Burley Game 16/9/06

Burley 21 - 28 Sheffield Oaks
This game was the preliminary round of the Powergen Junior Vase knockout competition.
An early meet time and set off ensured we arrived at Burley an hour and a quarter before kick-off. A classical concert at Kirkstall Abbey was being rehearsed, and all afternoon we were treated to various orchestral accompaniments to the game. Not sure this was appreciated by some of the team - they'd probably have preferred Westlife or summat!!
The game started in good style for us with Frets scoring very early in the game. We played "downhill" in the first half and it is a real advantage on this pitch. Frets scored again in the first half, joined by Darren and Jim. All the tries were well worked and Mark made 3 conversions until injuring his leg in a tackle when Jim took over goal kicking duties landing the 4th conversion. Burley scored a converted try in the 1st half making the score 28-7 at half time.
It certainly turned out to be a game of two halves though, with Burley coming back strongly down the cliff/slope in the 2nd half. They scored two tries in the second half, neither of which we could do much to stop, both being "breakaways" really. We closed the game down in the last 20 minutes or so keeping the ball in the forwards as much as possible denying Burley any noticeable possession and enabling us to run out worthy winners.
Man of the match - Jim, outstanding play at full back.
Boob of the match - Stenny, nuff said......

Castleford Game, 9/9/06

Sheffield Oaks 20 - 16 Castleford.
A fantastic start to the league season. Playing at our new home venue at Niagara, the weather was balmy and we were all very happy with the pitch and facilities on offer.
Castleford arrived very early and proceeded to warm up quite vigorously for a good hour or so before the game. They looked very well drilled as you would expect from a team that were relegated only last season. The brought a fair number of spectators with them who gave the game quite a partisan feeling in their favour.
We soon got into our stride in the game and started to dominate the set pieces and make good gains in the loose aswell. It was clear this was going to be a physical encounter from the kickoff, and so it proved for the 80 minutes. We were never behind in the match an realistically had it won with 20 minutes or so to go. The worrying thing from the match was Bonzo's injury, and we all hope it's nothing too serious.
This game proved that we are working well as a team, and need to take this performance up a level for the remainder of the season.
Man of the match - Hazza