1st XV - Match Reports (2003 / 2004)

Date: 27th March 2004

Match: Home

-v- Marist

Final Score:

Ossett: 28

Marist: 10

Tries: Lonsdale, Woffenden, Grogan

Conversions: Bell (2)

Penalties: Bell (3)

Last Saturday saw Ossett entertain Marist (Hull) and confirm promotion with a comprehensive victory over the visitors.

Ossett received the kick off to start the first half and went on the attack straight away but Marist also signalled their intentions to make a game of it by starting very brightly as well. It was the visitors who got first chance to notch up some points but the penalty attempt was missed. Ossett then got the opportunity to go on the attack and soon after Lonsdale went over for the first try. With an excellent touchline conversion attempt from Bell sailing through the posts Ossett went into a seven points to nil lead but this was short lived as Marist hit back almost instantly with their stand off brushing aside a couple of tackles to go in under the posts from twenty yards. With a successful conversion to level the scores the game was nip and tuck as Bell managed a successful penalty for Ossett but Marist again hit back quickly to level with a penalty of their own. Ossett then notched up another try from Woffenden and though the conversion was missed another penalty before half-time saw the home side hit the break eighteen points to ten in the lead.

Ossett kicked off the second half and then proceeded to dominate for most off this period but Marist defended strongly and kept the scoring opportunities to a minimum. The home side went close on a number of occasions though with Webster who seemed to ground the ball but the ref was unsighted and didn't give it. Whitehead also went close from a tap penalty but was held up over the line. Ossett finally managed to cross the line after a good run from Woffenden who touched down next to the posts. A successful conversion and another two penalties from Bell saw Ossett gain a comfortable final score of twenty eight points to ten but they were made to work very hard by a Marist side who were much improved from when Ossett travelled to Hull and won quite easily.

Man of the match this week went to full back Andy Norman who came storming back into the game after a bit of a wobbly start.

Date: 20th March 2004

Match: Away

-v- Old Brodleians

Final Score:

Ossett: 31

Old Brodleians: 0

Tries: Woolley (2), Whitehead (2), North

Conversions: Bell (3)

Ossett travelled to windswept Old Brodleians (Halifax) hoping to put last weeks disappointment behind them and achieved the result in a match that was more than a little bit hampered by the gale force winds.

The match kicked off with neither side getting much benefit from the wind which was more or less blowing straight across the pitch, but Ossett managed to combat it best by keeping the passing short and the support running tight. The first try came from Ben Woolley who barged over after a strong run and that was followed shortly after by a score from Clinton North to give Ossett a twelve points to nil half time lead.

The second half kicked off with the wind getting stronger and both sides began to struggle to come to terms with it but Ossett kept plugging away and Woolley scored his second try with another strong burst to the line to score under the posts. The game went then went through a little bit of a slack period but Ossett managed two more tries, Both from Ian Whitehead, in the last ten minutes to give a score line that Ossetts overall dominance deserved.

Ossetts man of the match was Graeme Dent making a welcome return after injury and a special mention to Sam Drury who agreed to prop for the opposition to ensure the match went ahead.

Date: 13th March 2004

Match: Home

-v- Wibsey

Final Score:

Ossett: 11

Wibsey: 13

Try: Haywood

Penalty: Bell

DG: Norman

Ossett entered this game with high hopes but crashed back down to earth after Wibsey managed to snaffle the points in what could be the championship deciding game.

The home side started the brightest in the first half but it was Wibsey who got the first points with an early penalty. But Ossett continued to press and were rewarded with a try by Haywood and then a penalty by Bell to go into an eight points to three half time lead.

Ossett started the second half confident that the game was theirs for the taking and soon had a Norman drop goal to show for their efforts but that was the end of the fun for Ossett. From that point Wibsey attacked Ossett using their powerful pack to pressure the Ossett line and after a series of penalties a short move saw them crash over for a converted try. With their tails up Wibsey continued to press and another penalty saw them move into the lead with only three minutes to go. The home side had one last penalty attempt to try and salvage the game but Bells effort from almost on the halfway fell a few yards short.

Date: 6th March 2004

Match: Away

-v- Doncaster Phoenix

Final Score:

Ossett: 38

Doncaster Phoenix: 8

Tries: Beaumont, Lonsdale, Haywood, Bell, A N Other

Conversions: Bell (4)

Ossett took the trip to Doncaster to play Phoenixes' second string but ended up playing a side consisting of mostly first team players .Even so the visitors still achieved a comfortable victory against the higher division opposition.

Despite a late arrival Ossett soon got on top of the game with an early try from  Beaumont, making his debut appearance, and continued to dominate with further first half tries from Lonsdale and Haywood.

The second half was much as the first with Ossett dominating and further tries game from A. N. Other and Bell before the home side managed a conciliatory penalty try. Ossett wrapped up the scoring with a final try from Barnett.

Date: 28th February 2004

Match: Away

-v- Sheffield Oaks

Final Score:

Ossett: TBA

Sheffield Oaks: TBA

This match was cancelled due to inclement weather...

