2nd XV - Match Reports (2002 / 2003)

The Final Playing Record reads:

Saturday 19th April 2003

Away Match:

-v- Leeds Corinthians III

Final Score:

Ossett II: 10

Leeds Corinthians III: 20

Ossett were hampered with the unavailability of several players and travelled with 13 to Leeds and were disappointed when their hosts elected not to lend them any players and also to ask for uncontested scrums, an area Ossett would have a clear advantage at. Howard Grayshon arrived late to make Ossett up to 14 and although Lawrence Clegg went close Ossett failed to score in the first half and Leeds led 15 - 0 at the interval.

Early in the second half after an altercation both sides lost the services of a man each and Ossett were further hampered when Lee Bennett limped off with a knee injury. The remaining players responded well and scored tries through Ben Woolley and Steve Chisholm in reply to a try by Leeds to make the final score 20 - 10 to Leeds.

Saturday 12th April 2003

Away Match:

-v- Sandal II

Final Score:

Ossett II: 10

Sandal II: 19

Ossett enjoyed a good run out against local rivals in an enjoyable end of season game.

Both Sides tried to run the ball at all opportunities and although Ossett eventually lost, the result could have gone either way.

Ossetts tries were scored by Mosby and Harris.

Sunday 6th April 2003

Home Tour Match:

-v- Thatcham XV

Final Score:

Ossett: 36

Thatcham XV: 6

click here for photos

Ossetts points came from a hat trick by T J Wrigglesworth & other tries from Rob Hatfield, Ian Whitehead and Tom Hirst. Tom also added three conversions.

Although second best in the game, Thatcham certainly provided excellent entertainment après match!

Home Match:

-v- Baildon XV

Final Score:

Ossett II: 10

Baildon XV: 75

Ossett started this game playing rugby but ended up playing cricket with a score of 75 - 10 (all out - quite literally).

In fairness to Ossett, Baildon 1st XV did not have a match and the Club took the opportunity to add 1st team players to the match both from the start & as substitutions during the match.

The first half was a reasonably even match with Ossetts points coming from a try by Alan Swales. Derek Redman then converted & followed that with a successful penalty. Sadly Derek went on to miss two other penalties and an opportunity to reduce the deficit to  27 - 16 in Basildon's favour went amiss.

The second half was pretty much one way traffic although to their credit Ossett never gave up and kept on trying to the end with youngsters Wrigglesworth & Blake putting in several good tackles. Ron White and Gary Haywood led the pack by example.

Home Match:

-v- Aireborough 2nd XV

Final Score:

Ossett II: 50

Aireborough 2nd XV: 6

The second team managed to put some pride back into the club with a magnificent win over Aireborough seconds.

The pick of many good performances came from Paul Harris with a hat trick of tries.

Away Match:

-v- Roundhegians 4th XV

Final Score:

Ossett II: 21

Roundhegians 4th XV: 23

SCORERS

Tries: 

N Blake, Swales ,Mash 1 each

Conversions: 

Whitehead 2, Redman 1

Ossett travelled hoping to inflict another defeat on a Leeds side after the win over Leeds Corinthians last week. Unfortunately Ossetts hopes were dashed in the last minute by a late score for Roundhegians.

A try by each wing Blake and Swales, followed by touchline conversions by Redman and Whitehead and try from scrum half mash also converted by Whitehead gave Ossett the lead going on to the closing stages but one last effort by the Leeds side gave them the final try of the game and victory.

The exciting end of the match, though disappointing for Ossett, was a fitting testament to pulsating game in which the lead changed hands several times and each gave their all.     
 

Home Match:

-v- Leeds Corinthians

Final Score:

Ossett II: 26

Leeds Corinthians: 0

On a perfect day for rugby, Ossett, after lending five players to Corinthians, kicked off against a committed and enthusiastic side. Ossett inspired by Tom Hirst at scrum half took the game to Corinthians, and after some strong running Paul Harris crossed the line. Scott Whitehead kicking the conversion. Ossett now with their tails up probed the Corinthians line, strong running by Howard Grayshon and Lee Smith created gaps but a stout defence by the Leeds side held firm. That was until Tom Hirst set off on a devastating run, eluding a number of tackles to cross the line. Ossett kept up the pressure and a darting run by Gary Haywood and good backing up by Harris netted him his second try, and Whitehead his second conversion.

