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03/05/06 - Tigers 2nd XV Retain South Yorkshire Trophy for 3rd Successive Year
Sheffield Tigers 2nd XV 27 - Stocksbridge 13
Early Tigers forward pressure was rewarded after ten minutes when following a drive by the pack hooker Nick Farndon picked up to score. Stand-off Richard Butler was giving Tigers positional advantage and after twenty minutes good ball from the forwards was passed along the three-quarters for winger Alex Fraser to score. Butler converted. Soon after Stocksbridge opened their account with a penalty to make the score 12-3. As half-time approached Tigers again passed the ball right down the line and the Stocksbridge defence was stretched as Fraser scored his second try for a 17-3 half-time lead.
Stocksbridge started the second-half strongly and it needed good defence to prevent them scoring. However, after fifty minutes the pressure culminated in Tigers conceding three further points from a second penalty. Tigers responded after fifty five minutes when from a shortened line-out a drive in midfield was straightened and passed back to the narrow side where winger Brian Loftus raced in to score. Full-back Owen Evans was making good ground running back the Stocksbridge positional kicks but the next try came from an opposition mistake. The ball was dropped by Stocksbridge, gathered by Tigers, and a good pass saw scrum-half Shanks run in from thirty metres. With time running out Stocksbridge were still pressing and an excellent chase back and tackle was needed to prevent Stocksbridge from scoring a try. However in injury time they got the try they deserved. A mistake in the Tigers midfield saw the ball go along the opposition backs to score a converted try.
The final score of 27-13 was a fair reflection of play. Stocksbridge never gave up and made Tigers play for the full eighty minutes. Thanks go to the referee Robin Goodliffe who had a very good game and allowed the match to flow. After the game he presented the Trophy to the Tigers captain Richard Butler and Tigers have now won it for the last three years.
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26/04/06 - Tigers 2nd XV Speed past SY Police in South Yorkshire Trophy Semi-Final
South Yorkshire Police 0 - Sheffield Tigers 2nd XV 53
Tigers took an early lead when they took Police line-out ball and the pack drove over for flanker Dominic Ramsden to score an unconverted try. Tigers’ pack were on top from the start and it was a surprise that the next score took a further thirty minutes to arrive. Moves were not quite finished off although chances were being created. Tigers were dominant in the scrummage and an easy penalty kick at goal was declined in favour of a kick to the corner. The line-out was won and winger Chris Abbishaw came into the line at pace between the centres to score. Richard Butler converted. Tigers were doing all the attacking and with half-time approaching Alan Johnson raced along the touchline to score in the corner from thirty metres. That made the half time score 17-0.
The second half started as the first had finished with the Tigers’ pack driving the Police backwards. Three tries in ten minutes killed the Police off. First, another catch and drive saw Ramsden score a second try. Next, the ball was passed down the backs from another line-out and scrum-half Shanks was on hand to make an excellent pick up to score. Butler converted both to make the score 31-0. Then veteran prop Rob Chadwick gathered the opposition ball which enabled Butler to feed Johnson through a gap in the Police midfield to score near the posts. The successful conversion made the score 38-0. A burst down the middle by winger Alex Fraser, four quick passes and excellent support work by hooker Nick Farden saw him score the teams seventh try. This was followed in the last ten minutes by two further tries. Substitute Hawke made a good pick up and scored before another break by Fraser enabled Johnson to complete his hat-trick.
The final score of 53-0 was a fair reflection on strong forward dominance and good finishing by the backs. The Police never gave up and made Tigers work to the end.
The game was excellent preparation for the final which will be played against Stocksbridge 1st XV at Dore Moor on Wednesday 3rd May with a 18:30 kick off.
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22/04/06 - Tigers 1st XV Finish Yorkshire League 1 Campaign on Winning Note
Sheffield Tigers 25 - York 7
The last match of the season started with Tigers giving away early penalties, but on ten minutes, after a strong run by stand-off Jono Storey, the ball was passed left. Full-back Abre Barry came into the line and created the extra man giving winger Brian Loftus room to score an unconverted try in the corner. This early lead was short lived when five minutes later a York penalty was kicked to the corner. From the line-out the ball went down the backs and a missed tackle let in the York centre for a converted try. Tigers regained the lead when York were penalised for being offside and Storey added the three points. York were now playing well and retaining possession of the ball, and Tigers had to scramble to stop an attack by the York backs just short of the line before an easy penalty kick was missed by York. At half time the score remained at 8-7 to Tigers after a very even forty minutes.
After fifty minutes York tried to run the ball from a kick deep into their half. The ball was turned over in the tackle and three quick passes saw Doug Trivella score in the left hand corner to increase the lead to six points. Ten minutes later good handling by Tigers’ backs and a forward drive of 20 metres saw number eight Edu Hanekom score a try. Storey converted. This made the score 20-7 and Tigers had established some daylight between themselves and York. However, the game was not over. An excellent break by the York centre saw him race from his own twenty-two to the Tigers’ ten metre line. The odds were on him scoring but he was forced to look for support as he pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury. The crowd were then reminded why Doug Trivella had played at such a high level when he twice stepped in from his wing to pulverise an opposition player with an overlap threatening. These tackles marked the end of York’s hopes as Tigers dominated the last minutes of the match. It was fitting that the player of the match Stuart Holes should score the last try. York kicked from inside their twenty-two but the ball was fielded and again quick passes saw Holes, in support as always, score in the corner.
This was another strong performance by Tigers and whilst not playing at their best they still produced a comfortable victory against a competent opposition. The players can now enjoy a well deserved rest. They can also reflect on being Yorkshire One champions and achieving their second successive promotion.
Finally, a big thank you to the players, the coaching staff, the groundsman, the committee, and the alickadoos, helpers and spectators who have all helped to make this such a successful and enjoyable season for Tigers.
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18/04/06 - Tigers 2nd XV Overcome Oaks in South Yorkshire Trophy Tie
Sheffield Oaks 7 - Sheffield Tigers 2nd XV 20
In this competition Tigers have to play their second team against the first team of clubs in Yorkshire 2 and below like Oaks who are in Yorkshire 4 league.
Tigers went into an early lead with a Richard Butler penalty after just five minutes. Play was broken by frequent blasts on the referees whistle as both sets of forwards committed an assortment of offences. Oaks had a chance to equalise after twenty minutes but the kick went wide of the post. Then Tigers were down to fourteen players when Tim Fearn was sin binned. However, just when it was looking as if Tigers would turn to face into the sun and wind with the slenderest of leads they produced the best move of the half. Following a driving maul in which several backs were involved as well as the forwards, the ball was moved left by Butler. His pass to winger Alex Fraser was fed back inside to Butler who found a refreshed Fearn in support to score a try which Butler converted for a half time score of 10-0.
The second half started with the packs still struggling to gain supremacy. After sixty minutes the ball went down the Tigers’ backs and Fraser scored an unconverted try in the corner. With the match entering its last ten minutes Oaks produced their best move of the game. From a scrum near the Tigers line the ball went left and a short ball saw them score a converted try to narrow the score to 15-7. Tigers pack then produced several good drives, the most notable of which was when veteran prop Chaddie bowled over one of the Oaks players with his infamous hand off! With the Tigers pack at last gaining the ascendancy a strong driving maul was stopped just short of the line. The ball went left and scrum-half Shanks went over for the final score.
Tigers deserved their win without ever playing as well as they can. In the semi-final next week on Wednesday 26th April, the team are away to the winners of the South Yorkshire Police v Mosborough tie.
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11/04/06 - Tigers 1st XV Narrowly Lose to Hull in Yorkshire Cup 2nd Round Tie
Sheffield Tigers 21 - Hull 27
This 2nd round Yorkshire Cup game was played on a windy evening at Dore Moor. Hull kicked off with the strong wind in their favour and the sinking sun in the eyes’ of Tigers. Tigers spent the early part of the half defending and having difficulty finding touch due to the wind. Hull kept Tigers on the defensive with deep kicks into the twenty-two. The pressure told after ten minutes when the Hull stand-off kicked a penalty for an offside. Tigers then passed good ball down their three-quarter line but the last pass was not gathered when an overlap had been worked. Tigers were a shade unfortunate to go further behind on twenty minutes when, with a penalty in the offing and the referee playing advantage, a kick ahead was gathered by Hull. The referee deemed that the advantage was over and the ball went down the Hull backs and the pace of their right winger saw him race over to score a converted try. Things were exactly the same as in the match against Driffield the week before and again Tigers responded immediately. A Hull forward knocked-on and the ball went down Tigers’ backs. Centre Rob Pound spotted a gap in the defensive line to score an unconverted try, Jono Storey hitting the post with the conversion attempt. The pack gained confidence and enthusiasm with this score and were beginning to drive Hull backwards. A 15 metre drive over the line did not result in a try as the referee was unsighted, but a strong scrummage and then a drive by number eight Edu Hanekom saw him level the scores with half-time approaching. Unfortunately the parity did not last to half-time. The Hull stand-off kicked through from the half-way line, hacked on again, gathered the ball and fed the Hull left winger who scored under the posts to make the half time score 10-17. A good individual opportunist try but unlucky for Tigers as it was against the run of play.
The second half saw Tigers playing the game in the Hull twenty-two. A Storey penalty for killing the ball reduced the lead to four points after 46 minutes and after 60 minutes the deficit was only one point after a second penalty. In between the two kicks, the referee had not been able to award Tigers a try when the pack drove over the Hull line. The moon was now up and the sun down making life easier for the Hull defenders. The Hull forwards realised that a big effort was needed if they were to save the game. They made several strong drives and Tigers’ now had to defend. Eventually, after 70 minutes their rally was rewarded when their winger stepped inside the Tigers’ defender to score. Four minutes later and a good grub kick through was not dealt with by the home defence and the Hull right winger touched down to make the score 16-27. However, credit to Tigers’ determination that they immediately went down to the Hull line and after a handling move Storey scored a try to set up a thrilling last few minutes. The experienced Hull forwards controlled the ball to run the clock down and Tigers were defeated.
The match showed that Tigers have got what it takes to compete at the higher level at which they will be playing at next year. When put under pressure they proved that they can respond and gave a team from two divisions higher a very hard match that they were relieved to have won.