Date: 21st February 2004

Match: Home

-v- Halifax 2nd's

Final Score:

Ossett: 3

Halifax II: 20

Penalty: Bell

Due to the late cry off by Marist the league fixture for this weekend was postponed and Ossett entertained Halifax 2nd's, whose first team are top of National 3 North. Despite their high status Halifax turned up short of players and borrowed two of Ossetts three subs to bring them up to full strength.

Even though Ossett lost at home for the first time this season they can take great credit for a good performance against a side that ought to have been a class above the home side, however, as before in this campaign Ossett have shown that they will compete whatever the standard of the opposition.

The visitors first try came early in the game and although Ossett pushed them to the limit in the remainder of the half they were unable to find a way through the Halifax defence. In the second half when it looked as though the home side might build on the first half and go on and get something out of the game it was Halifax who raised their game and defended strongly to ensure there was no way through. Halifax scored a late second try to finish with a rather unbalanced scoreline which certainly didn't do Ossett enough credit.

Ossetts man of the match was second row Chris Briggs who bossed the line out and ran tirelessly around the pitch all afternoon.

Date: 14th February 2004

Match: Home

-v- Thirsk

Final Score:

Ossett: 22

Thirsk: 0

Tries: Gough, Norman, Whitehead
Conversions: Bell (2)

Penalty: Bell

Last Saturday Ossett travelled to Thirsk for one of the crunch games of the season and returned with a hard fought victory to give them the perfect platform for their promotion push. Victories in the final two home games will see Ossett clinch promotion and finish top of the division.

Thirsk kicked off the match in good weather and pitch conditions and despite almost making a hash of things Ossett retained possession and went on the attack straight away . That foray was repulsed though, and Thirsk showed that they were up for this game with some strong play that tested the Ossett defence. The visitors managed to chalk up the first points of the game via a penalty from Bell and shortly afterwards Gough finished off some excellent attacking play to score the first try. Ten minutes later Ossett notched up their second score when Norman was put through a huge gap to score next to the posts. That was the end of Ossetts' scoring for the half and the game would have been a lot different if the Thirsk kicker had not missed three easy penalty attempts. Thirsk also had a good claim for a try turned down by the referee who judged that the ball had been held up after a driving maul.

The second half was similar to the first in that Thirsk put in lots of effort without getting much result due mainly to Ossetts' tight defence and a lack of a few ideas. The visitors continued to press for the third score, which they needed to put the game out off Thirsks reach and it came in the form of a push over try for the Ossett pack touched down by No. 8 Whitehead.

The man of the match for Ossett, as chosen by the referee, was hooker Pip Shaw who managed to deny Thirsk any quality possession from their scrum by taking numerous balls against the head.

Next week Ossett are at home to Marist (Hull) and are hoping to keep the promotion band wagon rolling with another win.

Date: 7th February 2004

Match: Home

-v- Pontefract Pythons

Final Score:

Ossett: 10

Pontefract Pythons: 3

Try: Norman
Conversion: Hirst

Penalty: Hirst

Last Saturday saw Ossett entertained Pontefract Pythons in a friendly and managed to take the honours in a windswept match against the higher division side.

The match kicked of with the Pythons having the elements mostly in their favour and managed to gain the upper hand in the scoring with a early penalty. Hirst equalled the score with a penalty later in the half and Ossett with stood the visitors wind assisted pressure and were able to keep their try line intact with some strong defending.

In the second half the home side had the benefit of the conditions but chose to run the ball rather than kick for position and as a result the half was a much more open affair than it might have been. Ossett though, still had the better of the second period and managed to score the games only try finished off by Andy Norman after a strong run from John Grafton.

Ossetts man off the match this week, as nominated by the referee, was Clinton North after yet another hard working display.

Next week Ossett resume their league campaign with a visit to Thirsk and will be hoping to transfer the performances of the last two friendlies into a league game. A win at Thirsk will put Ossett into a strong position for winning the division with the last two league games at home. One of which is against nearest challengers Wibsey.

Date: 31st January 2004

Match: Home

-v- Pontefract II

Final Score:

Ossett: 40

Pontefract II: 24

Tries: Webster (2), Holt (2), Hirst (2), North
Conversion: Bell

Penalty: Bell

Last Saturday saw Ossett entertain Pontefract seconds in less than friendly weather conditions but both teams managed to combat this and produced some entertaining rugby and score eleven tries between them.

Ossett kicked off the first half and scored within a few minutes when Grogan pounced on a loose ball and hacked it forward for Webster to chase and score but the lead was short lived as Pontefract gained a penalty close to the Ossett line and capitalised on some shoddy defending to run it and score a converted try to lead seven points to five. The home side regained the lead though through a penalty kick by Bell. A few minutes later a kick by Grogan was chased once again by Webster to score his second try. Ossett managed one more try in the half from Hirst, who reaped the benefits of a good run and short pass from Woffenden to score from close range. Ponte replied with two tries  to make the half time score twenty points to seventeen.

