- played 10th November 2013; referee Mr. Neil Young (Yorkshire Society)
Well, let it not be said that Andy Boagey’s side are not game for a fight. At kick-off time this was the plan: take the field with ten players and hang on until the cavalry arrived with Clive Wall, who was inexplicably missing. Wall possesses a fleet of top end motors that would rival the garage of any respectable Essex wide-boy, so the West faithful were perplexed at his non-appearance.
Redcar were extremely gracious hosts and generously agreed to a fifteen minute delay. As the clock struck the appointed hour, the chiselled torso of Adam Lennard popped out of the Wall Beamer, closely followed by four more team mates, including a rather dazed George Wall, who had suffered greatly on the trip across the border.
And so to the game itself. Redcar started strongly and took the game to their visitors with some hard running and aggressive play at the breakdown. However, West took the lead with a well-earned try with their first attack of the game. A powerful run by Jack Mason and a pass inside to Ben Reed who in turn fed the irrepressible Isaac Robinson put West ahead, with Will Hilditch kicking the conversion.
Reed was in action shortly afterwards with a beautifully weighted kick ahead as West picked up the pace and attacked the Redcar line. The next score was one that will stay in the memory for many years to come. The West pack drove mightily forward and set up a ruck on the home twenty two right in front of the posts. With players on both sides screaming for the ball, Baden Knibbs picked the ball up from the ruck and weighed up the options before sending out an incredible pass to his left, cutting out three attackers. The ball hung in mid-air for what seemed like an eternity before finding its way into the hands of Ceejay Beales, who collected at top speed for a truly magnificent try, Hilditch drop kicking the conversion for a half time 14-0 lead. Unfortunately Baden’s mum missed this as she was tending to Nathan Neave, who had suffered an injury to his back and needed lengthy treatment.
Redcar were still in the fight and the game was very even, especially as Billy Storm had been yellow carded just before half time by Mr. Young, who had an excellent game, even taking time to admonish Spencer, which pleased the away fans hugely. Once again, the West defence was proving difficult to break down and the game was sealed with yet another piece of fantastic rugby. Knibbs chased and caught a kick and fed Mason. Your correspondent was expertly placed to witness the thundering charge of the influential number eight as he tore through the opposition. Mason fed Hilditch who sprinted clear for another memorable try.
The win was sealed shortly after when full back David Wells launched a devastating burst down the wing following a scrum on the West ten metre line. Wells selflessly drew the cover and slipped the ball to Knibbs who crossed under the sticks for a 26-0.
Redcar deservedly scored shortly afterwards with a powerful drive from their pack who had battled hard all day.
West were beginning to find lots of open spaces as their talented backs began to come into the game. Wells and Ben Foley combined well down the right and shortly afterwards Michael Hainsworth was well tackled as he looked to burst clear. The third time West launched an attack Billy Storm picked the ball up out wide, outpacing the cover and crossing for a well-earned try.
The Redcar boys are a well drilled side with a very competitive pack. They tackled well all afternoon and are an impressive, tight unit and the score is a little unflattering and poor reward for their efforts.
However, West were well led by their half-backs, Ben Reed and Baden Knibbs, who controlled the game and showed great decision making all game. Once again the back row turned in a mighty performance, whilst the relentless power of Callum Montgomery was a threat all game.
After the game Andy Boagey and Clive Wall were full of praise for the great sportsmanship shown by Redcar, who generously allowed the later kick off time. Although it was dark by the time the teams settled down to a post-match bacon sandwich, it was clear that the lads have a great team spirit and an admirable set-up.
26.11.13 Breaking news: Nathan Neave, the Redcar player who suffered an ugly looking back injury is back in training. The players, coaches and fans of West Hartlepool Under 17 wish him all the best and look forward to playing against him after Christmas.
