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Sheffield Tigers RUFC
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(Established 1932)
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A National League 2 North Club
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Reports 2008-2009:
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29/04/09 - Butler's Boot Clinches Trophy for Tigers 2nd XV in Final of the Gerry Roberts Memorial Trophy
Sheffield Tigers 2nd XV 16 - Wath 1st XV 15
Tigers 2nd team produced a fighting performance to win the final of the Gerry Roberts Memorial Trophy. Wath, who under the format of the competition were able to play their 1st team, started strongly stealing two Tigers line-outs. However it was Tigers who had the first opportunity of points but Richard Butler’s kick drifted across the posts and went wide. When Tigers did win some line-out ball a good break by centre Paul Hirst saw Wath concede another penalty and this time Butler did open the scoring with three points. Wath then mounted a period of sustained pressure and after a kick at goal was missed they opted for a kick to the corner from the next penalty. The resulting catch and drive was stopped just short of the try line and further pressure forced Tigers pack to concede more penalties and they were fortunate that the referee was patient enough not to show a yellow card. Eventually the pressure told and quick passes right saw Wath score a converted try in the corner. The Wath pack was now getting on top and only a long kick upfield gave Tigers some respite. When play returned to the Tigers half the Wath stand-off added a drop-goal before Butler reduced the lead to just four points with his second penalty. Tigers best bit of rugby of the half saw an attack stopped short near the corner before the last action of the half resulted in a second Wath try when a catch and drive from a line-out was forced over the try line for an unconverted try to make the half-time score 15-6 to the visitors.
The second half started with Tigers pressing, but penalty shots went wide as Tigers failed at first to reduce the nine point deficit. Then quick handling saw full-back Tom Outram finish a good move and this time Butler did convert and narrow the Wath lead to just two points at 13-15. Tigers cause was not helped when the referee decided that scrum-half Nick Scheinkonige had offered him too much advice and showed him the yellow card. Winger Alex Rumley was forced take his place and was a major force in the next ten minutes. A quick tap penalty saw him make a good break resulting in centre Sam Bastock nearly scoring in the corner and this was followed by a fifty metre run only spoiled when Tigers conceded a penalty. A further tap penalty by the restored Scheinkonige saw him tackled before he had made ten metres and his opposite number was yellow carded. The pace at which Tigers were now playing the game was making Wath struggle. Butler was tackled short of the line after a strong run and Rumley was adjudged held up when over the line. With full-time approaching the Wath defence finally cracked and Butler calmly slotted the penalty to give Tigers a slender one point lead. There was still time for one last attack by Wath but after initial indecisiveness by the Tigers defence, the ball was cleared and the threat averted.
The match was a credit to the memory of Gerry Roberts who was such a strong advocate of Junior club rugby and to the development of young players. The competition has seen many close matches and just about all the ties were played, unlike many of the matches in the three Yorkshire cup competitions. Thanks go to the South Yorkshire committee for their organisation of the competition and to the referees and their assistants for officiating. Thanks also to Wath for a determined performance that nearly saw them victorious. For Tigers credit must go to stand in props Dominic Ramsden and Andrew Selkirk and to hooker Richard Harvey for the way they stuck to their task against a big Wath front row. Also to young back rowers Frank Wragg and Dan Senior. Finally, and not least, well done to captain and man of the match, Owen Evans for his leadership and performance.
Referee – Steve Wooley
Report – Nigel Dakin
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21/04/09 - Tigers 2nd XV Beat Rotherham Phoenix 1st XV to reach the Final of the Gerry Roberts Memorial Trophy
Sheffield Tigers 2nd XV 34 - Rotherham Phoenix 1st XV 20
Tigers started strongly. A good run from defence by winger Sam Bastock saw Richard Butler kick deep
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Paul Hirst - Try.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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into the Rotherham Phoenix twentytwo. From turnover ball, Frank Wragg drove for the line and from the resulting scrum Butler fed Paul Hirst with a short ball and he powered over. Butler added the conversion for 7-0 after only seven minutes. The lead was doubled five minutes later when a Phoenix kick from defence saw Hirst run the ball over the try line from forty metres. The lead was immediately cut by half when Tigers failed to clear a bobbling ball and Phoenix scored a converted try. Both sides were playing attractive rugby. Phoenix took a scrum against the head and then a good Tigers attack from their own half was spoilt when a penalty was conceded. Another mess up in defence almost cost Tigers their lead but it was just touched down by a defender and a strong scrum caused Phoenix to knock-on and the chance had gone. There was no more scoring and Tigers went into the break leading by 14-7.
Tigers enjoyed early possession and territory in the second-half, and Richard Butler pushed his side into the Phoenix twentytwo with a good kick to the corner. Another strong run by Hirst saw Phoenix penalised and Butler added three points on fifty minutes. Three minutes later from a breakdown quick hands by Andy Selkirk gave winger Graham Davidson space to race in for an unconverted try but Butler was successful with a penalty two minutes later. On sixty minutes a good backs move and recycled ball from the pack saw Nick Schienkonige dart over for Butler to convert for 29-10. Then it was the turn of Phoenix to fail to clear a loose ball behind their line and substitute Paul Dorwood touched down. That completed Tigers scoring and Phoenix came back strongly in the last ten minutes to score a seven point try and a penalty to give the game the scoreline their effort deserved. Indeed, the score was nearly even closer when a good break by the Phoenix midfield saw Frank Wragg show his pace with a great covering tackle.
Thanks to referee Robin Goodliffe and his two linesmen for an excellent performance. The team are at home next week, Wednesday 29th April in the Final of the Gerry Roberts Memorial Trophy. All support is again welcome.
Referee – Robin Goodliffe
Report – Nigel Dakin |
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18/04/09 - Tigers 1st XV End League Campaign as they started, with a win over Cleckheaton
Sheffield Tigers 42 - Cleckheaton 10
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Leading Try Scorer, Gareth Morley - on the way to the try line.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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Tigers badly needed a win after four consecutive defeats and they started well with a try after only three minutes. From a penalty kick to the corner the resulting line-out ball was spun left and right winger Gareth Morley entered the line to score a try converted by Charlie Spon-Smith. On sixteen minutes following a penalty for a high tackle Tigers again elected to kick for touch. Line-out ball was recycled and Dave Scully dummied a pass before handing off a defender to score. Spon-Smith again converted. Cleckheaton then pressed despite being down to fourteen men following a yellow card for John Dudley. However, yet another penalty spoilt their field position and from the line-out near half-way scrum-half Nick Scheinkonige seared through a gap at the back of the line-out to feed the supporting Scully who scored his second try in five minutes. Spon-Smith made it twentyone points to nil at a point a minute. Cleckheaton opened their account with a drop-goal from stand-off Dave Evans on twentyfive minutes. Again Cleckheaton had possession and position deep in Tigers half only for the move to break down. Ashley Rockey picked up and made fifty metres before passing inside to winger Gavin Lee who showed his pace to score under the posts and give Spon-Smith an easy conversion.on twentyeight minutes. Again Cleckheaton were down to fourteen men when referee Steve Penfold showed Ben Wade his limegreen card for slowing down Tigers ball at a ruck but they denied Tigers any further score and the half ended with Tigers leading 28-3.
The second half started with end-to-end rugby, only spoiled by players being too adventurous in off loading in the tackle and by poor passing. Cleckheaton were not going
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David Simmons - Weaving Run.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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to allow themselves to be steam
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Gavin Lee - Weaving Run.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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rollered and should have scored a try but the chance went begging with a knock-on that followed up one in the first half disallowed for a forward pass. When Tigers had possession they always looked likely to score and were finding large gaps around the base of rucks. From a move inside the Cleckheaton half replacement winger Tim Bowman came straight into the line to receive an inside pass, bowl over a Cleckheaton back-row forward and quicken again to score near the posts. Spon-Smith was again successful in adding the extra points for 35-3 after fifty minutes. A few minutes later a break from their own twentytwo saw another fine run by Rockey and three passes saw Morley in for his second try. Spon-Smith maintained his 100% success rate for the afternoon to increase the lead to 42-3. Still Cleckheaton fought back and got a deserved converted try when their pack got the ball over the line from close range after sixty minutes. The visitors continued to enjoy plenty of possession but Tigers defence tackled well as it had done all match. The highlights of the final twenty minutes were excellent weaving runs by Tigers youngsters Dave Simmons and Gavin Lee as both sides continued to play sevens rugby without adding to their scores.
From the committee side it was nice to catch up with our friends from Cleckheaton even if they were in pink shirts and drinking diet coke. As Steve said, his diet was going well, when he saw it he ate it, which he demonstrated as he demolished his meat and potato pie! The Tigers committee would like to congratulate all thirtyfive players who have appeared for the first team this season, and in particular skipper Richard Joel and winger Gareth Morley who have played in all the matches. To finish fourth in the League and reach the semi-final of the RFU EDF Energy Intermediate Cup, is a tremendous achievement and the coaches, Richard Senior and Richard Selkirk in particular, deserve all the plaudits they get. The side can reflect on an excellent season with champions Westoe being the only side they have not beaten and having done the double over runners up Hull.
Team – McMillan, Toews (Simmons), Bunting, Joel(C), Wilkinson, Barratt, Nash (Evans), Rockey, Scheinkonige, Scully, Lee, Spon-Smith, Tillyer (Bowman), Morley, Outram
Subs All Used –
Referee – Steve Penfold
Report – Nigel Dakin |
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15/04/09 - Tigers 2nd XV Beat Barnsley 1st XV to reach the Semi-Final of the Gerry Roberts Memorial Trophy
Sheffield Tigers 2nd XV 28 - Barnsley 1st XV 22
Barnsley kicked-off with the wind behind them and from early pressure, scored a converted try under the posts when poor tackling allowed a centre to run through from ten metres. Worse was to follow when a Tigers clearance kick was gathered and returned with interest for a forty metre drop-goal. Tigers were ten nil down after only seven minutes. Richard Butler then opened Tigers account with a penalty when Barnsley were caught offside. The home side then scored the best try of the game. From a scrum inside their own twentytwo scrum half Nick Scheinkonige fed an inside ball to back-row forward Owen Evans. He made forty metres and linked with other players. The ball was quickly recycled and second-row Bevan Wilkinson scored near the corner. Butler added a penalty soon after when Barnsley were again caught offside but the half ended with the visitors taking a quick tap penalty and weak tackling saw them add seven points to give them a half time lead of 17-11.