Pontefract kicked off the second half with the rain stopped but the wind getting stronger. They drew first blood in the half with a converted try after their winger pounced on a loose pass as Ossett tried to capitalise on a three man overlap. The home side soon got onto the second half score sheet after Holt barged his way over to score. The game ebbed and flowed for the next fifteen minutes with both sides having their share of the ball but when Ossett suffered a sin binning Ponte put the Ossett line under great pressure. The defence didn't crack. When Ossett returned to full strength they enjoyed a golden last ten minutes in which they scored three unanswered tries from Hirst, North and Holt. The pick of them was the one by  North who had scored after a great run from Fenton. He passed inside to North who then ran twenty yards to score by the posts.

After mastering some extremely challenging conditions Ossett finally ran out winners by forty points to twenty four over a very capable opposition. Man of the match for Ossett was centre Alan Grogan who was involved in most things good throughout the match.

Date: 24th January 2004

Match: Away

-v- Roundhegians III

Final Score:

Ossett: 31

Roundhegians III: 5

Tries: Woffenden, Holt, Lonsdale, Webster (2)
Conversion: Bell (3)

Ossett travelled to Roundhegians of Leeds for a friendly match and came away with a victory earned on the back of an assured first half display. Ossett scored four tries from Woffenden, Webster with two and Holt. Three of which were converted by Bell, to give them a well deserved first half lead of twenty six points to nil. As the score suggest the visitors were much the stronger side with both the backs and the forwards handling the ball well and making regular breaks into the home defence. Winger Webster played especially well in this half scoring two tries, one of which was a forty yard individual effort weaving his way round a number of defenders to score under the posts.

The second half half was a very different affair with the home side coming out much more determined, whilst not really threatening the Ossett line they managed to dominate alot of the possession and only an alert defence managed to keep them from scoring a few more tries than the one they managed. Lonsdale scored Ossetts only try of this half with a good run into the corner and soon after Roundhegians scored their consolation try to give the game its final scoreline off thirty one points five.

Date: 17th January 2004

Match: Away

-v- Hornsea

Final Score:

Ossett: 7

Hornsea: 19

Try: Grogan
Conversion: Bell

Ossett travelled to Hornsea in the quarter finals of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy hoping for another higher division scalp but were undone by a couple of lapses of concentration in the first half.

Ossett kicked off the first half and quickly managed to gain possession. The visitors showed their intentions  straight away and attacked the home side via both backs and forwards but could not find a way through. When the home side managed to get some possession Ossett unfortunately could not match their defence and they managed to score a couple of tries one of which was converted. Despite Ossett trying everything to change it this remained the score line at half time.

After the break Ossett went straight back on the attack but again could not find a way through due to a combination of good defence and the referee, who pulled Ossett back on one or two occasions when on another day they might have been allowed to carry on. Unfortunately it was Hornsea who made the decisive break when they capitalised on a rash of sin-binning. Ossett suffered two to Hornsea's one and Hornsea took advantage and broke out of defence using the extra man to score a try.

Despite this setback Ossett didn't let their heads drop and managed a consolation try from Grogan which was converted by Bell. Even with the disappointment of defeat a lot of plus points can be taken from this game, which, with a bit of luck could easily have been a victory.

Next week Ossett are in friendly action with a visit to Roundhegians (Leeds).

Date: 10th January 2004

Match: Away

-v- Pontefract Pythons

Final Score:

Ossett: 8

Rawmarsh: 0

Try: Woffenden
Penalty:  Bell

Ossett returned to league action after the Christmas break and scraped back to winning ways with a hard fought victory against Rawmarsh. Ossett dominated most of the first half possession and were generally stronger in the set pieces  but the Rawmarsh pack were very committed in open play and managed to disrupt Ossett so much that almost nothing  creative  was seen in the first half which finished nil - nil.

The second half was not much better with Rawmarsh continuing to spoil Ossetts ball but though the home sides domination was lessened slightly they managed to create a little bit more with the possession they did get. The lead was finally achieved in the second half with a penalty by stand off Bell and then after another period of stalemate Ossett flew into life for about thirty seconds and scored the games only try. From a scrum towards the left hand side of the field the ball was picked up and driven forward by the no 8 ,after some good recycling by the rest of the forwards the ball was passed the width of the field and then back again for Dick Woffenden to hand off a couple of would be tacklers and ground the ball to score what was, considering the rest of the game, quite a spectacular try.

Even though the game was not the best there was the odd good performance particularly from Clinton North who was voted man of the match.

Next week the first XV are in Silver Trophy action and travel to Hornsea hoping to pick another higher division scalp. The second XV are away to Old Modernians.

Date: 3rd January 2004

Match: Home

-v- Morley III

Final Score:

Ossett: 31

Morley III: 0

Tries: Whitehead, Haywood, Barnett, Hart
Conversions: Bell (4)
Penalty: Bell

Ossett entertained Morley in a one sided match that should have seen Ossett score a few more points but the win will have given the team much needed confidence after recent poor results.