Well, let it not be said that Andy Boagey’s side are not game for a fight. At kick-off time this was the plan: take the field with ten players and hang on until the cavalry arrived with Clive Wall, who was inexplicably missing. Wall possesses a fleet of top end motors that would rival the garage of any respectable Essex wide-boy, so the West faithful were perplexed at his non-appearance.
Redcar were extremely gracious hosts and generously agreed to a fifteen minute delay. As the clock struck the appointed hour, the chiselled torso of Adam Lennard popped out of the Wall Beamer, closely followed by four more team mates, including a rather dazed George Wall, who had suffered greatly on the trip across the border.
And so to the game itself. Redcar started strongly and took the game to their visitors with some hard running and aggressive play at the breakdown. However, West took the lead with a well-earned try with their first attack of the game. A powerful run by Jack Mason and a pass inside to Ben Reed who in turn fed the irrepressible Isaac Robinson put West ahead, with Will Hilditch kicking the conversion.
Reed was in action shortly afterwards with a beautifully weighted kick ahead as West picked up the pace and attacked the Redcar line. The next score was one that will stay in the memory for many years to come. The West pack drove mightily forward and set up a ruck on the home twenty two right in front of the posts. With players on both sides screaming for the ball, Baden Knibbs picked the ball up from the ruck and weighed up the options before sending out an incredible pass to his left, cutting out three attackers. The ball hung in mid-air for what seemed like an eternity before finding its way into the hands of Ceejay Beales, who collected at top speed for a truly magnificent try, Hilditch drop kicking the conversion for a half time 14-0 lead. Unfortunately Baden’s mum missed this as she was tending to Nathan Neave, who had suffered an injury to his back and needed lengthy treatment.
Redcar were still in the fight and the game was very even, especially as Billy Storm had been yellow carded just before half time by Mr. Young, who had an excellent game, even taking time to admonish Spencer, which pleased the away fans hugely. Once again, the West defence was proving difficult to break down and the game was sealed with yet another piece of fantastic rugby. Knibbs chased and caught a kick and fed Mason. Your correspondent was expertly placed to witness the thundering charge of the influential number eight as he tore through the opposition. Mason fed Hilditch who sprinted clear for another memorable try.
The win was sealed shortly after when full back David Wells launched a devastating burst down the wing following a scrum on the West ten metre line. Wells selflessly drew the cover and slipped the ball to Knibbs who crossed under the sticks for a 26-0.
Redcar deservedly scored shortly afterwards with a powerful drive from their pack who had battled hard all day.
West were beginning to find lots of open spaces as their talented backs began to come into the game. Wells and Ben Foley combined well down the right and shortly afterwards Michael Hainsworth was well tackled as he looked to burst clear. The third time West launched an attack Billy Storm picked the ball up out wide, outpacing the cover and crossing for a well-earned try.
The Redcar boys are a well drilled side with a very competitive pack. They tackled well all afternoon and are an impressive, tight unit and the score is a little unflattering and poor reward for their efforts.
However, West were well led by their half-backs, Ben Reed and Baden Knibbs, who controlled the game and showed great decision making all game. Once again the back row turned in a mighty performance, whilst the relentless power of Callum Montgomery was a threat all game.
After the game Andy Boagey and Clive Wall were full of praise for the great sportsmanship shown by Redcar, who generously allowed the later kick off time. Although it was dark by the time the teams settled down to a post-match bacon sandwich, it was clear that the lads have a great team spirit and an admirable set-up.
26.11.13 Breaking news: Nathan Neave, the Redcar player who suffered an ugly looking back injury is back in training. The players, coaches and fans of West Hartlepool Under 17 wish him all the best and look forward to playing against him after Christmas.
WEST: David Wells, Ben Foley, Michael Hainsworth, Will Hilditch, Ceejay Beales, Ben Reed, Baden Knibbs, Callum Montgomery, Danny Fox, Adam Lennard, James Piper, Billy Storm, Isaac Robinson Jack Mason, George Wall (capt.)