Ionians Alligators U12's 2010/2011 season

Match Report

Ionians Alligators v Scunthorpe U12’s

21^st November 2010

Scunthorpe kicked off and a well taken ball by Oscar Cavill ensured it went down the line to Henry Harmon, who cleared quite a distance before being nudged into touch.

After an Alligator knock-on, a scrum to Scunthorpe deep in their own half still managed to give the Alligator’s an advantage with a quick drive forwards. Captain of the day, James Millington, took possession and forced his way through and barged over the try line to score the first try.

Scunthorpe, feeling the pressure, tried for a quick scrum but a dropped ball cost them and the Alligator’s took control with a great pass to Ethan Canet-Baldwin who made his way past several players before getting tackled. Michael Walker made another great tackle on one of Scunthorpe’s biggest players to see him into touch just over the half way line. Although it was put neatly in by Kyro Kelly and taken well by James Millington, the line-out was re-started for not being straight. A second go saw the ball land in the hands of Sam Howard who immediately off-loaded to Jack Green-Morgan to take out wide.

The Alligators’ mauling was getting constructively aggressive and a brilliant exertion to reach the try line was only thwarted by a chance loose ball being grabbed up by Scunthorpe and prevented the Alligator’s from scoring. Although the ball was successfully passed out, it didn’t prevent Michael Walker from giving chase and stopping the Scunthorpe hopeful from scoring by pushing him into touch for an Alligator line-out and a chance to re-group.

Passing out wide seemed to be a favourable choice for the Alligator’s, as Michael Walker’s pass to Jack Green-Morgan and across to Max Smeaton clearly demonstrated. Max’s attempt to reach and cross the try line was exemplary and only with the realisation that he would fall short did he have the intuition to give a sneaky little off-load to our eagerly awaited scrum half, Harry Wells, who was waiting close by for the anticipated off-load, which he got and magnificently tipped it over the try line and scored.

James Millington’s effort to once again barge his way through Scunthorpe’s defence enabled Jack Green-Morgan to take a lovely pass, dart for the try line and score. After a wonderful try, the Alligator’s seemed to relax a little too much and a couple of stray balls eluded them before a bad pass onto the wing had to be intercepted by Henry Harmon, who tried desperately to grab the ball but was forced to kick it up field and into touch.

Oscar Cavill made a daring bolt for the try line and very nearly succeeded but was taken into touch just a couple of yards from the try line. A quick line-out by Scunthorpe saw Oscar get straight back to work with an intercepted tackle and steal which saw Charlie Cartmell take possession and cross the try line. Sadly his try was ruled out for knocking-on. Scunthorpe, now quite frustrated, made a daring attempt to gain possession and run clear, almost out of reach, but an extra vigilant Jack Hatfield wasn’t about to let his man get away and gave chase and brought him to the ground.

The combined effort of Jack Green-Morgan and Michael Walker to ground their opponent before he could slip past was shear brilliance and resulted in them gaining possession to keep play at a comfortable distance from their own try line. Jack’s continuous pounding of Scunthorpe’s defence very nearly secured him another try, but unfortunately he was sent into touch.

A last ditch try-line struggle right on half time gave the Alligators a 17-0 lead.

The second half got under way with the kick hastily received by Scunthorpe, who soon lost control. Oscar Cavil regained possession for the Alligators before going into touch.

Jack Green-Morgan, yet again, got stuck in and made a terrific weave through several Scunthorpe players to score his second try of the day. Hitting straight back with diligence, James Millington, Oscar Cavil and Charlie Cartmell made a combined effort to keep the ball from going out of play, but alas, a forward pass almost on the try line prevented them from scoring.

The Alligators were fighting hard and hitting mauls with intensified aggression in their quest to notch up more try’s. Scunthorpe could do little to prevent them from getting through and a well educated pass from James Millington saw to it that Kyro Kelly finally made the assault over the try line to score.

Scunthorpe, after being awarded a penalty, kicked high and deep into Alligator territory. After a bit of a scuffle to keep possession, Ethan Canet-Baldwin gave a conscious pass to Michael Walker who off-loaded to Jack Hatfield for a quick kick up field before getting tackled.

