Match Reports
Sunday 13th, March
Bradford Bees U8's 3 Aireborough Lions U8's 7
Travelling to Cleckheaton to play this fixture Lions started off well both in attack, but, more importantly in defence where all the hard work that they have put in over the last couple of months really paid off.
Defending well soon bore fruit as Lions forced turn over ball time and time again thereafter exploiting the Bees weaker defence to run in 7 tries to the Bees 3.
New boy Gerrard Jones excelled while the team stalwarts played the way they know they can when they concentrate.
Tries from Mullen, Dunn, Metcalfe (2), Williams and Tanner (2) made up the scoring.
Cleckheaton U8's 7 Aireborough Lions U8's 7
In a much closer game Lions again excelled both in attack and defence and would have been the better side of the two had it not been for many unforced errors which turned the ball over and allowed Cleckheaton back into the game. As it was Lions managed to level the scores in the dying moments and will rue the mistakes and a missed opportunity to take a notable scalp.
Scorers were Dunn, Metcalfe (3) McCann (3)
Player of the week for an outstanding performance and his 5 tries, Will Metcalfe.
Sunday, 6th March
U7s
1st Game DRAW 5 - 5 Lymm A U7's
Aireborough started the match and scored with each possession. Unlimited tackles meant Lymm replied each time to produce a great opening game.
Josh Green (2), Spencer Wood (2), and Noah Hargreaves (1) the try scorers, following some great runs and defensive work from Jonathan Ivory , Harvey Sellers and Hayden Pickett.
2nd Game Won 6 - 2 Old Rish B U7's
Aireborough were far too strong for Old Rish B with Josh (1) opening the scoring, Archie Marshall (3) a hat trick performance and Tommy Rollinson (1) turned up with a great try, Owen O'Malley (1) sealed the win. Henry Nightingale and Luke Silcock both played well.
3rd Game Won 5 - 2 Skipton U7's
Josh (3) got his hat trick, and Owen (1), and Noah (1) scored from some elusive running, against a Skipton side that never gave up.
Lymm A - won poole B unbeaten with more tries.
Semi Won 3 - 2 Old Rish A U7's
This was a game of six tackle defense and Old Rish (A) took advantage to lead 2-0. Josh (2) put in a captains performance scoring in each half (2), to keep Aireborough in it. Second half substitutes Archie, and Owen strengthened the defense, focused the team and turned the game as Aireborough stopped any further scores. Tommy was called back from a certain try for just stepped into touch next to the Rish supporters. However, Owen (1) delivered the winning try.
Final Won 3 - 2 Lymm A U7's
Lymm A got off to a bright start and defended well and turned the ball over twice to take a 2 try lead. Aireborough finally replied with a try from Josh (1) just before half time and looked to have lost the match. A changed side came out of the halftime team talk and showed great resolve, determination, and some inspired defending to shut out Lymm. Spencer levelled the score early on with a second disallowed on the corner cone. Good runs from Harvey (capt), Josh, Noah, and Tommy, set James Gardner (1) up with a try in the corner to win the cup.
Josh Green got MOTM for his 9 tries in the tournament
Sunday, 27th February
Aireborough U7 10(4) v West Leeds U7's 4(2)
Gerard Jones and James Gardner, played their hearts out for West Leeds. Aireborough with tries in both halves from Noah Hargreaves (2), Harvey Sellers (2) , Spencer Wood (2), and Josh Green (2) lead at halftime. The 2nd half saw Joseph Cooper and Harvey Sellers defend well. Super sub Tommy Rollinson (3) came off the bench and scored a hat trick. Then West Leeds scored twice whilst a victorious Aireborough scored four more.
Aireborough U7 4(2) v West Leeds U7's 5(3)
Spencer Wood and Harvey Sellers strengthend the West Leeds side. Luke Silcock, captain for the day, ran half the length of the pitch to be stopped inches from the line and Henry Nightingale broke the line only to drop the ball over the try line. A West Leeds player scored late in the first half to give them the lead. The game turned out to be the Noah Hargreaves (4) and Spencer Wood (4) show. Noah with his fine and direct finishing, versus Spencers great supporting and elusive running. Spencer getting the winner for West Leeds at in the end.
All the Aireborough players can be proud of their improved individual performances this week.
Hat-trick hero Tommy Rollinson was Man of the Match.
