BEES GAME OF TWO HALVES

A mild morning welcomed the BEES at their home ground to face and welcome their opposition Old Rishworthians. Past history between the two teams have been mixed, but in recent years Old Rish have proved to be a challenge, due to their growth in players both in numbers and physical size! With a nearly full team turnout the BEES were proud to welcome their newest recruit Sam Wild, 'Power Rocket' to the team. Injuries and absentees included Bilal Sniper, Thomas - The Warhorse, Fernando - Galatico and magic Dan.

With some forewarning from Mega-Watts and some discipline playing tactics from Boss Hogg Senior and Beesman Senior, the BEES went into battle.

Led by captain George W 'Bite Yer Legs' the BEES lost the toss for Old Rish to KO. With some early pushing back from chieftain tank Curly, the forwards including Nathan Boss Hogg, James The red amber and black engine pushed Old Rish back from the BEES half but soon lost the ball to Old Rish who were soon on the BEES backs. With some power drives and rucking from Old Rish they took the lead within the first five minutes taking the BEES by surprise. However in great fighting spirit, the BEES pushed back again led by Jacob Killer Watts, Sam Power Rocket, Jack Green Demon and out to the George Bite yer legs to take the BEES forward. But despite the team effort, Old Rish proved too much for their opposition taking a second early try for Old Rish.

Heads down, BEES head coach Boss Hogg Senior rallied the BEES to fight back. Kicking off was Charlie The Flying Beesman to take a lead in to Rish's half, supported by Joe The Laughing Assassin, George F - Anaconda, and Jim King Cobra. With some fine forward and backs play the ball moved swiftly down the line to reach the safe hands of The Flying Beesman to take BEES first try.

No sooner than later though Old Rish were hungry and fighting back with a forward attack against BEES. Stealing the ball from the ruck Old Rish played it out wide, to challenge defending giant Harry Houdini but despite all his might the attacking machine proved too much for the BEES to take a third try for Old Rish.

It was without any doubt the first half was dominated by Old Rish with a half time score of 20-5. Aware there was some work to do, Boss Hogg and Beesman Senior had a firm talk with the BEES players, sprinkled some magic on their boots and back they came. And that they did.

The second half was very much a different team... the U13s BEES as we know them to be - playing wide and using their pace in the backs with legendary sprinter The flying Beesman to steal a further three more tries for BEES. Some great forward work and defensive moves from Ismael Rocket man, Isaac Tomahawk and Oliver Hercules, the BEES had turned up the heat and were now shifting through the gears. Despite a couple of tries from Old Rish, BEES fought well in the second half with further tries from Joe The Laughing Assassin, The Flying Beesman and a great supporting try from Jim King Cobra.

Final score was Old Rish 50 - BEES 30, with man of the match awarded to Charlie Flying Beesman and best Attitude to Joe The Laughing Assassin for his determination and power drives to take two tries for BEES.

Great game guys - first half was the New year wake up call... but second half was the BEES half. Keep up the great work... big game next week Cup Match against Selby at Home.

Andy.