Tigers now had the use of the wind but it was Barnsley who mounted early pressure and were now so confident in their set piece that they opted for a scrum rather than a kick at goal when near the Tigers line. Again captain Evans led by example making a break to relieve the pressure. Butler was then yellow carded for being offside. However, this did not stop Tigers who were starting to dominate both possession and territorially. Centre Paul Hirst again showed what a lethal finisher he is from short range when he scored with two would be tacklers both seeming to think better of it! Tom Outram converted to give Tigers a one point lead and then the restored Butler added a penalty with ten minutes left. Barnsley continued to use their backs to counterattack and when one such move broke down Tigers took a quick line-out and Evans scored. Butler was again successful with the conversion to give Tigers the cushion of an eleven point lead at 28-17. However, Barnsley did not give up and replied with a break down the left, then recycled right for a good try. This gave the home supporters a nervous last couple of minutes but sensible play saw the home team hold out for a 28-22 victory at the end of a thoroughly entertaining match.
The team are at home next week, Tuesday 21st April, in the Semi-Final of the Gerry Roberts Memorial Trophy. All support is again welcome.
Referee – Dean Walker
Report – Nigel Dakin
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11/04/09 - Tigers 1st XV Suffer Second Home Defeat in North 1 League
Sheffield Tigers 16 - Middlesbrough 25
Tigers kicked off this rearranged league match on an ideal day for rugby with, unusually for Dore Moor, no wind. The visitors started well and used a kicking game to get into Tigers half but their progress was stopped by a forward pass before Charlie Spon-Smith put Tigers into an early lead on eight minutes with a penalty. Both sides were looking to use their backs and the game was fast and open. Full-back Tom Outram, returning after a long time out of the team due to injury, made a good tackle on the Middlesbrough winger and then number eight Ashley Rockey relieved further pressure. Despite the lack of wind the error count was mounting and both sides were finding it difficult to create space with stand-off and centres certainly well up to the off-side line in midfield! Simon O’Farrell leveled the scores on twentyfive minutes with a penalty with Tigers failing to retire, and two minutes later number
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Tom Outram - Break.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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eight Richie Barker scored an unconverted try after Tigers lost their line-out and quick hands saw Tigers defence outnumbered in the left corner. An excellent counter attack by Outram showed what the team had missed for the past five months. Then a Tigers penalty kick to the corner saw them lose another line-out before a dropped ball cost them further possession. With half-time approaching Alex Drage was caught in possession and his pass intercepted by replacement stand-off Callum Campbell who raced in unopposed and converted his own try to give Middlesbrough a 15 –3 half-time lead.
Tigers started the second-half well. After only four minutes good approach work saw Rockey drive the ball to the foot of the Middlesbrough posts. The ball was rapidly recycled and a quick long pass by Owen Evans gave Outram the outside run on his marker and he sped through the gap to score an unconverted try to put Tigers within striking distance at 8-15. Young winger Sam Bastock then made a good tackle on his opposite number to deny
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Ashley Rockey - Charge.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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Middlesbrough the chance of a score. At last Tigers decided to kick down field for position rather than trying to run the ball from their own half. From a scrum near the Middlesbrough line Rockey picked up at the back of the scrum and broke right. His well timed pass gave Drage the space to score and make amends for his earlier error. Tigers were now within two points after fiftyfive minutes and could have taken the lead soon after when both touch judges raised their flags to signal that a penalty kick by Spon-Smith had gone between the posts but the referee over ruled them. A break by Dave Scully was well supported by Simon Bunting and good passing nearly resulted in a try before Nick Scheinkonige replaced the injured Drage. Spon-Smith then missed a penalty before a successful attempt on sixtythree minutes gave Tigers a narrow one point lead at 16-15. Two further long range penalty kicks went wide before O’Farrell restored the Middlesbrough lead when Tigers were adjudged to have gone over the top at a ruck. With full-time approaching Tigers kicked the ball into the Middlesbrough half only to see it returned at pace down the right touch line by Bellerby who scored under the posts for O’Farrell to convert and give the visitors a 25-16 victory.
Next Saturday sees the final match of the season when Cleckheaton are the visitors. A win would secure fourth place in the league and despite the recent run of four defeats, it would bring down the curtain on a highly successful season.
Team – McMillan, Simmons, Bunting, Joel(C), Parsons, Wilkinson, Evans, Rockey, Drage, (Scheinkonige), Scully, Bastock, Spon-Smith, Morley, Bowman, Outram
Subs Not Used - Senior, Toews
Referee – Will Halford
Report – Nigel Dakin |
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04/04/09 - Tigers 1st XV Beaten by Bottom Club in North 1 League
Darlington 28 - Sheffield Tigers 15
On an afternoon with difficult playing conditions with a strong blustery wind Tigers won the toss and decided to play against the elements. Darlington were the first to exert pressure as Tigers seemed lethargic and unable to get hold of the ball. When Tigers were awarded a free kick they took the ball into contact but somehow the Darlington centre David Richardson broke free to run thirty metres and score in the corner. Brother and scrum-half Shaun Richardson added an excellent conversion to give the home side a 7-0 lead on four minutes, a lead they never looked like losing due to Tigers inability to wrestle possesion from the home pack of forwards with No8 James Knox and props Joe Oselton and Dave Tunstead dominating the contact area. Tigers then lost Ashley Rockey to a rib injury with Harry Toews coming on at hooker and Dave Simmons moving to back-row. Tigers did manage to gain field position on twenty minutes to allow Charlie Spon-Smith to slot home a penalty for offside to reduce the deficit to four points. Darlington came straight back as Tigers were penalised for holding on and the excellent Shaun Richardson added a penalty on twentyfive minutes to restore the seven point margin. Darlington continued to press and were rewarded with a further try from a ruck close to Tigers line, prop Oselton forcing his way over on twentynine minutes to stretch the Darlington lead to 15-3, the conversion just going wide in difficult windy conditions. Tigers seemed then to want to play and for a brief period played some good rugby, but all too often ended up being isolated and unable to finish. During this period of Tigers pressure the try scorer Oselton became villain when he was yellow carded for very slow running back onside. This allowed Spon-Smith to score an excellent try which he converted against the strong wind to give Tigers hope on thirtyeight minutes with a half time deficit of only five points.
With the elements to come in the second half Tigers must have thought the match was there for the taking but the home side were not ready to capitulate. Tigers back-row Nick Barratt was yellow carded in the fortysecond minute to even the sides up and Shaun Richardson added the penalty to take Darlington into an 18-10 lead which was further extended on fiftytwo minutes when the third Richardson brother, captain and stand off Lee, got on the score sheet after scrappy defence by Tigers. This made the score 23-10 and worse was to follow on fiftyfive minutes when scrum-half Alex Drage was sin-binned for talking to the referee, inexcusable, but typical of the performance of the team as a whole. Darlington continued to dominate possession and things got worse for the visitors when prop Tunstead scored from a short lineout with the Tigers defence nowhere to be seen. Tigers put on Bevan Wilkinson and Neil Pearson for Barrett and Bowman with Drage moving to the wing. At last Tigers made good use of the wind with a kick of fifty metres giving them field position close to the home sides try line. This gave veteran scrum-half Neil Pearson the chance to dive over on seventynine minutes to make the final score 28-15. This was Tigers worst performance of the season not taking anything away from Darlington who really wanted the win. Indeed, had Darlington played like this all season they would surely not be facing relegation. Tigers must now lift themselves for a difficult home game against Middlesbrough on Easter Saturday if they are to achieve third place in the league.
Team – McMillan, Simmons, Bunting, Joel(C), Parsons, Nash, Barrett (Wilkinson), Rockey (Toews), Drage, Pearson J, Bowman (Pearson Neil), Bray, Tillyer, Morley, Spon-Smith
Subs – All Used
Referee – Wayne Fella
Report – Stuart Headford
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28/03/09 - Tigers 1st XV Unbeaten Home Record Broken by Westoe in North 1 League Defeat
Sheffield Tigers 5 - Westoe 30
A strong cross field wind greeted league leaders Westoe to Dore Moor for this top of the table clash. The visitors started strongly and enjoyed more of the early possession and territory during the first quarter. When Tigers did get possession and attack this was spoiled in nearly the same way as the reverse fixture earlier in the season at Westoe. A pass was forced in a tackle and a Westoe centre intercepted to run the length of the pitch. However, a brilliant chase and tackle by Dave Scully saved a certain seven points. A good tackle by scrum-half Neil Pearson forced a turnover from a Westoe attacking scrum near the Tigers line but then the Tigers pack was wheeled through ninety degrees and Westoe had the put in to the scrum again. This time the number eight picked up cleanly and stand-off Ashley Meoke danced past two defenders from ten metres out to score a good individual try which he converted for 7-0 on twentytwo minutes. Tigers pack then began to win some ball for the backs to attack wide out but good defence by Westoe made ball retention difficult. A penalty kick at goal was turned down by Tigers before a good attack down the right saw Tigers awarded a penalty near the Westoe line. A rolling maul resulted
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Gareth Morley - Try.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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in quick ball to the right narrow side and winger Gareth Morley had the strength to get over and ground the ball for a try. This cut the deficit to just two points with just three minutes till half-time. Sadly, this was time enough for Tigers to be caught offside in front of their own posts and Meoke added the three points for 5-10 at half-time.
Westoe now had the wind slightly in their favour. The half started badly after only three minutes when Tigers conceded an unfortunate try. The visitors were attacking but a good tackle by Tigers seemed to cause the Westoe ball carrier to knock-on. Play was allowed to continue and a break in the centre and a long pass to the wing that may have been forward saw replacement Steadman score wide out. A good kick by Meoke added the extra points. This effectively won the match for Westoe with Tigers being two scores behind. Tigers again began to get more ball but were finding it very difficult to make progress either up front or in the backs against an excellent Westoe defence. On sixty minutes Meoke made the score 5-20 with a penalty when Tigers were caught offside at a ruck. Tigers then conceded a further penalty by Meoke with five minutes left when they were adjudged to be holding on in the tackle. With only two minutes remaining and with Tigers pressing and chasing the game in the opposition twentytwo, Westoe scored the best try of the match. From a scrum, a blind side break, a couple of passes and good support play saw wing forward Foster score for Meoke to convert and make the final score 5-30. Westoe thoroughly deserved the win for an excellent all round performance, but Tigers could feel disappointed with the margin of victory. We wish Westoe well should they now go on to be promoted as worthy champions.
