Match Report

Driffield Festival

Ionians Alligators v Sandal, Melbourne, Old Brodleians, & Pocklington U11’s

18^th April 2010

Another tough day for the Alligators, but this time they were better prepared and more focused.

G1 - Sandal Bulls: A good start for the Alligators, a kick up field and Sandal unable to hold on to the ball. Some quick thinking tackles and good ball work gave the Alligators a glimmer of hope, but unfortunately Sandal squeezed passed and through the smallest of openings to cross the try line. The Alligators found it hard trying to bring down Sandals’ biggest player, who charged through an otherwise strong defence, knocking Alligators aside like discarded dominoes, and thundered over the try line for a second time. Even with the knowledge that their opponents had the ability to outwit them, the Alligators didn’t give up or slow down and with some great touchline tackling, managed to prevent Sandal from running away with the game.

A 10-0 half time score to Sandal urged the Alligators to step things up and regain control of the game. For a while they did, and began winning mauls and passing with greater accuracy. Sandal was quickly able to fool the Alligators with some sly off-loads and dummy passes that eventually enabled them to notch up two more try’s and finish the game 20-0.

G2 - Melbourne Bulls: Melbourne was a new challenge for the Alligators, who were determined not to repeat the previous game. A great little weave followed with a perfect pass and a fast sprint gave the Alligators their first try. Melbourne quickly kicked off and straight into the hands of the Alligators, who homed in on the try line and touched down a second try less than a minute later. The Alligators executed some brilliant passes and tackled with considerable ease, enabling them to glide over the try line for a third time. However, a few over-zealous ‘high’ tackles close to the try line nearly prevented the Alligators from successfully nil-ing their opponents.

The Alligators went into half time with a comfortable 15-0 lead but were told not to get too complacent. A short kick by Melbourne sent the ball straight into touch, and after an Alligator line-out, was quickly grabbed from well within Melbourne’s half and ferociously pushed through a strong defence to storm over the try line for the fourth time. Melbourne managed to stop the Alligators close to the try line on a few occasions. Realising this, one cunning little Alligator decided on a quick short tap, perfectly placed at the hands of a team mate who graciously bolted up field and touched down try number five. The sixth and final try came after a stunning bout of carefully plotted weaves to outwit the opposition and end the game 30-0 to the Alligators.

G3 - Old Brodleians: The Alligators knew this game could well be their toughest and were desperate not to suffer annihilation. A great kick-off helped the Alligators retain possession, keeping Old Brods at bay, and very nearly securing the first try. Regrettably, a blown whistle for being held up denied them the opportunity. As half time drew to a close, the 0-0 score line was a testament to both teams who played extremely well to hold each other off.

As the second half got under way, and with the knowledge they had not conceded any first half try’s, the Alligators felt contented and began executing some brave tackles to retain possession. Unfortunately, Old Brods were doing the same, and better. After another opportunity for the Alligators to register a try was denied for being held up, Old Brods managed to slip past the Alligators’ defence line to register the only try of the game.

G4 - Pocklington: The Alligators kicked-off and an excellent catch by Pocklington instantly brought the ball back deep into Alligator territory. The Alligators paid the price when an unfortunate kick from the try line hit a Pocklington player, bouncing the ball back over the try line, leaving Pocklington to ground it. The Alligators retaliated with some great defending and a fantastic tackle that sent one Pocklington player flying into touch, preventing an otherwise brilliant try. A sudden lapse in concentration by the Alligators allowed Pocklington to secure their second try as they sneaked through the Alligators’ defence.

The second half began with a 10-0 lead for Pocklington and a challenge for the Alligators. The Alligators knew this could well be their final game of the tournament and tried frantically to get a try that would close the gap between the two sides. After much physical exertion to effortlessly drive a maul forward and fiercely take control to set the ball up, the Alligators managed to nail a perfect try in the top corner. Unfortunately, they were now running out of time and, although coming close to scoring and surpassing Pocklington, the Alligators were forced to concede and the game finished 10-5 to Pocklington.

MAN OF THE MATCH: James Millington for his overwhelming effort throughout the tournament. James paid great attention to his every move, in particular his forceful presence in the mauls which unquestionably contributed to the Alligators’ success ratio in the mauls. When James gets fired up and thinking positively, his physically powerful contribution is a valuable and much welcome asset to the Alligators.