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08/04/06 - Tigers 1st XV Clinch Championship of Yorkshire League 1
Goole 0 - Sheffield Tigers 31
Tigers kicked off at Westfield Banks on a windy and showery afternoon. They had the strong wind at their backs in the first half. After conceding three early penalties in the Goole half Tigers settled and scored a try after only four minutes. Scrum half Neil Pearson made a break and after two inside passes was on hand to speed through a gap to score. Jon Storey converted, unusually, with a drop kick in the strong breeze. Four minutes later a line out catch and drive by the Tigers’ pack saw prop Tom Ryder ground the ball for an unconverted try to make the score 12-0. Goole were trying to make progress against the strong wind with pick up and drives by their forwards but were finding it hard to make progress against a solid Tiger defence. Several forwards on both sides were penalised for offside and a disjointed period of play followed. On the half hour Goole had a rare venture into the Tigers half and their right winger kicked ahead only for full-back Abre Barry to smother superbly. Tigers took a scrum against the head but were not able to get ball down their three-quarters to release their wingers. However, as half time approached a long kick downfield by Pearson found touch. The forwards stole the line-out ball and at last it was passed along Tigers’ three-quarter line. Winger Rudi Froneman came in from his blindside wing and took an inside pass to race over for a converted try to increase the lead to 19-0. Goole finished the half pressing the Tigers’ line and only good defence and a knock on over the line prevented a score for the home team.
The second half started with a Goole missed penalty following a Tigers’ scrummage offence. Tigers lost winger Froneman with a hamstring injury before a good handling movement saw winger George Leach forced into touch. Then Goole conceded a penalty in their own half. The kick to the corner was followed by a line out catch and drive. Although number eight Edu Hanekom crossed the line the try was not awarded. The Goole number seven was yellow carded and Tigers immediately took advantage. A drive by stand-off Storey was finished by a strong burst by centre Paul Hirst and converted by Storey himself to increase the lead to 26-0 after fifty five minutes. Ten minutes later good pressure on the Goole midfield by replacement Doug Trivella saw the Goole centre pass into the open arms of centre Paul Hirst who ran in from thirty metres to score his second try and complete the scoring. The match ended with Tigers pack very much on top and the backs looking better when trying to move the ball down their three-quarter line instead of relying on inside passes.
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04/04/06 - Tigers 1st XV Through to 2nd Round of Yorkshire Cup
Sheffield Tigers 26 - Driffield 13
Driffield started the match in the fashion expected of a team from a division higher than Tigers. Their backs showed plenty of pace and the side looked well organised. Most of this early play was either side of the half-way line as the sides weighed up strengths and weaknesses. On 10 minutes Driffield went ahead from a penalty by their stand-off. Tigers responded with a kick ahead from their twenty-two which was gathered by wing forward Stuart Holes and continued by prop Tom Ryder. The recycled ball was fed to full back Abre Barry who was tackled just short of the try line. Driffield counter attacked and doubled their lead on fifteen minutes when Tigers conceded a penalty for not releasing. Driffield were thwarted from increasing the lead still further only by an excellent defensive tackle by winger George Leach after a fifty metre break by the Driffield backs. Then a third mistake again cost Tigers points. A kick did not find touch and the Driffield backs ran in a converted try from the half-way line to make the score 13-0 after 20 minutes. A fourth mistake looked as if it was going to be equally costly. Again Tigers did not find touch. However, this time the runner was tackled and the ball turned over. A break by scrum-half Neil Pearson saw the ball moved to wing Rudi Froneman, full-back Barry, Pearson again and finally Holes who scored an excellent converted try on twenty five minutes. Tigers were now playing with real confidence and enjoying the firm ground and almost immediately another length of the field move was just stopped by Driffield. However, the low clearance kick was well caught by second-row Ed Knaggs. He passed to number eight Edu Hanekom and his pass allowed Paul Emery, playing in the second-row today, to score a try converted again by stand-off John Storey. This gave Tigers the lead for the first time at 14-13. Tigers forwards were now starting to get on top and as half-time approached a thirty metre drive from a line-out let Pearson feed Storey and his inside pass to captain Harry Toews saw him beat two defenders to score an unconverted try from 20 metres. Some of the Driffield forwards were now taking longer to get to set pieces and seemed glad to hear the half-time whistle with the score at 19-13.
Tigers started the second half full of confidence. Froneman made thirty metres beating three men and linked to Leach who was tackled just short. On forty five minutes the young Driffield stand-off was forced to leave the field after a third hard tackle. All the play was now in the Driffield half but it took a Driffield penalty infringement for taking a man without the ball to set up Tigers fourth try. The kick at the posts was declined and the ball kicked to the corner. The ball was caught and Tigers forwards drove the ten metres to the line. Leading try scorer Hanekom touched down and Storey converted to increase Tigers lead to 26-13. Both sides continued to play open rugby during the chilly last quarter. The Driffield backs threatened on two occasions but sound tackling prevented scores. The Driffield pack was struggling against the power and control of Tigers forwards but no further scores were added. The entire Tigers team played well. The front five were dominant and the back-row unit defended well and linked excellently in attack. The backs reminded us of the fast open rugby they are capable of playing on dry pitches.
The match was very entertaining and augers well for next season when Tigers should be in the same division (North 2 East) as Driffield.
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01/04/06 - Tigers 1st XV Weather Forces Postponement of Yorkshire Cup Tie
Sheffield Tigers - Driffield
Tigers 1st round Yorkshire Cup Tie against Driffield (North 2 East League) has been postponed due to waterlogged pitches at Dore Moor.
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25/03/06 - Tigers 1st XV Warren Bows out in the Mud In Yorkshire League 1 Victory
Sheffield Tigers 11 - Ilkley 0
Tigers kicked-off the match playing with the wind on a very wet surface that cut up badly during the game. The first ten minutes were scrappy with both sides trying to come to terms with the conditions. Tigers were passing the ball along their three-quarter line at every opportunity and after a good positional kick by stand-off Craig Beattie, Ilkley were adjudged offside at a ruck. Beattie kicked the penalty to give Tigers a 3-0 lead after ten minutes. A cross kick saw winger Wayne Warren nearly score in the corner in his last appearance before he moves to France. A drive from a line-out was halted and the ball again spun down the backs only to be stopped in the opposite corner. A knock-on by Tigers ended another promising move. By midway through the first half Ilkley were having to slow up Tigers’ possession and forward drives by illegal means and shortly after a penalty for collapsing a ruck Beattie added three more points for an Ilkley back-row being offside at a ruck. With the half coming to an end both sides had good moves wide out. First Tigers ran ball from defence with good inter passing by winger George Leach and full back Abre Barry. Then it was Ilkley’s turn to attack when a loose ball by Tigers was kicked to the Tigers’ try line and the Ilkley player was tackled just short of the line.
It was obvious at half time and with the score at 6-0 that this was going to be a low scoring match, especially when the rain began to make playing open rugby even more difficult. A good run by Warren brought an excellent tackle out of the Ilkley full-back and got Tigers into the opposition half of the field. From an attack on the Ilkley twenty-two Stuart Holes burst onto a pass, drove between two defenders and passed inside to scrum-half Neil Pearson who had the strength to cross the try line and ground the ball. That made the score 11-0 after 65 minutes. Tigers were now dominating possession but could not increase their advantage. Substitute Rudi Froneman had an excellent run crashing through several defenders but another score eluded Tigers.
Both sides are to be congratulated on a highly competitive game in difficult conditions. The home side deserved their win having a greater share of possession and more territorial advantage. Ilkley are to be applauded for sticking to their task and defending strongly. Finally, credit to referee Mike Ramsden for an excellent performance that gave the spectators a good game to watch despite the difficult conditions.
Tigers now need only one victory from the matches against Goole and York to be champions of Yorkshire One.
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18/03/06 - Tigers 1st XV Beat Doncaster IIs in Friendly Fixture
Doncaster II 13 - Sheffield Tigers 20
No Match Report.
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11/03/06 - Tigers 1st XV Suffer First Defeat in Yorkshire League 1
Crossleyans 16 - Sheffield Tigers 11
This was an eagerly anticipated match as Crossleyans were second in the league and had lost only three matches, one of which was a 19-0 defeat at Tigers early in the season. They also had an unbeaten home record to defend. Crossleyans showed their intention to attack with an early handling movement from their twenty-two but several penalties for off-side by both teams prevented the game from having any rhythm. Crossleyans were having the bulk of possession and after six minutes went ahead through a penalty. Tiger’s first attack was after 10 minutes when from a line-out after a penalty kick to touch the ball was handled down the backs. From the ensuing maul number eight Edu Hanekom broke and raced 20 metres before the move ended with a knock-on just 5 metres short of the try line. Shortly after, Crossleyans doubled their lead with a successful penalty following a high tackle by Tigers in the midfield. Midway through the first half winger George Leach raced forty metres only to be tackled by the full-back. However the ball was quickly recycled down the backs and Tiger’s opposite wing Wayne Warren beat his man on the outside to score an unconverted try in the corner. Play then became scrappy with both sides being pressured into mistakes. There were knock-ons, offsides at rucks, forward passes and missed tackles but with the half time whistle approaching the Crossleyans wing forward scored a converted try to give them a half-time advantage of 13-5.
The second half started as badly as the first half had ended, when a kick failed to find touch and Tigers conceded a penalty at a ruck. This was moved forward 10 metres for talking to the referee and the successful penalty increased Crossleyans’ points to sixteen. Almost immediately a Beattie penalty reduced the deficit by three points. Tigers were now having their best spell of the match but were being countered by strong and determined Crossleyans’ defence. A second Beattie penalty cut the Crossleyans’ lead to only five points. Tigers then pressed hard but were reduced to fourteen men when centre Rudi Froneman was sin binned with fifteen minutes remaining. Almost immediately a break by substitute John Storey was stopped by the referee’s whistle for an adjudged forward pass when he was about to touch down to level the scores. This was Tigers last real chance as Crossleyans finished strongly and were not going to be denied a hard earned victory. Their stand-off was the man of the match for the way in which he controlled the game.
The result leaves Tigers needing two victories from their remaining three matches to be sure of promotion. However, the sterling performance of the Crossleyans team is a timely reminder of the away pressures that await next year in League North Two East.