The match started with Ossett dominating from the off with a early try from Haywood converted by Bell giving Ossett a flying start. A second try by Whitehead after some swift handling by the backs, also converted and a penalty by Bell gave the home side a comfortable half time lead.

In the second half Ossett looked to attack as often as possible but some determined tackling by Morley kept Ossett at bay. They managed two tries in the half. The first by prop Barnett after a driving maul and the second by Chris Hart, his first for the 1st XV, after a sweeping move across the back line.

The Ossett man of the match ,as chosen by the referee, went to veteran second row Martin Ward for his ability to last the full eighty minutes.

Next week Ossett return to league action at home against Rawmarsh K.O. at 2.15, at Springmill.

Date: 20th December 2003

Match: Away

-v- Garforth

Final Score:

Ossett: 13

Garforth: 15

Tries: Lonsdale

Conversions: Bell

Penalties: Bell (2)

Ossett travelled to Garforth to play the team lying second in the table and unfortunately came unstuck against a side determined to avenge their defeat at Ossett.

Ossett played with the best of the conditions in the first half and had the better of the play but had only a Lonsdale try converted by Bell to show for it. They finished the Half seven points to three ahead when they should have had a lot more.

In the second half Garforth were the most determined side and their efforts brought them two tries and a lead they managed to keep until the end despite pressure from Ossett. After going behind, the visitors showed more determination and managed to drag the score back to fifteen to thirteen and saw a late drop goal and then a penalty attempt drift inches wide.

Date: 13th December 2003

Match: Away

-v- Pontefract Pythons

Final Score:

Ossett: 3

Pontefract Pythons: 7

Penalty: Bell

This week saw Ossett travel to Pontefract to take on a team lying third in the division above. The home side took the honours thanks to an Ossett mistake and some heroic defending.

The first half saw the Pythons kick off with the wind slope and the sun behind them and spent the majority of the period attacking the Ossett line without ever really threatening to score. The only time the score book was troubled was to register a penalty to give the home side a three point advantage at half time.

In the second half Ossett had all the elements and went straight on to the attack but that was repulsed and Ponte enjoyed a spell of pressure on the Ossett line. It was a seesaw affair with both sides enjoying good spells and during this period the Pythons pounced on a mistake by Ossett near their own line and scored to open up a seven point lead. Bell replied with a penalty for Ossett and the last twenty minutes of the match saw Ossett camped in the home twenty two but they they just could not find a way to get over the Pythons line.

Although disappointed with the result this game showed that Ossett can easily contend with one of the better teams from the division above which bodes well for when the hoped for promotion comes at the end of the season. The team will be looking to get back to winning ways when they return to League action against Garforth next week.

Date: 6th December 2003

Match: Away

-v- Sandal II

Final Score:

Ossett: 10

Sandal: 13

Tries: Shaw, Whitehead

Saturday saw Ossett make the short trip to play Sandal 2nd team and suffered a controversial defeat. The game started ten minutes late and was shortened by five minutes per half when Sandal failed to take the pitch on time. But the worst aspect for Ossett was that the referee still blew up five minutes early at the end because of a minor fracas that broke out between a couple of players.

When the game did kick off Sandal started the brightest and went into a early lead through a penalty goal. Ossett soon hit back though and their first try was scored by hooker Shaw after a lineout and a ten metre driving maul took him over the line. The next try was scored by No8 Whitehead who picked up at the base of a five metre scrum to score. By this time Ossett forwards were well on top but their ability to get quick ball out to the backs was hampered by the Sandal forwards killing the ball and the referees failure to punish the offenders.

Sandal also started the second half with much more vigour than Ossett and after about fifteen minutes of stalemate the Sandal No8 managed to break a tackle and run in under the posts. The conversion was successful and after a penalty was awarded to Sandal they took a thirteen points to ten lead. This sparked Ossett into a bit of life but has hard as they tried they couldn't trouble the score card in the second half. The visitors felt that on another day a couple of kickable penalties may have been awarded and skipper Tom Hirst went very close with a long range drop goal attempt just before the referee brought the game to its premature conclusion.

Date: 29th November 2003

Match: Away

-v- Goole II

Final Score:

Ossett: 32

Goole: 0

Tries: Whitehead (2), Hirst, Webster, Norman

Penalties: Bell

Conversions: Bell (2)

Ossett travelled to Goole to take on their second team and ran out comfortable winners, playing some good attractive rugby despite the conditions and scored five tries to none.

The opening score came in the first couple of minutes after Ossett showed their intentions and went on the attack straight away. From a five yard scrum the visiting pack pushed the Goole forwards back over the try line to give No.8 Whitehead a easy score to set the ball rolling. Ossett played the first half almost exclusively on the attack and the backs kept the ball flowing through their hands at every opportunity. One such move saw winger Webster benefit to cross over in the corner and the same player also made the third try with a good run before passing the ball to skipper Tom Hirst who touched down  under the posts.

