Ionians Alligators v York U12’s

2^nd January 2011

After a long spell of bad weather preventing play, the Alligators took to the pitch full of enthusiasm and anxious to be unleashed. York kicked off and the ball landed comfortably with Henry Harman, who immediately charged forwards and began the punishing fight through a well prepared York defence. After being brought to the ground, York finally gained possession and, with a quick scrum deployment, kept up pressure and crossed the line to score the first try.

The Alligators retaliated with some positive tackling and when they very nearly penetrated York’s defence, York kicked a long ball, which although well chased by Matthew Gill, went straight over the dead ball line.

A high tackle on James Millington close to the half way line appeared to give the Alligators a slight advantage for a while and the efforts of Leon Caplin to prevent York from getting through for another certain try was quite exemplary, making two very courageous tackles in quick succession.

An Alligator line-out saw play concentrate in one area for a while before they won a scrum and nudged play closer towards York’s try line. The next Alligator line-out was less than successful, as York bravely gained immediate possession and raced down the wing and over the try line.

After successfully notching up two try’s in the first half, York went into the break with a 14 point lead and the Alligators now had their work cut out for them.

After an exceptionally long half-time break, while officials disputed the games’ continuation due to inclement weather conditions, the decision to continue was made and Jack Hatfield got the game underway. An unfortunate return kick by York bounced awkwardly and graciously intercepted by George Boynton who kept possession.

After restarting several scrums, the ball eventually made its way across the pitch to Ethan Canet-Baldwin, who although missed a crucial pass, soon rectified the situation with a stunning tackle that prevented York from gaining anything other than a scrum.

The Alligators fought hard and showed more aggression as James Millington penetrated York’s defence but was brought down and temporarily lost the ball. York then kicked it straight into touch for an Alligator line-out, which York soon intercepted. It was then down to James Millington to once again regain possession and go straight into a maul.

With the pressure mounting, some great passing by Jack Green-Morgan across to Henry Harman and over to Ethan Canet-Baldwin was a sure sign that the Alligators were now quite focused and determined to make the score sheet. A strong hold in the top corner ensured James Millington kept possession and barged his way across the try line to score the first Alligator try of 2011.

York hit straight back with some equally as good ball work and managed to successfully weave their way through several Alligators to cross the try line at the other end. With the Alligators taken by surprise, York made another daring attempt to dash the full length of the pitch to notch up their fourth and final try of the day.

Angered by their poor defending, the Alligators made one final attempt to make it over the try line themselves. It came when George Boynton masterfully grabbed the ball from a maul and weaved his way through several York defenders to score the final try of the day.

With only minutes to go, the Alligators maintained a strong defence and prevented York from notching up any further try’s, ending the game 28-14 in favour of York.

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MAN OF THE MATCH: Ethan Canet Baldwin for his enthusiasm and shining determination in today’s game. Ethan’s continued improvement in his playing ability and his passion for the game is abundantly clear. Often seen out on the wing, he gets stuck in at every opportunity and never shy’s away from a difficult situation. He remained confident throughout the game and played his part exceptionally well.

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MATCH SUMMARY:

Results:

Alligators 14 - 28 York

Try Scorers:

James Millington 1

George Boynton 1

Total Alligator Tries: 2

Conversions:

Jack Hatfield 2

Total Alligator Con’s: 2

Attendance:

18/25 - (86%)

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