The red team had pace and elusiveness in their backs with Tim Martin gliding around defenders with a smile on his face. Tim knows he will beat people and does with ease at times. Jack Haire at 10 for the reds ran their game well and has developed into a fine all round player, he brings his fathers passion to every game and put others in space well.

Up front there were some big collisions, Rob Byrom “ ended “ some poor soul as he timed his hit to perfection. Rob deserves the plaudits this season and it great to see his Dad after the game for a chat.
Big Dave ran hard for the reds too showing not just his obvious strength but some subtle touches too, an off load here a longer pass there. Gabes was under the protection of the Ref as the boys had been gently asked “ not to actually tackle him ! ! “

Jonny Gribben at 9 for the blues harried and pressured the older red 9 as much as he could which was good to see. Despite this the educated boot of The Portly Magician ( Note to Scotty as that his a phrase I believe he coined ) was on show with some pinpoint kicks landing as though guided by a higher power at times !

Well it is Easter weekend boys after all ?

The reds took an early lead after their rapid backs made the most of some quick ball provided by their 6 forwards. No idea who scored their first few tries !

Sorry as your humble scribe was trying to simply keep up !!
The blues responded with James on the wing enjoying the wide open spaces of a 13 aside game on the big pitch. He cut back inside showing a clean pair of heels to the red defence and dotted down. Try scorers took the drop kick attempted cons and a festive spirit flourished.

Simon Dowling the Blues captain ran hard was only stopped by some brave red tackling, it often took a couple of boys to stop the big lad when he was in full flow.

Jack Walkden, he of the hair !, played well and showed why if he remains in Leeds he will doubtless play higher up the club. Jack is passionate and when that is channelled appropriately he is a fine young front row player.

Halftime arrived and much water was taken on board. The reds were a few tries up but the blues were by no means done for the day.

The second half saw the blues come right back into the contest. Their forwards worked harder and Jonny at 9 got better ball to use. He fed the blue backs, Tom Bindloss pulling the strings and with Tom Milner at 13 began to influence proceedings the blues stormed back into contention. Tom Milner is a talent, he is quick, elusive and powerful. Carl in the blue back row also upped his effort levels. He started one move with a run from his own 22, he made good ground , and crucially did not die with the ball, as he offloaded to a supporting player the red defence was shredded.

A few more passes and great supporting lines and Jonny Gribben took the final pass to race over for his first try in senior rugby ! to the clear delight of his proud father cheering everyone to the rafters in his soft Scottish brogue !

The other blue forwards got in on the act with brother I believe smashing brother at times, to the cry of “ Sit down “ One of these runs led to another try as said blue forward took 3 with him over the line. Another lad kept getting half tackled but not held so he simply popped up again and kept going time after time ! He must have been shattered by the time he was finally hauled down properly, only feet from the red line.

A huge cross field kick was almost brilliantly pouched by Si D but he could not quite reel it in. By now this was 2 point game and as we entered the final 15 mins both sides strove for the win and the bragging rights in the bar afterwards. Farmer Jim came on and amazingly completed a delicate chip and chase ! Great to see.

The Ref made a few mistakes to nobodies surprise and Gabes started to chelp “ You cant just make it up as you go along !! “
Fair comment as I am sure mistakes were made in an effort to encourage an open game. Some daft and slightly petulant play stopping the flow of the game, and then some backchat led to yellow card for a young player who is very talented and will remain nameless !!

At the last the Reds scored another try, I think by Neil, to win the game
31- 22.

It had been 24 – 22 with 5 mins to go and anyones game.

We shook hands and the day was summed up by Jack Haire,

“ There is nothing better than a game like this where you get to play rugby with and against your mates “

Happy Easter.