Team – McMillan, Toews, Bunting (Simmons), Joel(C), Parsons, Rockey, Nash (Barrett), Pearson Nick, Pearson Neil, Scully, Bray, Spon-Smith, Tillyer, Morley, Pearson J (Drage)
Subs – All Used
Referee – Ian Tempest
Report – Nigel Dakin |
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21/03/09 - Tigers 1st XV Beaten but not Bowed by Clifton in EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Semi-Final
Clifton 24 - Sheffield Tigers 15
Tigers travelled to the west country on a perfect day for rugby and on an excellent playing surface, almost as good as Dore Moor. Clifton started very strongly and with their big well organised pack making good ground into Tigers twentytwo and with a little more precision could have taken an early lead but good defensive work by the whole Tigers team kept the home side away from their line. This was helped by some excellent defensive line kicking from Dave Scully. Despite being under pressure Tigers had the first opportunity to score but decided to kick for position rather than goal. However, the ensuing line-out was lost and Clifton were able through their influential stand-off John Barnes to clear their lines. Clifton continued to dominate and a further chance went begging when former England wing David Rees burst into the line only to knock the ball on. The pressure became too much for Tigers who gave away a succession of penalties culminating on ten minutes with one for not rolling away from the tackle giving Barnes the easiest of kicks to take the lead 3 - 0. Worse was to follow almost from the kick-off as Steve Leonard, the strong running Clifton centre, chased a kick ahead and despite a Tigers chance to clear he scored in the corner on twelve minutes. Barnes this time converted from wide out to take the lead to 10 - 0. Clifton continued to attack but this time a timely interception by Tom Bray who then made thirty metres supported by the backrow forced a penalty from Clifton which Charlie Spon-Smith converted with ease to put Tigers on the scoreboard after fifteen minutes for 10 - 3. Clifton came back through their front five with hooker Sam Wilkes imposing his stamp on the game. After a drive set up by Wilkes, Dave Butler then produced a searing break stopped only by a great tackle from Bray. Tigers were then subjected to what was the stiffest test all season with Clifton playing some attractive positive fifteen man rugby. Only outstanding defensive work by all of the Tigers team twice held Clifton up when the home side were over the try line. However Clifton continued to dominate territory and from a five metre scrum a pick up by John Levis fed captain John Frost on the narrow side and his wide pass found winger Rob Viol unmarked in the corner to score on thirtyeight minutes with Barnes excellent conversion increasing the Clifton lead to 17 - 3. Tigers then showed their spirit and determination and from the kick off they turned Clifton over and a fine break by Scully saw him delay his pass to feed winger Gareth Morley entering into the line from the blind-side wing. This made the extra man who then fed fullback Jimmy Pearson who scored in the corner on the stroke of half-time. Spon-Smith just failed with the conversion to leave the score at 17 - 8 to Clifton.
Tiger started the second half well with Scully again the provider for Gavin Lee to show his pace but the young winger was bundled into touch after making forty metres. Tigers suffered an injury to Nick Barrett on fortyone minutes, replaced by Andrew Nash, and worse was to follow for Tigers when on fifty minutes Tigers lost a scrum. From the ensuing ruck prop Chris Rowland barged over from five metres to give Barnes an easy conversion to give Clifton a comfortable lead at 24 - 8. Tigers then rang the changes with Jon McMillan replacing Price and Neil Pearson replacing Drage. Tigers now finished the stronger and enjoyed their best period of the game with the pack at last gaining good possession and field position. The mistakes then started for Clifton with Barnes kicking the ball dead allowing Tigers good field position and with the Tigers pack on top second-row Darren Barry was sin binned on seventy minutes for slowing down Tigers possession. This gave Tigers a penalty but they took the scrum and the ever persistent number eight Nick Pearson forced the ball over the line from close in. Spon Smith duly converted to make the score 24 - 15. Tigers made further changes with five minutes to go Simon Tillyer returning after long term injury to replace Bray and Dave Simmons replacing Harry Toews, but the changes were to no avail as Clifton played out the remaining five minutes.
For Tigers it was a disappointing afternoon against a very competent Clifton team. The team played with spirit and skill but the home side won because they had a stronger defence and more of a cutting edge in attack. It also has to be said they had an excellent fourth official in ex England hooker Mark Regan. Sad to say it will not be Tigers at Twickenham again but Clifton deserved their victory and we wish them well in the final. Tigers members and committee would like to thank the Clifton club for the excellent hospitality provided. On a personal note Nigel Dakin would like to thank all the supporters who made the long trip to Bristol for their strong vocal support. We certainly made more noise than the home fans and sang better in the club house after the match!
Team - Toews (Simmons), Price (McMillan), Bunting, Joel(C), Parsons, Rockey, Barrett (Nash), Pearson Nick, Drage (Pearson Neil), Scully, Lee, Spon-Smith, Bray (Tillyer), Morley, Pearson J
Subs Not Used – Bowman, Bastock
Referee – Steve Harland
Report – Stuart Headford
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14/03/09 - Tigers 1st XV Stay 3rd with Away Win at West Park (St Helens) in North 1 League
West Park (St Helens) 15 - Sheffield Tigers 27
Tigers travelled to West Park (St Helens) without influential Number 8 Nick Pearson and cornerstone of the pack Simon Bunting and quickly were reminded of what was to prove a difficult afternoon, with cross field wind making it difficult for all the players. West Park started with a bang when on four minutes winger Matt Hunt picked up a ball squandered by the Tigers pack and raced thirty metres to the corner to give Park a 5 - 0 lead. The lead was further extended when again Park capitalised on a Tigers error. A quick break by scrum-half De-La-Harpe fed prop Adam Glover who scored a fine try with excellent pace from forty metres to score in the corner on eighteen minutes. This time Colum Evans was successful with the conversion to give Park a deserved lead of 12 to nil. The game was evenly contested at this point and Tigers forward power was beginning to bear fruit with a well organised drive by the pack on thirtyfour minutes leading to an Ashley Rockey score, with Charlie Spon-Smith converting from wide out to cut the deficit to 12 - 7 down at the break.
With the wind now more in Tigers favour the match was there for the winning if the team could eliminate the mistakes being made by forcing passes in the tackle. But they again started badly and were penalised for offside, letting Evans extend Parks lead to 15 - 7 on fortyfive minutes. This was to galvanise Richard Joel's men and the pack began to dominate the game, but had to wait until the sixtythird minute when the referee finally lost patience with the Park pack and awarded a penalty try duly converted by Spon-Smith to bring Tigers back to a one point deficit at 15 - 14. Tigers Coach Richard Selkirk then rang the changes with two eighteen year olds making their debut, Dave Simmonds on for Dave Price, Gavin Lee on for Tim Bowman and veteran Neil Pearson on for Alex Drage. It was Lee who made an initial impact with a searing break setting up a ruck and from the subsequent scrum the experienced Neil Pearson dived over from close quarters, again Spon-Smith was on target to take Tigers to a 21 - 15 lead on seventyfour minutes. Tigers forwards continued to dominate with young lock Dominic Parsons in charge at the line-out and prop Jon McMillan excellent in the tight as well as in open play. The pressure mounted on Park and they gave away two further penalties on seventyseven and seventynine minutes and excellent strikes by Spon-Smith gave Tigers a comfortable victory in the end by 27 - 15.
Team - Toews, Price (Simmons), McMillan, Joel(C), Parsons, Rockey, Barrett, Nash, Drage (Pearson Neil), Scully, Bowman (Lee), Spon-Smith, Evans, Morley, Pearson J
Subs – All Used
Referee – Ben Chapelard
Report – Stuart Headford
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07/03/09 - Tigers 1st XV Gain Revenge over West Hartlepool with Low Key Win in North 1 League
Sheffield Tigers 20 - West Hartlepool 9
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Charlie Spon-Smith - Penalty Kick.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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Tigers welcomed West Hartlepool to Dore Moor for what proved to be a low key match with a few unwelcome flash points. Tigers started really well with backs and forwards combining. The evergreen Dave Scully initiated a brilliant break in the first minute, continued by Jimmy Pearson and Charlie Spon-Smith which resulted in West giving away a penalty. Spon-Smith converted against a very strong wind to give Tigers a 3–0 lead. Tigers then looked to be going to play an open game with Scully again to the fore combining well with back-rowers Ashley Rockey and Nick Barrett to gain fifty metres. At this early stage of the contest it looked like Tigers would dominate and win convincingly. Then a succession of penalties for fundamental errors allowed West back into the game and through penalties on twenty and twentytwo minutes Paul Moss gave West an unlikely lead at 6-3. There then followed a series of events that would cloud the afternoon. Firstly Barrett took exception to foul play, retaliated and was yellow carded on twentynine minutes. Soon after Simon Bunting retaliated after being punched a number of times by the West prop and captain, Anthony Carr, and both players were red carded by referee Baynes when perhaps yellow would have been a more appropriate option. At the next scrum, Tigers replaced winger Tim Bowman with prop Jon McMillan to fill the front-row gap left by Buntings dismisal. Tigers then responded well to being down to thirteen men when Scully dived over for a try on thirtyfour minutes close to a ruck on the West line after good work by the Tigers pack. This gave the home side an 8-6 lead. West then used the boot in the strong wind to go down the field where Tigers conceded a penalty which was converted by Moss to regain the West lead. At half-time the visitors still had a slender 9-8 lead.
Tigers now had use of the wind and decided to bring back winger Bowman and leave yellow carded
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Gareth Morley - Charge - Supported by Richard Joel, Dominic Parsons &
Ashley Rockey.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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Barrett on the sideline. The second half started with West open-side Aaron Myers yellow carded on fortyfive minutes enabling Spon-Smith to restore the lead to Tigers at 11-9, a lead they were not to lose throughout the rest of the match. The second half continued to be a scrappy affair with Spon-Smith becoming the dominant factor kicking three further penalties on fifty, sixtyfive and eighty minutes to give Tigers a comfortable victory by 20-9. During this period West ran out of front-row options and the game went to uncontested scrums and the game lost its shape. Tigers wasted a number of chances with the final pass and some indiscriminate kicking gave West possession on a number of occasions. The visitors did pressurise the Tigers line with open.side Myers to the fore but were unable to breach the excellent defence of the Dore Moor side.