The second half kicked off and Ossett carried on the good work playing the game deep in the home sides territory. The next try was Whitehead's second, who was lurking in the centres to accept a pass from man of the match Alan Grogan after the ball was quickly made available from a ruck. Andy Norman finished off the try scoring in style with a fine individual effort. After collecting the ball thirty meters out he jinked and stepped past four or five would be tacklers and touched down under the posts. On a difficult day for kicking Andy Bell managed two conversions and a penalty.

Date: 22nd November 2003

Match: Away

-v- Cleckheaton III

Final Score:

Ossett: 5

Cleckheaton III: 19

Last Saturday Ossett made the trip to Cleckheaton for a friendly against their 3rd XV and found themselves up against strong and well organised side. Due to withdrawals and injuries  Ossett had a few regulars missing and gave first team debuts to Neil Selby and Alan Swales. Dick Woofenden skippered the side for the first time.

Though Ossett had the upper hand in the scrums the lineout was a bit of a shambles and they struggled in the first half to retain any meaningful possession, but the defence was manful and Cleckheaton struggled to make much headway against it. The defence did crack twice though and at the break the home side led twelve points to nil.     

After the break Ossett began to gel much more and good breaks out of defence particularly from Sam Gough and a good run from Selby gave Ossett a little hope that they may drag something from this game. Unfortunately it was Cleckheaton who managed the first strike creating an overlap for the right winger to score a converted try. Ossett had the last word though, and after a spell of pressure on the Cleckheaton line Whitehead took a quick tap pen and passed to John Robertson who crashed through two defenders to score and cap off a splendid individual performance.

Ossett's man of the match nominated by the referee was prop Sam Drury. Next week Ossett travel to Old Rishworthians (Halifax) for a friendly match.

Date: 15th November 2003

Match: Away

-v- Aireborough

Final Score:

Ossett: 24

Aireborough: 6

Tries: Grogan (2), Holt

Penalties: Bell (2)

Conversions: Bell (3)

Saturday saw Ossett achieve their most satisfying victory of the season beating Aireborough away from home in the first round of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy. Aireborough have often held the Indian sign over Ossett in recent years and to beat them on the day of the twenty-fifth anniversary dinner was especially sweet for those that remember the two sides meeting in the final many years ago.

It was another solid all-round performance from Ossett with the forwards in charge in the loose and giving the backs plenty of ball to play with. The opening try was scored by centre Alan Grogan, playing one of his best games for the club. After breaking through the home sides defensive line Grogan chipped over the fullback and collected the ball to score under the posts. The next try was scored by flanker Ian Holt .After a break by scrum half  Tom Hirst, Holt collected his pass and dived over to score. Both tries were converted by Andy Bell to leave Ossett sitting comfortable at half time.

The second half was as the first with Ossett spending most of the time on top. The only real sniff the home side got of the Ossett line saw the scrum half tackled into the corner flag by Ian Whitehead on Tom Hirst. Despite their superiority Ossetts only try of the half came from an interception by Grogan who raced sixty yards to score under the posts. Again Bell converted. At one stage Ossett had a run of scrums on the home sides line but even though No. 8 Whitehead managed to get the ball over the Aireborough line a mixture of the referees whistle and strong defence kept them out.

All in all a very satisfying afternoon for Ossett who, once again, proved they can compete against higher division opposition. Next week Ossett should be back in league action but due to the demise of the Wickersley club Ossett 1st XV play a friendly away at Dinnington. The second team are at home to RAF Menwith Hill. The club is hoping to have a third XV out again on Saturday opposition and venue to be announced. Visit the club website www.ossett-rufc.com for details.

Lastly, a word of thanks to all who attended and especially the organisers of the celebration dinner on Saturday night.

Date: 8th November 2003

Match: Away

-v- Garforth

Final Score:

Ossett: 11

Garforth: 3

Try: Tweddle

Penalties: Bell (2)

Last Saturday Ossett entertained Garforth who arrived boasting a 100% record and gave the home side a stiff test before Ossett managed to claim an eleven points to three victory.

The first half was a fairly even affair with neither side really testing the others defence to any great extent. Garforth had worked hard at their lineouts and managed to disrupt what is usually safe ball for Ossett but this was pretty much evened out by the home side having the better of the scrummages. Two penalties from Andy Bell gave Ossett a six points to three half time lead.

After the mildness of the first half it was a surprise to see the second half burst into life with the introduction off Phil Cornell for his first game of the season. Cornell was immediately into the action but unfortunately was sin binned for retaliating to a tackle on winger Jonny Tweddle. This event seemed to galvanise Ossett who immediately went on to camp in the visitors half but were unable to break down a strong defence. Even after another binning for each side  Ossett remained on the front foot and they finally got up to full strength a brilliant miss pass from Cornell gave Tweddle the opportunity to run straight over his opposite number to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but although Garforth tried manfully to get something out of the game Ossett's defence didn't allow them to create anything. Man of the match for this week was skipper and scrum half Tom Hirst.

Next week Ossett visit Aireborough, in the division above, for the first round of the silver trophy.

