, in a game with teams so evenly matched, a couple of decisions were going to make the difference. An early knock-on handed the advantage to WIbsey, and a careless high tackle lost the Broncos valuable yards in their own half. Despite these minor cavils, the hard work done on the training pitch is beginning to shows clear results, and the Broncos can expect to win matches against similarly skilled opposition if they get the luck they deserve.

There was new blood in the team again this week and all the recent newcomers acquitted themselves well. Competition for places will give all the lads an added incentive to hone their skills, and the promise for the future is already in the air.

Tries: Callum Baker (3), Charlie Deighton, Reece Imbusch , Lewis Brown, Leon Cieslik.

Conversions: None. But Bradley's kick hit the bar

Man-of-the-match: Charlie Deighton

Most improved player: Bradley Sherrard

Top try scorer: Callum Baker

Top tackler: Kaine Tierney

Players: Callum Baker (captain) Ryan Baker, Thomas Brooks, Lewis Brown, Leon Cieslik, Charlie Deighton, Reece Imbusch, Jordan Kershaw, Ryan Moss, Bradley Sherrard, Harkan Kirk, Jamie Karakaya, Kaine Tierney, Joe Longhorn.