Sunday, 13th February
Aireborough U7's 6 v Wetherby U7's 5
This was a close encounter played in front of a large crowd. Both teams displayed some good handling skills and were offloading well after the tag. Aireborough were slightly more organised in defence with Josh Green, Luke Silcock, Noah Hargreaves & Harvey Sellers leading by example. The game flowed with Archie Marshall, Tommy Rollinson, Elliot Bunn and James Gardiner making strong & decisive runs. In the end Aireborough were just too resilient in defence and they managed to hold out for a fantastic team win.
Tries were scored by Noah Hargreaves (3) Josh Green (2) & Tommy Rollinson (1).
Aireborough U7's 4 v Wensleydale U7's 4
This match was played at a tremendous pace with both teams probing for gaps in the opposition defence. Wensleydale had a couple of strong runners, but again the Aireborough were resolute in defence. The teams exchanged tries, with the impressive duo of Harvey Sellers & Noah Hargreaves both scoring for Aire.
Unfortunately a couple of Aireborough mistakes led to Wensleydale taking a 4 -2 lead with only minutes left, but Aireborough fought back with tries from the Josh Green & the impressive Noah Hargreaves.
Aireborough's new boys did the team proud with Joseph Cooper, Elliot Bunn & Gerrard Jones all contributing to a superb effort. Man of the match Josh Green was at the heart of the action and turned in a near perfect display.
Aireborough U9's v Wetherby U9's
Aireborough U9's travelled away to Wetherby this week, but defeat in the first match wasn't truly justified as the whole team gave 100% and were unfortunate not to break through Wetherby's strong defence. With substitutes made in the second match Matt Sellars quickly scored a superb full-length try, but this still wasn't enough to keep them in front for a win.
A change again in the final game, this time against Castleford saw Aireborough claim victory at last. A celebrating try from Will Marchbank(2) was well deserved for his England style run, but man of the match was awarded to Jonah Stansfield for his weaving try visions and in his own words "Tackling their players just before they could score"
Sunday, 6th February
Aireborough U7's 6 v West Park Leeds U7's 7
Aireborough started well with a great break up the wing finished off with a try scoring offload to the ever supporting Harvey Sellers. West Park hit back and the game ebbed & flowed with each team taking turns to score. Some poor spatial awareness by Aireborough led to the ball being repeatedly turned over & the visitors gratefully took the lead, which they kept to the final whistle. Aireborough played well in patches, with big performances from Tommy Rollinson, Spencer Wood & in particular Noah Hargreaves.
Aireborough U7's 7 v Bramley U7's 4
The earlier defeat was a wake up call to Aireborough, who came out firing fro the start. Owen O'mally made some probing runs & Archie Marshall & Harvey Sellers stood firm in defence. Aireborough took the lead and never looked like losing this game. Despite the poor weather conditions there was some terrific ball handling, support & defensive skills on display.
This was a much improved team effort with man of the match Noah Hargreaves the pick of the players.
Sunday, 21st November
Aireborough U9s 3 Moortown U9s 5
An under strength Aireborough put in a determined effort against a strong Moortown with a good team effort resulting in tries from James Allen, Dan Marchbank and Jacob Grigalavasili . Recent midweek training sessions are showing dividends in the quality of the open running and passing play on show across the team with man of the match Will Marchbank putting in a great all round effort.
sunday, 7th November
Aireborough U8's 10 Roundhegians U8's 9
In a close fought contest where the lead ebbed and flowed first to one team and then the other Aireborough were lucky to scrape home against a strong Roundhegians side, in the main because they were the better side offensively. Tries from Will Metcalfe (3) Josh McCann and Josh Dunn (2) with a single try each for Isaac Smith, Carter Proctor and Harry Smith.
Aireborough U8's 7 Roundhegians U8's 5
In the 2nd match Aireborough improved their defence conceding only 5 tries to their 7. Charlie Mullen, George Goodyear and Matt Tanner all running strongly .Once again they proved to be the better side offensively with tries from Will Metcalfe (3) Josh McCann (2) and a try each for Isaac Smith and Carter Proctor.
Player of the week went to Carter Proctor for his 2 tries, good defence and concentration.