At the turnaround Ossett were put under pressure by a newly inspired Corinthians, but Ossett were not going to be denied a clean sheet. Merciless tackling by Tom Wrigglesworth and James Teale kept the Leeds side at bay. With Steve Hart leading a determined pack and a three quarter line rampant Ossett broke out of defence. From a line out a slick inter passing move between veterans Dick Fray and Ron White created a gap to let Ben Woolley score under the posts. Whitehead kicking his third conversion.

A good all-round performance by both young and old secured a well deserved win. Also special thanks to the five Ossett players who turned out for Corinthians, making it an even and enjoyable game. 

Home Match:

-v- Huddersfield Vets

Final Score:

Ossett II: 10

Huddersfield Vets: 7

Ossett ground out another victory with the star of the show being young Ian Blake who created one of the tries and scored another one. Ossett opened the scoring after five minutes when good handling in the backs saw Blake make the space for Connelly to crash over in the corner; Whitehead missed the conversion. A combination of the muddy pitch and stern defence from Huddersfield saw no further scores in the first half.

Ossett increased their lead early in the second half when good passing from the backs saw Blake sprint over in the corner; again the conversion was missed by Whitehead.  This score seemed to spur Huddersfield who started to gain dominance in the scrum and caused trouble with the running of their mid-field backs.  Ossett squandered other chances to score, notably when Ben Woolley fell over with the line open in front of him.  Huddersfield scored a try and a conversion late in the game but Ossett played out time to gain another victory.

Away Match:

-v- Huddersfield Vets

Final Score:

Ossett II: 22

Huddersfield Vets: 19

Ossett made the short journey to Lockwood Park and came away with a close victory after beating both the muddy conditions and tenacious opponents.

Nick Blake scored the first try after harrying his opposing scrum half into dropping the ball over the line; Derek Redman added the conversion. Huddersfield came back into the game with two tries, one of which was converted, to leave the half time score 12 - 7 in their favour.

Ossett made several changes at half time and the introduction of Scott Whitehead at full back saw him put in an immaculate kicking display in the second half. Ossetts second half tries came from Teale and Harris; Redman adding a further conversion with Whitehead putting over the match winning penalty after Huddersfield had replied with a try.

Ossett were indebted to good defence from Alan Swales and strong performances in the forwards from Hart and Woolley.

Away Match:

-v- Roundhegians II

Final Score:

Ossett II: 3

Roundhegians II: 47

The seconds travelled with a bare 15 to Roundhegians due to injuries and work commitments and were grateful to Shaun Asquith for filling in at prop at short notice.

Although out-gunned by a younger, better and fitter side, the seconds stuck manfully to the task with good performances from back-rowers Burnley and Faint and a brave performance from Wrigglesworth at full back who put in several try saving tackles. Although behind a beaten scrum, Nick Blake constantly pressurised his opposing scrum half which denied Roundhegians a good service from the base of the scrum. Redman and Sharples marshalled the backs well and it was Redman who scored Ossetts only points with a first half penalty.

Home Match:

-v- Sandal Saracens

Final Score:

Not Played.

Ossett endured their second blank weekend of the season when Sandal unfortunately failed to raise a side to play them.

Home Match:

-v- Knaresborough II

Final Score:

Ossett II: 22

Knaresborough II: 5

After a couple of disappointing results Ossett got back on track with a commanding performance in an entertaining game with Knaresborough. Knaresborough took the lead after Lee Bennett failed to control a high ball to the corner and their winger swooped to score. Ossett were soon level when Martin Ward, after being denied moments earlier, scored from a Steve Spooner pass & Derek Redman added the conversion. Ossett extended their lead with a try from Chris Burt (his first of the season) which Derek Redman failed to convert, however, he did add a penalty to make the half time score 15 - 5 to Ossett.

In the second half Ossett made several changes with Mark Webster moving to fly half and the back line being probably the youngest Ossett have fielded for a considerable time. All the youngsters put in good performances with Wrigglesworth, Swales and Harris all running well with the ball. Ossetts try came from prop Lee Smith after good work again from Mark Webster; this was converted by Ian Marsh to make the full time score 22 - 5 for Ossett.

