Pontefract 16

Yarnbury 8

YARNBURY failed to capitalise on their supremacy in a game played in hard conditions underfoot with a wind blowing up the pitch. Yarnbury played against the elements and put in a resolute half with Lee and Galbraith putting in a controlled kicking display.

When Pontefract had one of their adventures upfield a penalty was awarded which was kicked by full-back Cooper. Meantime Gareth Jones was having one of his better days with some exceptional line-out work and important cover tackling.

Then disaster struck with the last move of the first-half. The pack went to sleep and lost a heel against the head. The scrum-half made inroads then the ball was whipped out right for Taylor to score. Cooper added the extras with the last kick of the half.

With the elements in their favour Yarnbury were able to kick for position but too many times the wrong option was chosen as the impressive midfield of Pontefract were able to prevent scoring opportunities.

Galbraith kicked a penalty and then Steve Mather took a pass from Thompson and scored a try to give the visitors hope. The kick was missed by Galbraith.

With the second row combination of Chris Wray and Adi Moule producing good line-out ball possession and with 20 minutes remaining it was clearly just a matter of time before Yarnbury converted the pressure into points, but with some wrong options and injudicious refereeing including a try disallowed for Ian Moule the game was lost. Pontefract then went upfield and scored a penalty by Cooper.

Yarnbury's hopes of a play-off still remain in place with Old Brods and Scarborough both losing next weekend sees the club on tour to Prague and next Wednesday Yarnbury entertain Keighley in the Shield semi-final.

Yarnbury Hornets 5

Pontefract A 45

THE Hornets followed up their below par performance in the Aire-Wharfe Cup with their worst performance of the season against a strong Pontefract side who played as a unit from the first whistle.

Pontefract put the first points on the board with a well-struck penalty but it was Yarnbury who scored the first try. Bruce Johnson-Laird latched on to good work from Steve Fletcher to go in at the corner. The Yarnbury joy was short-lived as Pontefract underlined their dominance by scoring two tries of their own to lead 15-5 at the interval.

The visitors stamped their authority on the game in the second-half. Excellent work by the well-drilled Pontefract pack combined with basic errors from the Hornets laid the platform for Pontefract to score 30 points without reply in the second-half. This defeat leaves the Hornets with much to think about as the season draws to a close

Yarnbury U-17s Tour

Yarnbury Under-17s undertook a tour to Amsterdam playing the matches north of the city. The first game against RC Waterland, of Purmerend, was played under lights which was a novel situation for many of the Yarnbury team.

Yarnbury's enthusiasm for the battle was unquenchable and a very enjoyable game was won 57-10. Try scorers were: Daniels (3), Maycock (2), Malone, Whitfield, Mortimer and Tate. Daniels added four conversions, Tate one and Guzzler one.

The home side proved excellent hosts and gifts were exchanged followed by various bar games.

On the following day the match was some way further north in Schagen against RC Rush. The match was played in great spirit between two very committed sides, ultimately Yarnbury ran out worthy winners 40-3. Once again the hosts were on top form providing a barbecue and refreshments.

Yarnbury's scorers were Horner (2, one from 70 yards which is not bad for a hooker!),Maycock, Buckle, Lydon and Fox. Daniels added four conversions and Lee one.

Yarnbury U-17s 13

Hull Ionians 17

THIS was a disappointing match after the highs of the tour and Yarnbury went out of the Yorkshire Cup at the first hurdle. Ionians opened the scoring with a penalty but playing against the wind Yarnbury fought back and after hitting the post with a penalty, Daniels drove over from the resulting scrum.

The conversion was missed but things looked promising as the home side resisted many attacks, Malone and Davies to the fore. Unfortunately it was slack tackling which led Ionians under the posts for a converted try to give them a 10-5 half-time lead.

Playing with the wind in the second-half should have favoured Yarnbury but passes were frequently dropped and wrong decisions taken.

A Daniels penalty brought Yarnbury to within two points but once again a promising attack was snuffed out. From the resulting possession Ionians went to the other end for another score to make it 17-8 with seven minutes to go.

The home side mounted wave after wave of attacks but the score did not come until a minute from time as Maycock went over. Daniels once again went close with the kick but it was not to be his day

Baildon U-11s 0

Yarnbury U-11s 28

IN a very aggressive game, Yarnbury came away with much credit by holding their discipline and putting together a good all-round team performance. With tries from Ben Hague, Lewis Cooper, Stephen Nelson and Adam Cullingworth, conversions by Ben Whitfield and Lewis Cooper (3).

Cleckheaton U-9s 20

Yarnbury U-9s 35

WITH no Baildon team to play, a game against Cleckheaton was quickly arranged. Yarnbury loaned them two players but still ran out clear winners in an open game. With tries from Daniel Burnside, Andrew Gwilliam (2), Alex Teasedale, Barnaby Gill and Tom Baxter (2).

Yarnbury had some good possession and were able to pass the ball fluently, but it was apparent minds were on next week's Mini Section trip to Cardiff, playing games on Saturday and Sunday.