Aireborough 5 Mosborough 0

AIREBOROUGH gained an important victory in a tense game against their South Yorkshire visitors, which puts them into fourth position in the league. From an explosive start, they camped in the opponents half and with an abundance of line-out possession from Steve Brewer and Martin Hemsley they launched all out attacks on their visitor's line, co-ordinated by stand-off Paul Mackie.

This pressure soon paid off when Alistair MacRae crashed through centre field for the recycled ball to be rapidly transferred to winger James Williams, who sped over in the corner. This early score boosted Aireborough's confidence and they continued to apply sustained pressure with winger Mike Nield always looking dangerous and full-back Ian Claughton entering the line at every opportunity.

An inability to convert this pressure into points caused frustration to enter Aireborough's game and over-elaboration in rucks and mauls resulted in second phase possession being interrupted. This was compounded by penalties being needlessly conceded.

Although turning round only five points in the lead, Aireborough were still confident they could increase their score, but were thwarted when Paul Mackie had what appeared to be a certain try disallowed for not grounding the ball correctly. This was the signal for the pattern of the game to change dramatically as the visitors raised their work rate and surprised Aireborough with their powerful running style.

Desperate defence was required to keep the opposition out with flankers Paul Nightingale and John Rhodes in the thick of the action, and Ian Claughton making several game saving tackles. Aireborough can be thankful for their pack which held firm during this siege but they were very relieved to her the final whistle in a game where the opposition finished much stronger.

Mosborough 'A' 7 Crusaders 27

AN under strength Crusaders side registered a comfortable victory with a display of enterprising running rugby. Playing with the slope their overall strength was soon apparent when centre Dave Moyes used his strong straight running to open the scoring.

This was followed by captain and number eight forward Tony Exley, who picked up from a scrum and drove over for his eighth try of the season. From a defensive position, Crusaders showed their ability to counter-attack when stand-off Phil Gelder used his searching pace to run the length of the field and score under the posts for Dave Moyes to add the conversion. Lock forward Paul Exley completed Crusaders first-half scoring with a powerhouse break to the line to give his team a 22-0 led at the interval.

Against the slope Crusaders exhibited their determined defensive qualities in restricting the opposition to a single try but they completed a good all-round display when, from a sweeping back move, winger Chris Clarke squeezed over in the corner.

Crusaders entertain Knottingley 'A' at Nunroyd on Saturday - kick-off 2.15pm.

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