Team - Toews, Price, Bunting, Joel(C), Parsons, Rockey, Barrett (McMillan), Pearson Nick, Drage (Pearson Neil), Scully, Bowman, Spon-Smith, Evans, Morley, Pearson J
Subs Not Used – Rumley
Referee – Paul Baynes
Report – Stuart Headford |
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28/02/09 - Tigers 1st XV Reach Semi-Final of RFU EDF Energy Intermediate Cup
Sheffield Tigers 21 - Newport 13
Tigers welcomed Newport(Salop) to Dore Moor for their first visit for what proved to be an enthralling afternoon. Tigers kicked-off, but it was the visitors who held the upper hand in the first few minutes and pinned Tigers in their own twentytwo. When after five minutes Tigers gained their first decent possession
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Tom Bray - Penalty Try.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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Dave Scully put centre Charlie Spon-Smith through a hole in the Newport defence and fellow centre Tom Bray was on hand to sprint forty metres for the corner. The covering fly-half was then adjudged to have high tackled Bray in the act of scoring and the referee awarded a penalty try which was duly converted by Spon-Smith to give Tigers a 7-0 lead. Tigers then were able to create good field positions with the pack gaining the upper hand and Ashley Rockey outstanding at open-side wing forward. The Newport pack were forced to infringe at the breakdown and conceded a number of penalties until finally they were again penalised on fifteen minutes, this time for entering a ruck at the side, and Spon-Smith was able to improve Tigers lead to 10-0. This score then kick started Newport's revival and playing much the better rugby, and utilising a good kicking game, they started to put pressure on Tigers and it was no surprise when left wing Brotherton scored on twentyfive minutes finishing a fine team try which was converted by James Curvengen. This reduced the deficit to just three points in favour of Tigers. Newport then dominated the game with their forwards creating good possession and field position. It was now Tigers turn to infringe and in similar fashion to Newport’s earlier indiscretions the home side gave away a series of penalties to allow Curvengen a shot at goal from forty metres which he duly converted to bring Newport level at 10-10, a score line they richly deserved. Newport’s continued occupation of Tiger territory brought another penalty opportunity which was pulled wide on thirtyone minutes, but three minutes later scrum-half Jamie Simpson’s penalty kick gave Newport the lead for the first time in the match, a lead they maintained until half-time.
Tigers began the second period on the attack, and after a good kick for position from Jimmy Pearson,
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Dominic Parsons - Lineout Steal.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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Tigers stole a line out through Dominic Parsons who was dominant in the line-out all afternoon. From the resulting ruck Newport strayed offside and Spon-Smith was able to level the scores at 13-13 on fortyseven minutes. Tigers pack had obviously received some words of wisdom from coach Richard Selkirk at half-time as it was a much improved performance with Tigers camped in the Newport twentytwo for long periods and it was no surprise when Newport were penalised for hands in the ruck on fiftythree minutes which allowed Spon-Smith to regain the lead at 16-13. There then followed Newport's best period of the game with a series of attacks which were duly repelled by excellent defence with again, Man of the Match Rockey, covering the pitch with tackle after tackle. Tigers were forced into changes with Bray leaving the field with an injured shoulder and Neil Pearson replacing him and then Simon Bunting with a back injury being replaced by Jon McMillan. The match was now finely balanced with both teams having chances to score but it was Tigers who broke the deadlock on sixtyseven minutes. Through a number of rolling mauls the Tigers pack clinically moved forward to allow Tigers captain Richard Joel to burst over the line from a metre out to take Tigers to two scores in front at 21-13. Newport however were not finished and continued to attack and were awarded a penalty in the Tigers twentytwo on seventyeight minutes. They chose not to kick at goal, which would have given them the chance to maybe snatch the game from Tigers, but they chose instead to kick for touch. However, Tigers defence again held firm. After several long minutes of injury time the final whistle went leaving Tigers just one win away from a third visit to Twickenham. Full credit must go to a very good Newport side containing many excellent players who made Tigers claw their way to a hard earned victory. Finally and by no means least, thanks to referee Andy Taylorson for the excellent way he refereed a very good match.
Team - Toews, Price, Bunting (McMillan), Joel(C), Parsons, Rockey, Barrett, Pearson Nick, Drage, Scully, Bowman, Spon-Smith, Bray (Pearson Neil), Morley, Pearson J
Subs Not Used – Evans
Referee – Andy Taylorson
Report – Stuart Headford
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Here’s what we are going to do......
- © John Spon-Smith 2009
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21/02/09 - Tigers 1st XV Complete Double over Stockport in North 1 League
Stockport 7 - Sheffield Tigers 23
Tigers arrived at Stockport following a week out of action due to snow and hoping to get back to winning ways after the defeat at Birkenhead Park. The match started with a series of midfield exchanges with Dave Scully pushing the home side backwards with probing positional kicks. Tigers were rewarded on seventeen minutes when Stockport were caught offside in the backs and Charlie Spon-Smith opened the scoring. Eight minutes later Tigers were gifted a try when a loose pass went to winger Alex Rumley who ran forty metres. When he was tackled just short of the line Spon-Smith was in support to score an unconverted try. Stockport continued to compete but went further behind with five minutes of the half remaining. Scrum pressure near the Stockport line saw Nick Pearson pick up and drive towards the line. After quick recycled ball Scully spotted a gap on the blind side and made further headway. Alex Drage was then on hand to duck through the defence for Spon-Smith to add the extra points to increase the lead to 15 points. With half-time approaching Stockport pressed hard. A good break was wasted when they were adjudged to have held onto a ball on the ground and then further possession was lost for a similar offence. Then an excellent tackle by Nick Pearson stopped a likely try and the half ended with a missed penalty kick by the home side going wide of the posts.
Stockport started the second half strongly but Tigers defence weathered the storm. Full-back Jimmy Pearson turned defence into attack after Scully had fielded a loose kick and a length of the pitch move nearly resulted in a score after good support work by Nick Barrett. However, Stockport were again forced to concede a penalty by not releasing in a ruck and Spon-Smith increased the lead to 18 points on fifty minutes. Another positional kick by the home side into the Tigers twentytwo was caught by Jimmy Pearson who counter attacked. After a mazy run he pushed a kick towards the corner and Barrett got the try he deserved as he won the race to the touch down. That increased the lead to 23 points on fiftyfive minutes. Stockport continued to compete but Tigers were now starting to open out at every opportunity. Breaks by Rumley, Tom Bray and Gareth Morley all saw the ball eventually go to ground and two darts for the line by Scully were also unsuccessful. With just two minutes left Stockport got the try their efforts deserved. Missed tackles by Tigers but good handling by the home side saw a sweeping move down the length of the pitch finished by Ruben Harvey and converted by Tom Cruise.
Next week sees the team in action at Dore Moor in the quarter final of the RFU EDF Energy Intermediate Cup. Kick-off is at 14:00. Let’s have a good turn out to support the team and see if we can take the next step towards a third Twickenham appearance.
Team - Toews, Price (McMillan), Bunting, Joel(C), Parsons, Rockey, Barrett (Evans), Pearson Nick, Drage, Scully, Rumley, Spon-Smith, Bray, Morley, Pearson J (Pearson Neil)
Subs – All Used
Referee – Ged Stone
Report – Nigel Dakin
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14/02/09 - Tigers 1st XV Lying Snow Causes Postponement of North 1 League Match
Sheffield Tigers ?? - Middlesbrough ??
This home North 1 League match was postponed as the Dore Moor pitches were still covered with several inches of snow following the heavy snowfalls over the last two weeks.
Team –
Subs –
Referee –
Report –
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07/02/09 - Tigers 1st XV Suffer Fourth Away Defeat in North 1 League
Birkenhead Park 9 - Sheffield Tigers 6
Tigers left Dore Moor where the pitch was covered with several inches of snow to find the Birkenhead Park pitch snowless and frost free, enabling the only North One game of the day to take place. Tigers played into the low sun in the first half and a frantic start by the home team saw Tigers forced into early mistakes. First the backs were caught offside in their twentytwo and Dave Hall gave Park a 3-0 lead after only two minutes. Then the same player doubled the lead six minutes later when Tigers were adjudged to have handled in a ruck. Tigers were finding it hard to win and retain ball, especially at the line-out, but when Park were penalised for handling in the ruck, Charlie Spon-Smith kicked the penalty to halve the lead after twenty minutes. More penalties continued to be awarded by the referee and this prevented the game getting any pattern and continuity. Tigers were finding it hard to create any space or opportunities in the midfield and were forced to rely on probing positional kicks from half-back. However, no possession could be achieved from the good positions enabling Park to counter. On thirtytwo minutes Tigers backs were again caught offside and another three points were added to stretch the home sides lead to 6 points. Nick Barrett was then yellow carded and even worse followed when Simon Bunting was also given ten minutes in the sin-bin. A poor half came to an end after twelve minutes of injury time with the home side leading by 9-3.
The second half saw Tigers start in positive fashion with a turnover of Park ball, but as the ball was being passed down the line for a Tigers attack the referee mysteriously stopped play to enable a Birkenhead Park player nowhere near play to receive non urgent attention. In an attempt to gain good line-out ball Tigers threw to Richard Joel at two in the first line-out of the half and did gain possession. However, good line-out ball remained difficult to win for the rest of the match. In addition, Tigers were still having to commit more players to the ruck to secure their ball which was slower than that won by the home team forwards. Several poor kicks gave the ball back to Park too easily but several attempted long passes by them went to ground and gave possession back to Tigers. The game continued to be littered with knock-ons and it was only in the last ten minutes that Tigers began to look as if they might score a try and steal the victory. The forwards started to have some success with the rolling maul and the midfield began to find gaps as they at last started to run the ball. A good break and run by Jimmy Pearson saw support from his cousin, number eight Biffo Pearson, but before he could release a probable scoring pass he was well smoother tackled by the Birkenhead right winger. A Tigers penalty on seventyeight minutes was kicked to narrow the gap to just three points but it was a case of too little too late. A further penalty against Tigers, fortunately not within kicking range, for a verbal comment borne out of frustration at some of the decisions made by the referee saw the match to full time to complete a disappointing afternoon for the team and their supporters.
