Sat 15 Feb 2020
Horrendous weather conditions defined how this game would be played . Despite its heavy multiple soakings over the last 7/8 days, the pitch was in surprisingly good condition but handling was at a premium . Doubtless the forwards enjoyed the prolonged arm wrestling on and not so far from the respective try lines but the score indicates that Halifax had the best of this aspect .
Only two minutes had passed when Mosbro ‘ converted a penalty for off side . Their pack outweighed the Halifax eight and the home feed was under pressure from the start . Halifax did their best but it was scrambled ball from the scrum . Halifax however dominated the ruck and maul with well drilled power and drive . The strong wind was against the home team but it became clear that Mosbro’ could not control the situation and the Halifax power and patience was rewarded by second row Harry Palmer touching down after an almost unopposed 10 meter drive . Fifteen minutes into the game – 5—3 .
Palmer has worked hard in training and has made significant progress in the line out , in tackling and in his close quarter play . He and second rower , Joe Bowman serve the team well with guaranteed possession from the line out .
As the game progressed,a pattern emerged . Halifax dominated in possession and territorially whilst Mosbro’ were only able to profit materially from , given the conditions , the inevitable handling errors and errant kicking by Halifax . Near half time , such a situation led to the visitors taking the lead . Mosbro had hacked the ball some 70 meters up field and with a mighty wind . Halifax were under pressure on their line and an attempt at a relieving kick was charged down resulting in a try and the goal . Half time Hx 5 Mosbro 10 .
The early stages of the second half produced some ill considered kicking by Halifax which encouraged the visitors but the scrummaging was helped by the introduction of props Danny Sullivan and Glen Warne . That was a sound move although it is no criticism of the starting props who worked hard against a heavier pack and the shocking weather . Mosbro’ made similar substitutions .
Local supporters breathed a sigh of relief however in the 18 th minute . The home forwards had been ramping up the pressure ; they were exploiting their power close in and Mosbro’ were driven to attempting to pull the driven maul down . A seven point penalty try ensued . 12 – 10 to Halifax . Mosbro ‘ were battling under a wholly unfavourable gale and fly half Aza Horner added to their plight with wind assisted low and long searching kicks. Captain Callum Bowmer contributed with some well judged “ box kicks “ .
The pressure play led to the best handling move of the afternoon . A scrummage some 30/40 meters out was cleanly won ; Bowmer , scrum half, broke right , A. Horner moved the ball sharply on feeding prop Danny Sullivan . He made good ground down the right wing and somehow in limited space was able to put centre Brad Allan in a try scoring position . 17--10
To the great credit of Mosbro’ , they mounted a fightback in the dying minutes by keeping close possession and came within 2/3 meters of the line . Excitingly , Halifax soaked the pressure up !
All present had much to bear during the game but both sides played with commendable spirit and application. GPS 16.2.20
