Baildon 12, Old Modernians 3

Many may wonder about it but few get to realise the dream of playing in the same side as their son.

“It was only supposed to be for a season,” laughed Andy Pollard about his partnership with son Danny in Baildon’s pack.

“This is our third season now,” said the ageless 46-year-old. “But it is fantastic – a privilege – being able to do it.

“I coached Danny all the way through from under-13s to under-19s and his team won Yorkshire Four at under-17 level and came third in Yorkshire Three at colts level.

“And it isn’t only Danny that has come through to play first team from that side.

“There is Guy Price, Jonny Picken, JJ O’Connell and Joe Robinson, while at second-team level there is Tom Massey, Rob Moore and Ollie O’Neill.”

Danny, 20, added: “It’s really good to play in the same team as my dad.

“We were in the second row together the season before last and it has brought us closer as people.

“We are always talking about the game, what we did right and what we did wrong.”

Andy insisted: “As long as Baildon want me and my body holds out, I will play for them.

“People look at me at work on Monday and tell me I should retire but I say ‘you don’t get injuries or knocks if you aren’t where the ball is’.”

After finishing third last season, Baildon – under the astute direction of head coach Dave Duxbury – were expected to push on this campaign but that hasn’t happened so far.

“We have seven first-team players injured and they are seven leaders,” explained Danny Pollard.

“Dave is a quality coach but nothing is decided yet and we are looking at third or fourth place – and definitely a place in the top six.”

As for the game, it was a case of missed opportunities for both teams, with neither side scoring a try and the first five kicks at goal all being missed (three by Modernians scrum half Sam Coutts and two by Baildon fly half Nick Lister).

The latter player did land penalties after 34, 49, 73 and 85 minutes, Mods having taken the lead with an effort by fly half Jez Howarth in the 23rd minute.

Baildon came closest to a try when O’Connell put a foot in touch on his way to the line in the 55th minute, the score being ruled out by home touch judge Martin Hemingway after former Bulls Academy player Lister had put the full back away.

Danny Pollard concluded: “Hopefully we can take some confidence from this victory.”