West Riding Youth Amateur Rugby League Under 13s Challenge Cup Final

Meltham All Blacks-24

King Cross Park-26

THE stage was set for this cup final match between the league rivals of Meltham and King Cross with the bumper crowd at Emley.

Both teams made impressive starts with a completed set apiece, before Meltham struck first with a try for Jacob Green with a short range crash over. David Dyson converted.

Pressure from Meltham soon saw Oliver Kirk power his way over under the sticks with Dyson adding the two to lead 12-0.

Then King Cross came back with a well worked try and had another disallowed before striking again to make the scores 12-8 to Meltham at the interval.

Straight after the break a David Dyson high ball was fumbled in the in-goal area to allow hooker Scott Gledhill to pounce and score. Dyson made it 18-8.

A lack of line speed and defensive urgency was the main culprit for Meltham as King Cross went 22-18 in front. Best forward Elliot Morris had a 60 yard try disallowed for a knock on and then King Cross struck the final blow. Morris rectified his disallowed try with a similar dash – this time making sure he grounded the ball properly and Dyson added the extras leaving Meltham trailing by just two points on the full time whistle.

Best back was David Dyson and man of the match Oliver Kirk. Tomorrow the All Blacks are at Elland for the final play offs – to decide who will be the WR U13 Premier League Champions.

Under 11s

Huddersfield Sharks 32

Meltham 44

SHARKS capitalised on an early Meltham mistake and scored. A good dummy by Oliver Szlachcic was offloaded to Cory McDonagh who then found Dan King who weaved in to score. Next try by Meltham came from an inspiring kick from McDonagh for King to go over for his second try. Oliver Szlachcic then played in McDonagh. Matt Brearley, Joe Martin and Chris Brearley were impressive as Oliver Szlachcic again found McDonagh who scored. Another McDonagh dummy run saw him set up King who completed his hat trick.

Jack Evans ran the length of the pitch to score a super second half try and earned himself the man of the match award. Joe Martin, a constant thorn in the Sharks’side, slid over the line to score a well deserved try. William Suchecki and Lewis Fletcher were commanding at the back and ‘quiet assassin’ Ryan Hirst also caught the eye with his tackling and fine runs. Oliver Szlachcic came close before William Suchecki completed the try scoring and the victory.

Other awards were best forward, Matt Brearley, best back, Cory McDonagh and top tackler, Oliver Szlachcic.

Under 9s

Meltham 38, Kings Cross 28

A FULLY committed team performance enabled the All Blacks to overcome a good King Cross Park ide in a highly entertaining game.

Meltham started strongly as man of the match Innes Senior imposed himself on the game both in attack and defence, opening his account with his strong, direct running as Meltham took control of the first half.

After the break, King Cross launched a mini revival, but Meltham kept their composure with some stout defending from Thomas King (top trainer), Liam Smith (captain) and Innes Senior (top tackler).

The strong driving of Jordan James and Stephen Reilly created space for both Innes (five tries) and Louis Senior (three tries) to use their running game to great effect, sealing an impressive display from the whole team.

Under 8s

King Cross 20 Meltham All Blacks 8

DESPITE some heroic tackling and good attacking play Meltham could not get the better of a well drilled King Cross side. In a close game the difference between the two sides was the better finishing of King Cross. Captain Joseph Cassidy led the way scoring a brilliant solo try as well as making numerous try-saving tackles. Top tackler was Adam Szlachcic with Luke Fletcher and Harry Jackson just behind. Darren Douglas and Alan Karrasch made some great drives and both were unlucky not to score. Aiden Douglas in only his second match had a very good second half and along with Zack Rose and Thomas McInerny will prove to be valuable as they learn more about the game. Harley Dyson showed that hard work is paying off as did top trainer Daniel Tinson, who, despite being injured, turned up to play so as not to let his team down and made some incisive tackles and good drives. Coach’s man of the match was Luke and opposition coach’s man of the match and scorer of the other try was Harry.