Halifax RUFC

14th December 2019

Final Score - 33 - 10

“A game of two halves “ was never truer said . In October at Thirsk Halifax lost by a late try and it was believed that the fortunes would be reversed at Ovenden Park . There was added significance since the result would determine which of the two combatants would proceed in the New Year into the higher level having attained a position in the top four of the present division .

It was a cold , sometimes rainy day which did not help ball handling ; both sides were guilty of putting the ball down . Within 15 minutes three penalty goals had been converted - two to Halifax, one to Thirsk . Thereafter Thirsk took up a position on the home try line and battered away at it for what seemed an agonising , prolonged period . Halifax weathered that particular storm and the typically sharp play of captain Callum Bowmer [ scrum half ] led to his “ turn over “ and a mighty relieving kick . Right wing , Ginge Horner, following up , tackled his opponent but ,somehow , Thirsk ordered their forces and put their man in clear space for an unopposed and converted try .

With ten minutes to half time Halifax changed and dominated the remaining time with some powerful forward play and particular effect by prop Glen Warne . Most significantly the Halifax eight were beginning to control the scrummages. As has become the norm , the second rowers, Bowman and Palmer put in a workmanlike performance in scrum and line out .

Home thoughts were of victory.

Those were rapidly strengthened when Warne , from the kick off , broke through; James Wass [ back row ] took the play on and fed back rower , Ryan Hanley who showed power and speed to score . Full back Dennison converted the try . 11—10.

Halifax exploited the tiring Thirsk fifteen by ever increasing dominance of the scrums . Their backs in consequence could not get the ball away before they were tackled behind the game line . In contrast , Halifax took control and the next try sealed the result . Hooker Elvidge seized a loose ball and opened a gap which winger Toby Turner and centre Jack Ryan drove through and the latter showed good speed over some 40 meters to score . 18—10

Shortly after the restart , Thirsk made a mess of the drop out which did not go beyond the 22 mark . Fly half Horner broke left and prop Warne carried the ball to great effect thus allowing back rower Sam Donohue to finish off – 23—10. In short order Halifax were soon back on attack in which Wass , Ryan and Turner combined to send centre Brad Allen over . 28—10 .

With Halifax in full cry towards the final whistle , sub hooker Luke Dyson broke through several tackles before off loading to two try Hanley. 33—10 .

Thirsk had promised much in the first half but , with the exception of their try , the Halifax tackling was very effective in midfield and in close quarters battles . Interested spectators doubtless will be looking for a repeat of the quality back row play and the second half of free running and handling of the three quarters .

GPS 16.12.19