First half blitz sets Rishies on course for big scoreline
RISHWORTHIANS PUT in a brilliant first half performance as they won 47-10 against Old Grovians, their tenth win in a row, with a seven-try haul.
Rishworthians had to make late changes due to Josh Kelly’s illness, but Joe Billing stepped in at fly half and did an excellent job, constantly getting his backs into play and adding six conversions.
The opening exchanges saw the home men having to defend well, before left wing Anthony Shoesmith took them deep into the Grovians half with the first of a number of strong runs.
It led to a scrum and the ball came out and along the line for teenage right wing Tom Oldroyd to open the scoring. Billing added the conversion.
They soon added a second try, the ball going along the line from a lineout for Shoesmith to dart in at the corner. Billing’s conversion attempt drifted wide.
It was all Rishworthians and they got in again after a great pick-up in midfield by flanker James McHugh, who put No8 Jacob Bower away, before Sutcliffe took the final pass to score. Billing converted.
Centre Sam Bake made the decisive break to score after good work by prop Phil Kershaw had provided possession for the backs. Billing converted.
The ball went wide again for Shoesmith to add his second try. Billing converted to end the half.
A resurgent Grovians came out strongly in the second period and dominated possession.#
For a long period they battered the home line before bursting through for a converted try.
It was the spur Rishworthians needed and they finally got going, Bake spotting a gap to glide through for his second try.
Billing followed up his conversion with a fine break after the restart and another break by Bake set up the seventh try.
Doug Heseltine running an excellent line, as he had done all through the game, to score by the posts. Billing added the conversion.
Grovians forced their way over for a third converted try.
On the second pitch, the Development team gained an 8–6 victory over West Leeds.
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