MATCH SUMMARY:

Results:

Alligators 0 - 10 Sandal Bulls

Alligators 30 - 0 Melbourne Bulls

Alligators 0 - 5 Old Brodleians

Alligators 5 - 10 Pocklington (Plate Semi Final)

Try Scorers:

Elliot Adamson 3

Michael Walker 1

Oscar Cavill 1

Dominic Singh 1

George Boynton 1

Total Alligator Tries: 7

Conversions: -

Attendance: (Away)

17/23 - (74%)

Match Report

Old Brodleians Festival

Ionians Alligators v Old Brodleians, Moortown, West Leeds & Old Rishworthians U11’s

10th April 2010

The Alligators knew they were going to face tough competition at the Old Brods festival, and the one certain thing was the uncertainty of being able to beat the host team.

G1 - Old Brods: It was a tough start for the Alligators, against host team, Old Brods, who kicked off and followed through with considerable ease. The Alligators quickly realised that in order to survive they would need to wake up quickly and defend well. Soon after kick off, the smallest of openings gave Old Brods the chance to sail through and over the try line. They were simply too quick for the Alligators, who tried in vain to thwart the careless opportunities given to Old Brods. A good fight by the Alligators to gain possession was quickly becoming futile.

Going into half time 15-0 down against the Yorkshire Cup Holders and favourites to win the competition wasn’t bad for the Alligators. After a stern half time prep talk it became a little harder for Old Brods to get through the Alligators defence. Some brilliant tackles and close try line efforts very nearly gave the Alligators the edge. It took a while, but with a superbly executed off-load to the wing, the Alligators darted over the try line to claim their first try of the day. Although losing 15-5, it was a more than acceptable outcome and a great second half performance from the Alligators, not conceding a single try in the second half.

G2 - Moortown: This game also proved to be tough going for the Alligators, who couldn’t help letting a sly ball slip passed at the hands of Moortown, who charged across the try line. Moortown were fast, but some great tackles and forced mauls by the Alligators kept them back. Moortown knew that only speed would get past the Alligators so with a brilliantly executed pass, they bolted through the Alligator defence line and glided over the try line.

The Alligators appeared more determined in the second half and successfully secured their first try in the top corner with Moortown in hot pursuit but unable to catch up. The Alligators were now starting to play well and tackled defiantly to keep possession. An Alligator scrum seconds from full time was going to be their only chance of equalising, and they knew it. As the ball emerged, it was grabbed by a waiting Alligator, who ran for his life and safely planted the ball over the try line for the equaliser and entry into the semi-final.

G3 - West Leeds: The Alligators started with a short kick and a quick chase, desperately trying to gain possession. Although the Alligators put up some brave defence work, West Leeds had the edge and the strength to penetrate through and notch up two try’s before half time.

West Leeds hit back even harder in the second half, and scored almost straight from kick off. The Alligators showed signs of improvement at times but, alas, it wasn’t enough to regain control of the game. West Leeds were just too quick for the Alligators, who couldn’t register a try despite getting close to the try line on a couple of occasions.

G4 - Old Rishworthians: The Alligators, now very tired and feeling a sense of remorse, lacked enthusiasm and the willpower to turn things round. The buzz and the adrenalin that helps motivate the Alligators was now missing. Three try’s down at half time didn’t give the Alligators much encouragement, yet despite another onslaught of try’s in the second half, the Alligators did appear to liven up a bit. Some high spirited tackles and good mauling probably contributed towards not being completely annihilated. Even with the extra effort and sudden burst of energy, the Alligators were forced into accepting defeat.

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MAN OF THE MATCH: Elliot Adamson for his unquestionable commitment in all four of today’s games. Despite the Alligators’ unfortunate results, Elliot’s enthusiasm didn’t wilt at all. He played his heart out and even when the chips were down, still managed to remain positive and hopeful. It was Elliot’s determination and shear willpower that secured a place in the semi-final after his fantastic equaliser against Moortown in the dying seconds.

MATCH SUMMARY:

Results

Alligators 5 - 15 Old Brodleians

Alligators 10 - 10 Moortown

(Semi-Final)

Alligators 0 - 30 West Leeds

(Plate)

Alligators 0 - 35 Old Rishworthians

Try Scorers

Elliot Adamson 2

Robert Davis 1

Total Alligator Tries: 3

Attendance: (Away) 14/23 - (61%)