Rishworthians sink Wensleydale to keep pressure on the league leaders
OLD RISHWORTHIANS put in one of their most important performances of the Yorkshire Two season to win 13-5 in atrocious conditions at home to Wensleydale.
On a pitch which was more like a quagmire, with a fierce wind, heavy showers and hail, both sides should be congratulated on the way they played the game.
Director of Rugby Jon Bake praised both teams for the performance. He declared himself “dead chuffed” with the play of the front row of Phil Kershaw,
Toby Muscat-Baron, Jack Smart and later Luke Illingworth.
“I’m delighted we stayed mentally very strong and defended well especially as Wensleydale were an unknown quantity,” he said.
The visitors showed why they have notched up some strong results, but Rishworthians defended well, led by man of the match, flanker Ethan Pollard.
They at last broke through thanks to a good move involving flanker Simanu Tusiga, wing Ben Waud, centre Doug Heseltine and scrum half Joe Billing.
They stayed there and fullback Luke Sutcliffe, who showed some excellent touches, linked well with teenage wing Tom Oldroyd to take play close to the line.
Eventually they won a scrum and drove the bigger Wensleydale pack back forcing the referee to award a penalty try to end the half.
The visitors started the second half as they had the first, putting Rishworthians under pressure.
Rishworthians did enough to force penalties from the visitors and Kelly was on hand to slot two over to provide the cushion to see out the victory.
It was needed as the visitors capitalised on a couple of home mistakes in the mud to force their way over in the corner.
Rishworthians travel to Thornensians this week for a re-arranged fixture, knowing a five-point win could take them to within two points of leaders Roundhegians.
“The key for us is to defend well and play at the top of our game against what will be a very strong side who have had some good recent results,” said Bake.