11/03/06 - Tigers 3rd XV Too Good for Thornensians IIs
Thornensians II 7 - Sheffield Tigers 52
After a run of three defeats the Third`s got back to winning ways. A great team performance led to a 52 - 7 win away to Thorne 2nd`s, the pack set up a great platform against large opposition and quick recycling allowed space out wide for the pace of Nick, Tim and Daffyd.
Too many top performances to list, overall a very enjoyable day out.
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04/03/06 - Tigers 1st XV Selby Slips Help Tigers Score Seven in Yorkshire League 1
Sheffield Tigers 43 - Selby 17
Tigers played the first-half with the sun and a slight breeze behind them. After only ten minutes the ball went down the home backs and winger Wayne Warren passed back inside to Rob Pound in support who scored the first of Tigers’ seven tries. Selby were matching Tigers up front and from a scrum in the Tigers’ twenty-two a defensive tackle was missed in the mid-field and the Selby left wing ran through to score a converted try under the posts to give Selby a 7-5 lead after 15 minutes. Selby were continuing to press when they dropped the ball and Warren picked it up and sped 80 metres to score against the run of play. Craig Beattie converted for 12-7 after 20 minutes. Shortly after, the Selby stand-off dropped the ball and Abre Barry kicked on and won the race to touch down to increase the lead to 17-7. Selby dropped the ball for a third time 5 minutes later and were again punished. Pound passed inside to wing forward Stuart Holes who had the pace to get to the try line and Beattie converted successfully for 24-7. With half-time approaching Tigers scored their best try of the half when Beattie made an excellent break in midfield and was tackled a few metres short of the line. The ball was quickly recycled to the left and despite being dropped backwards Warren picked up and was quick enough and elusive enough to beat three Selby defenders to score an unconverted try in the corner. That made the half time score 29-7.
Selby started the second-half with another mistake when they dropped the ball and winger George Leach picked up. He raced in to score from 40 metres and Beattie converted for 36-7. Selby refused to give in and their spirits were lifted after 60 minutes when their centre made a break from 40 metres out and ran through three tackles to score in the corner. Tigers were quick to reply when a long pass from Barry gave Leach space to round his winger and cut back inside to link with back row forward Ian Cutts who scored Tigers’ seventh try. Beattie converted for 43-12. Selby continued to match Tigers up front and were still looking to play fifteen man rugby. Their determination was rewarded with the final try of the match when after good pressure their winger broke two tackles to score in the last ten minutes and make the full-time score 43-17.
Credit must go to Selby for their gutsy display and without their many mistakes in handling, the match would have been a lot closer. The grounds-man did an excellent job in getting the pitch playable when most of the matches in the league were postponed. Finally, the referee is to be complimented for allowing the game to flow on a cold day when the low sun made handling difficult. An unusual fact for those interested in statistics and for the record book was that none of the spectators could recall a single penalty being awarded to Tigers in the full eighty minutes of the match.
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25/02/06 - Tigers 1st XV Sit Out Non League Saturday
Sheffield Tigers 0
Tigers friendly against Sheffield cancelled due to Sheffields lack of fit front row players.
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18/02/06 - Tigers 1st XV Grind Out Win to Keep Lead in Yorkshire League 1
Wheatley Hills 9 - Sheffield Tigers 17
After a scrappy start in ideal conditions with a blue sky and no wind Wheatley Hills found their rhythm first and mounted attacks in the Tigers half, taking quick taps when penalties were awarded. They eventually were awarded with a 10 metre advance when Tigers interfered after one of these penalties to bring them within kicking distance, and stand off Matt Sanderson slotted over the kick after 8 minutes. Tigers came back 5 minutes later when a good kick by stand-off Craig Beattie was followed up fast by winger George Leach who forced Wheatley Hills to concede a lineout near their own line. A rolling maul from the lineout crossed the line for hooker Tom Ryder to be credited with the try converted by Beattie. A few minutes later Tigers had the opportunity to stretch their lead when they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, but went for the try and failed. For the next quarter of an hour Tigers had plenty of possession and position but failed to score, partly due to the giving away of a disproportionate number of penalties. On the half hour mark one of these was a double whammy with the first of three yellow cards being shown and Sanderson kicking another 3 points. Just before half time Tigers were reduced to 13 men with the second yellow card and Wheatley Hills went into the interval with a 9 – 7 advantage, Sanderson having got the 3 points with the last kick of the half.
The two man deficit meant that Wheatley Hills had the greater share of possession at the start of the second half but the Tigers defence held firm. Fifteen minutes into the half replacement scrum-half Abre Barry put up a chip kick and tackled the receiver. A slow clearance by Wheatley Hills was charged down by centre Doug Trivella who followed up to score an unconverted try. Five minutes later Tigers made the game safe when No. 8 Edu Hanokem forced his way over for an unconverted try following a rolling maul from a lineout some 15 metres out. A somewhat dour final 20 minutes, punctuated by stoppages and penalties, was enlightened by a couple of powerful runs from centre Rudi Froneman bouncing defenders out of the way like an American football running back. A third yellow card saw Tigers finish the game with 14 men but the 17-9 win keeps the goal of a second unbeaten league campaign alive.
18/02/06 - Tigers 3rd XV Complete Treble over Wheatley Hills IIIs
Wheatley Hills 19 - Sheffield Tigers 37
Tigers traveled to Wheatley Hills without any recognised props due to injuries throughout the club. This meant that scrums were uncontested from the start of the match, a fact that neither pack nor the referee were particularly happy with. Tigers began the game well troubling Wheatleys defensive line with good ball retention and keeping the ball alive with skill. Eventually the pressure told and Tigers took the lead as scrum-half Dave Clifton reacted quickly to a penalty and weaved his way through their pack before they could react, to score a converted try. Shortly afterwards Tigers turned the ball over on the halfway line and after a blindside break and kick by centre Ross Gillon, Rob Handley beat everybody and pounced on the ball under the posts to score another converted try. The referee began to pick up on Wheatley consistently killing the ball on the floor and entering rucks from the side in an attempt to stop the ball getting out to the Tigers backs. Two penalties in quick succession were given and both kicked by Gillon to give Tigers a 20-0 lead. A strong run by Wheatleys inside centre saw him break a tackle in midfield and step inside another to score a deserved try.
The second half started in much the same way as the first with Tigers applying the early pressure but the five substitutions that Wheatley made at half-time seemed to have refreshed their defensive line and they held on well in their own 22, but eventually Flanker Chris Richardson received a reverse pass from O’Neil and forced his way through and over the line taking two defenders with him. The middle period of the second half became scrappy and the frustration was beginning to show as there were a fair few handbags exchanged. Wheatley scored two quick tries before Tigers settled again to take control of the game for the last 20 minutes. Tigers should have scored several more times before Nick Shoebridge broke off his wing and picked a line straight through their defence to score a well worked try.
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11/02/06 - Tigers 1st XV Consolidate Lead in Yorkshire League 1
Sheffield Tigers 25 - Bridlington 8
A well deserved win against fellow promotion contenders Bridlington further consolidated Tigers’ position at the top of Yorkshire League 1. The opening exchanges were fairly even with both teams indicating an intention to keep ball in hand in the excellent playing conditions. The first hint of a scoring opportunity came after 8 minutes when Tigers’ full back Eugene Martin picked up a loose ball near his own line, and his long clearance kick bounced up into the arms of flying winger Wayne Warren who made 30 metres before finding flanker Ian Cutts who was bundled into touch short of the line. By midway through the half Tigers were just beginning to get the ascendancy, partly due to a rampaging back-row who were working well as a unit taking ball in hand into the Bridlington defence and pressuring with aggressive tackling when the opposition had the ball. It was no surprise when flanker Stuart Holes broke from a ruck, made about 15 metres and popped up the ball to No. 8 Edu Hanokem who forced his way over for an unconverted try. The lead increased 5 minutes later when after a period of good ball retention by Tigers the Bridlington defence strayed offside and stand-off Craig Beattie slotted over the penalty. The two score advantage was quickly wiped out when Tigers infringed from the restart, Bridlington centre Tom Kemp kicking the penalty. This led to Bridlington upping their game and for the last 5 minutes of the half they tried to get over with a series of forward drives and rolling mauls, but the Tigers defence was resolute and Tigers ended the half 8 - 3 up.
Early in the second half Tigers were awarded a kickable penalty opportunity that they declined, going for the lineout and rolling maul. Although the maul crossed the line the ball wasn’t grounded and eventually Bridlington relieved the pressure. They were still deep in their own half a couple of minutes later when their full-back intercepted a floated pass and sprinted 80 metres to touch down. The relatively easy conversion was missed leaving the scores level at 8 – 8. Tigers were by now the stronger team and in the scrums in particular were driving the Bridlington pack back. On the 20 minute mark replacement centre Doug Trivella nearly got over and at the subsequent 5 metre scrum the Bridlington pack were pushed back over the line, but Tigers couldn’t turn pressure into points. The game began to lose some momentum as there were a series of lengthy stoppages for a succession of Bridlington injuries that culminated in the last 15 minutes of the match being played with uncontested scrums. This neutered Tigers great advantage in this area. With 10 minutes to go a series of rolling mauls tied in the Bridlington defence to allow scrum-half Neil Pearson to dart through a gap to score under the posts and give Beattie an easy conversion. Beattie was to score all of the remainder of Tigers’ points. With a minute to go he struck a penalty and from the restart the ball was moved wide under pressure. Beattie got the ball with one defender to beat and an unmarked Warren outside him. He trusted his pace against the defence over 50 metres to score the try, which he then converted for the final whistle to go and give Tigers a 25 – 8 win.
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04/02/06 - Tigers 1st XV Sit Out Non League Saturday
Sheffield Tigers 0
Tigers were unable to fulfil a friendly match at Driffield on this Non League Saturday.
