Match Report

East Yorkshire Festival

Ionians Alligators v Hull, Goole, Pocklington, Driffield & Malton U11’s

15th November 2009

Given the time of year and the predictably appalling weather usually associated with such, we were extremely lucky to have been blessed with a gloriously sunny and dry day from start to finish. This made for a very pleasurable festival that was enjoyed by everyone.

G1 - v Hull: The Alligators started the day full of rousing energy, grasping every opportunity to win the ball and vigorously pushing forward as a well formed team. Unfortunately, for Hull, the Alligators took charge of the game and remained in control throughout, gaining a 10-0 lead at half time. The most impressive try came right on the try line when the ball was almost handed to the Alligator, who then simply turn round and grounded the ball. It was an impressive start to the day and a great first game to warm up the Alligators.

G2 - v Goole: Another impressive game by the Alligators, this time with an array of perfectly executed tackles. By now, the Alligators were on form and out to prove a point. A fantastic kick down field with a brilliant follow through ensured their first try was a marvel to watch. This was quickly followed with some cunning little dummy weaves and turns designed to outwit the opposition and resulting in a well deserved second try to end the game.

G3 - v Pocklington: The Alligators were starting to show signs of fatigue by now and a lapse in concentration gave Pocklington the edge, an edge they were to hold on to. The Alligators desperately tried to overturn the game and although their enthusiasm was quite apparent, their energy levels were just too drained. Too many openings in our defence constantly gave Pocklington opportunities that eventually allowed them to win the game.

G4 - v Driffield: The day was now getting pretty tough for the Alligators, as Driffield overpowered them at every opportunity. Several games in succession meant that the Alligators were tiring quickly, an observation that Driffield knew and even counted on. There wasn’t much fight from the Alligators during the first half and even a stern talking to by the Head Coach didn’t help them claw back any more than two tries. They lifted their game a little for the second half but, alas, it was too late.

G5 - v Malton: Without doubt the toughest game of the day and one that the Alligators were certainly not looking forward to. It was game expected to go Malton’s’ way and they didn’t disappoint. Malton penetrated the Alligator defence with such defiance; it was virtually impossible for the Alligators to prevent the inevitable and ultimately succumbed to the might of Malton. The only consolation being the fantastic push through a strong Malton defence and a dive over the white wash for a, nil avoiding, try.

Even though the Alligators didn’t quite make the final, and lost three of the five games played, they still managed to show their rivals a thing or two, especially when tackling. The pleasant comments passed by some of the other coaches are a constant reminder just how talented the Alligators are, and to beat them takes strength, willpower and a focused mind. I have no doubt that our next festival will have an altogether different and more gratifying outcome.

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MAN OF THE MATCH: Oscar Cavill for yet another outstanding performance. Oscar quite often seems unstoppable and can usually be called upon to deliver the goods when faced with the very probable and daunting prospect of defeat. His natural ability to force his way through and penetrate the opposition is an incredible asset and a talent much welcomed by the Alligators. His pitch presence today was prominent and often invigorating to watch.

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MATCH SUMMARY:

Results:

Alligators 20 - 0 Hull

Alligators 10 - 5 Goole

Alligators 0 - 10 Pocklington

Alligators 10 - 20 Driffield

Alligators 5 - 20 Malton

Try Scorers:

Elliot Adamson 4

George Boynton 2

Kobe Allenby 1

Jack Hatfield 1

Sam Howard 1 Total Alligator Tries: 9

Attendance: (Home) 17/22 - (77%)

6 comments:

kit man said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh what an inspirational read yet again by your pitch side reporter, he must have been burning his pencil lead with excitement as he scribbled his match notes.

It seems the poor little mites lost their vivacity as the day progressed, but not to worry, they will go back mighty stronger next time.

Mr reporter there are a couple of errors creeping into your report that must be highlighted if you are to progress to the Daily Mirror, game 4 surely the word following your audacious description of Driffields observation should read "knew" rather than "new" and your beautiful description of the game seems to read the poor little Alligators never scored, yet the result says they did, chin up dear boy and keep going you will eventually make the grade

Andrew R Walker said...

Be very careful kit man!!!!! I don't mind errors being picked up but to do it publicly is going a bit far. I have an email address for errors, please use it.

Wilfred said...

I agree, a bit naughty kitman. You must show respect, it's not just Ionians that read your blog.

Good job Mr Walker

Gordon said...

Even I read them

kit man said...

Mr Andrew, you are indeed quite correct, please accept my most humblest of apologies, you shall never get anything other than applaud and respect from here on in

You do a magnificent job

keep it going dear boy

Anonymous said...

Well I personally do find it an inspiratinal read, and always wait with great anticipation to relive the events of what is inevitably an enjoyable day. I think Andrew deserves credit where credit is due in that he does his match write up on a voluntary basis, he does it with spirit and enthusiasm for the whole team and shows no bias for his family member in the team, which I believe is commendable.

I don't belive Andrew holds any ideas of grandeur in that he would wish to write for the Hull Daily Mail (I hear people say 'where is the grandeur in that') he doesn't allude to wish to, though I am sure would give them all a run for their money! To come back at you Mr Kit Man your sentence 'mighty stronger than next time', shouldn't it be 'mightier'?! i.e. mightier than the sword? Maybe giving your identity away a bit there?!

Sunday was a brilliant day and truly showed where we have our strengths, not just as a team with the boys, but in that we have a really great group of people that support and uphold the whole spirit of the game, which I truly beileve we should not forget! Here's to a great season - win or lose!!