TIGERS TAKE A LATE STING FROM BEES

The U12’s with their parents in tow met at an extremely unearthly hour this Sunday to board the coach for the Leicester Tigers U12’s Tournament. Our friendly foes from Baildon RUFC travelled with us and the Bees lads made a particular bee-line for the back of the bus. Whilst the parents were trying to catch up on “the zeds” the lads were full of rugby trip enthusiasm and high jinx.

As daylight surfaced down the M1 southbound, it dawned on the U12’s that they were actually due to play in a tournament that morning.
The high spirits were somewhat extinguished as the first opponents, Holt from North Norfolk scored 3 tidy tries in 10 minutes, with an onslaught that kept the Bees pinned back in their own half for the duration. Nathan made a couple of hard tackles and Thomas DB despite his warrior-like efforts, was smothered by the well organised Holt unit. The cold-water-in-the-face realisation that the lads weren’t on a “Jolly-Boys” had dawned.......

The next game up was against Spalding, who scored almost from the off. Curly, returning from injury, fired up a few of his formidable cylinders following a pep-talk from his Dad after the first game. I, the author, overheard that, and it was indeed a talk to make Sir Alex Ferguson blush. Spalding were well organised and well up for the challenge. Nathan and Thomas DB were again working hard, however Bees couldn’t cultivate any quality ball to give our fast lads a chance. It was like platting sand. Spalding finished their five try to nil rout with a particularly fine try to compound the misery.

Our coach party friends, Baildon were our next challenge and the Bees fancied their chances. Unfortunately this wasn’t to be and yet again the try line seemed further away than ever. Jake made a particularly useful run under intense pressure, however slack tackling gave Baildon easy tries. Fernando and Josh made some good drives forward, however to no avail. DB was unlucky too, and our debutee, Ismail, grafted hard whilst doing his utmost to mould himself into the team, making a great impression.

As midday approached, fortunately the spectre of a ominous whitewash was to be averted. Again, after the coaches intervention and some threats from the parents that Christmas would be a non-event next month for some unless attitudes changed, the team got off to a much better start against Ashbourne. Harry toiled away with ferocity, and Ollie made a couple of probing runs. Spalding scored a try after some brave Bees defending. George F put in a fine effort, leading to a lovely passage of play which resulted in the “Flying Beesman”, namely Charlie to finally square up the game 1-1 with a well deserved try in the right hand corner. There was a huge relief amongst the travelling support and suddenly Christmas was back on, and hitching a lift back to Bingley needn’t be an option anymore!

Last up, Bees faced Sheffield Tigers, a slick unit of side renowned for their deft handling skills. In fairness to the lads, after a torrid first three matches, they played some super attacking rugby which we know they are well capable of. George Williams was unlucky not to get away. Bees made good territory and Tigers knew they were in a game. Harry unfortunately took a knock, as did Ollie with a try-saving effort near the end. Charlie scored the try and it looked as if there was going to be a final win when Tigers equalised right on time. The Bees felt a bit like the Scots against NZ last Saturday at Murrayfield - robbed!

The Bees Man-of-the Tournament was awarded to Charlie for his aggressive running style which led to his two tries. Well done also to DB for Captaining under adverse conditions.

Following the tournament, the entourage all went to Welford Road to see Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks in an exciting encounter in the Aviva Premiership. Sharks narrowly lost, with a performance way above their position in the league suggests.

All in all a memorable day for all, and when we arrived back at Bingley later in the evening, Andy Watts received a well-deserved “3 cheers” for all his efforts organising the trip. Well done lads and big thanks to Andy!