Bees U12’s bag a brace of wins v Cleck and Baildon!

Bees U12’s came of age today with two scintillating performances against our local rivals Cleckheaton and Baildon in a gripping 3 way contest which saw Bees undefeated. As the season draws to a close, the lads, I am delighted to report, have come of rugby age. It was an emotional day in rugby terms as the U12’s, mentored by the crocked coaches, namely Boss Hogg Senior and Tom “definitely not Flying anywhere Beesman”. Andy “Mega” Watts put in some sterling, professional refereeing displays, which left the author of this report, Josh “Slowhand” Cottrell’s Dad to motivate the team with his usual delicate Mancunian dialect to get the desired outcome when the going gets tough.

First up, Cleckheaton were on the wrong end of a 5-1 drubbing by Baildon as the Bees team watched on whilst limbering up for the battles ahead. Both sides in all fairness played hard and well, and there was great skill and commitment evident from both sides. Bees were in for a tough time - how wrong we were...............

Next up, Bees tackled Cleckheaton. Bees absorbed early pressure and didn’t succumb to the usual concession of giving up early tries and then having to battle back. Led from the front by Thomas DB Warhorse, Cleck knew they were in a mighty tussle. George Fryer was in the thick of everything, Ismail battled like a man possessed, and James “The Red Amber and Black Engine” was solid as a rock. Jake was up to his usual fancy tricks and mazy runs causing havoc wherever he popped up. A lovely interchange of play and total rugby teamwork led to a fine try by the try-scoring sensation of this season, the Flying Beesman namely Charlie Savage. 1-0 Bees. The cross code training with Keighley Albion really has paid big dividends in terms of Bees aggression and commitment. To that end “Smiley Joe” was very much the “Laughing Assassin” and dictated the play wherever he was around the park. George “Bite Yer Legs” Williams was keeping up his usual prolific tackle count and made some probing runs from deep when Bees were under the cosh. Next, a fine passage of play up near the Cleck line saw Josh “Slowhand” present the ball back out of a ruck for an eager Fernando “The Galatico” to launch his one-man-armada over the try-line for 2-0. Cleck responded with a nicely worked try of their own whilst Bees were caught napping on the tackling front. Beesman completed the job with another whistle-stop effort to seal the game 3-2 to the Bees - next up, the lads from Jenny Lane, Baildon.

Bees, after a quick drink and team talk from the crocked coaches, it was left to Referee “Mega” Watts to blow the whistle to get proceedings against Baildon under way. After only a minute, a wheel came off the Bee’s juggernaut when Baildon launched a flying wedge drive with their upfront artillery which in fairness cut through the Bees defence like a hot knife through butter. 1-0 Baildon. The lads from Jenny Lane gained some amusement from this well-worked move, however there were some swift words of Mancunian advice from the touch line to make sure that didn’t happen again, which it didn’t. The next time the Baildon artillery charge was launched, it was stopped well and truly in it’s tracks. Nathan “Boss Hogg” and Harry “Houdini” Whitehead took some real hurt ensuring that this was the case with some Kamikaze tackling which I’m sure they will feel for some days to come. This thread of commitment and will to win was a common feature today and was heartwarming to see after a long and at some points a frustrating season. So at 1 try a piece it stood when the ball was won by Bees in their own half and Josh “Slowhand” Cottrell made a 30 metre gallop upfield and provided a pinpoint pass to the Beesman who rattled down his mainline to the try-line to clinch the winner, 2-1 to the Bees. There was no way he was heading for the sidings! The closing stages of the game were at times fractious, and Referee “Mega” Watts did extremely well to control the emotions which spilt out on both sides, such was the desire by all on the pitch to win the game.
Man of the Match today went to the whole team - well deserved, the Bees U12’s were today all “Heroes to a Man” led by the Warhorse Thomas DB.

Thanks to the opposition, coaches and ever-supportive parents too. Next week, last game of the season, North Ribb away. A special mention of gratitude is appropriate to Sally Richardson for her medical prowess on the touch line today dealing with various battle wounds - thank you for your knowledge and skill and keeping the lads in one piece, it was much appreciated.

Dave Cottrell... U12s coach and chief editor!