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%)