For Ossett, Scott Whitehead played well in his first outing at wing forward and the whole team performance was several notches up the scale from the last two weeks.

Away Match:

-v- Pontefract IV

Final Score:

Ossett II: 8

Pontefract IV: 17

Ossett travelled to Pontefract and again contrived to lose a game that they should have won.

The first half was a pretty dour affair with Pontefract taking the lead with an early penalty and the remainder of the half being very much a stalemate, Ossett throwing away several promising openings with either rushing or trying to force the ball with the inevitable result of either losing it or knocking it on.

The second half was better. Ossett introduced Slack and Wrigglesworth into the backs and with the forward drive led by Woolley and Walker they were a lot more decisive and drew level with a good penalty from Whitehead, who again impressed with his running from fullback. They then took the lead when Wrigglesworth crossed in the corner, Whitehead being unlucky to see his conversion come back off the post. With Faint and Blake now combining well at half back Ossett seemed to have got the game won. However, Ian Mash, one of four Ossett players lent to Pontefract during the course of the game, broke through several weak tackles to level the score, the resultant conversion taking Pontefract in front. Ossett gave up another try when trying to run the ball out of defence, the successful conversion coinciding with the end of the game.

Although again not at their best the signs are there that once all the components gel together Ossett will be a match for most teams they meet.

Away Match:

-v- Wibsey II

Final Score:

Ossett II: 8

Wibsey II: 14

Ossetts recent good form literally floundered on the slopes of Wibsey where the incline of the pitch was to the advantage of the team playing downhill.

Ossett won the toss and decided to defend the slope in the first half. They started brightly with good runs from Wrigglesworth and Harris and the prompting of stand-off Redman. However, once they were pinned in their own 22 Wibsey took advantage to score a converted try. Ossett continued to defend well with Whitehead having a confident game at full-back with a good series of touch kicks, however, they unluckily conceded a try right on the stroke of half-time to bring the score to 14 - 0 to the home side.

Ossett started the second half on the attack but good defence work from Wibsey combined with some wrong decision making meant that Ossett failed to score from a series of attempts close to the Wibsey line. They eventually scored when Harris and Wrigglesworth combined to put flanker Hatfield over in the corner; Whitehead went close with the conversion. Ossett added another through a penalty taken by Redman and although they continued to pressure Wibsey, Wibsey held firm to record a good victory.

For Ossett Mash, Teale and Smith again impressed and one feels that this was only a temporary blip in the victories column!

Home Match:

-v- Old Rishworthians II

Final Score:

Ossett II: 17

Old Rishworthians II: 0

Ossett continued their good form of last week, albeit with a much changed team to record another solid victory. With 10 missing from last weeks team, Ossett were indebted to Lee Carney and Joe Morris of Sandal who guested for them, while both Simon Sharples and Rob Hatfield put in a good performance for Rishworthians.

Ian Mash was denied an early try by the referee ruling a forward pass. Ossett continued to press and after a cut out pass from Dick Fray, T J Wrigglesworth cut inside to romp in from 40 years out. Fray then added the conversion. Ossett were by now dominating the lineout through Morris and Rogers and the running of Ward, Grayshon and Hart continually caused problems for the Rishworthians. The half-time score was 7 - 0 and this meant that Ossett had not quite secured victory especially as Rishworthians were showing good inventive use of the ball. It was only through good defending by Faint and Smith that Rishworthians had not scored.

The second half saw debutante Lee Bennett began to gain in confidence and it was his combination with Burnley that led to Paul Harris scoring Ossetts second try. Ossett added a further try when confusion in the Rishworthians defence saw Andy Swales score in the corner to make the final score 17 - 0 to Ossett.

Away Match:

-v- Castle College I

Final Score:

Ossett II: 15

Castle College I: 12

The seconds finally shook off the effects of the festive season to produce a performance brimming with passion and commitment to record an excellent victory away at Castle College.

Ossett built up a lead in the first half with an interception try from Derek Redman and an excellent finish in the corner from young Ian Blake with Andy Mills converting to make the half-time score 12 - 0.