Good communication certainly played its part in today’s game. James Millington controlled his team with clear and constructive comments. James’ ball out to Michael Walker for his sly deployment to Jack Green-Morgan was a great attempt to outwit Scunthorpe. Unfortunately, the ball went slightly short for Jack to take and Henry Harmon stepped in to rescue it and pass out to Sam Howard. Although Sam was taken into touch, it was a great display of teamwork.

The Alligators seemed to be in full control of their mauling and paid greater attention to getting the ball out and from harm’s way. An eager Matthew Gill paid particular attention when one such ball came out of a maul and straight into his hands. He then weaved his way through and over the try line for his first try with the Alligators. Matthew spared no energy as he cleared good ground after Scunthorpe re-started the game and the ball landed back with him. Worried that he would fall at the hands of Scunthorpe, Matthew quickly off-loaded to Michael Walker who desperately tried to keep possession. In full support out on the wing was Ellis Rimmington, ready to back up his team mates and help defend his line, a role that Ellis has adapted to very well. Scunthorpe tried hopelessly to penetrate the bravely defended Alligator’s, but just couldn’t get through. Even the maul near the end of the game became a struggle for Scunthorpe to contend with and the game finished 38-0 to the Alligators.

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MAN OF THE MATCH: James Millington for his outstanding contribution in today’s game. James had his first outing as Captain today and mastered the position flawlessly. His control of the team was commendable and his authority during the game quite evident. He managed the team from start to finish and boldly demonstrated how the game should be played.

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MATCH SUMMARY:

Results:

Alligators 38 - 0 Scunthorpe

Try Scorers:

Jack Green-Morgan 2

James Millington 1

Kyro Kelly 1

Matthew Gill 1

Harry Wells 1

Total Alligator Tries: 6

Conversions:

Michael Walker 3

Jack Hatfield 1

Total Alligator Con’s: 4

Attendance: 14/25 - (56%) Away

Match Report

East Yorkshire Festival

Ionians Alligators v Pocklington, Malton, Driffield & Hullensians U12’s

14^th November 2010

It was a hard day for the Alligators, facing some tough competition whilst still gelling as a team. It is, however, quite evident that the Alligators have great potential, and once gelled, will be a formidable force against any team.

G1 - Pocklington: A Pocklington kick-off didn’t go well for the Alligators and a dropped ball had to be quickly picked up by Charlie Webster. A Pocklington interception very nearly cost the Alligators an early try. No sooner had the Alligators prevented the try when a quick scrum enabled Pocklington to get the ball out and over the try line.

A great kick, deep into Pocklington’s half, was quickly returned and caught by Charlie Cartmell who tried frantically to get through a heavy defence but just couldn’t. Undeterred with being tackled, Charlie was again on hand to receive a carefully delivered ball from James Millington before tapping it out to Sam Howard who grabbed it by the tip of his fingers before succumbing to Pocklington’s might. Another chance eluded George Boynton as he off-loaded the perfect ball to Michael Walker, only for Michael to hit a wall of Pocklington defenders. Oscar Cavill also had his chance to get through Pocklington’s defence and, for a while, made some good ground with Sam Howard close by to receive a potential loose ball. In the end it was Jack Hatfield who gained possession and charged forward, very nearly making the try line.

The Alligators were executing some great ball work and a pass from Jack Hatfield to Michael Walker and out for Charlie Webster to make the last attempt before half time to reach the try line was unfortunately halted as he was brought to the ground.

The second half started with a deep kick by Michael Walker which landed straight into Pocklington hands, who immediately gave a forward pass. A quick George Boynton, after putting the ball into the scrum, instantly followed it through and regained possession for a swift pass to Sam Howard, which ended in a bit of a grapple before Pocklington gained control. A push by James Millington helped gain a few yards for the Alligators but it was Leon Caplin’s effort to reach the try line that nearly secured an equaliser.

Pocklington took many chances when kicking and often kicked too hard, even costing them an Alligator lineout when they kicked the ball right out of play. Their exerted effort to reach the try line was defended well by the Alligators, but a slight lapse in concentration enabled Pocklington to sneak through and touch down the crucial try that sealed the game. The Alligators continued to push forwards and had several chances to reach the try line but Pocklington were simply too quick in defending and the game ended 10-0 to Pocklington.