Team - Toews, Price, Bunting, Joel(C), Parsons, Rockey, Barrett (Evans), Pearson Nick, Pearson Neil, Pearson J, Bastock, Spon-Smith, Bray, Morley, Wardle
Subs not used – McMillan, Scheinkonige
Referee – Andrew Daniels
Report – Nigel Dakin
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31/01/09 - Tigers 1st XV Roar to Double over Hull in North 1 League
Hull 3 - Sheffield Tigers 5
After a last minute win at Dore Moor in October the team were confident that they were capable of repeating the performance and duly returned from Hull with two hard earned but thoroughly deserved league points. Hull had first use of the wind on a cold day at their new Ferens ground. Early Hull pressure was relieved when Tigers managed a turnover and from the start the Tigers scrum had the edge. However, Hull continued to press and were only denied by good midfield defence. This was spoiled on ten minutes when Hull were awarded a penalty with Tigers offside at a ruck. James Cameron kicked the three points. Minutes later the visitors were let off the hook when a poor defensive kick saw players offside but this time Cameron missed, albeit from a greater distance. A Hull overlap then went begging as the wind drifted the final and probably try scoring pass forward. Tigers pack now began to win more ball and a mixture of sniping runs and good grubber kicks into the wind were enabling progress into the Hull half. Tigers were not afraid to use the ball with Charlie Spon-Smith making a excellent break through the Hull defensive line and then Jimmy Pearson finding space for a good run up the touchline. Poor Hull passing let them down on several occasions and when the half-time whistle blew Tigers were still only behind by the solitary penalty kick. The home side had failed to make use of the strong wind electing to play fifteen man rugby rather than kick for position and excellent defence had denied the home side any further points.
Now it was Tigers turn to see if they would use the elements any better. Straight from the restart Tigers had Hull penned in their own twentytwo. A forward pass stopped a possible try to Tigers just as it had for Hull in the first half. Then a third high tackle by a Hull second rower was this time penalised and instead of going for the posts in the strengthening wind Tigers elected to kick to the corner. This came to nothing and good play by the Hull forwards purposely drove the ball towards the half-way line, their hard work only to be spoiled by conceding a penalty. This time a kick at goal was taken but fell short. Then Hull tried to run the ball from their own line but Tom Bray quickly spotted the opportunity to intercept and cross the Hull try line on sixtyone minutes for the five points which were to win the match. Tigers forwards now had a firm grip on the game except for the line-out where Hull were showing dominance and gaining useful ball. A kick down field was well taken by Spon-Smith to keep the momentum going and Ashley Rockey turned and caught the Hull winger when a break looked possible. With full time approaching the Tigers pack were running down the clock in front of the Hull posts and a clinching try looked possible. Hull managed to win a turnover and skilful recycling saw their forwards again grind play up to the half-way line. However, despite the nerves of the large and vociferous band of Tigers supporters a mistake was eventually made and the referee blew for the end of the match after several minutes of injury time.
The victory was no less than Tigers deserved for scoring the only try of the game and for an afternoon of outstanding defence. Indeed, the defence of both sides was nothing short of brilliant in an absorbing contest for the rugby connoisseur. The win completed the double for Tigers over Hull and puts us level on points with them, both sides having now suffered three losses. While the plaudits must go to the pack and in particular to Richard Joel, the deserved Man-of-the-Match for his captain’s display of leading from the front, the defensive work of Spon-Smith and Bray in the Tigers centre was crucial to the win. The pair, ably supported by Dave Scully, were rock solid and didn’t miss a tackle all game. Finally, a warm thank you from the Tigers committee for the usual warm reception and generous hospitality from their Hull counterparts.
Team - Toews, Price, Bunting, Joel(C), Wilkinson (Bastock), Rockey, Barrett, Pearson Nick, Pearson Neil, Scully, Bowman, Spon-Smith, Bray, Morley, Pearson J
Subs Not Used – Wardle, MacMillan
Referee – Steve Penfold
Report – Nigel Dakin
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24/01/09 - Tigers 1st XV Beat Beverley with Final Kick of the Game in North 1 League
Sheffield Tigers 12 - Beverley 10
On an afternoon with a strong breeze Tigers played against the elements in the first half. Beverley started
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Tim Bowman - Run.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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by making good use of the conditions with early pressure on Tigers scrum-half Alex Drage. When he was penalised for holding on Ian Archibald gave Beverley a three point lead on five minutes. Both sides were finding it difficult to create phases of play due to the continuous intervention of the referee who seemed to find fault in much of what both sides were doing. Tigers were missing their influential lock Luke Gross and the Beverley pack lead by captain Dave Worrall were gaining the upper hand. After a prolonged period in the Tigers half, Worrall made a break from the back of a scrum creating space for wing Jamie Gill to score in the corner. Archibald converted with an excellent touchline kick giving Beverley a lead of 10-0 on twentyfive minutes. Tigers then produced a spell of decent play but a poor pass ended the move. Tim Bowman then started another attack after a fine catch from an up-and-under but again the move again failed due to an adjudged forward pass. Beverley maintained their lead till half-time with good work from their half-backs giving good field position but they were unable to increase their lead and with the elements a ten point lead did not look enough.
Charlie Spon-Smith began the Tigers reply
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Chris Warner - On, Dave Price Off.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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in the fortyfirst minute with what was to be his first of four penalties in the match. Soon after, Beverley were then penalised again and conceded ten metres for “chatting” to the referee allowing Spon-Smith to add his second penalty on fortyseven minutes. Tigers made changes with Nick Barrett replacing Owen Evans, Chris Warne replacing Dave Price and Neil Pearson on for Alex Drage. Neil Pearson quickly made an impact when he produced a fine kick to give Tigers excellent field position and from the following passage of play Beverley were penalised for careless
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Charlie Spon-Smith - Winning Kick.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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use of the boot. Spon-Smith duly obliged with three points. This kick reduced the Beverley lead to just one point and set up a tense last ten minutes. Beverley then conceded a penalty when a back-rower committed a dangerous tackle on Tigers wing Gareth Morley near half-way. But the penalty was reversed as Nick Barrett was sin-binned for retaliation along with the offending Beverley player. Play continued with fourteen-a-side and with full-time about to be blown Beverley were penalised for handling in the ruck forty metres out. It now all depended on Spon-Smith and under intense pressure he secured victory with what proved to be the last kick of the match.
Tigers will consider themselves very fortunate to win the game and Charlie Spon-Smith was deservedly made man of the match for securing the two league points that keep Tigers in the promotion race.
Team - Toews, Price (Warner), Bunting, Joel(C), Wilkinson, Rockey, Evans (Barrett), Pearson Nick, Drage (Pearson, Neil), Scully, Bowman, Spon-Smith, Bray, Morley, Pearson J
Subs – All Used
Referee – Simon Lazenby
Report By: Stuart Headford |
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17/01/09 - Tigers 1st XV Hold On to Beat Middlesbrough in EDF Energy Intermediate Cup
Sheffield Tigers 25 - Middlesbrough 16
Middlesbrough won the toss and elected to defend against the strong wind in the first half. From the kick-off the Middlesbrough pack received the ball and good driving and recycling saw them retain possession for fully five minutes. When at last Tigers (playing in their white change strip) got their hands on the ball the forwards drove the opposition pack back twenty metres, forcing them to concede a penalty. The resultant line-out ball was taken by Nick Pearson and given to Alex Drage who broke the Middlesbrough defensive line. His return pass was taken by the ever supporting Pearson who gave a scoring pass to Ashley Rockey on six minutes. Charlie Spon-Smith added the extras. Most of the play was now in the visitors half. A good blindside break by Dave Scully saw winger Gareth Morley stopped just short of the line and the Tigers continuing pressure resulted in a yellow card for a Middlesbrough back rower. Tigers opted for the scrum and Scully went initially left before rapidly switching right. His arcing run drew both the centre and right wing before an excellently timed pass to Morley let him stroll in unopposed.
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Nick Pearson - Break.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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That was 12-0 on nineteen minutes. Middlesbrough now got more possession and some territory but good Tigers tackling made progress very hard. The strong wind was making handling difficult and several passes from both teams either went to space or were knocked on. From a scrum after one of these on thirty minutes, Nick Pearson broke right before Spon-Smith delivered an excellent inside pass to allow full-back Jimmy Pearson to scythe through at pace to score. Spon-Smith converted. Three minutes later Middlesbrough dropped another ball and one of their players played it having come from an off-side position to allow Spon-Smith to add another three points. Tigers continued to press and Middlesbrough to tackle before on the stroke of half-time the visitors came their closest to scoring. A quick tap penalty was taken on the halfway line and the chip ahead went fortunately into the arms of a well positioned Jimmy Pearson. That made it 22-0 at half-time and the only question to be answered was whether that would be enough with Tigers now having to face the strong wind.
The second half started badly for Tigers. Straight from the kick-off Tigers played a ball they should have let run dead, to put themselves immediately under pressure. Middlesbrough were now getting more ball and looking to use their backs. A good tackle by winger Tim Bowman on his opposite number stopped one attack before Tigers were penalized for killing the ball at a ruck and Simon O’Farrell kicked three points on fortyseven minutes. Three minutes later a further penalty doubled the Middlesbrough total and then only an excellent cross field chase and tackle by Nick Barrett prevented a likely Middlesbrough try.
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Charlie Spon-Smith-Penalty.
- © Ian Anderson 2009
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Another penalty on fiftyfive minutes further cut Tigers lead and gave Middlesbrough even more impetus. Memories of the league match in October must have been entering the minds of the Tigers side when Middlesbrough fought back to nearly steal the points. However, the nerves were settled when Spon-Smith kicked a penalty on sixtynine minutes. Again the visitors came back strongly. Tigers took the ball into contact but lost the ball on the touchline. The ever alert Middlebrough scrum-half Peter Wright broke quickly down the blindside to race in from over fifty metres on seventytwo minutes. O’Farrell converted for 25-16. Middlesbrough continued to press and skipper Richard Joel gratefully dropped on a loose ball to deny the visitors further possession but with time running out a high ball into the Tigers twentytwo put them under pressure. To the spectators relief the referee had seen Middlesbrough’s right winger off-side and that was the final action of an exciting match. The half-time lead of twentytwo points had just been enough.