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28/01/06 - Tigers 1st XV Say Farewell to Van Der Merwe with a Good Win in Yorkshire League 1
Huddersfield YMCA 13 - Sheffield Tigers 34
Tigers started the match in adventurous fashion when a move the length of the field from a line-out ended with winger George Leach just being tackled into touch. After five minutes YM failed to find touch, full-back Eugene Martin turned brilliantly to avoid the oncoming tackler, linked with number eight Edu Hanekom who made good metres before passing inside to scrum-half Neil Pearson for the first try. Craig Beattie converted. Despite this early try Tigers were having to withstand territorial dominance by YM and successive penalty kicks at goal were turned down in favour of kicks to the corner for line-outs. However, the Tigers defence held firm and from a line-out on their own line, Tigers stole the ball in a combined tackle by captain Harry Toews and Pearson. It was spun quickly down the backs and a reverse pass by Martin released centre Rudi Froneman inside his own half. His pace beat two YM defenders and then he weaved his way past the last man to score an excellent try. YM continued to have more of the play and their absence of a goal kicker resulted in penalty kicks for position and continued defensive pressure on Tigers. With 10 minutes till half-time both Froneman and Pearson were yellow carded for trying to illegally disrupt YM possession. Things looked grim for Tigers but once again the teams grit and determination showed through and the tackles continued to be made. The YM centre then missed the simplest of chances to get YM back into the game when he dropped the ball with the route to the line wide open. Half time arrived with the score still no points to YM and twelve to Tigers.
The second half started with Tigers back to full strength but YM scoring a try. Tigers did not win their line-out ball and YM were awarded a penalty for slapping the ball out of an opponents hands. The maul from the line-out made some metres before the YM wing-forward broke with the ball and raced 15 metres to score an unconverted try. Tigers replied almost immediately with a settling penalty from Martin. After 55 minutes, Phillip van de Merwe, who was making his last appearance for Tigers before returning home to South Africa, took good line-out ball. The pack drove the ball towards the YM line and Pearson made a break. The ball was recycled for Hanekom to drive over through three YM defenders. Martin converted to increase the lead to 22-5. This was reduced by three points when YM just succeeded in kicking a penalty when Tigers were penalised for going over the top at a ruck. Winger Wayne Warren then made an excellent long return run deep into the YM half before a rare penalty to Tigers was kicked to the corner. The well rehearsed catch and drive saw YM forced back 10 metres over their own line and prop Tom Ryder ground the ball for a well worked try. Martin converted for 29-5 after 65 minutes. The YM pack were not about to give up and gave Tigers tackling practice with a succession of short balls to men on the burst. The Tigers defence again remained solid and the pressure was relieved by an excellent sixty metre break by Stuart Holes following his pick up of a loose YM ball. A second break with five minutes to go produced arguably the best try of the match. Turn over ball was passed left down the Tigers back line. Martin did one of his trade mark reverse passes to Warren who made good ground into centre field before linking to Holes. His well timed pass was finished by Leach in the right hand corner to round off a superb sweeping move down the length of the pitch. With full time approaching YM scored a deserved final consolation try when their centre made an outside break from 20 metres out and his pace carried him through the Tigers defence to score a fine individual try. This make the final score 34 – 13 to Tigers.
This was another excellent away performance against a side that look too good to be relegated. Tigers continue to have a variety of game plans and showed once again how dangerous they can be from any position on the field.
28/01/06 - Tigers 3rd XV Leave No Hope for the Valley
Hope Valley 0 - Sheffield Tigers 56
On a glorious January afternoon in the Peaks, Tigers started strongly with several battling exchanges between the two sets of forwards. Tigers were recycling the ball well and beginning to show very quickly that they were a technically superior team. A fantastic step and break by fly-half Kyle Robertson led to the first try under the posts and a conversion by stand in full-back Ross Gillon. After several more forays into Hope Valleys 22, Tigers began to get a bit frustrated with several scoring moves not quite going right. Another break through in midfield allowed winger Dafydd Evans to go over unopposed in the corner after an unselfish moment from the hooker Gareth Kite. Shortly after that the other Wing Chris Abbishaw beautifully finished another move on the far side by beating both his own man and the full-back, both conversions from the touchline were converted by Gillon. With the score 21-0 at half-time, Tigers were looking for a full 5 pointer from a fixture that they really struggled with last year.
Tigers started the second half exactly the way they ended the first, with an outstanding defensive performance. Valley seemed anxious to play 12 man rugby, hitting the fringes was giving them no joy so they foolishly decided to attempt to run everything at 12. Unfortunately for them Tigers inside centre Ian Meyer back from a run with the second XV didn’t give away a single metre all game to a man considerably larger than himself and put in more than a few memorable tackles (or more accurately described as dumps!). With the Tigers pack giving away so much weight to their opposition the platform they created seemed even more impressive. Unluckily one of the Tigers centre’s, Tim Dennis, was forced to leave the field with a hamstring injury after some powerful runs, this led to the return of captain Phil Tomlinson back into the side after several weeks out injured. With Tigers dominating open play the game began to become a display of fantastic finishing with both the wingers Chris and Daf getting hat-tricks with one of Chris’s involving him running over their number eight! With Gillon converting all 8 try’s an impressive 56-0 scoreline was the result. A good all round effort with Tigers righting some of the wrongs from the past few weeks and putting in probably their most clinical performance of the year. The thirds keep going from strength to strength!
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21/01/06 - Tigers 1st XV Shine in the Sunshine in Yorkshire League 1
Sheffield Tigers 36 - Keighley 0
The weather at Dore Moor for a match in January had probably never been better with sunshine, temperatures well above freezing and only the odd gentle breeze. However, although both sides were guilty of dropping the ball early on, Tigers were determined to play an expansive game. The pattern was one of a forward drive and then ball released down the backs. On 10 minutes this was rewarded when winger Wayne Warren was tackled by the full-back near the corner flag and his inside pass was well gathered by centre Rudi Froneman to score an unconverted try. Five minutes later an excellent 40 metre break by stand-off Craig Beattie enabled Froneman to score his second try which Beattie converted. Tigers were gaining total dominance at this stage and only dogged defence by the Keighley backs prevented further scores. It was surprising that it took until the thirty second minute for the next score to come. Warren was tackled short and from the scrum a good drive by the pack saw number eight Edu Hanekom pick up and score. The conversion was just wide leaving the score at 17-0. The half ended with Keighley enjoying a rare visit to the Tigers twenty-two.
After half-time Tigers welcomed back Doug Trivella to first team action and almost immediately he took a short ball in the centre to burst through the Keighley mid-field. Good support play and well timed passes saw wing forward Stuart Holes excellent support play rewarded with a try converted by Eugene Martin, himself returning to first team action after a long absence through injury. Keighley were continuing to defend well against constant Tigers possession until a break and chip ahead by Beattie resulted in a penalty and a yellow card for the Keighley left wing when he tackled the Tigers’ stand off without the ball. The penalty was kicked to the corner and the pack displayed their well rehearsed routine of driving hooker Dave Price over the line for a try converted by Martin. That made the score 31-0 after fifty minutes and it seemed as if the flood gates would open. However, determined defence, over elaborate moves and dropped and forward passes by the Tigers backs resulted in no further score until five minutes from the end. Keighley were driven off their ball at a scrum near their line and Hanekom repeated his score of the first half when he picked up and was strong enough to drive over. His day ended disappointingly when he was yellow carded and thus prevented from having the chance to complete his hat trick as Tigers finished the match with 14 players.
This was another very solid performance based on forward dominance. The penalty count against Tigers was too high and when this is reduced and the backs really click some unfortunate team will receive a very heavy defeat at Dore Moor.
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14/01/06 - Tigers 1st XV Sit Out Non League Saturday
Sheffield Tigers 0
Tigers were unable to arrange a friendly match for this Non League Saturday.
14/01/06 - Tigers 3rd XV Hold Out for Victory at Castle College
Castle College 15 - Sheffield Tigers 21
A delayed kick off at Castle College’s new home in Dronfield saw Tigers assert good early pressure and spend a considerable amount of the first-half in Castles 22. Several strong breaks by Ian Meyer and Ross Gillon gained Tigers good ground but many of the moves just seemed to lack the finishing pass to get them on to the scorecard. A beefed-up tight five held their own against a large College pack that included Tigers hard man Ian Cutts, and at times dominated them in the set piece. It became obvious that if the Tigers backs could manage three passes in a move then they would easily get behind Colleges back line, but persistent offside by the opposition midfield and some dubious handling prevented this. A set piece in the middle of the park led to the first score where a miss-loop seemed to mystify the defence and Ian Meyer skipped through a gap before floating a pass out to full-back Dafydd Evans who finished superbly gassing his man on the outside, with Ed O’Neil slotting the conversion from the touchline. With Tigers still looking dominant the ball began to get thrown about again with several scores just prevented by resolute defence from Castle. Shortly afterwards another backs move came to fruition as centre Ross Gillon showed good strength to go over just under the posts. With the half coming to a close a series of penalties on Castles 5 metre line looked like being wasted until a tap penalty was received by back-row Richard Pearce who handed off two opponents to finish under the posts. The half finished 21-0 to Tigers and it had begun to look like a rout.
Tigers lost number-eight Paul Tearle at half-time due to an elbow injury, who was replaced by Greg Hill, requiring a small reshuffle in the pack. The first ten minutes were scrappy with ball being lost by both sides and the rucks descending into lawlessness with the referee missing College repeatedly killing the ball and using hands on the floor. Castle, started the half better and scored twice fairly quickly once from a rolling maul, and once by capitalising on a poor Tigers defensive line that had been slow to re-organise all game. This, with a penalty from Castle made the last ten minutes fairly tight until several breaks from Tigers looked like sealing the win but with a mix of last gasp tackling and poor decision making, opportunities were wasted. Tigers dug out a win in a close fought game that goes to show the ability of this side to win under different circumstances, with 21-15 not an unfair result but it was a lot closer than it should of been.
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07/01/06 - Tigers 1st XV Start New Year with Victory in Yorkshire League 1
Pontefract 6 - Sheffield Tigers 21
Pontefract kicked off on a grey, damp afternoon at Moor Lane. In the early skirmishes Tigers recycled their possession well and stand-off Craig Beattie made some good kicks for position. The first score was after 15 minutes when Pontefract were adjudged offside at a ruck and Beattie kicked the three points. From the restart Tigers did not gather the ball successfully and after pressure in their twenty-two were forced to concede a penalty that levelled the scores. Tigers then attacked and a good break by Stuart Holes and fine support by Ian Cutts and Harry Toews released winger George Leach but he was tackled into touch just short of the line. The pack was now starting to drive Pontefract backwards in loose play and after 30 minutes Pontefract were penalised for handling in a ruck and Beattie restored the lead. As half time neared, Jono Storey adopted the direct approach when he received the ball in the centre, straightened and ran in for a try from 30 metres. The half was nearly over but Pontefract responded with good handling and recycling in the middle of the park. Their willingness to keep the ball alive was rewarded when Tigers were penalised and the penalty kick was successful to make the half time score 11-6 in Tigers favour.