Aireborough Lions U9's v Old Roundhegians U 9's
A lovely sunny morning at Aireborough saw a large turnout for both sides which enabled 3 hard fought games to be played. The first saw some great passing and tackling from the Lions side but they eventually were piped by 2 tries to one after some good wing play by the Roundhegians and a try for the Lions by Josh Firth.
The second game saw the Lions victorious in a 5-0 win with a solid defensive performance in which Liam Mawson, Sam Birkinshaw, Dan Marchbank and Jake Fletcher-Stega proved robust. Jacob Grigalaski, Matt Sellers, Tom Hird and Liam all carried the ball with great strength. Fine tries came from Matt Sellers, Liam Mawson and Jonah Stansfield who was as quick and nimble as ever.
In the last match Aireborough started more slowly and found themselves 2 tries to nil down at half time but rallied in the second half to run out as winners 3-2. An excellent performance, the boys are improving with every game. Josh Firth was named Man of the match.
Sunday, 31st October
Aireborough U 7's - 3 pts v Selby U 7's - 3 pts
This match was staged at Headingley stadium and was half time entertainment for the large crowd. The match started at a furious pace, with both teams probing for gaps on what was a very narrow pitch. Aire looked dangerous in attack with Spencer Wood and Tommy Rollinson making darting runs. They were supported well by James Gardiner and Henry Nightingale who both offloaded the ball well.
The game ebbed & flowed with both teams taking turns to score. Some slick running led to tries from Archie Marshall, Josh Green & Owen O'Malley.
Jonathan Ivory worked tirelessly in defence and stopped Selby from scoring further tries. Aireborough's captain Harvey Sellers led from the front and with his strong running and aggressive tagging he proved to be a real handful for the Selby team. This performance earned him a man of the match award, but credit must also go to the whole team for producing a fantastic performance.
Sunday, 24th October
West Park Leeds A U7s 5 v 4 Aireborough U7's
Aire were organised in defence and started well with Captain Josh Green,
leading from the front with the first and last tries. Spencer Wood with
another of his mazey runs made it to the try line to score his first of
the season. Tommy Rollinson carried the ball well and deservedly got a
try in the second half. However, some uncharacteristic mistakes meant
that Aireborough turned the ball over once to many and allowed West Park
Leeds to steal the win on the whistle.
Aireborough U7's 4 v 4 Bramley U7's 4
Harvey Sellers and Archie Marshall made the hard yards with some very
direct running into the Bramley defense which resulted in scores for
both. The second half saw two great tries from Noah Hargreaves. Helped
by Luke Silcock, Spencer Wood and Henry Nightingale the team put in a
great defensive effort. However, Aireborough had to settle for a draw as
they again conceded a last ditch try on the whistle from a very
resiliant Bramley side.
West Park Leeds B U7s 6 v 6 Aireborough U7's
The best game of the series with Aireborough showing great spirit to dig
deep and come from behind. The game ebbed and flowed with some end to
end rugby. Captain Josh Green took advantage of the space to get a hat
trick of tries. Noah Hargreaves, Harvey Sellars and Tommy Rollinson also
contributed with long distance scores and some great tagging.
Man of the match went to Noah Hargreaves for his 3 tries, strong running
and great tagging.
Aireborough U9's vs West Park Leeds.
On a glorious autumn morning Aireborough played three short games of Rugby against a good West Park Leeds side. In the first game West Park were comfortable winners and used to good advantage their size and mauling skills, however, Aireborough never gave up and Jonah Stansfield snatched a late consolation try with a fine example of running Rugby supported by Thomas Hird, James Allen and Sam Michaud.
The 2nd game was much closer affair, rock solid defence from Joshua Firth and Will Marchbank kept WPL out of the Aireborough try area. Aireborough finished 2 tries to the better with Liam Mawson and man of the match Matt Sellers both getting well earned tries. The last game saw another fine display by WPL who again used their skills in the tight to good effect and despite some brave defence from Austin Dodsley and Jake Stega-Fletcher WPL took the honours.
Sunday, 17th October
Aireborough 7 Bramley 6
The game started at a furious pace with both teams fired up. Aire were organised in defence with fantasic tagging from Captain Archie Marshall, Jonathan Ivory, James Gardiner & Noah Hargreaves.
Harvey Sellers made the hard yards attacking straight through the middle, drawing in the Bramley defense to make space. Superb backing up from Spencer Wood, Luke Silcock, Henry Nightingale, and Tommy Rollinson allowed tries from Josh Green (4), Archie Marshall, Noah Hargreaves & Owen O'Malley.