With the elements in their favour and with their forwards dominating the scrum, Castle College came back into the game with a penalty try which was converted, and a push over try. Ossett took the lead once more with a rare foray into their opponents have resulting in Andy Mills scoring with a penalty giving Ossett the lead with 10 minutes to go. The last 10 minutes saw Castle College camped on the Ossett line, however, even with the loss of Chris Burt (unfairly yellow-carded) and John Mosby (rib injury), Ossett held out for their first victory of 2003.

Although this was a team performance, with everyone playing well, a special mention must be given to Howard Grayshon, Lee Smith (both front row), Richard Faint and Alan Swales who all put in their usual good solid performances.

Away Match:

-v- Stanley Rodillians

Final Score:

Ossett II: 11

Stanley Rodillians: 43

The seconds travelled the short distance to Manley Park for the return fixture of this local derby. They suffered from the cancellation of the first team fixture as Rods took the opportunity to play several of their first team squad in this game.

The pitch conditions, understandably with the recent weather, were extremely boggy but both teams endeavoured to play open rugby although mistakes were frequent.

The first half was tight with Rods scoring two tries and a conversion to two penalties for Ossett from Scott Whitehead, one an excellent 40 yard kick.

The second half saw Ossett tire and Rods took control to score a further 5 tries to one in reply from James Teale made by scrum half Steve Obelensky. Ossett were well served by Captain Ron White who held things together and good performances from youngsters Wrigglesworth and White.

Home Match:

-v- Ossett I

Final Score:

Ossett II: 7

Ossett I: 31

The seconds gave a good account of themselves against the first XV and the game only really only ran away from them late in the second half when the first team’s superior fitness eventually told.

The first half was evenly balanced with both Peter Bradshaw and Charlie Walker prominent in the early exchanges and John Connelly and Derek Redman dictating things at half back. The seconds were to rue several missed chances when Steve Hart scored late in the half to make it 5 – 0 to the first team.

The first twenty minutes of the second half continued in the same vein with Gary Wilson, after a three year absence, running strongly and causing problems for the first defence. As the seconds tired the firsts scored tries through Slack, Holt, Connelly and Whitehead with Slack adding two and Broadbent one conversion. The seconds had the last laugh when Alan Grogan intercepted a stray Whitehead pass to score under the posts to present Dick Fray with a kick even he could not miss!

All in all a most enjoyable match which was followed by a successful children's Christmas party in the afternoon.

21st December 2002

Home Match:

-v- RAF Menwith Hill

Final Score:

Match Postponed

Menwith Hill cancelled late on Friday night so several of the second team played a part in the first team fixture against Morley IIIs which was lost 14 – 10.

The players Mosby, Faint and Clegg starred for Wakefield Burglars in their game against Sandal Saracens which the Burglars lost 8 – 0.

Away Match:

-v- Mosborough II

Final Score:

Ossett II: 3

Mosborough II: 3

For the second week running Ossett were held to a low scoring draw and again the conditions and the determination of their opponents was a factor in this result.

Mosborough took an early lead with a penalty and despite the best endeavors of Mills and captain Ron White Ossett could not score.

In the second half, Ossett became more dominant with the youthful back row of Chris White, Faint and Teale prominent. Mills kicked a penalty to level the scores and although Swales went close the game petered out into a draw.

Home Match:

-v- Aireborough II

Final Score:

Ossett II: 5

Aireborough II: 5

"A Game of two halves" was a true description of this fixture with Aireborough dominating the first half and Ossett dominating the second.

Ossetts defence held firm in the face of constant pressure with Derek Redman marshalling the team from fly half and T J Wigglesworth showing great enthusiasm for knocking down much bigger opponents. However, Aireborough finally scored with the last play of the half, the first try Ossett had conceded in four games.

In the second half Ossett pressured from the start with the front row of Smith, Grayshon and Woolin prominent and it was Woolin who brought the scores level with a try from close range. Scott Whitehead was unlucky when his conversion hit the post. Both Whitehead and Redman missed with further penalty attempts, however, in the end a draw was a fair result for both sides.