Date: 1st November 2003

Match: Away

-v- Rawmarsh

Final Score:

Ossett: 18

Rawmarsh: 6

Tries: Drury, Webster

Conversions: Bell

Penalties: Bell (2)

Last Saturday Ossett returned to league action with a visit to Rawmarsh (Rotherham) and kept up their unbeaten league record. Rawmarsh always guarantee a hard game, so to come away with the points after what turned out to be a fairly unconvincing display by Ossett was very welcome.

The game started with Rawmarsh wanting to exploit their big forwards and with Ossett preferring to move it out wide Ossett were gradually drawn into a forwards confrontation. The first incident of note was a sin binning for each side after a exchange of punches and it was during this ten minute period that Ossett took the lead with a penalty from stand off Andy Bell. The visitors first try came from Andy Webster who picked up a loose ball and raced sixty yards to score under the posts and Ossett went into a ten points to three half time lead.

The second half kicked off in much the same vein as the first but Ossett were able to hold most of Rawmarsh's forward drives. The home side should really have scored after a spell of pressure on the Ossett line but the attacking player was forced to drop the ball over the line. Ossett's next try was scored by prop Sam Drury who drove over the line taking defenders with him. This was after Ossett had worked up  the field to put pressure on the Rawmarsh line. The conversion was missed but Bell managed to add another penalty as did the Rawmarsh kicker to make the final score eighteen points to six in Ossetts favour.

Next week Ossett are at home in league action against their nearest challengers Garforth, kick-off at 2.15pm at Springmill. All spectators are welcome for this crunch game.

Also next week Ossett will be fielding a third team for the first time this season and any players who fancy a run out should report to cricket club for 12.30.

Date: 25th October 2003

Match: Home

-v- York III

Final Score:

Ossett: 64

York III: 0

Tries: Grogan (2), Hirst (2), Whitehead, Woofenden, Hart, Shaw, Webster, Barnett

Conversions: Hirst (7)

Ossett entered this game against a York 3rd XV expecting much stiffer opposition and hoping for a return to winning ways after last weeks cup disappointment. The victory was easily ensured after the opposition proved less able than expected and it was one way traffic after hooker Pip Shaw scored the opening try from a driving maul after a lineout. Ossett scored a further nine tries, two each from Tom Hirst and Alan Grogan. Grogan appearing at stand off for the first time. Ian Whitehead, Andy Webster, Dick Woofenden, James Barnett scored one each. As did coach Steve Hart who made a ten minute substitute appearance to register 150 first team games. Tom Hirst also landed seven conversions.

Ossett took control of this match early on and never relinquished it. The pack took ten scrums against the head and disrupted the York lineout all game to ensure the visiting backs got little clean ball. When they did create anything it was quickly snuffed out by a solid home defence.

The home sides backs on the other hand, were rampant getting as much ball as they required and running at York backs from all angles.

Prop Sam Drury was nominated by the referee as man of the match on his first start after his sojourn to Morley. Next week Ossett return to league action with a visit to Rawmarsh hoping to continue their solid start to the season and consolidate their position at the top of the table.

Date: 18th October 2003

Match: Away

-v- Knottingley

Final Score:

Ossett: 13

Knottingley: 17

Tries: Webster, Shaw

Penalties: Hirst

Last Saturday Ossett travelled to Knottingley hoping to continue their run of good results and progress to the next round of the Powergen Vase. Unfortunately, though, they came unstuck against a strong side who play in Yorkshire division two, four divisions higher than Ossett. It is great credit to Ossett that they only went down by seventeen points to thirteen and out scored their hosts in the try count by two to one.

Ossett kicked off this match and even though the kick off dropped short they immediately made it clear to their hosts that they were not going to be push-overs by driving Knottingley back in the resulting scrum and taking the ball against the head.

Knottingley countered strongly though, and drew first blood with a penalty kick in front of the posts. Ossett reacted well to this setback and refused to let Knottingley near their line with some strong tackling and when they had the ball in hand asked a few questions of the home defence. They were usually answered with sound tackles, but one run saw lock Graeme Dent break through the defensive line and charge for a good twenty yards before passing to No 8 Ian Whitehead who passed it on to winger Mark Webster who raced in from fifteen yards to score Ossetts first try. Captain Tom Hirst missed the conversion but managed a penalty later in the half to take Ossett into a eight points to three half time lead.

The second half carried on in much the same way as the first with Knottingley making most of the running but the Ossett defence stayed resolute and the home side struggled to find a way through. Ossett started to receive a little bit too much attention from the referees whistle. The resulting penalties enabled Knottingley to take the lead and start to pull away from Ossett and from one of these penalties Knottingley took a quick tap and managed to create an overlap and score a try.

With the score at seventeen points to eight, Ossett came back into the game and started to pressurise the home defence for the first time in the half. From a penalty of their own, a kick to the corner gave Ossett perfect lineout position and from a driving maul hooker Pip Shaw added to his ever increasing tally for the season with Ossetts second try.

This was the final scoring act of the game and at seventeen points to thirteen the score-line shows that this Ossett team is capable of competing at a much higher level than the one they are stationed in at present.