Aireborough 5 Bramley 3
From the start Aire attacked with pace and guile, with Joshua Green (2), Noah Hargreaves & Archie Marshall making fantastic breaks from halfway to score their tries. Tommy Rollinson, Spencer Wood, Owen O'Malley & Henry Nightingale worked hard for the team both in defense and attack.
James Gardiner made some sharp passes. Harvey Sellers' direct attacking paid off with a try.
Man of the match went to Joshua Green for his 6 tries from 2 matches.
Sunday, 10th October
Roundhegians U7's 3 Vs Aireborough U7's 3
Spirits were high as Aireborough U7's started their first competitive match against hosts Roundhegians. Tommy captained the side and unfortunately lost the toss. Aireborough were immediately on the back foot, and after defending for a few minutes conceded their first try as a Roundhegians player dived over the line. However, undeterred the boys continued and after a couple of exchanges Jonathan showed a quick pair of hands and released Josh for his first try. Roundhegians quickly countered and ran the ball in wide around the Aireborough defence for their second try. Then just before half time Owen took a quick pass from Harvey following a turn over and ran elusively through the heart of the opposition to level the score.
Aire lost the ball cheaply at the start of the 2nd half and then had a long spell without the ball but showed great fortitude and some impressive tagging from Archie, Owen, and Harvey. However, Roundhegians once again sucked in the Aireborough defence and ran around to score a third. When Aireborough did get the ball there was some impressive running from James and Spencer who both missed out on try's due to the touchline. However, eventually Josh spotted some space after some good possession and ran in for his second try which left the game to run out a 3-3 draw.
Aireborough U7's 2 Roundhegians U7's 2
After stalemate in the first match Aireborough came out firing and started much sharper than their opposition. Defending well from the start, there was some superb & aggressive tagging from the whole team in particular Harvey, Owen & Archie. Aireborough's sharp defence forced the opposition backwards and eventually produced several turn overs which allowed Jonathan to put Owen away through the heart of the disorganized opposition for the opener. However a slight lapse allowed the opposition in to level the scores at half time.
The 2nd half saw Josh run hard at the opposition and pick up his hat trick of the morning that left Aire 2 -1 in front. Spencer + James produced more silky runs looking for gaps in the defence and again were unlucky not to score when they were forced into touch. Tommy and Jonathan both provided the team with some direct running and good link play. But again Aireborough's defence was awesome with a try saving tackles coming in from Archie, and Owen and good positional play from Luke, who unselfishly left his team mates to do all the attacking. However, in the last minute of the game Roundhegians sucked in the Aireborough defence and levelled the game for another score. Archie was presented with the Man of the Match award for his impressive tagging.
Roundhegians U8's 7 Aireborough U8's 15
A terrific start to the season saw all the hard work that Aireborough U8's have put in over the close season pay off. Almost from the first whistle Aireborough put in a storming performance scoring 3 unanswered tries. Thereafter the scoring ebbed and flowed but strong defensive play saw Aireborough increase the lead slightly by half time.
A strong second half performance meant that Aireborough gave little away while increasing their lead dramatically.
Tries came from Will Metcalfe (3), Josh McCann (4), Jake Williams (4) Harry Turner (2) with one each from Matt Tanner and Josh Dunn.
Defensively Carter Proctor made the tag of the match while Isaac Smith, Charlie Mullen and James Collier all contributed well to the strong defence that gave Aireborough the edge.
Man of the match went to Harry Turner for his 2 well deserved tries.
U9s
Aireborough under 9's started the new season will with 4 solid wins at Roundhegians. The only down side the team showed was they didn't pass the ball down the line as well as they do in training, with players trying to run the ball single-handedly. Putting that to one side the whole team played well with almost everyone scoring tries. There were excellent performances from Dan Marchbank who scored 4 tries, Jacob scored several tries and fulfilled his hole as a forward well, Josh again scored several tries from his fly half position, Thomas Hird did well as scrumhalf with 4 tries and man of the match, others included Sam B, Matthew & Dan Sellers, Jonah and Will Marchbank. All in all Sundays performance was a fantastic foundation for the team to build on & improve throughout the rest of the season and if they can do this there may even be a few young pro's in the making.