G2 - Malton: Although taken well by Sam Howard, as Malton kicked off, it wasn’t long before a scrum saw Malton take control. A well placed penalty quickly followed with a try, which gave Malton an immediate advantage. The Alligators tried desperately not to let another early try get to them, but with all the frustration they bumbled a scrum and Malton managed to grab the ball and thrust it up field. Although Ethan Canet-Baldwin was on hand to receive it, it slipped out of his grasp and Malton regained possession.

Oscar Cavill made a real impact with his attempt to keep hold of the ball and made sure he covered several yards before being tackled into touch. A quick Malton lineout, which landed perfectly after going high and far, was abruptly stopped from going any further as Michael Walker made a daring and immediate tackle.

An interception by Jack Hatfield nearly paid off as he thundered through several Malton players to almost reach the try line, yet despite his gallant effort and being spurred on by touchline enthusiasts, he was prevented from crossing the line. A Malton penalty got the ball back up field and after an impressive weave; they got through the Alligator defence and scored.

With an increasing level of anxiety amongst the Alligators, an overzealous Oscar Cavill, courageously trying to prevent another try against the Alligators, made a high tackle and was penalised.

Malton were leading 5-0 at half time and with a high kick from Michael Walker, the ball went deep into Malton’s half. Although well caught by one of their biggest players, it didn’t deter James Millington from bringing him down. Malton quickly regained possession and passed out too wide and into touch for an Alligator lineout. Unfortunately, for the Alligators, Malton once again took control and made a break for the try line, successfully crossing it to score. Jack Hatfield restarted the game and with a return kick by Malton, it was Ethan Canet-Baldwin who caught and ran with the ball. Malton continued to threaten the Alligators and not all their attempts to reach the try line were successful as Oscar Cavill’s try-stopping tackle showed.

An Alligator scrum just over the half way line gave them a chance to regain control of the game, but after the referee had to restart the scrum no less than three times, Malton eventually won the ball and made the Alligators fight harder to prevent another try against them. Finally, it was a scrum awarded to Malton that concluded the game with a great drive forwards and a daring bid to cross the try line for the third and final time.

G3 - Driffield: As Driffield kicked off, newcomer Ellis Rimmington immediately clasped the ball from the air and charged forwards to clear good ground before succumbing to an oncoming Driffield defence. Driffield eventually gained possession to keep the ball in the Alligator half and a little too close to the try line.

The Alligators defended well against Driffield and even after a successful Driffield scrum, their efforts to charge towards the try line were quickly thwarted as George Boynton came to the rescue and nudged his man into touch for an Alligator lineout.

Driffield kept up the pressure and, with some clever ball work, managed to penetrate the Alligator defence and get the first try. The Alligators tried desperately to prevent Driffield from getting more try’s, executing every move as quickly as possible. A handing off by Driffield gave the Alligators a fighting chance to do something with the ball but alas they could not hang on to it for long.

A scrum for the Alligators just a few yards from Driffield’s try line was encouraging and they made a concentrated effort to keep play at that end. Driffield soon intercepted a loose ball and kicked it back up field, only for Ethan Canet-Baldwin to grab and bring back just before half time.

A second half kick by the Alligators allowed Jack Hatfield the opportunity to chase and retake the ball before getting tackled. Driffield kept up the pressure on the Alligator defence and eventually broke through and scored their second try.

Unfazed by Driffield’s persistent pounding, the Alligators retaliated with some pounding of their own by Ethan Canet-Baldwin and Sam Howard, who shared a joint effort to stop a definite try by pushing their opponent into touch. Driffield’s final assault came when Michael Walker executed a thunderous tackle to prevent any further try’s being scored.

G4 - Hullensians: The final game of the day, against Hullensians, proved to be a little more rewarding for the Alligators. Hullensians kicked off and the ball went straight into touch for an Alligator lineout. The Alligators immediately went on the attack, with a concentrated effort close to the try line. Unfortunately, a knock on prevented an early try for the Alligators.

The Alligators were feeling really confident and fancied their chances against Hullensians. Some great ball work with clear and focused minds finally paid off for the Alligators as Henry Harman took a great pass and charged over the try line to ground the first try of the day. Just before the half time whistle, the Alligators very nearly secured their second try, but sadly it was not awarded and they went into half time 5-0 up.

