1st XV
Matches
Sat 02 Apr 2022  ·  North One East
Consett
19
22
Old Brodleians RUFC
1st XV
Victory Up North

Victory Up North

Adam Standeven3 Apr 2022 - 19:39
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President's Report

With another raft of changes to the team for their trip to Consett Brods resources were once more stretched to the limit and 3 further products of Brods youth were able to step up to make their first XV starting Debuts - Sam Harrison available and back from Uni , George Ayrton who has been playing very well for the 2nd team and young colt Ethan Wroot took their places in the team. Several other positional changes gave the team an unusual appearance however the team travelled in good spirits in anticipation of a tough challenge.

Excellent conditions welcomed the Woodhead boys and a large number of travelling supporters made the journey up the A1. In the early exchanges Brods took the initiative and took the game to their hosts however Consett were strong in defence and when they gained possession some forward drives in centre field set the platform for their backs to move the ball fluently along the line to the right, where the winger touched down in the corner for the opening score 5-0 after 11 minutes play.

Brods response was swift and having regained possession from the restart were patient in the build-up. With good ball retention and Jimmy Hodkinson playing at fly half distributing well the ball was moved to the left and young Ethan Wroot found space on the wing to dive in at the corner and level the score 5-5. The Woodhead boys were rising to the challenge and with strong carries from Cole Wilson and Rob Jennings putting Brods in good position just yards from the Consett Line Ryan Harris forced his way over to give Brods the lead 5-10 after 30 minutes play. Consett’s response was immediate and from an attacking lineout they secured possession, their fly half broke the Brods defensive line and passed to the supporting inside centre who touched down under the posts leaving an easy conversion. With the points from the conversion Consett had the lead 12-10 with 35 minutes played.

Brods had to work hard in defence against the enthusiastic hosts and Rob Jennings influence as a senior player in the side was immense as he repeatedly carried the ball out of defence. George Gillgrass at full back also provided relief with some strong kicking out of Brods territory and looks a great prospect for the future. Consett however had the final say in the first half when their left wing showed real pace to evade the Brods defence and finished touching down between the posts and with the conversion they held the lead at half time 19-10.

Consett opened the second half on the offensive and Brods had to defend their line valiantly as they were also down to 14 men following a yellow card. Brods pressing defence especially in midfield where Jason Dodd and Elliot Craven were playing out of position forced errors in the Consett attack and the Woodhead boys were then able to take the momentum of the game in their favour and turned desperate defence into attack. The frustrated hosts conceded several penalties which put Brods into a good position near to the Consett line. From an attacking lineout Brods well drilled pack formed to drive to the home line and Ryan Harris refreshed from his 10 minutes in the sin bin finished the move well controlling the ball at the back of the drive and touched down to put Brods back in the game. George Ayrton stepped forward for the conversion but unluckily his effort hit both posts and the cross bar. Consett still held the lead 19-15 after 15 minutes play in the second half however Brods were clearly back in the game. Brods domination in the lineout at this point in the game was vital as the Hipperholme boys went for the win. Louis Inman’s throwing in accuracy was giving Brods the advantage and with Jennings and Harris dominating in the air Brods were able to dominate possession as the game moved into the final quarter. Another well-constructed line out drive took the Brods within sight of the Consett line. The ball was moved right and it looked as though the attack would come to nought however Brods young hooker Inman appeared on the scene and he ran a great line to take the ball and score close to the posts. Brods fourth try brought a bonus point and George Ashton stepped up to kick the conversion and Brods had the lead 19-22. Consett desperately took the game back to the Brods in the closing minutes however Brods defence was resolute and they held out defending their line until the final whistle.

An excellent performance from a young Brods side who will have gained much from the experience .Brods have now completed their away fixtures, next week they play Bradford and Bingley at Woodhead .

Match details

Match date

Sat 02 Apr 2022

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

North One East

League position

5
Old Brodleians
13
Consett
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Club Sponsor - Shibden Mill Inn
Club Sponsor - Total Biomass Solutions
Beavers XV Sponsor - Bottomleys Arms
Kit Supplier - Gilbert
Charity Partner - Andy Mans Club
Club Sponsor - Spenborough Engineering
Club Sponsor - Eastwood & Partners
Club Sponsor - EP Risk Consultancy
Player Sponsor Ollie Akroyd - Beaver Productions
Official Club Supporters - Harold & Margaret Smith
Official Club Supporter - Carhoots.Com