Match Report

Ionians Alligators v Driffield U11’s

28th February 2010

The Alligators encountered a well prepared Driffield side today and, for the second time this season, suffered at the hands of their friendly rivals.

Driffield started the game with a strong pitch presence and a determined group of players, more than capable of keeping the Alligators in their own half. A forceful push forwards very quickly gave Driffield the lead with a well fought try.

Driffield managed to keep momentum and make the Alligators work hard if they where to stand any chance of scoring. Unfortunately, even though the Alligators executed some good tackles and even passed well at times, it was not enough to prevent Driffield from attacking well into a weak Alligator defence. The good tackles that did give the Alligators a glimmer of hope, did however, prevent Driffield from notching up an even greater abundance of trys.

Just before the half time whistle, the Alligators showed a glimmer of hope as they pushed towards the try line in desperation. With a mass of players around the ball they managed to squeeze their way through the smallest of gaps and touch down a well placed and deserved try.

Going into half time, the score didn’t look very impressive for the Alligators, 33-7 with an almighty task ahead to close the gap, and the realisation that Driffield had so far controlled the game and retained possession for the most part.

The second half didn’t change much for the Alligators and it was all they could do to prevent Driffield from running away with the score count. Just before the final whistle, the Alligators exerted another bout of energy and crossed the try line for the second and final time with another well deserved and hard earned try.

Sadly, it was a day I think the Alligators will want to forget. There was only a few glimpsing moments when they fought well and tackled ruthlessly. Otherwise they were outplayed at every turn and could do little to stop Driffield from piercing through every opening. The lack of a few key players and the pending casualty list may well have contributed towards a very poor performance by the Alligators.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Elliot Adamson for his unselfish contribution and try stopping tackles. Elliot gave a great performance in an otherwise unfortunate game. He never gave up hope and played his part well in keeping the team together by shifting his positional play without hindering his ability to execute some fantastic moves.

MATCH SUMMARY:

Results:

Alligators 14 - 54 Driffield

Try Scorers:

Elliot Adamson 1

Oscar Cavill 1

Conversions:

Elliot Adamson 2

Attendance: (Home) 18/23 - (78%)

Match Report

Ionians Alligators v Bridlington U11’s

7th February 2010

The Alligators faced a mixed U11/U12 Bridlington side today, consisting of several well built players more than capable of gracefully stampeding across the pitch. After a feisty start, mainly at the hands of Bridlington, the Alligators began assuming their role and defending well. The first quarter saw players falling down like dominoes and balls being dropped like hot potatoes, which I can only assume was down to the ground being a little boggy.

It was Bridlington that notched up the first try of the day, with a brilliantly placed nippy little pass to securely take the ball over the try line. The Alligators, not comfortable with Bridlington taking the lead, hit back hard and tackled fearlessly, prompting Bridlington to kick several long balls where they could give chase. However, the Alligators soon peaked and began working together like a gelled unit and entering mauls and rucks with the knowledge that ball would get deployed exactly where they wanted it. They fought well and exerted masses of energy to ensure possession, often with fantastic and skilfully placed passing. A stunning and quick-thinking pass out to the wing man very nearly secured the Alligators first try, but sadly he was brought down just shy of the try line and knocked into touch.

The Alligators persevered and maintained their posture, never letting their guard down. It was to be a positive move for the Alligators as they held Bridlington off long enough to guarantee a magically heedful pass would safeguard their much welcomed try. After a successful conversion, the Alligators were two points in front at half time.

Going into half-time with the game now to their advantage was a comforting thought for the Alligators. But they also knew the game was not yet won. With a larger than life Bridlington presence on the pitch, the Alligators had to pull out all the stops and maintain their well bonded stance and remain focused.

As the second half got under way, the Alligators kept up the pressure on Bridlington, who persistently kicked the ball up field and made the Alligators work hard, if they were to gain more try’s. This half witnessed many try line tackles from both sides, but it was the Alligators that appeared to be gaining the most strength, and much to the annoyance of a valiant Bridlington side who could do little to prevent the Alligators from touching down an extremely well fought try. Another successful conversion ensured a well deserved win for the Alligators.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Sam Howard for yet another brilliant performance. Although all the Alligators performed extremely well, it was Sam who stood out and got stuck in with such fanatical enthusiasm. Every time you turned your head, he was right in the midst of a maul ferociously fighting for the ball or defending his position. With his energetic and belligerent, not to mention much welcomed, attitude, Sam’s Ready Brek breakfast was surely working a treat. It was another impressive contribution from another valued asset.

MATCH SUMMARY:

Results:

Alligators 14 - 5 Bridlington

Try Scorers:

Elliot Adamson 1

Sam Howard 1 Total Alligator Tries: 2

Conversions:

Elliot Adamson 2 Total Alligator Con’s: 2

Attendance: (Away) 18/22 - (82%)