With the second half now under way, the Alligators were not about to let the game slip away from them and continued with their aggressive and much improved performance. However, a slight mishap nearly cost them as two Alligators decided to attempt to catch a high ball delivered by Hullensians, and in the scuffle, neither of them managed to keep hold of it.

A quick tap by George Boynton got the ball out to James Millington who stampeded through a wall of Hullensians to spectacularly slide over the try line and score. Not Content with just two try’s, the Alligators continued to hit hard and pass with greater accuracy in their bid to keep possession. A ball out to Correy Bennett and again to Oscar Cavill close to the Alligator try line saw a little scuffle develop as they tried frantically to reach the try line. Eventually it was Sam Howard’s quick thinking and taking of the ball that secured the third and final try of the day.

One final attempt to reach the other end came when Hullensians re-started the game with a high kick, brilliantly caught by Charlie Webster who immediately carried it as far as he could before being tackled. Hullensians attempts to take charge didn’t happen and they were forced to accept a 15-0 win to the Alligators.

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MAN OF THE MATCH: Jack Green-Morgan for his commitment in today’s event. Jack continues to impress with lifted enthusiasm and a dedicated attitude. His tackling was feisty and well executed and his ball work seemingly fine tuned and precise. Jack’s presence on the pitch and his role within the Alligators has always been a valuable asset and this season is by far no exception.

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MATCH SUMMARY:

Results:

Alligators 0 - 10 Pocklington

Alligators 0 - 15 Malton

Alligators 0 - 10 Driffield

Alligators 15 - 0 Hull Ensians

Try Scorers:

Henry Harman 1

James Millington 1

Sam Howard 1

Total Alligator Tries: 3

Conversions: - - Total Alligator Con’s: -

Attendance: 19/25 - (76%) Away

Match Report

Ionians Alligators v Bridlington U12’s

7^th November 2010

It was a disappointing start to the day, three pitch changes, one 24 minute game, a ‘tag size’ pitch, and to cap it all off, no meal vouchers.

After a late start, Bridlington got the game underway with a short kick and a slow start. With an immediate taking by George Boynton, he got the ball back near Bridlington’s try line but was tackled and prevented from crossing the line. The Alligators, not feeling remotely threatened, kept up the pressure with a great effort by Charlie Cartmell to cross the line and ground the ball. Unfortunately it was ruled out for being held up, a ruling that seemed to crop up several times.

The game appeared to have an extraordinary amount of scrum restarts, enabling the Alligators to keep possession and concentrate play well within Bridlington’s half. A challenging attempt by Harry Wells to get the ball out to Jack Green-Morgan and across for Michael Walker to chase down the touch line and over the try line was thwarted at the last hurdle for giving a forward pass. Soon after, the newly charged Ethan Canet-Baldwin, waiting on the wing, grabbed a high pass and made his way down the touch line to successfully ground the ball in the top corner for the Alligators first try.

A skilfully placed dummy pass executed by George Boynton to Jack Green-Morgan, ending with an unfortunate knock-on, was a great attempt to gain distance, not that the pitch had much distance, a few strides and the full length was covered.

A no-nonsense James Millington came to the rescue of team mate Joseph Bradley when Bridlington’s largest player cast Joseph aside as he tried to stop him. James, protecting his team mate, bravely and spectacularly bulldozed his way through and took several players out with him. Amid a constant onslaught of Alligators, it was only a matter of time before their tactical ball skills came to fruition, with an effortless surge ahead by Oscar Cavil to cross the line for the Alligators’ second try.

Starting the second half 15-0 up was quite reassuring for the Alligators as Michael Walker got the game started with a good kick into Bridlington’s half. A quick chase and snatch by Oscar Cavill ensured another easy and rapid try for the Alligators.

Newcomer Matthew Gill once again gave a stunning display as he weaved his way past several unsuspecting Bridlington players to gain ground before passing out wide for James Millington to quickly off-load to Oscar Cavill, who delighted us all with a well deserved hat-trick.