The lights came on for the second half and Tigers were again recycling the ball well. This enabled Beattie to pin Pontefract in their own half. An excellent pick up by Cutts allowed Rudi Froneman to make a break in the centre, but despite a lot of possession Tigers were not allowed to score due to excellent defence by the entire Pontefract team. A snap drop goal attempt by Storey went just wide before a kickable penalty was declined in favour of a kick to the corner. From the line out the pack drove over from 10 metres and Cutts surfaced with the ball to increase the lead to 16-6 after 60 minutes. Tigers then made all their substitutions and despite coming under pressure in the set pieces continued to dominate both possession and territorially. A repeat of the move that led to the Cutts try was this time defended successfully by Pontefract and with the game entering the last five minutes Pontefract were having to defend yet again. Tigers spilled the ball 30 metres out but scrum half Neil Pearson cleaned up, went left and linked with Storey who ran through a tired Pontefract defence and his strength took him over the line to complete the scoring.
Credit must go to a Pontefract side that never gave up despite having to defend for nearly all of the second half. This was their first home defeat this season and Tigers can take pride in another solid team performance. Highlights of the game were Froneman’s tackling in the centre. In the club house afterwards the Pontefract committee decided that Edu Hanoken was the Tigers man of the match for the way in which he carried the ball forward strongly and enthusiastically for the full eighty minutes.
07/01/06 - Tigers 3rd XV Overcome Slow Start to Beat Pontefract IIIs
Pontefract 12 - Sheffield Tigers 38
Tigers started poorly and after several missed tackles and some scrappy exchanges in midfield were quickly 12-0 down with Pontefract IIIs taking their early chances well. From the second restart Tigers instantly looked like a different side and began to settle down and organise more quickly. Breaks by fullback Phil Tomlinson and center Ian Meyer set up two fantastic finishes for debutant wing Rick Hennesey. The game was still competitive with Tigers not always playing intelligent rugby but strong individual performances and excellent support kept the side moving forward. The second half showed a much more galvanised Tigers team take the field with the forwards working very effectively as a unit and beginning to push Pontefract’s scrum backwards. With Man of the Match Meyer running riot in the midfield the game opened up for Tigers and wing Hennessey scored his hat-trick receiving a pass from Meyer that all those playing will probably remember all season. Champagne Moment! There were two further tries from Meyer and Prop Mat Dyson in his first game back from serious injury. It is probably fair to say that several other moves probably should have resulted in tries to Tigers but were either cut off by Pontefract’s defensive effort or not used effectively. Again another good win for the Thirds who keep on going from strength to strength. Keep it up boys!
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17/12/05 - Tigers 1st XV Finish Year Undefeated in Yorkshire League 1
Sheffield Tigers 36 - Bradford Salem 13
A cold day at Dore Moor saw Bradford take the lead in the first minute when Tigers were adjudged to have gone over the top at the first ruck and the resulting penalty was kicked. Any continuity was difficult as Tigers conceded a string of penalties for offside but a good break by John Storey and a run by Wayne Warren settled the team. After 15 minutes it was Salem’s turn to be offside at a ruck and stand-off Craig Beattie levelled the scores. Tigers were now starting to play fifteen man rugby, enjoying the bulk of possession and scored two tries in five minutes. After 30 minutes they were awarded a penalty that was kicked to the corner. From the resulting line out a second penalty saw a quick tap and a clever piece of handling involving captain Harry Toews allowed second row Philip van de Merwe to stroll in unopposed for a try converted by Beattie. Five minutes later a strong drive by Edu Hanoken and good passing saw centre Paul Hirst score a try from an overlap. This made the half time score 15-3 to Tigers.
At the start of the second half and with Salem still with only fourteen men on the pitch Neil Pearson scored an excellent individualistic try. Picking up the ball from a ruck 30 metres out he went through a gap in the Salem midfield, stepped inside the full back and was strong enough to cross the line for a try again converted by Beattie. Almost as soon as they were back to full strength Salem kicked their second penalty to make the score 22-6. They then had their best spell of the match and only dropped passes and fine Tiger’s defence prevented them from further reducing the deficit. With 10 minutes of play left, Tiger’s increased their lead when the pack drove Edu Hanoken over from short range and Beattie converted. Salem continued to try to play good rugby and achieved the reward their endeavour deserved when their replacement second-row drove over from short range for a converted try. With the player’s studs making a clatter as the frost started to get into the pitch Beattie completed the scoring himself with a classic stand-off try. Taking the ball 15 metres out he stepped inside his marker, straightened with electrifying pace and crossed the line for a try he himself converted.
The final score of 36-13 was just the present the home supporters deserved for turning out on such a cold afternoon. The players did well to produce a good game when cold hands made handling difficult and prop Chris Tipene had a fine debut. Tiger’s can look forward to a two week Xmas break and enjoy their five point lead at the top of Yorkshire One.
17/12/05 - Tigers 3rd XV Run Riot over Bradford Salem IIIs
Sheffield Tigers 69 - Bradford Salem 7
The last game of 2005 started on a very firm top pitch at Dore Moor. Bradford Salem had last minute problems with numbers but travelled anyway and so started with no less than 5 Tigers players in their ranks. Despite having lost vice captain Ed O’Neil in the warm up to a calf injury the Tigers back line immediately began to dominate the game and had quickly scored 3 tries. Playing down the slight slope in the first half, it had begun to look like a very one sided contest as Tigers speedsters Dafydd Evans, Chris Abbishaw and Tim Bowman were carving through the gaps just wide of midfield at will. Again it was the fantastic support play from the 3rds that looked like being the cause of a big victory but Bradford began to organise and the game became a more even contest for a while. This led to some serious pressure from the Tigers forwards with some strong runs by Kirk Andrews and the Hogster.
The second half continued with the Tigers pack winning turnover ball everytime Bradford got possession with some sterling steals by Rob Handley leading to several scores. A period of pressure from Bradford resulted in Tigers Vet, Big Jim, barrelling several Tigers out of the way for Bradford’s only score. Almost straight away blindside Handley stole a ball and was clear through from our 22 but unfortunately got caught by one of one of Bradford's front row.
Another fantastic performance by the boys with the Welsh Wizard Dafydd getting 4 tries and several others being charged with jug avoidance.
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10/12/05 - Tigers 1st XV Maintain 3 Point Lead in Yorkshire League 1
Sheffield Tigers 29 - Goole 10
The first score of the match came after only 5 minutes with a break from a scrum by Tigers. Good handling by the backs, a strong forward drive and quick recycling allowed Jon Storey to burst through a gap in the Goole midfield to score a try converted by Craig Beattie. As the first half progressed Tigers passed more of their possession along the back-line and Matt Walker was unlucky to have the ball dislodged as he entered the line from fullback. However, continuity was difficult as both sides conceded penalties for killing the opponents ruck ball. Beattie’s two breaks from stand-off showed that he is settling into the team and then the three-quarters got the ball to winger George Leach who scored an unconverted try after 30 minutes. At 12-0 up, Tigers were fortunate when a Goole penalty kick for questioning the referees decision fell just short. The half ended with the Goole standoff kicking a penalty and Beattie replying for Tigers. Half time score 15-3 to Tigers.
Tigers started the second half strongly and after five minutes a long kick down field resulted in a Goole second row being sin binned for ten minutes. The lineout from the resulting penalty was driven over from 15 metres by the pack with Ian Cutts emerging with the ball. Beattie converted to increase the lead to 22-3. Within 5 minutes the same ploy was repeated on the opposite side of the pitch and this time Phillip van de Merwe was the scorer, Beattie again converting. It looked as though the flood gates were about to open but Tigers then had prop John Ashley sent off for retaliating to a Goole penalty offence and soon had all 3 substitutes on the field. With the sin binning of a Tigers player, Goole took full advantage of playing against only thirteen men to put pressure on the Tigers side. However, the defence was resolute until the last minute when a tap penalty created a gap in the three quarters and the Goole centre scored a converted try to make the final score 29 – 10 to Tigers.
This was another hard match where the opposition performance belied their position near the foot of the league table. Mention must also be made of the very good performance of the exchange referee Mark Wells from the London Society.
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03/12/05 - Tigers 1st XV Honours Even in Yorkshire League 1 Match
York 12 - Sheffield Tigers 12
York kicked off and Tigers immediately missed a tackle in the three-quarters to concede a penalty for holding back and went 3-0 down after only a minute. This roused the forwards who drove York back from their own 22 metre line to half-way. A penalty to the corner enabled Tigers to put pressure on the York line. From a scrum the ball went down the Tigers backs and George Leach stood up in the tackle, the forwards recycled the ball and centre Rudi Froneman crashed through the York midfield for a try. Richard Butler converted for a 7-3 lead to Tigers after 12 minutes. Play was very physical with Tigers struggling in the set piece but driving York back at will in the maul. A try was disallowed for a Tigers offence as they were about to touch down for a try during one of these strong forward drives and several penalties conceded for querying the decisions of the referee. York then exerted pressure on the Tigers line but brilliant defensive play by fullback Brian Loftus saved a try. Good positional kicks by Butler followed by a penalty to the corner led to a second try for Tigers when the pack drove hooker Dave Price over for an unconverted try on 35 minutes. 12-3 to Tigers. As half-time approached there was a most unsavoury incident with several players involved and flanker Ian Cutts was forced to leave the field with facial injuries. York were fortunate to have 15 players left on the field after this exchange as earlier a dangerous football style challenge on winger Wayne Warren had also gone unpunished. Yet another forward drive nearly brought a further try but Philip van de Merwe was adjudged to be in touch in goal as he grounded the ball.