Ossetts man of the match, selected from a large choice of candidates, was lock Graeme Dent.

Date: 11th October 2003

Match: Away

-v- Walkington Rovers

Final Score:

Ossett: 85

Walkington Rovers: 11

Tries: Haywood (3), Longsdale (2), Shaw (2), B. Hirst, Briggs, Webster, T Hirst, Norman, Woofenden, Holt 

Conversions: T Hirst (6)
Penalties: T Hirst

Ossett travelled to Walkington Rovers for the first time and achieved an exceptional victory. Ossett out scored the home side by fifteen tries to one with a hat trick by centre Gary Haywood , two each from winger Derek Longsdale and hooker Pip Shaw. B Hirst, T Hirst, Briggs, Webster, Norman, Woofenden and Holt. Tom Hirst also landed one penalty and six conversions.

Ossett dominated this from beginning to end apart from one excursion into the Ossett half when , after a series of penalties , Walkington managed to score their consolation try.

The visiting pack worked well as unit all match against spirited but limited opposition and ensured a regular supply of quality ball to the backs who exploited a wide but short pitch to its fullest extent with  quick runs and fast hands. The home side's defence was unable to cope with the Ossett backs repertoire of moves and tries flowed  regularly.

Man of the match for the second week running was Dick Woofenden after an all action performance at prop.

Next week Ossett visit Knottingley, who are four divisions higher, hoping to pull of another shock after disposing of Moortown in the Powergen cup.

Date: 4th October 2003

Match: Home

-v- Thirsk

Final Score:

Ossett: 16

Thirsk: 5

Tries: Shaw (2)
Penalties: Hirst, Bell.

Last Saturday Ossett welcomed Thirsk to Springmill for the first time and managed to notch up a hard fought victory against a very determined side.

The first points went to Ossett in the form of a penalty from the boot of Tom Hirst and that was soon followed by two tries from driving mauls by hooker Shaw. The home side continued to press for more points but were unable to find a way through and this allowed Thirsk to find their feet in the game making Ossett defend more and more. As usual ,so far this season, the defence was solid. It wasn't until late in the second half that Thirsk managed to find a way through. A speculative kick was well chased by the Thirsk winger and a lucky bounce landed straight in his arms allowing him to run over the line unopposed.

This was the final scoring act in the game and after an earlier penalty for Ossett by Bell the score remained at 16 points to 5.

Ossetts man of the match, as nominated by the referee, was Dick Woofenden after an excellent performance starting at flanker and then going to prop. Next Saturday the 1st team visit Walkington and the 2nd's are at home to Castleford 3rd's.

Date: 27th September 2003

Match: Away

-v- Marist

Final Score:

Ossett: 32

Marist: 0

Tries: Webster, Briggs, Hirst, Haywood.
Conversions: Hirst (3)
Penalties: Bell (2)
 

Last Saturday Ossett travelled to Hull side Marist looking for their first league win of the season and achieved their aim comfortably with a thirty two points to nil victory.

Despite struggling in the scrum department against a much heavier pack Ossetts forwards had the edge in every other area of the game. The first off three first half tries was scored by winger Mark Webster who crossed the line in the corner and touched down under the sticks to give Hirst an easier conversion attempt which he duly scored.

Then game the try of the match scored by second row Chris Briggs who plucked an attempted clearance kick by the Marist full back out of the air and then romped forty yards to score under the posts. The try was again converted by Hirst.

Two penalty goal attempts were then missed by Hirst before he ,himself scored a try to give Ossett an healthy half time lead.

Both sides started the second half with two players each in the sin bin after a bout of fisticuffs but Ossett still continued to push the Marist defence on to the back foot and should have added at least two more tries but the opportunities were missed due to dropped passes. By this time Andy bell had entered the game and taken over kicking duties and was successful with two penalties. Also introduce for his league debut was centre Johnny Tweddle who immediately caused the home defence no end of problems with his strong running. In the meantime Marist were reduced to 14 men due to the sending off of their hooker for violent conduct.

The final word went to Gary Haywood , who had moved from fullback to flanker due to injuries, who scored an opportunist try picking up a loose ball near the Marist line and diving over.

Again the Ossett defence was rock solid and didn't give the hosts of sniff off the Ossett line. The referees man of the match went to scrum half and captain Tom Hirst.

Next week Ossett entertain Thirsk for the first time K.O. 3 pm at Springmill.

Date: 20th September 2003

Match: Home

-v- Moortown 1st XV

Final Score:

Ossett: 10

Moortown 1st XV: 6

Try: Hirst.
Con: Bell.
Drop Goal: Bell

Last Saturday saw Ossett playing host to Moortown in the 1st round of the Powergen Junior Vase and saw them pull off a shock win over a side three divisions higher than them.