A centre-pitch wrestle kept the ball relatively dormant for a while, with neither side really taking charge. Once again, Oscar Cavill made a daring attempt to get yet another try. Sadly, he was brought down just shy of the try line. With the pressure on, Matthew Gill off-loaded brilliantly to George Boynton, who crossed the try line, but another ‘held-up’ ruling prevented the try from counting. Undeterred by the disallowed try, George re-grouped and came back with a vengeance and an even more spectacular try as he intercepted a loose ball and slid graciously over the line.

Now well into the second half, the Alligator’s won the first line-out of the game. With a brilliant tap from James Millington, the ball went skilfully out to Sam Howard who passed out wide to Jack Green-Morgan who then made a ‘full pitch’ sprint before off-loading to Oscar Cavill to touch down his fourth try of the day and making it six for the Alligators.

Although the Alligators’ game against Bridlington was an overwhelming success, it was a short game, played on a short pitch, didn’t really give the Alligators the challenge they came for, and seldom caused them to break a sweat.

The Alligators went on to play a second game, against the Ionians U11’s, which proved to be a more exhilarating game and played with greater passion. It is fair to say that the U11’s excelled in all aspects of the game and certainly gave the Alligators a run for their money. Their tackling was executed daringly and courageously and very often with positive results. Although the Alligators won the game, it was a tough and compelling game and very pleasurable to watch.

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MAN OF THE MATCH: Oscar Cavill for an outstanding performance. Oscar kept up the pressure, constantly forcing his way through Bridlington’s defence. His quest to notch up the try’s didn’t prevent him from maintaining his positional play and using his skills to outwit the opposition on several occasions. His try count is testament to Oscars’ unique ability to outshine his adversary with considerable ease.

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MATCH SUMMARY:

Results:

Alligators 30 - 0 Bridlington

Alligators 25 - 0 Ionians U11’s

Try Scorers:

Oscar Cavill 4

George Boynton 2

James Millington 2

Ethan Canet-Baldwin 1

Kyro Kelly 1

Michael Walker 1

Total Alligator Tries: 11

Conversions: - - Total Alligator Con’s: -

Attendance: 15/22 - (68%) Away

Sunday 7th November v Bridlington Away

This sunday we are away at Bridlington, players to arrive 10.00 - 10.15 latest please

Bridlington Rugby Union Football Club
Dukes Park
Queensgate
Bridlington
East Yorks
YO16 7LN

Regards

Tony Walker
Head Coach

Match Report

Leeds Festival

Ionians Alligators v Sandal, Otley, North Ribblesdale, & DInnington U12’s

31^st October 2010

It was a new festival for the Alligators, one they had not encountered before, and one that was to test their resilience and ability to shine in the face of adversity.

G1 - Sandal: Sandal immediately hit through the Alligator defence line, after kicking off, to re-take the ball, make a few quick passes and clear the try line. Sandal soon regained possession and made the half way line but Jack Green-Morgan acted swiftly with a try-saving tackle.

Sandal quickly became a threat for the Alligators, who tried desperately to prevent another early try. Alas, they couldn’t stop Sandal’s biggest player barging through and crossing the line. Although Sandal managed to handle the ball quite comfortably, it didn’t prevent the Alligators fiercely entering mauls and forcing the advantage.

With an unfortunate third and fourth Sandal try in quick succession, the Alligators tried hopelessly to keep the ball out of their own half with several kicks. As Sandal thundered back, a valiant Matthew Gill saw his chance to pounce and brought his opponent firmly to the ground.

The second half got started with a kick deep into Sandal’s half, quickly brought back into Alligator territory. A forward pass by Sandal gave hope for the Alligators after a scrum allowed Michael Walker to force his way through, taking several Sandal players out before succumbing to their heroic tackling skills.

The Alligators could little to stop a quick Sandal pass and a full pitch sprint to cross the try line. A courageous tackle by George Boynton near the touch line surely prevented one try, but after a botched Alligator line out, Sandal re-took control and tipped over the try line for the sixth and final time to end the game 30-0 to Sandal.

G2 - Otley: Otley’s kick-off landed perfectly in the hands of Jack Green-Morgan, who tried desperately to hold on to the ball as he entered a maul. A scrum awarded to Otley gave them the chance for a quick pass down the line to comfortably score.