In the second half York were beginning to get more ball and their stand-off was controlling the game. Only a smother tackle / charge down by Loftus on the dangerous York left winger saved a likely try. Most of the play was in the Tigers half but good defence prevented York crossing the try line. However, the pressure told when the backs were given offside and the penalty narrowed the lead to 12-6 after 50 minutes. Tigers had a player sin binned for a high tackle and then had to withstand heavy York pressure. A fairly straight forward dropped goal was missed by York and then unfortunately an equally straight forward penalty was missed by Tigers. As the match entered its last 10 minutes the York stand off kicked a third penalty and then levelled the scores with 5 minutes left when the Tigers backs were caught off-side. Most of the possession was with York and as the game entered injury time the York stand-off again kicked cross field to the speedy left winger who gathered the ball on the half-way line, beat two Tigers backs and was setting sail for the try line as wing forward Stuart Holes arrived to deliver what will almost certainly be the tackle of the season. The winger was stopped in his tracks and a certain try saved. This together with his excellent all round match made Holes a deserved Tigers man of the match.
This was a hard won point which preserved Tigers unbeaten league record. The match showed once again that there are no easy matches in Yorkshire One and that opponents will always raise their game against a side now sitting three points clear at the top of the table.
03/12/05 - Tigers 3rd XV Edge it over York IIIs
Sheffield Tigers 16 - York 10
On a very damp afternoon at Dore Moor Tigers 3rds started in an uncharacteristically sloppy fashion against a well organised York 3rd team. York playing with two of Tigers subs took full advantage of this and were quickly 10-0 up with Tigers sub Paul Doorwood finishing one of the moves. This seemed to galvanise the Tigers pack who began to take control of the game allowing the backs some room with the ball. Several strong breaks by Kirk Andrews and Rob Handley eventually led to nothing in what proved to be a frustrating half for Tigers. At the interval Tigers were still 10 points adrift.
Playing up the slight slope in the second half, Tigers looked like a different team as the back line started to dominate and were beginning to run the game with both the Tigers wingers, Chris Abbishaw and Daffyd Evans scoring. In the end 16-10 was a slightly flattering result to York as the gusting wind and freezing rain made it difficult for stand-off Ed O’Neil to kick the penalties awarded against York as a result of the Tigers pressure. Another fantastic effort from the boys ensured the 3rd XV continued their good season with yet another victory.
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26/11/05 - Tigers 1st XV Take Honours in Steel City Rugby Derby
Sheffield Tigers 31 - Sheffield 0
There was a scrappy but competitive start to the game between local rivals who had not played each other at first team level within the memories of most supporters. The first score came when Sheffield were adjudged offside at a ruck and Richard Butler kicked the penalty for Tigers. Sheffield then pressed only to spill the ball and Tigers showed their enthusiasm to run the ball from the break down on their own 22 metre line. After 20 minutes and a strong Tigers’ forward drive the ball went down the backs again only to go to ground. However, the referee had spotted the Sheffield backs offside and Butler kicked his second penalty. There followed a frustrating period of play with a lot of whistle from the official. Stuart Holes then made an excellent break for Tigers and after three forward drives the ball was moved to centre Rudi Froneman who crashed over the line. The half ended with Sheffield again under pressure in the forwards and forced to concede another penalty for offside that Butler converted to make the half time score 14-0 to Tigers.
Tigers did not have the advantage of the wind in the second half but kicked well from hand to pin Sheffield deep in their own half. From a line-out the pack drove the Sheffield forwards backwards and over their try line from 10 metres out with hooker Dave Price emerging with the ball. A skirmish shortly after saw both sides reduced to fourteen men for ten minutes as prop John Ashley and the Sheffield left winger disagreed over some matter. A Sheffield dropped ball on the half-way line was kicked on by Froneman but the referee adjudged that he did not touch it down. However, the next try was scored shortly after when the Tigers pack again drove Sheffield backwards. The ball was released down the backs and debutant winger John Shaw scored in the corner for 24-0 on the hour. As the players started to get really cold and the light began to fade Sheffield backs again dropped the ball on the half-way line. This time they were made to pay as Tigers full back Brian Loftus picked up to race 50 metres to score underneath the posts. Butler converted to make the final score 31-0.
This was another good performance by Tigers against a team in the division above Yorkshire One. The pack were outstanding with a blend of power and finesse. The backs played well in defence and used the small amount of ball that they had in attack, to good advantage. All in all it was a very satisfying performance and an even more satisfying result. Tigers travel to York next week for what promises to be a tough league game. All supporters are welcome.
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19/11/05 - Tigers 1st XV Increase Lead at Top of Yorkshire League 1
Bradford Salem 15 - Sheffield Tigers 24
The match took place on a dry cold day with the frost just about out of the pitch. Early on Stuart Holes picked up from a steady Tigers scrum to make a good break. The ball went both directions down the backs but finally was dropped out on the wing as the low angle sun was causing visibility problems. Several other passes were also spilled later for the same reason. An early blood injury saw Anthony Parkin briefly replace captain Harry Toews. From a penalty Tigers kicked deep into the Bradford Salem corner and from the ensuing line-out, good recycling by forwards and backs forced Salem to give away a penalty under the posts which stand-off Craig Beattie kicked for a 3-0 lead after 13 minutes. The momentum was lost almost immediately as second row newcomer Philip van de Merwe was yellow carded for a late shoulder charge. Now it was Salem’s turn to press and on twenty minutes following quick recycling a player was set free on the touchline to score a converted try. The four point Salem lead lasted only 5 minutes when Beattie kicked a second penalty. However, Tigers had not learned from the earlier incident as centre Rudi Froneman was then yellow carded for a late challenge. This led to further Salem pressure and a penalty to increase the lead to 10-6. Tigers were fortunate that Salem did not increase their lead further when the stand-off missed a drop goal attempt when a pass would probably have resulted in a try. As half time approached Tigers were getting frustrated by some of the decisions going against them and were conceding penalties to give Salem territorial advantage. On the stroke of half time a long range penalty attempt by Beattie failed, to leave the score at 10-6 in favour of Salem.
The second half started ominously for Salem as the Tigers’ pack took a line-out from 20 metres out and drove the ball over the try line. Hooker Dave Price claimed his third try of the season to put Tigers 11-10 in front. This heralded a purple patch of play from the Tigers’ forwards. Penalty kicks for position resulted in a try for Van de Merwe after another storming drive by the Tigers’ pack. Beattie converted to increase the lead to eight points and then added a further penalty. This only spurred Salem into greater efforts and they were rewarded with a slightly fortuitous try when the full-back joined the line, juggled the ball, regained it and scored. The last 5 minutes saw Tigers hanging on to a narrow six point lead and Salem becoming increasingly desperate to get possession. This culminated in one of their second-rows being yellow carded, followed swiftly by their open-side when preventing the Tigers pack from driving over for a third try. From the penalty Beattie added three points to make the final score 24-15.
This was a hard earned victory for Tigers against gritty opponents who never gave up. The referee is to be complimented for his handling of what could have become a difficult game. In the conditions the crowd were entertained to a good match. The result leaves Tigers still undefeated and four points clear at the top of Yorkshire 1.
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12/11/05 - Tigers 1st XV Beattie Bags 13 points on 1st XV Debut in Yorkshire League 1 Victory
Sheffield Tigers 33 - Pontefract 20
Playing against the strong wind Tigers got on the scoreboard after only 3 minutes. A clean lineout ball some 30 metres out was passed short to flanker Stewart Holes who found a gap and had the pace to go through it and force his way over for a try converted by stand-off Craig Beattie. However, it didn’t take Pontefract long to reply. A poor clearance kick was fielded by right wing Matthew Hargreaves who made good ground before setting up a maul. Quick ball ensured an overlap on the other side of the pitch and full back Dave Thorpe ran in for an unconverted try. After 9 minutes a penalty gave Tigers a good position deep in the Pontefract half. The lineout maul was held up short of the line but the ball came back for Neil Pearson to make a classic scrum-half blind side break and force his way over for an unconverted try. Tigers looked like they would increase their lead midway though the half. Full back Matt Walker released wing Brian Loftus who linked with Holes and a maul was set up short of the line. Pontefract encroached offside. Beattie struck his penalty kick well but as it rose the wind caught it and held it up short of the posts. Pontefract were fully occupying the Tigers pack in the close quarter encounters and with the wind were gaining some territorial advantage. After 33 minutes they narrowed the gap through a penalty by centre Andrew Dean. Just before half time they took a 15 – 12 lead when another misdirected Tigers clearance kick failed to find touch and Pontefract counter attacked with Thorpe getting his second try converted by Dean.
Tigers put pressure on the Pontefract line right from the restart but the ball was turned over and the line cleared. From the ensuing lineout Tigers worked the ball through a couple of phases in the midfield before prop Harry Toews got over from short range, Beattie getting the conversion and restoring Tigers’ lead. Ten minutes into the half Toews scored his second try when a lineout maul, set up in the corner from a chip and chase from Walker, rumbled over the line. Beattie struck a sweet conversion from the touchline. Tigers were now dominating and midway through the half the pack drove a maul some 25 metres before releasing the threequarters. Centre Jono Storey stepped inside to set up a maul in front of the posts and when the ball emerged Beattie took advantage of a slightly hesitant defence to go through a half gap for a try. His conversion gave him a total of 13 points on his 1st XV debut. With the game effectively won Tigers put on all of their replacements, making positional changes in both backs and forwards in the process. This lead to some loss of momentum and it was Pontefract who had the last word when, five minutes from the end when, a long miss pass gave replacement wing Paul Novak space to run in at the corner for an unconverted try and leave the final score 33-20 in Tigers’ favour.
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05/11/05 - Tigers 1st XV Have Cup Saturday Off
Sheffield Tigers 0
Having been knocked out of the PowerGen Intermediate Cup by Huddersfield from League North 1 in the previous round, Tigers decided to give the squad a week off before returning to League action next week.
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29/10/05 - Tigers 1st XV Repeat Performance to Stay Top of Yorkshire League 1
Keighley 12 - Sheffield Tigers 24
Keighley came into this game looking for the opportunity to avenge their Yorkshire Shield Semi-final defeat by Tigers at the end of last season, but the strong wind and tight defences of both sides made it difficult for either side to achieve any continuity. The only chances in the first quarter were a penalty kick to each side, both of which drifted wide. The stalemate was broken after 22 minutes when Keighley opted to put a penalty kick in the corner rather than attempt a kick at goal. From the resulting lineout their rolling maul got some momentum going and lock Richard Leach touched down for an unconverted try. Tigers replied 6 minutes later when they attempted the same ploy but from further out. The maul was stopped short of the line but the ball was moved into the midfield for centre Jono Storey to burst through to the line for a try converted by stand-off Richard Butler. Having scored, Tigers upped their game and nearly increased their lead a couple of minutes later when flanker Ian Cutts turned over a Keighley ball after the tackle near their posts and Tigers almost got over for the try. The Tigers’ pressure was soon rewarded when they took a scrum against the head some 35 metres out. A quick pick up by No. 8 Matt Wood allowed him to make the crucial couple of metres behind the Keighley defence and he offloaded to Cutts who sprinted in for a try reminiscent of the one he scored in his last visit to Keighley for the Yorkshire Shield match. Butler converted to give Tigers a 14 – 5 half time lead.