From the kick off things looked ominous for Ossett as the visitors collected the ball and then proceeded to drive 30 yards down the pitch, but after that most of the early part of the first half saw Ossett on the attack with Captain Tom Hirst scoring the only try of the match. Good passing from a ruck on the far side of the pitch ended with Chris Briggs passing to Hirst who barged over at the side off the posts. Andy Bell added the extra points from the relatively simple conversion. Moortown, who dominated the lineout, then had ample possession but were unable to threaten the Ossett line due to their rock solid defence. When Ossett managed to secure good possession they looked dangerous and the more likely side to score as the visitors struggled to cope with direct running of the Ossett backs and forwards.

Unfortunately one such run resulted in an injury to fullback Jez Slack who was replaced by Sam Gough.

The early part of the second half was, probably, Ossetts worst period of the game and this allowed Moortown to push on a bit more than they had been. As a result Ossett were forced to give away a few too many penalties and Moortown managed to pull the deficit back to one point. Coach Steve Hart then decided to strengthen up the back row with the addition of Pete Bradshaw, moving Dick Woofenden to prop and taking off Mark Laughton, despite his excellent contribution to the game. This reshuffle seemed to do the trick but another change was quickly forced upon the pack with Graham Dent going off with a blood injury and Laughton returning to the fray.

Ossett still managed to regain the momentum and worked themselves into position for Bell to slot over a drop goal. This left Moortown needing a try for a win and Ossetts mean defence carried on the good work to make sure Moortown didn't get a sniff of the try line. The final whistle saw Ossett emerge with their finest victory for many years.

A special mention must go to prop James Barnett who was the referee's man of the match and best wishes to T.J. Wrigglesworth who is leaving for university.

Next week sees Ossett return to league action with a visit to Marist (Hull).

Date: 13th September 2003

Match: Away

-v- Wibsey

Final Score:

Ossett: 12

Wibsey: 12

Ossett 1st XV travelled to Wibsey for the first league game of the new season and they had the boot of Andy Bell, making his league debut along with prop Mark Laughton, to thank for the draw. The team arrived in Bradford full of confidence but they were quickly put under pressure by a big and well organised pack but some excellent defending saw Ossett turn around only seven points down at half time and still well in with a shout.

The second half saw Ossett, now playing down the slope and with a slight breeze,  attack from the off and they were rewarded with a couple of penalties in quick succession both of which were comfortably converted by stand off Bell.

Disaster struck, though as Wibsey managed to score a try against the run of play but Ossett didn't let their heads drop and kept plugging away and eventually it was down to Bell to keep his cool and draw the match level with the last kick of the game.

Next week  Ossett entertain Moortown, who are two leagues above Ossett, in a cup match at Springmill. Kick off is at three o clock and all support is welcome to come along and hopefully see Ossett pull off a shock win.

Date: 6th September 2003

Match: Away

-v- Morley III

Final Score:

Ossett: 55

Morley III: 3

Ossett 1st's travelled to Morley for their first game of the season and came away with a resounding victory against a team that had given them a lot of trouble the previous season.

Ossett set their stall out immediately and slick hands and good backing up enabled Holt to score under the posts. As training ground efforts where transferred onto the field of play Ossett were able to work themselves into good positions on a regular basis and more tries followed in the first half , the pick of which was scored by Gough after good interplay by backs and forwards.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first. Good discipline and solid defence prevented Morley from launching much in the way of attacks but anything that did occur was soon broken down and the home side were restricted to a solitary penalty. More enterprising attacking play ensured a regular supply of points for Ossett with Tom Hirst completing a hatrick and Shaw  taking a move directly from the training ground and scoring directly from driving maul after a 5 yard lineout. Hirst also converted of the six tries and one penalty.

All in all this was a good workout from both backs and forwards and the team go into next weeks league game away to Wibsey in good heart.

Date: 30th August 2003

Match:

-v- 2nd XV

Final Score:

Ossett 1st XV: 35

Ossett 2nd XV: 7

Ossett  1st XV played the 2nd XV in a training game on Saturday and though they won by 7 tries to 1 it was far from comfortable but this was due more to the strength in the seconds than any weakness in the first team which bodes well for the coming season.

New captain and scrum half Tom Hirst lead his team well in the first 20 minute period linking well with new stand off Andy Bell but it was veteran back Jez Slack who crossed the line first with the first try of an eventual hat trick. Other tries in that period came from Whitehead and Webster.

The second period saw some positional and personnel changes and the 2nd's came more into the game and with the 1st's forwards down to five players at one point good play from Mills stretched the defence and Mosby steamed in to score the try.

In the final two periods the 1st's controlled most of the game apart from one exceptional driving maul which saw the 2nd's pack get over the line but they spilled the ball right under the referees nose.

Further ties for the first's came from Slack, who completed his hat trick, Shaw from a driving maul and No 8 Ben Hirst who out paced the defence to score direct from a scrum. Stand off Bell also succeeded with 5 out off 7 conversion attempts.

Training will be changing to Ossett Cricket club on Tuesdays and Ossett Town FC on Thursday until further notice. All existing and new players are invited down to continue the good work. It should be noted that due to the increasing numbers of players the club is hoping to field a third team, captained by John Mosby and any players interested in turning out for the odd game should contact the club.

back to navigation bar