Meltham All Blacks
Match Reports
Sunday 19th November 2006
Meltham All Blacks Under 8’s – Home to Newsome
Meltham 50 – Newsome 10
The coaches were looking to consolidate the success of the last few games,
and they were not disappointed. The team came out firing on all cylinders and
Christian Pestell (2) converted his first try in the first few minutes of the
game. After excellent movement of the ball, Jack Clifford showed determination
and converted his try to make it 12-0. Christian then handed off several
opponents to make it 16-0, and Jack not to be outdone made it 20-0. This try
converted by Darran Walker whose gutsy performance encourages the team to work
together. Alex ' the tank' showed power and was most improved on the day, when
he went over, converted by Jordan Williams.(28-0)
The second half was very much the same, Meltham firmly in control of the game, showing great defensive qualities with George Sykes-Kenworthy trying his hardest to take the top tackler award away from Jordan Williams. Jordan showed his pace and tenacity to touchdown twice, converted by Tom Hindle whose confidence grows week by week. George scored a well deserved try (44- 0), Carl Sykes, Molly Doyle, Jordan James and Lewis Bull are making the team a force to be reckoned with showing passion, commitment and really enjoying being part of a successful team. Newsome showed flair when they put points on the board when Meltham were tiring towards the end of the game, but to round off nicely when Jack Clifford made his hat-trick then converted by Ryan White.
Meltham then were part of a friendly against newly formed Lindley Swifts Under 8's side, who showed that they will be a dangerous side when they have mastered the basics, scorers were Jordan Williams (2), Jack Clifford (1) and Christian Pestell (3). Final score 30-4
Meltham All Blacks Under 9’s – Away at Kings Cross
Kings Cross 54 – Meltham 52
A very close game saw two committed teams go head to head for the first time with Meltham just missing out on a draw with the last conversion on the final whistle being controversially disallowed.
Kings Cross were the first to score, but some determined running saw Jack Evans go over for the first try of his hat trick. These tries together with his great defensive performance earned him the Man of the Match Award.
The first half went score for score with Michael Tooley, Jacob Glover and Daniel King all getting first half tries.
In the second half Kings Cross took a commanding lead and with the score at 42-24, it looked like Meltham had too much to do to gain a result. However the defence started to work for each other and some good attacking play saw Meltham eat away at the Kings Cross lead
Daniel King and Michael Tooley scored there second tries. Top tackler Daniel King and Oliver Szlachcic (most improved player) got away a quick play to set J Evans off to the line for his second try. This was closely followed by his third.
Kings Cross were then putting pressure on Meltham’s line when George Doyle and player of the week Cory McDonagh dislodged the ball in the tackle for Jacob Glover to power his way for a try to leave a crucial conversion attempt to earn what would have been a fair result.
Tries were scored by Michael Tooley (2), Jacob Glover (2), Daniel King (2) and Jack Evans (3)
Conversions were scored by Daniel King, Jacob Glover (2), Cory McDonagh, Ryan Hirst, Michael Tooley, Jack Evans, and Oliver Szlachcic.
Meltham All Blacks Under 10’s – No Game
Meltham All Blacks Under 11’s – Away at Elland
Elland 18 - Meltham 34
After a shaky start the under 11s took control in their match against Elland, running out 34 to 18 winners. Four tries were scored by Man of The Match and top tackler Elliot Morris with Oliver Kirk, Joe Wood and Benjamin Townend each scoring one. Goals were kicked by Jack Thackerey, David Dyson and Patrick Milton .Aiden Edgill and Haydn Evans also contributed some good play.
Meltham All Blacks Under 12’s – Home to Wibsey
Meltham 14 - Wibsey 10
The Under 12s showed real grit and determination to overcome a very good Wibsey team.
With several new players now having a few games under their belts Meltham are starting to play like a well organized disciplined unit. For the second week in succession they managed to keep their opponents scoreless in the first half, whilst scoring two of their own. The first try was a result of great ball skills with Toby King offloading to Jack Thompson who took the ball to the opponent’s line before slipping a neat pass to the supporting Conner Robertson who scored in the corner. The second was a good individual effort from George King who burst through the cover on half way and had enough pace to reach the line. Half time 8 points to 0. In the second period Wibsey stepped up a gear and managed to score an unconverted try in the corner. With both teams defences working overtime, it was going to take something special to break the line. George King again managed to break through on half way and showed real determination to fend off several tackles on the way to the line. Wibsey hit back with a consolation try in the final minute, but Meltham had enough left in the tank to hold them out for what was a well deserved victory. Man of the match was Sam Rochford and Tom Dunston was impressive on his debut
Meltham All Blacks Under 13’s – Away at Farnley
Farnley 16 - Meltham 12
The under 13’s got off to a poor start being 10 nil down in the opening 5 minutes of the game, but they then proceeded to up their game and with two tries and two conversions took a 12 -10 lead.
Late in the game Farnley then broke the All Blacks defence to score a match winning try.
Best Forward was Sam Hirst, Best Back was Sam Crowe, Top tackler was Josh Worrall with Andrew Lambert being the top driver.
A special mention should also be given to Josh Zatorski who had an excellent game.