The win takes Tigers into the quarter final draw of the Cup to be made mid week. Next Saturday sees the side at home again as league action resumes against Beverley.
Team - Toews, Price, Bunting (McMillan), Joel(C), Gross, Rockey, Barrett (Evans), Pearson Nick, Drage (Pearson, Neil), Scully, Bowman, Spon-Smith, Bray, Morley, Pearson J
Subs – Bastock
Referee – Ged Stone
Report By: Nigel Dakin |
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13/01/09 - Tigers 1st XV Overwhelm Walsall in 3rd Round of EDF Energy Intermediate Cup
Walsall 12 - Sheffield Tigers 53
This three times postponed game was finally played under Walsall’s impressive floodlights. Walsall mounted pressure from the kick-off and established an early 6-0 lead when Tigers were firstly caught offside in the backs and then guilty of handling in a ruck. After eleven minutes Tigers had a chance to cut the lead but the penalty attempt was wide. The Tigers pack was now beginning to put pressure on their Walsall counterparts and Charlie Spon-Smith was successful with his second kick after seventeen minutes. Six minutes later more scrum pressure saw Walsall concede a penalty try with Spon-Smith again successful with the kick to give Tigers the lead at 10-6. A break out and kick ahead from their own half saw Tigers take a quick line-out and a long pass from Dave Scully enabled Nick (Biffa) Pearson to run in near the posts. The conversion was successful for 17-6 on thirtytwo minutes. Walsall hit back with a weaving run from their right winger that resulted in Tigers again conceding a penalty that made the half time score 17-9 after a competitive first-half.
Walsall started the second-half strongly and a close contest looked likely when they reduced the lead to just five points on fortyfive minutes when Tigers killed the ball in a ruck and worse still Simon Bunting was yellow carded. Five minutes later Spon-Smith scythed past three would be tacklers and when the ball was recycled a certain try went begging when a good pass went to ground. However, five points were added to the score when an attempted clearance kick was charged down and Biffa Pearson won the race to the touch down. Tigers were now beginning to dominate and the pack secure good, clean early ball. Spon-Smith added three points from a penalty before replacement scrum-half Neil Pearson scored from close range. The conversion made the score 32-12 after sixtytwo minutes. Three minutes later another seven points were added. An excellent catch of a Walsall up-and-under saw the ball passed quickly wide left and then back inside for another replacement to score, this time winger Tim Bowman. Tigers were now running Walsall ragged. Two more seven point tries followed after attacks down the left both involving the skills of stand-off Dave Scully. First centre Tom Bray was released by Scully and a third replacement Ashley Rockey scored. Then an amazing low pick up by Jimmy Pearson of a kick ahead by Walsall saw him sprint thirty metres round the defence before passing inside to Scully. He set sail for the line and when he was well tackled by the full-back his flipped pass was taken by man of the match Biffa Pearson to complete his hat trick of tries.
The win sets up a match against Middlesbrough at Dore Moor this Saturday (14:00 kick off) for a place in the quarter finals.
Team - Toews (McMillan), Price, Bunting, Joel(C), Gross, Evans (Rockey), Barrett, Pearson N, Scheinkonige (Pearson, Neil), Scully, Bastock (Bowman), Spon- Smith, Bray, Morley, Pearson J
Subs - All Used
Referee - Mark Liddell
Report By: Nigel Dakin
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10/01/09 - Tigers 1st XV 3rd Round EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Tie Postponed for 3rd Time
Walsall ?? - Sheffield Tigers ??
The 3rd Round EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Tie at Walsall was postponed for the 3rd time, again due to a frozen pitch. The tie was switched to Dore Moor on Thursday night as Walsall could not guarantee that their ground would be playable on Saturday whereas Tiger’s ground was perfectly playable. However, after the unexpected countrywide below freezing temperatures overnight, Tigers pitches along with 90% of the country were too frozen to play on. The tie has been rescheduled for Tuesday 13th January 2009 at 19:00 under the floodlights at Walsall.
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Referee -
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03/01/09 - Tigers 1st XV 3rd Round EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Tie Postponed Again
Walsall ?? - Sheffield Tigers ??
The 3rd Round EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Tie at Walsall was postponed again, this time due to a frozen pitch. Walsall confirmed on Saturday morning that the tie had been switched to Lichfield’s ground as theirs was frozen. Tigers duly travelled to Lichfield but on inspection both teams agreed that that pitch was also unplayable. The tie has been rescheduled for Saturday 10th January 2009.
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20/12/08 - Tigers 1st XV Finish 1st Half of Season Undefeated at Home in North 1 League
Sheffield Tigers 24 - Morley 3
On a rare afternoon at Dore Moor with no wind and the pitch in excellent condition the match had all the ingredients of an open entertaining affair but unfortunately the referee did not enter into the spirit missing a number of key issues which luckily for Tigers did not affect the result. The match opened with Tigers
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Dave Scully - Try.
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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hacking a ball through from the first ruck of the game and with winger Alex Rumley speeding to the ball he was blatantly tackled off the ball with a try a certain outcome. The incident was seen by all except the referee. However from the resultant pressure Tigers gained a scrum and number eight Nick Pearson drove over on two minutes to give Tigers an early 5-0 lead. Morley then came into the game with long periods of possession and a break from winger Gyasi almost gave them their first score but excellent defence from Tigers held them at bay. Another strange decision from the referee gave Morley the chance to reduce the arrears on twentytwo minutes when Mark Chesters slotted home a penalty to make the score 5-3 to Tigers. Tigers were unusually struggling at the line-out but then Morley were penalised for holding down the jumper and Jimmy Pearson was able to put Tigers in a strong field position and when Morley over threw their line-out Dave Scully burst onto the ball outstripping the defence to score under the posts. Charlie Spon-Smith converted to give Tigers a 12-3 lead on thirtyfive minutes and that remained the score at half-time.
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Harry Toews - Tackle.
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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As the second half progressed the line-out continued to cause Tigers problems but the forwards were beginning to dominate the scrums and were rewarded on fiftyseven minutes when Simon Bunting burst over the line from a metre out. Again Spon-Smith added the extras and Tigers were now well in control at 19-3. Morley were having their fair share of possession and territory but all too often kicked away the opportunities. They were rewarded with a penalty on sixty minutes but Chesters effort
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Dave Price & Owen Evans - In Hot Pursuit.
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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hit the post and Tigers were able to clear the danger. Shortly after Tigers were to lose their influential captain Richard Joel with a knee injury, requiring a re-shuffle in the pack as Jonathan McMillan came on in the front row, Dave Price moved to back-row with Owen Evans taking the second-row berth and Ashley Rockey replacing Nick Barrett. This disruption allowed Morley to put more pressure on but Tigers defence was resolute. The new boys quickly settled and this allowed Tom Bray and Spon-Smith to create a couple of chances but Tigers were unable to finish. Bray was then substituted for Dave McCabe, who was in the action almost immediately. When Gareth Morley made an excellent break down the touchline McCabe was in support but was unable to hold on to the pass with the line at his mercy. Tigers were camped in the Morley twentytwo and as the game entered the last minute the forwards secured good ball on the right and the ball passed through all the backs hands with Rumley scoring a superb team try on the left to finish the scoring at 24-3. This was the last action of a very entertaining game to which both sides contributed.
The win sees Tigers undefeated at home so far this season and leaves them clear in third place in North One with Director of Rugby, Richard Senior, and Director of Coaching, Richard Selkirk, very happy at the half way point of the season. All involved in rugby at Dore Moor can look forward to 2009 with optimism with the team still in the Intermediate Cup and well placed in the league.
Team - Toews, Price, Bunting, Joel(C) (McMillan), Gross, Evans, Barrett (Rockey) , Pearson N, Drage, Scully, Rumley, Bray (McCabe), Spon-Smith, Morley, Pearson J
Subs - All Used
Referee - Kevin Warwick
Report By: Stuart Headford |
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13/12/08 - Tigers 1st XV 3rd Round EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Tie Postponed
Walsall ?? - Sheffield Tigers ??
The 3rd Round EDF Energy Intermediate Cup Tie at Walsall was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The tie has been rescheduled for Saturday 3rd January 2009.
Team -
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Referee -
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06/12/08 - Tigers 1st XV 11 Try Demolition of Darlington in North 1 League Win
Sheffield Tigers 69 - Darlington 7
Darlington kicked off into the sun on a lovely December day at Dore Moor and had the best of the early territory and possession. When Tigers did start to mount pressure on the visitors line it was diffused by conceding a penalty. A good run by Jimmy Pearson after catching a high ball showed that Tigers intended to play fifteen man rugby. Then a break by stand-off Dave Scully was carried on at pace by Nick Pearson before he passed to centre Charlie Spon-Smith
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Tom Bray - 1st of 2 Tries.
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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to score the opening try after fourteen minutes. A minute later Tigers scored again when a huge gap opened up in the Darlington centre and Spon-Smith ran thirty metres before passing to Nick Barrett to score. Spon-Smith converted for 12-0. More forward pressure by Tigers saw yet another huge hole appear in the Darlington defence and this time Gareth Morley sailed through to score a try converted by Spon-Smith. Tigers were now playing and being allowed to play champagne rugby. A weaving run from his own twentytwo by man-of-the-match Jimmy Pearson was carried upfield at pace by Nick Pearson. He linked left and centre Tom Bray went in unopposed with winger Sam Bastock still outside him on the overlap. Spon Smith again converted for 26-0. Wing forward Owen Evans then made a good break before a piece of indiscipline cost Tigers dear. After “chatting” to the referee and then a further penalty, Tigers found themselves defending in their own twentytwo. Good retention by the Darlington forwards saw them release the ball and left winger Shepard ran through a gap in the Tigers defence to score a try converted by full-back Baldwin after thirty minutes. Tigers went straight back on the offensive and a break by Scully was carried on by Nick Pearson and scrum-half Alex Drage was on hand to scamper over beating the full-back in the process. Spon-Smith again converted for 33-7. Then a break down the right hand touch line and further poor tackling saw Morley score his second try to bring the half to an end at 38-7 in Tigers favour.
