Ionians Alligators v Pocklington & Goole U12’s
17th October 2010
G1 - Pocklington: The Alligators knew it was going to be a tough game and remained focused and eager for the challenge that lay ahead as Pocklington kicked off. An extra vigilant George Boynton took delivery and sent the ball straight back into Pocklington's half, well chased by Charlie Cartmell who, unfortunately, after gaining possession, fell fowl of Pocklington's defence just short of the try line and was lunged into touch.
The Alligator’s continued to penetrate Pocklington’s defence with some brave and courageous maul work, especially by James Millington and Oscar Cavill, who used their combined force to send several defenders crashing to the ground. Despite their hard work, Pocklington managed to slip through a weak opening to almost make the try line, and would have if not for Sam Howards’ brilliant try-saving tackle, taking out the corner flag in the process. Pocklington fought on to retain possession and plough their way through the Alligator’s, an effort that eventually paid off, as they crossed the try line and scored at the start of the second quarter.
After regaining possession, the Alligators managed to stay in control until the half time whistle, with some well timed and well delivered kicking. With only a single try against them, the Alligators were determined to forgo annihilation and with the feeling of self-achievement, they hit half time buzzing with energy.
With the Alligator’s kicking off, the game concentrated around mid-pitch for a while, until a hefty kick from Pocklington gave Charlie Webster, who caught it brilliantly, the chance to clear some ground for the Alligators before getting tackled.
The Alligator’s performance was fantastic as they prevented several try’s from going against them, with a number of great try-stopping tackles close to the try line. A bold and daring Sam Howard, on several occasions, seemed to pick his opponents up and cast them aside like bags of rubbish to prevent try’s being scored. It wasn’t just the excellent tackling that prevented an abundance of try’s against the Alligators, several players managed to gain possession and boot the ball up field and away from under their own try line with accurate and precise kicking.
The Alligator’s continued their fight against Pocklington with some spectacular intercepting skills, especially by Sam Howard who repeatedly prevented Pocklington from making it to the try line. Although Pocklington fought hard and controlled the game in equal measure to the Alligator’s, it was the Alligators’ defence that was the most impressive, as demonstrated by George Boynton who executed a beautiful penalty kick after a Pocklington forward pass just before full time.
G2 - Goole: As Goole kicked off, the Alligator’s concentrated their efforts on maintaining a strong defence, penetrating Goole’s at every opportunity. A neat little scrum to the Alligators gave George Boynton the chance for a quick ball deployment to Michael Walker, who gave a long hard kick up field.
A poor Goole lineout gave the Alligators a chance to regain control and lob the ball deep into Goole territory. A quick Goole interception followed with a shrewd weave through the Alligator’s defence to almost cross the line before George Boynton stopped the would-be try scorer and sent him pounding into touch for an Alligator lineout.
A tough fight close to the Alligator try line soon gave Goole the edge, and with a sudden burst of energy, they were able to penetrate the Alligator stronghold to score. The Alligator’s retaliated, desperately trying to avoid Goole keeping possession. With some quick thinking and sneaky passing, Max Smeaton very nearly secured an Alligator try after catching a quick pass, but was taken down before he could reach the try line.
As the Alligator’s got the second half under way, a neat catch by Goole was brought well back into the Alligator’s half before being off-loaded. As Goole tried to keep possession, a textbook tackle by James Millington, who then took the ball and trampled his way through several Goole players before passing out wide to Michael Walker, followed. It was then kicked deep into Goole’s defence, with a courageous Joseph Bradley in pursuit to intercept and re-take the ball. Despite some great work by the Alligator’s, and a glimmer of hope, Goole maintained possession until another opportunity came round for the Alligator’s. It was then down to their captain to desperately try and weave his through several Goole defenders to get within 10 yards of the try line before getting tackled to the ground.
As the game started drawing to close, Goole tried a full on sprint for the try line, but with Sam Howard close behind, aided by Joseph Bradley putting his little body on the line, it was going to be no try for Goole this time. Another lunge forward by Goole was again thwarted as James Harrison did the same and put himself directly in the path of Goole to prevent another try. Finally, as Goole made one last ditch attempt to cross the try line, Sam Howard gave it his all and bravely tackled almost on the try line in an attempt to stop the grounding. Unfortunately, with the sheer force and momentum of the approaching Goole player, he could do little other then be carried over the try line for Goole’s final try.
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MAN OF THE MATCH: James Millington for his continued efforts and pack leadership skills. James has got the season off in style with his mauling skills somewhat perfected. His ability to turn a maul and deploy the ball exactly where he wants it is evident of James’ commitment and dedication to the game. A real asset and a definite threat to the opposition see’s James as a formidable force this season.
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MATCH SUMMARY:
Results:
Alligators 0 - 7 Pocklington
Alligators 0 - 14 Goole
Try Scorers: - - Total Alligator Tries: -
Conversions: - - Total Alligator Con’s: -
Attendance: 14/21 - (67%) Away
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