Otley took every opportunity to elude the Alligators, but a brilliant try-stopping tackle by Sam Howard thwarted an otherwise full length dart for the try line. In their hasty attempt to score, Otley dropped several balls close to scoring. Despite Oscar Cavills’ brave attempt to prevent another try against them, Otley managed to slip by and take the ball over the try line, only for the player to fall foul of the dead ball line before grounding the ball, thus saving the Alligators.

James Millington stepped up to the mark with his unique forceful approach to gain ground and safely get the ball out to George Boynton who made a terrific pass out wide for Michael Walker to receive, escape his pursuers, and bolt for the try line and score.

As the second half got under way, Otley’s attempt to weave through the Alligator’s was ultimately stopped as George Boynton managed an interception and kicked the ball back up field to Jack Green-Morgan, who despite being tackled, made good ground and escaped the grasp of several Otley players.

With full time approaching and the score level, it was the Alligators who had the hardest fight to prevent Otley from crossing the try line. With play concentrated only yards from the Alligators’ try line; it was Otley’s stamina that finally paid off as they managed to nail the winning try after the hooter sounded.

G3 - North Ribblesdale: A Ribblesdale start allowed Leon Caplin to grab the ball and clear good ground. A courageous effort was made by Charlie Cartmell to keep the ball within the oppositions half as he retained possession and fought through several players. A quick pass to Leon Caplin, as he approached the area of play, allowed him to high-tale it over the line to score.

From an Alligator scrum came a great opportunity for Matthew Gill to bolt down the touch line, with Ribblesdale in hot pursuit, and cross, what he thought was, the try line, which would have been a brilliant try, if only he had grounded it the right side of the line. Never mind Matthew, it was an applauded effort. As the Alligators regrouped, James Millington took charge and barged his way through the Ribblesdale defence line and scored. The Alligators were now playing with greater passion and when Oscar Cavill, clinging on to the ball with all his might, successfully off-loaded it to Charlie Cartmell, the game was intensifying.

A second half kick-off by the Alligators gave them a chance to lunge forwards, with Kyro Kelly putting his body on line once again. Although the ball was lost, the overall passing by the Alligators was improving in their quest to keep possession.

G4 - Dinnington: A kick-off by Dinnington, received well by Matthew Gill, was passed out wide to Ethan Canet-Baldwin and taken into touch just over the half-way line. Another attempt to steal the ball paid off for James Millington as he managed to grab it from the clutches of his opponent to secure his second try of the day.

A delightful piece of weaving by Matthew Gill to elude his pursuers paid off with a lovely pass to Charlie Cartmell, who managed to gain significant ground for the Alligators.

A deep drive in Dinnington’s half, with Dinnington in possession, meant they had little choice other than to volley the ball well into the Alligators’ half. Whilst on the run, Ethan Canet-Baldwin then masterfully scooped the ball from the ground and gave a light-speed sprint to cross the line and score the most spectacular try of the day.

The Alligators kept up pace with some sly double passing, including a neat little pass from George Boynton to Michael Walker and back again which very nearly gained George a try. Sadly he was brought down just a few yards from scoring. Another opportunity eluded the Alligators as Charlie Cartmell’s brave and gallant effort to cross the try line was ruled out for handing-off.

As the second half got under way, an unlucky knock-on prevented the Alligators from another try. Once again, the bold and confident James Millington got stuck in and giftedly stole the ball and delivered it deep within Dinnington territory.

Dinnington’s final attempt to make an impact was quickly thwarted as Kyro Kelly prevented an otherwise brilliant Dinnington pass, as he tackled his opponent and stopped them from scoring.

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MAN OF THE MATCH: Charlie Cartmell for his no-nonsense attitude and his positive approach in today’s games. His passion for the game is abundantly clear and his commitment beyond reproach. Charlie got stuck in and prevented many chances the opposition had to penetrate the Alligator defence. His contribution to the squad has quickly become a firm and valuable asset.

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MATCH SUMMARY:

Results:

Alligators 0 - 30 Sandal

Alligators 5 - 10 Otley

Alligators 10 - 0 North Ribblesdale

Alligators 10 - 0 Dinnington

Try Scorers:

James Millington 2

Michael Walker 1

Leon Caplin 1

Ethan Canet-Baldwin 1

Total Alligator Tries: 5

Conversions: - - Total Alligator Con’s: -

Attendance: 16/22 - (73%) Away