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Alex Rumley - 1st Touch - 1st Try. - © Ian Anderson 2008
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The second half started as the first had finished. A break from Tigers twentytwo saw centre Tom Bray score for Spon-Smith to convert after fortyfive minutes and two minutes later a break by Scully saw him link with substitute winger Alex Rumley. He turned the full-back inside and then out, to race in at the corner to put up the fifty points with his first touch of the match. The Darlington defence was now in tatters and on fiftyfive minutes Jimmy Pearson broke from his own half to provide Rumley with a well timed pass to score his second try with his second touch of the ball. Spon-Smith was again successful with the conversion. A try was then disallowed for crossing before man-of-the-match Jimmy Pearson got the
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Man-of-the-match Jimmy Pearson - Try.
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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try he deserved after a mazy forty metre run down the right hand touch line. Spon-Smith converted for 64-7 on sixtyfour minutes. Another try was missed when after a good move the ball was dropped in front of the posts before the last score of the game. From a penalty near the Darlington line after their prop had been yellow carded the ball was tapped and passed right for the pack to drive Barrett over in the corner. Darlington continued to compete but never had the attacking fire power shown by Tigers. The final score of 69-7 reflected the weak defence by Darlington but should not detract from some excellent running rugby played by Tigers to enable them to score their biggest victory in North One.
Next week sees the team back in Intermediate Cup action away at Walsall from Midlands 2 West.
Team - Toews, Price (McMillan), Bunting, Joel(C) (Wilkinson), Gross, Evans, Barrett, Pearson N, Drage, Scully, Bastock, Bray, Spon-Smith, Morley (Rumley), Pearson J
Subs - All Used
Referee - Andrew Gaynor
Report By: Nigel Dakin |
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29/11/08 - Tigers 1st XV Suffer Narrow Away Defeat at Westoe in North 1 League
Westoe 20 - Sheffield Tigers 16
Tigers set off from a sunny Dore Moor to make the long journey through the fog for this clash with joint leaders Westoe. The pitch just about took a stud and Tigers kicked off with the not inconsiderable slope in their favour. The early Westoe game plan saw their New Zealand stand-off Rasch kicking crossfield to use the speed of his compatriot, winger Moala. When an early clearance did not find touch Tigers conceded a penalty on seven minutes for going over the top at a ruck. Rasch was successful with the kick and Westoe had the lead. Tigers responded with a kick to the corner by Dave Scully and then a second kick to the corner following a Westoe penalty. The resultant line-out, clean catch and strong drive saw Nick Pearson touch down for an excellent forwards try. The conversion attempt by Charlie Spon-Smith came back off the post but Tigers had the lead on twelve minutes. Westoe now went upfield but Rasch missed a penalty kick at goal before a kick and chase saw Nick Pearson just beaten to the touch down by the defence. The game then became a midfield arm wrestle with the Tigers pack gaining the upper hand in terms of possession. Both sides were kicking for position but a missed penalty by Tigers and then a missed touch kick saw Westoe relieve the pressure with a long clearance kick. Westoe were now starting to be penalised in both the backs and forwards for offside offences as Tigers began to dominate possession. From yet another Westoe penalty the ball was kicked to the corner and the Tigers forwards set up camp in the home side twentytwo. Eventually the ball was released down the threequarter line only for disaster to strike. As the ball was transferred through the midfield, perhaps too slowly, Moala read the danger and gambled on an interception. Sadly this came off and he raced seventy metres unopposed to touch down under the posts. Rasch converted for 10-5 to Westoe on thirtyfive minutes. This try against the run of play could have dampened the spirits of the Tigers forwards but they roared back strongly. At last, on forty minutes, the referee lost patience with Westoe for killing Tigers ball and he yellow carded Rasch. Spon-Smith reduced the lead to 10-8 and despite nearly ten minutes of injury time this remained the score at half-time.
Westoe opened the second half as if they believed they had the match won having turned round ahead and now having use of the slope. An early kick to the corner saw winger Sam Bastock slip on the tricky surface and from the resultant five metre scrum Westoe now mounted sustained pressure on the Tigers line. Ironic cheers from the partisan home supporters greeted a rare penalty to Westoe but the intended catch and drive was spoiled by Andy Barnes stealing their ball at the lineout. The Tigers defence was of a high level and it took a second piece of good fortune to enable Westoe to extend their lead. Tigers broke from the base of a scrum in their own half but the intended grubber through the Westoe defensive line saw the ball richochet off legs and a kick ahead resulted in a seven point try by substitute Steadman. Westoe now had a 17-8 lead and continued to have the majority of the possession during the third quarter and played their best rugby of the afternoon. When Tigers had some ball a good run by
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Tom Bray - Break
- © Phil Haswell 2008
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centre Tom Bray was only stopped by the touch line after he had beaten two men. Tigers spirit was now showing through as the pack again began to get on top. On sixty minutes a penalty by Spon-Smith cut the lead to six points. The Tiger pressure saw a second Westoe yellow card but this did not stop the home side going down to the Tigers twentytwo. Two excellent tackles in one corner by Scully and then in the other corner by Bastock saved certain tries but Westoe were penning Tigers in their own half. A penalty by Rasch after seventy minutes again extended the Westoe lead to nine points after Tigers backs had crossed on the ten metre line. Tigers now finished very strongly. Two penalty kicks saw line-outs in the Westoe twentytwo but despite pressing, the visitors could not get the ball over the try line. The solid Westoe defence was at last pierced on eighty minutes when after forward drives the ball was passed quickly right and winger Gareth Morley scored in the corner. The conversion again hit the post and the match ended 20-16 to Westoe.
This was a very good away performance against a highly organised and competent Westoe team. Tigers competed throughout and for long periods got the better of a solid Westoe pack. Sadly, two mistakes cost Tigers dear and despite scoring two good tries the team had no points to show for the marvellous effort of the pack with Man of the match Nick “Biffa” Pearson to the fore.
Team - Toews, Price, Bunting, Joel(C), Gross, Barnes, Barrett, Pearson N, Scully, Pearson J, Bastock, Bray, Spon-Smith, Morley, McCabe
Subs - Chris Warner, Owen Evans, Alex Drage
Referee - Steve Penfold
Report By: Nigel Dakin |
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22/11/08 - Tigers 1st XV Through to 3rd Round of EDF Energy Intermediate Cup
Sheffield Tigers 20 - Morley 7
On an afternoon with playing conditions a little on the cold side and a pitch which was a credit to the ground staff at Dore Moor the match had all the ingredients for an open entertaining affair. Unfortunately, Morley suffered an early setback when skipper Craig Field had to leave the contest due to a painful knee injury after only two minutes and was replaced by Mike Burnett. Morley had the first chance to open the scoring but chose to kick to the corner. The advantage was lost when Tigers stole the ensuing line-out and a good clearance from centre Dave McCabe put the pressure back on Morley. After good work from Dave Scully and support play from Nick Barrett and Andy Barnes, Morley infringed at the ruck and Tom Outram gave Tigers a deserved lead on nine minutes. Play was confined to the central part of the pitch for long periods neither side able to dominate the game, but Tigers back-row then began to take control with Nick Pearson making several breaks. With Barnes again in the action Morley were penalised in front of their posts on twentyfive minutes and Outram extended the lead to six points. Tigers then upped the pace of the game and after winning another line-out against the throw Jimmy Pearson launched his threequarter line and an excellent double miss move was finished in style by blind-side wing Gareth Morley crashing over for a brilliant team try on twentyfive minutes. Outram converted from the touchline to continue his good kicking form to extend the lead to thirteen points. The home side then played some of their best rugby but were unlucky on a number of occasions when either good defence by Morley or mistakes by Tigers prevented an addition to the scoreline. Tom Bray in the centre was particular sharp and was unfortunate not to finish off a number of opportunities. As the half was coming to a close, Morley launched an attack from just outside their twentytwo. Stand off Mark Chester chipped the oncoming Tigers defence only to find the experienced Scully covering the kick and with pace he split the Morley defence to then chip the advancing full-back and score under the posts, a try worthy of the quality of player he is. Again Outram added the extra points to give Tiger a comfortable lead on thirtysix minutes of twenty points to nil that they took into half-time.
The second half was to prove a less exciting affair with both sides cancelling each other out. An early off-side by Morley gave Outram the chance to put Tigers close to the Morley line but the chance was wasted by a knock-on. The Tigers back-row continued to dominate with Nick Pearson making good ground from the base of the scrum ably supported by Barnes who again was putting in a positive performance. Sam Bastock made a good break after seeing very little of the ball all afternoon with most of the ball gravitating to his wing partner Morley who made ground every time he received the ball. Morley is another player who this season continues to turn in excellent performances. Tigers coaching staff brought on Drage, Warner and Rumley to replace Scully, McMillan and Bastock on sixty minutes and shortly after replacing the excellent Barnes with Evans. Evans then made a significant contribution ripping the ball from a Morley player and feeding Rumley who made good yards before being tackled. There then followed a period where Tigers gave away a number of penalties for off-side, handling in the ruck and not rolling away in the tackle which gave Morley good field position. On seventy minutes a good break by centre Micheal Ash and a missed tackle by Tigers allowed the supporting Sean Burke to score for Morley, capping a fine display by the Morley number-eight. The try was converted by Chester and this was to be the last significant event of the match. Tigers forwards then held onto the ball for the last few minutes running out winners 20-7 and progressing to Round 3 of the competition.
Mention should be made of a display of good, sensible refereeing by Jonathan Owen.
Team – Toews, Price, McMillan (Warner), Joel(C), Gross, Barrett, Barnes (Evans), Pearson N, Scully (Drage), Pearson J, Bastock (Rumley), McCabe, Bray, Morley, Outram
Subs – All used
Referee - Jonathan Owen
Report By: Stuart Headford
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15/11/08 - Tigers 1st XV Beat West Park (St Helens) to Retain 3rd Place in North 1 League
Sheffield Tigers 29 - West Park (St Helens) 0
West Park kicked-off into a stiff breeze on their first visit to Dore Moor. At the first scrum the visitors were under pressure and as a result an early free kick for a line-out offence saw Tigers opt for another scrum. From this Tigers nearly scored and then the referees decision of crossing denied the home side a try. All the early pressure was by Tigers with the West Park back-row trying to slow down Tigers ball. However, fifteen minutes had gone without Tigers being able to turn possession and territory into points
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Tom Outram - Penalty takes him to 100 points for the season so far.