Saturday 30 November 2002

Home Match:

-v- Selby V

Final Score:

Ossett II: 29

Selby V: 3

Ossett overcame both the conditions and their opposition to register another good win.  They were well served by Ron White who took over the Captaincy in the absence of Peter Bradshaw. Selby were first on the scoreboard with a penalty but this was soon cancelled out when Martin Ward romped in from 40 yards out.  Derek Redman added the conversion and then scored a try himself after good work by the forwards allowed him to cut through to the posts.  He also added the conversion.

The second half continued in a similar vein with the front row of Smith, Walker and Grayshon winning good ball allowing the backs the opportunity to attack their opponents.  After Redman added a further penalty Scott Whitehead put debutant David Haigh over in the corner, the conversion was missed.  The final try was scored by Andy Taylor, the conversion was added by Chris White.  

All in all another good performance with Chris Hart having another good game at fullback.

Saturday 23 November 2002

Home Match:

-v- West Park Bramhope Medics

Final Score:

Ossett II: 24

West Park Bramhope Medics: 0

Although not at their best, the seconds enjoyed a fairly comprehensive victory over spirited opponents. Ossett took an early lead when smart passing put Ian Blake over in the corner. Despite dominating the rest of the half Ossett could not add to their score even with the leadership & prompting of Captain Bradshaw.

Early in the second half Fletcher scored from close range and amid a flurry of substitutions Lee Smith and Richard Faint scored their first tries for the club. Andy Mills added both conversions for the final score.

Man of the match was awarded to Chris Burt.

Some photos were taken at this match and appear in the 2nd XV's gallery.

Saturday 16 November 2002

Home Match:

-v- Wath III

Final Score:

Ossett II: 7

Wath III: 3

Ossett travelled at short notice to play at Wath and enjoyed a close victory played in extremely wet conditions which affected how the game was played.

Ossett played up hill and spent most of the first half on defence but with Scott Whitehead having his best game for the club at full back and with Chris Hart marshalling the backs well at fly half they kept Wath to a solitary penalty kick.

In the second half the forwards took control and good play in the backs from Gough and Teale put Swales over to touch down by the posts, Whiethead added the conversion. With Walker winning a lot of possession at hooker Ossett were able to keep control and their lead was never really threatened by their opponents.

Saturday 9 November 2002

Home Match:

-v- Roundhegians II

Final Score:

Ossett II: 5

Roundhegians II: 46

The seconds found themselves in the unusual position of playing their home game on Sandal’s first team pitch. This probably helped contribute to their downfall as Roundegians exploited the size of the pitch to good effect. In trust this was not a poor performance by the seconds as the forwards were certainly on a par with their opponents with Howard Grayshon at hooker taking two against the head in his first time in that role. The second row of White and Fletcher were both prominent in line outs and in the loose and it was Fletcher who scored Ossetts only try early in the second half from a maul close to Roundegians line.

The backs were well marshalled by Nick Blake at standoff and the younger lads again played with great enthusiasm and determination against bigger and more street-wise opponents. Ian Blake and Chris White when they came on in the second half both looked sharp and full of running and if the season continues in the same vein then Captain Peter Bradshaw will be a happy man at the end of April.

Saturday 2 November 2002

Home Match:

-v- Stanley Rodillians

Final Score:

Ossett II: 25

Stanley Rodillians II: 12

Despite the poor weather conditions this was an entertaining game played with the right amount of edge to it which kept everyone, including the referee, interested to the bitter end. Ossett deserved the win if only by virtue of the fact that their team had a greater desire for victory with several of their younger players leading by example when it came to chasing and harrowing their opponents.

Ossett opened the scoring when a flowing back move saw LONSDALE touchdown in the corner, MILLS adding the extra points. Rods hit back a length of the field effort from GLEADHILL, converted by SANYOR who himself added a further try from close to the Ossett line.

A 40 yard drop goal from MILLS followed by a try direct from a lineout by FLETCHER, which was again converted by MILLS, saw Ossett turn around 17 – 12 ahead.

Early second half pressure from Ossett was rewarded with a try in the corner from WALKER. MILLS then added a penalty and although both sides went close that was the end of the scoring.

All in all an excellent victory for Ossett with WOOLLEY and WHITE prominent in the forwards and SWALES, WRIGGLESWORTH and HART being the pick of the backs.

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