Tigers started the second half the way they finished the first by putting pressure on Keighley. A strong break by Storey was continued by prop Harry Toews and although the ball was mauled over the line it was held up and the referee awarded a 5 metre scrum. Scrum half Neil Pearson broke to the narrow blind side and committed the defending wing to hesitate enough to make space for wing Wayne Warren to squeeze in at the corner for an unconverted try. Tigers were beginning to dominate the play and 10 minutes into the half asserted their superiority when they drove a lineout maul some 25 metres before releasing Pearson whose break beat the defence for another unconverted try. The select band of Tigers supporters now expected their team to stretch ahead but, as in the previous week, the players tried to force the pace and errors were made. Keighley weren’t for capitulating and had the last word five minutes from the end when the Tigers defence lost its shape in loose play and wing Nigel Curr had the pace to get over for a try converted by stand off John Harrison.
The win keeps Tigers top of the League but the chasing group are still very much in contention and a lot of work will have to be done to gain promotion. Injuries and unavailabilities have meant that the team hasn’t quite gelled yet, and it is interesting to note that only six of the squad who played against Keighley at the end of last season were in yesterday’s squad.
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22/10/05 - Tigers 1st XV Another Win to Retain Lead in Yorkshire League 1
Sheffield Tigers 23 - Huddersfield YMCA 7
Although Huddersfield YM came into this Yorkshire 1 League match having struggled this season they started the stronger of the two teams and had the best of the early exchanges. However it was Tigers who opened the scoring after 12 minutes when lock Chris Peel pinched a YM lineout ball in their 22. Centre Paul Hirst stepped inside to take on the defence and his short pass found fellow centre Jono Storey who forced his way over for an unconverted try. Five minutes later it looked like Tigers were going to score again when Wayne Warren left his right wing to attack through the middle and give a half chance to left wing Brian Loftus but he was forced into touch at the corner. From the ensuing lineout YM were penalised for killing the ball and Storey kicked the 3 points. Tigers were beginning to show their superiority, particularly in the midfield where Storey and Hirst were causing problems for the defence even from first phase ball. From a lineout Storey committed two defenders and was strong enough to stand up in the tackle and release Loftus for a run in try which Storey converted. Tigers increased their lead just before half time when they pressured YM into shovelling bad ball back and managed to turn over possession. Hirst opened up the defence to put Storey over for his second try and give Tigers a 20 point lead at the interval.
Tigers might have been expected to run up a big score in the second half but the change of ends and a change in the weather as the rain began to pelt down didn’t seem to do them any good. Although individuals, with flanker Stewart Holes particularly noticeable, were making ground there was little cohesion in the play. A liberal interpretation of the offside law when Tigers tried to move the ball wide often saw players getting man and ball together and the game turned scrappy. With 5 minutes to go YM scored in one of their rare incursions into the Tigers 22 when lock Simon Whitehead forced his way over for a try converted by stand off James Stephenson. Tigers almost had the last word when a break by Storey put Hirst through, but he hit the post and couldn’t ground the ball. The ref blew for full time and although this wasn’t one of Tigers’ better performances the win keeps them at the top of Yorkshire 1.
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15/10/05 - Tigers 1st XV Unbeaten Run Finally Ended by North 1 Side Huddersfield in RFU PowerGen Intermediate Cup Tie
Sheffield Tigers 10 - Huddersfield 20
After a run of 47 successive games unbeaten it took a team from two Leagues higher, and unbeaten this season, to inflict the first defeat on Tigers since March 2003. The result was by no means a certainty until the last 5 minutes of the match.
Tigers started the game with confidence and had the early pressure, but the only opportunity to score was with a long range penalty which just drifted wide. Both defences were really solid and snuffing out attacks, but midway through the half Huddersfield broke the deadlock. As they moved good ball away from the lineout right wing Tim Taylor took an inside pass to change the line of attack and broke through a couple of tackles for a try converted by stand off Jamie Grayshon. Tigers fought back and had a series of kickable penalties, but each time opted for the lineout and drive ploy. On one occasion prop John Ashley did get over the line but the ref, who was in a good position to see, adjudged that Huddersfield had prevented the ball being grounded. Having put pressure on the Hudderfield line for 5 minutes or so and not getting the try, stand off Jono Storey took the 3 points when the next penalty was awarded. A couple of minutes before half time Tigers took the lead. From a lineout ball centre Doug Trivella took a miss pass at pace and broke through his opposite number’s tackle. Faced with only the full back he chipped over his head and won the race to the touchdown. Storey converted to give Tigers a 10 – 7 lead at the interval.
Early in the second half Tigers were reduced to 14 men due to a yellow card for killing the ball in a ruck. They were put under a lot of pressure with a series of lineout drives but the defence held out until Huddersfield were penalised and the pressure relieved. A quarter of an hour into the half Tigers looked like they may increase their lead. A loose clearance kick was picked up by wing Brian Loftus who took the tackle and produced quick ruck ball. Wayne Warren, playing on the opposite wing, came onto the ball at pace and cut through the defence. When tackled about 10 metres short of the line he found full back Matt Walker outside him but he was bundled into touch at the corner flag. Almost immediately there was a similar incident at the opposite end of the field when Huddersfield broke through the centre. Veteran scrum half Dave Holmes, who had just replaced Abre Barry who had left the field with a bad facial cut, put in the cover tackle but the ball got to the wing and Walker had to show his defensive skills by forcing man and ball into touch short of the line. The turning point in the match came 23 minutes into the second half when a Tigers clearance kick was charged down and wing Alex Shaw followed up to touch down for an unconverted try and give Huddersfield a narrow lead. They then tightened the game and kicked to the corners to play the game well into Tigers half. They extended their lead with 10 minutes to go when the ball was moved quickly across the field from a lineout to give wing Taylor a little bit of space on the outside to get in for his second try. Five minutes later Grayshon put the final nail in the coffin with a penalty, and although Tigers fought to the end for another score they had to settle for a 20 – 10 defeat.
Although the unbeaten record has gone the Tigers squad came out of this game with considerable credit. They played their full part in making the match an excellent cup tie and showed that they are a competitive team at this level. This should stand them in good stead as they strive to get promoted out of the Yorkshire leagues this season.
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08/10/05 - Tigers 1st XV Consolidate Lead in Yorkshire League 1
Bridlington 12 - Sheffield Tigers 26
Tigers had to work hard to establish superiority in this game and ensure that they held onto the lead in the Yorkshire 1 League. Bradford Salem’s defeat by Keighley reduced the chasing group to York and Old Crossleyans who have each lost one match.
Most of the first half was played in the Bridlington half of the pitch, but the wet weather led to mistakes, some self inflicted as Tigers players shovelled back bad ball in an effort to keep it alive, and there were few periods of continuity. Tigers opened the scoring after 10 minutes when pressure by the back row following a scrum forced Bridlington to concede a penalty. Stand off Jono Storey, having his first game back after a month’s lay off with a hand injury, kicked the 3 points. Apart from a couple of counter-attacks from full back Matt Walker and centre Neil Pearson the Tigers supporters had little to shout about until a couple of minutes before half time. Tigers put a little bit of pressure on the Brid line and kept the ball alive long enough for lock Chris Peel to act as the link and put wing Wayne Warren over for a try converted by Storey. Brid came straight back from the kick off when a superb break by their centre was stopped just short of the line. With no Brid support close at hand Tigers regained possession and found touch. From the ensuing lineout Brid tried a rolling maul which was stopped short of the line and the ref blew the whistle for the half time break. Tigers 10 - 0 lead was probably a fair reflection of their territorial advantage in the half.
Tigers thought they had extended their lead two minutes into the second half when No. 8 Edu Hanoken forced his way over the line from a 5 metre scrum, but the ref adjudged that he had been helped by a little bit of obstruction. A couple of minutes later Tigers did score again with a long penalty from Storey. An easier penalty by Storey took the score to 16 – 0 before what was probably Tigers most exciting move of the match. Walker picked up a deep clearance and after a sparkling run beating 3 men kicked ahead. The Brid return kick was fielded by centre Neil Pearson who fed Hanoken to commit the stretched defence and give wing Brian Loftus the scoring pass. Storey converted. Brid were still competing in a fairly physical, but fair, forward battle so it was no surprise when they got their first score 15 minutes into the second half. They created a bit of space on the left for Thundercliffe, showing a fair amount of pace for a prop, to get in for the try converted by full back Bickerdyke. This score gave them heart and under pressure Tigers began to concede penalties. However, it was Tigers turn to score next when Storey kicked his fourth penalty on the half hour mark. Brid had the final say when they ran a short penalty in the Tigers 22. A late run at a clever angle saw scrum half Thomas over untouched for an unconverted try leaving the final score 26 -12 in Tigers favour.
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01/10/05 - Tigers 1st XV 5 Tries To Top Yorkshire League 1
Sheffield Tigers 33 - Wheatley Hills 3
The match started with a series of midfield exchanges mainly in the Wheatley Hills half of the pitch with the Tigers’ forwards driving close to the ruck. After 8 minutes Edu Hanokem drove over the try line from a scrum 10 metres out taking several defenders with him. Richard Butler added the conversion to give Tigers a 7-0 lead. Wheatley Hills stand-off then made an excellent break and the attack from the resulting line-out was well defended by the home team. More midfield exchanges followed until a drive by the Wheatley Hills pack on the 20 minute mark led to a penalty successfully converted to reduce the lead to 7-3. This was to be Wheatley Hills first and last score. Good breaks by Ian Cutts and Hanokem followed and the first flowing move of the half came after 35 minutes when the ball was moved to the right then back to the left down the three-quarters only to be stopped 2 metres short of the line. Several scrums took place near the Wheatley Hills line and finally a loose ball was pounced on by Tigers and 3 quick passes released winger Wayne Warren to score in the corner with Butler again converting. As the conversion went over the referee blew for half time with a 14-3 advantage to Tigers.
