Sat 9 Sep 2023
Saturday saw RI travel to Stocksbridge in search of their first win of the season. Famed for its microclimate and general remoteness, away days at Stocksbridge are renouned for their ability to make the coach's list of available players ever shorter. And so, with a team sheet of just 15, the lads set off ready for a tough day at the office.
A late arrival meant that the first 15 minutes were played a man short. Special mention to coach Macca who, after another player pulled out at very last minute, donned his boots and got stuck in.
The half time score was 5-19 to RI, with quick tries from Keiran, MSL and someone else. I can't tell you much about the first half, as due to a sat nav issue I ended up at the wrong Coal Pit Lane in Sheffield and didn't arrive at the game until half time. When I did arrive the lads were buoyant and spirits were high.
For the first time in recent history, Stocksbridge was free from snow, and was bathed in unfamiliar hot sunshine. After extra drinks and a rest in the shade at half time, RI were ready to go.
The second half saw RI hold onto their lead, Stocksbridge emptied the bench but never looked like breaking the RI line. A "high tackle" saw live wire Joe Tenge sent to the bench for a rest. Again with 14 the RI defence didn't waiver. A kick through and chase by MSL looked certain to be a try, but the ref blew her whistle just as Matt caught the ball 5m out, with only one defender to beat. The beleaguered Stocksbridge team, didnt have much to offer in attack even with the fresh legs.
Captain Yohan had to leave the field 15 mins before the end to get back to work, so again the numbers were against us, and the defence held firm until the 79th minute, when the Stocksbridge pack finally broke down the RI brick wall. After playing approx 50mins with 14 and no subs on ine of the hottest days of the year, the final score of 19-12 to us was well deserved.
We joke about playing away at Stocksbridge, but this was genuinely a good result and could gave been very different had lads not made sacrifices to make up the 15. We've had some unfortunate injuries and fingers crossed we should see boys coming back soon, but the 15 from Saturday did us all proud and put some important league points on the board.
Thanks to Henry for taking the lead to make sure the team had everything it needed and Ako's mate for keeping the lads watered and cheered on.
After a lot of change towards the end of last season and over the summer, the team is starting to come together, with some new faces sprouting up to bolster the numbers. Player recruitment is underway and we hope to add to our numbers over the coming weeks. We are short on front row, if you know anyone who might want be able to pull on their boots to help us get the scrum going please send them to us.
This Saturday sees us take on Hornsea at the fortress. As of last night we have the beginnings of a strong squad available, with more to confirm during the week. 3pm KO, please come and support.
Macca