Soon after the start of the second half Wheatley Hills lost line out ball and after a number of forward drives the ball was passed wide to the left and Matt Walker scored unopposed in the corner for 19-3. The conversion from Butler came back off the upright. Wheatley Hills then staged a fight back with Tigers’ scrum being turned in their 22 and it needed further good Tiger defence from a 5 metre scrum and then a lost ball when over the try line to deny Wheatley Hills a score. Brian Loftus replaced George Leach on 65 minutes and immediately had a good run that led on 65 minutes to the best period of forward pressure in the match. This saw the Tigers’ pack march the opposition forwards over their own try line from 25 metres out. Hanokem emerged with the ball. As Butler was advancing to take the conversion the ball fell off the kicking tee, so Butler calmly picked it up and drop kicked it between the posts for a fantastic conversion from wide out! 26-3 to Tigers with 15 minutes left. Butler was now pinning Wheatley Hills in their 22 with accurate kicks and with 10 minutes left the ball was again spun down the backs after forward pressure and Walker skated in at the corner for Butler to add the conversion. In the final minutes Walker was just stopped in the corner to deny him a well deserved hat trick and Warren was also denied, this time by the touch line.
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24/09/05 - Tigers 1st XV In Great Escape to Victory in Yorkshire League 1
Selby 10 - Sheffield Tigers 11
The match started badly for Tigers when almost straight from the kick off the Selby scrum-half broke blind from a scrum, fed the winger who made ground and passed the ball inside for the scrum- half to score a try which was then converted. Five minutes later Tigers opened their account when stand off Richard Butler kicked a penalty. A facial injury to centre Rudi Froneman meant that the backs had to reorganise and this, and a lot of penalty calls by the referee made for a competitive but scrappy half. The nearest Tigers came to scoring was midway through the half when only excellent defensive work by Selby stopped Tigers driving over from a lineout near the Selby line. The Tigers’ scrum was under pressure but the defence was again its usual high standard. The half ended with a penalty miss by Selby and the score of 7 - 3 to Selby reflected the play.
The second half saw Tigers start to gain more possession and the ball was spread wide whenever possible to the speedsters. Full back Matt Walker and wingers Wayne Warren and George Leach all had good runs and linked well together in flowing handling moves. Tigers back row forwards were making good yards close to the break downs as the Selby pack began to tire. As the game neared the last quarter a quickly taken tap penalty on the Selby 22 metre line saw the ball passed down the backs and Walker scored a good try in the corner to nudge Tigers in front at 8 - 7. The referee was still blowing his whistle at very regular intervals and the Selby kicker missed three kicks at goal between the 65th and 75th minutes. However, he was successful with 2 minutes of play left and the Selby crowd were delighted when they went in front 10 - 8 and had visions of bringing Tigers’ long unbeaten run to an end. This is when Tigers showed their mettle. From the re-start the Selby stand off did not catch the ball cleanly and the pack drove towards the line. The referee awarded Tigers a penalty when the Selby backs were judged offside at the resulting scrum. Richard Butler was calmness personified as he stroked the ball straight through the middle of the uprights to regain the lead 11 - 10. Unfortunately for the blood pressure of the ageing Tigers supporters there was still time for a final twist, but the Selby kicker missed another penalty to leave Tigers victorious.
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17/09/05 - Tigers 1st XV Progress to Round 2 of the PowerGen Intermediate Cup
Sheffield Tigers 34 – Sandal 10
This Intermediate Cup first round match was played at Dore Moor in perfect rugby playing conditions. A very competitive start led to an early scuffle that resulted in a penalty kick to Tigers that Richard Butler could not turn into points. After midfield exchanges Sandal then had a period of pressure and their left winger nearly escaped for a try but the touchline came to Tigers’ assistance. Tigers’ forwards were now doing well in the line out, with Chris Peel taking good ball, and in the set piece. The first points of the match came when the Sandal full back was penalised for holding on in his 22 and Butler kicked the resulting penalty. Tigers then made 50 metres through excellent forward interplay and from more good ball at the line out a rolling maul saw debutant Edu Hanokem score and Butler convert to give Tigers a deserved 10–0 lead on 35 minutes. The Tigers’ forwards were now getting on top but despite pressure, further chances were lost as the ball was either knocked on or the opposition turned it over.
The start of the second half saw the lead extended when first the ball was passed down the Tigers’ backs to the right and then to the left. Centre Paul Hirst stepped inside his marker and touched down near the posts. Butler again converted to make the score 17-0. The home supporters were now anticipating a points feast but they were to be given anxious moments first. The introduction of all four substitutes seemed to check the dominance of Tigers and Sandal gained heart. A long clearance kick to the Sandal 10 metre line did not find touch. Good running and handling at pace saw a Sandal centre score a converted try under the posts. A few minutes later Sandal scored a second try after a good forward drive and further good handling by the backs. The conversion made the score 17-14 and still 15 minutes to play. After a sleepy 10 minute spell Tigers now woke up and started to make their earlier pressure count. A forward drive set up a good attacking position and Butler fed Hirst who cut inside to score from 22 metres under the posts. Butler kicked the conversion to extend Tigers lead to 10 points. Another forward drive followed as Sandal began to tire. After good ball carrying by Hanokem, scrum half Neal Pearson darted through a gap to score a try. The conversion was missed leaving Tigers with a 29-14 lead. With the final whistle approaching Tigers were still going forward and after a mazy run by Rudi Froneman a forward drive saw hooker Tom Ryder score a try to make the final score 34-14.
Three tries in the last 10 minutes showed both Tigers’ fitness against a team from one division higher and their desire to play attacking 15 man rugby for the full 80 minutes. Two tries from man of the match Paul Hirst and a solid performance from Richard Butler are indications of Tigers’ strength in depth and the team and supporters can look forward with optimism to next week’s league game at Selby.
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10/09/05 - Tigers 1st XV Solid Defence Maintains Winning Run in Yorkshire League 1
Sheffield Tigers 19 – Old Crossleyans 0
Old Crossleyans, making their first visit to Dore Moor for some years, started strongest and should have taken the lead after 5 minutes when they were awarded a penalty 25 metres out in front of the posts, but the kick drifted wide. Monopolising possession they tested the Tigers defence. They had a good chance to get in at the corner after 10 minutes when they retained possession through a number of phases of play and then had an overlap wide on the left, but a slight delay on the final pass gave the Tigers cover defence time to get across. It was 15 minutes into the game before Tigers first real sortie into the Crossleyans half and it saw them rewarded with an unconverted try. A neat kick threaded through the central defence by stand off Eugene Martin allowed winger Wayne Warren to win the race to touch down. Tigers thought they had scored again after 15 minutes when centre Doug Trivella rescued a loose ball and used his strength to break through a number of tackles before offloading to Abre Barry. The scrum half found No 8 Stewart Holes who made the line but the ref adjudged that the ball had been knocked forward. From the ensuing scrum Crossleyans couldn’t clear their lines and after a series of scrums Tigers got the put in. As they went for the pushover try Crossleyans collapsed the scrum just short of the line and referee Colin Tobey had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try which was converted by Martin. Tigers were now taking control of the game and scored again after 35 minutes when flanker Chris Peel, who was having some success in pinching Crossleyans’ lineout ball, set up a rolling maul from a lineout on the 22 metre line. The maul trundled to the try line for new hooker Dave Price to score his second try in two games. Martin again converted. Tigers almost scored with the final play of the half when Martin, spotting winger Warren unmarked wide on the left, put in a beautifully weighted kick for Warren to catch it on the full, but the defence just got across to cut him off at the corner. Tigers had to be content with a deserved 19 – 0 lead at the interval.
The wet windy conditions took their toll in the second half with both sides making a lot of handling errors. Crossleyans had a great chance 5 minutes into the half when a Tigers knock on near the Crossleyans line allowed them to break out, but the final pass which would have set up a try under the posts was forward. Crossleyans probably shaded possession and position in the second half but the Tigers defence was resolute and managed to ensure that their line wasn’t crossed for the second successive week. The 19 – 0 win sees Tigers move into 2nd place in the Yorkshire 1 on points difference as one of four teams who have won their first two League games.
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03/09/05 - Tigers 1st XV Winning Start to Season in Yorkshire League 1
Ilkley 9 - Sheffield Tigers 23
Promoted Tigers opening match of the season in Yorkshire One was an away fixture at Ilkley. Ilkley had finished fourth in the league last year but whom Tigers had beaten 38 – 0 in the Yorkshire Shield.
Ilkley kicked off on a warm, bright afternoon and exerted early pressure on Tigers. It was then Tigers turn to apply pressure and from the third penalty for off-side John Storey gave Tigers a 3-0 lead after 10 minutes. Five minutes later Ilkley lost the ball just inside the Tigers half and Rob Pound picked up. The ball was fed wide to winger Wayne Warren. Just as he was caught he threw the ball inside where good support play by Neil Pearson some him take the ball and beat two men to score. Further adventurous play soon after saw a tap penalty on Tigers 22 metre line handled down the blind side and then switched open and passed down the line for full-back Matt Walker to score and increase the lead to 13-0.
Ilkley then reduced the lead by three points with a penalty and only a brilliant cover tackle by winger Brian Loftus prevented them adding a try to their tally. As half time approached the Tigers forwards pressure told when stand-off Pound scored a clever try with a late run on the blind side. However, as the Tigers fans were celebrating a 18-3 half time lead, Ilkley were awarded and kicked a penalty in injury time to make the half time score 18-6 and give the home team encouragement for the second half.
The second half started with Tigers final try of the afternoon when a forward drive saw hooker Dave Price score. This only spurred on Ilkley who never gave up and kicked a third penalty after Tigers had again been judged to be off-side. This made the score 23-9 which was to remain the final score to the end of the match.
The last quarter became a rather scrappy affair with too many stoppages for injury, dropped balls and off-sides to allow any continuity of play. Tigers showed their mettle with excellent defence, epitomised with a four man tackle on the Ilkley winger near the corner flag. The players and supporters will be pleased with the win and with the flowing rugby the team showed they are again capable of playing. Whilst not a great match it was an impressive defensive performance against a team who were near the top of the division last year and all bodes well for a successful season.
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