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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when the referee penalised the West Park midfield for being offside. Unfortunately Tom Outram’s kick hit an upright and came back into play and was cleared. The first score came a minute later when Outram was successful with a penalty when West Park again infringed. On twentytwo minutes good quick ball was passed left down the Tigers backs and outside centre Tom Bray had the space, speed and confidence to score in the corner from forty metres to increase the lead to 8-0. West Park were now enjoying more possession and making breaks down the centre of the pitch through the Tigers midfield. Unfortunately for them when the ball was lost they found themselves pinned back in their twentytwo by good positional kicks by stand-off Jimmy Pearson. Tigers were continuing to mount pressure and with five minutes to half-time, scored the second try they needed, having been playing with the wind, when from a scrum the Tigers pack drove the visitors over their try line and scrum-half Alick Drage touched down. Outram converted for a 15-0 at the interval.
The second half started with an early penalty miss by Outram before
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Jimmy Pearson - Try
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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Tigers scored a lovely try. Scrum-half Drage delayed his pass before feeding a short ball to J.Pearson who sped through a midfield gap and then beat the full-back to score near the posts. Outram added the extras for 22-0. Rather than deflating West Park this score increased their resolve. They began to get more ball and make progress into Tigers half. Two or three half breaks down the middle of the park stretched the Tigers defence and it needed an excellent tackle by Nick Pearson to prevent a try. Then on seventythree minutes
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Sam Bastock - Break
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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Tigers hit back with the best try of the match, indeed for several matches. In his own half substitute Owen Evans made a marvellous pick up of a low loose ball and fed it quickly left. Debutant winger Sam Bastock made good ground before cutting inside and linking up. Now the ball was passed quickly right through hands and Drage drew the last two defenders before his well timed pass saw debutant replacement winger
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Andy Barnes - Has a Word
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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Alex Rumley score near the posts. Outram again converted. With full-time approaching a long run by J.Pearson was ended by a last ditch tackle to prevent another try.
This was not a classic match but one in which Tigers at last took all the chances that came their way. West Park could argue that the score line was a little harsh on them but they did not finish when they had chances. Indeed, it was Tigers first clean sheet of the season. Man of the match – Andy Barnes for an excellent all over the park display.
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Team - Toews (McMillan), Price, Bunting, Joel(C), Gross, Barnes, Barrett (Evans), Pearson N, Drage, Pearson J, Bastock, Bray, McCabe, Morley (Rumley), Outram,
Subs – All used
Referee - Simon Lane
Report By: Nigel Dakin |
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08/11/08 - Tigers 1st XV Woe at West Hartlepool in North 1 League Defeat
West Hartlepool 28 - Sheffield Tigers 13
On another afternoon with difficult playing conditions and a strong blustery wind Tigers had the elements in their favour in the first half. They were unable to take advantage as West opened the scoring after just three minutes with a penalty from Paul Moss. West increased their lead three minutes later when an incisive break by full-back Iain Dixon saw his well timed pass enable winger Darren Thomas to score in the corner to give West the lead 8-0. Tigers were lack lustre and lethargic and it was not until West were penalised for holding on at the ruck that Tom Outram continued his good kicking form with a well stuck penalty on ten minutes to make the score 8-3. Tigers then played with some semblance of their recent form and were rewarded with a scintillating try from scrum-half Alex Drage.
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Alex Drage - Try
- © Mark Fletcher 2008
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After securing quick ball Drage saw a gap in the West defence and showed great pace from just outside the twentytwo to score under the posts. Outram added the conversion and Tigers took a 10-8 lead on sixteen minutes despite West playing the better rugby and being down to forteen men when skipper Carr was yellow carded for persistent infringement. West came back into the game on twentyfive minutes when poor defensive work allowed Dixon to score and with Moss adding the conversion West regained the lead at 15-10. Tigers then pressured the West line with a break from Outram but he was held up a metre short. West full-back Dixon was yellow carded and Tigers elected to take a scrum and with Tigers going forward West back rower Morrison was also yellow carded. Surprisingly the referee did not award a penalty try which most of the crowd were expecting. However, despite being down to twelve men for a minute West held on until half-time and with the advantage of the strong wind in the second half looked the more confident side at the break.
So it was to prove. Tigers infringed from the kick-off and Moss was able to add a further penalty after just fortyone minutes to take West further in front at 18-10.Tigers then mounted some pressure but against a strong wind Outram was only able to convert one of three penalty chances to reduce the deficit to 18-13. Worse was to follow when an interception by prop Carr saw him almost score from fifty metres out but was caught by Jimmy Pearson. From the ensuing line-out West backs quickly moved the ball wide and on sixty minutes wing Rob Thorn scored an excellent try converted by Moss to take West to a lead of 25-13. Tigers then replaced Spon-Smith, Tillyer and Warner with Bowman, Bray and McMillan but with Moss adding a further penalty on seventy minutes West completed a well deserved victory 28-13.
Tigers now know how difficult it is to maintain a level of performance away from home and will look to next week’s home fixture to get back on track. With other results going Tigers way the team are still in third place in the league, a position that would have been accepted at the start of this campaign.
Team – Warner (McMillan), Toews, Bunting, Joel(C), Gross, Barrett, Barnes, Pearson N, Drage, Pearson J, Spon-Smith (Bowman), Tillyer (Bray), McCabe, Morley, Outram
Subs – All used
Referee - Jonathan Owen
Report By: Stuart Headford |
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01/11/08 - Tigers 1st XV Second Half Display Sinks Stockport in North 1 League
Sheffield Tigers 46 - Stockport 11
This was Stockport’s first visit to a windy Dore Moor. Tigers won the toss and elected to play into the strong wind. After initial midfield exchanges both sides had attacking chances with penalty kicks to the corner but neither resulted in a score. On ten minutes a Tigers clearance kick did not find touch and the home backs found themselves outnumbered. Quick hands saw Stockport centre Greg Newton score in the corner to give the visitors an early 5-0 lead. Tom Outram reduced the lead to two points with a penalty before an enforced early substitution saw Charlie Spon-Smith replaced by
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Dave McCabe - Hands Off
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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debutant Dave McCabe. A penalty by Stockport stand-off Steve Pearson restored the five point lead on twentyfive minutes before the Stockport number eight was yellow carded and Outram added three points from the resulting penalty. Tigers were now starting to dominate possession and getting into the Stockport half despite the strong wind. However, the Stockport defence was well organised and strong. With just three minutes of the half remaining Pearson increased the visitors lead to six points when Tigers were penalised for holding onto the ball on the floor. Tigers responded with an excellent driving maul and a good break down the middle by winger Gareth Morley. The half ended with prop Simon Bunting yellow carded and Stockport with an 11-6 lead.
With the elements now in Tigers favour patience was the order of the day as five points was never going to be a big enough lead for Stockport to win the match. Tigers started by constantly recycling the ball while probing for an opening. Stockport were living on scraps with the home forwards dominating both possession and territory. After an early penalty miss by Outram quick passing to the left saw number
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Nick Pearson - Try
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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eight Nick Pearson score in the corner and Outram convert to give Tigers the lead for the first time on fiftyfour minutes. The Stockport scrum and line-out were now coming under increasing pressure and Tigers won a
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Nick Barrett - Try
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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penalty when Stockport infringed at the line-out. The kick to the corner and resulting line-out drive saw Andy Barnes cross and Outram convert on sixty minutes for 20-11. The flood gates now opened with Tigers rampaging and Stockport being overwhelmed. Four more tries followed in the last twenty minutes. First Nick Barrett scored. Then when the Stockport captain was yellow carded Tigers opted for the scrum. After two resets of the scrum the referee awarded Tigers a penalty try under the posts to give Outram an easy conversion. With three minutes remaining a break by replacement scrum-half Alex Drage and three quick passes saw Barrett again in support to score his second try, converted by Outram. Finally, good handling by the backs and an excellent short ball
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Tom Outram - Clean Thro’
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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by McCabe saw him put Outram through a gap to score and convert. That made the final score 46-11 for a fine Tigers win.
This was an excellent home performance against a team who themselves had heavily defeated Cleckheaton the previous Saturday. The side have again stepped up their level of performance. The lack of patience in the good attacking positions of the first half was replaced with patient recycling in the second. The pack continue to dominate and Stockport only got into the Tigers half once in the second forty minutes apart from restarts. Particularly pleasing was the cutting edge and pace onto the ball shown by the backs. Man of the match was Tom Outram for outstanding kicking on a difficult day. Indeed, all the players deserve praise for an excellent game that thoroughly entertained the spectators, especially the Tigers fans!
Team – Toews, Price (Warner), Bunting, Joel(C), Gross, Barrett, Barnes, Pearson N, Scully (Drage), Pearson J, Spon-Smith (McCabe), Tillyer, Bray, Morley, Outram
Subs – All used
Referee - Andrew Jackson
Report By: Nigel Dakin |
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25/10/08 - Tigers 1st XV Gain Away Win at Middlesbrough in North 1 League
Middlesbrough 18 - Sheffield Tigers 22
On an afternoon of difficult playing conditions with a strong blustery wind Tigers won the toss and decided to play against the elements. Middlesbrough took quick advantage when on two minutes Tigers infringed at the ruck and fly-half Simon O'Farrell put the home side ahead with a penalty. Tigers then dominated possession for the next ten minutes but when Boro were penalised for a high tackle Tom Outram was unable to convert the chance with the strong wind blowing his effort off course. However Tigers were spending long periods in the Boro half but giving away a significant number of penalties for technical offences in and around the tackle area much to the frustration of Captain Richard Joel who had long discussions with the referee on his interpretation of the laws. On twentyone minutes following a rare Boro excursion to Tigers territory O'Farrell landed his second penalty to double the Boro lead. Tigers then scored the first try of the afternoon. Quick ball from man-of-the-match Dave Scully and good interplay between centre Tom Bray and wing Charlie Spon-Smith put number eight Nick Pearson in with a strong run to the line. Outram was again unable to convert the try against the ever increasing wind. Tigers continued to play the better rugby with a couple of strong breaks by Gareth Morley supported by the ever present Scully and hooker Harry Toews, but perhaps a little more patience would have provided a second score.
The second half started with Tigers second try when fly-half Jimmy Pearson shimmied through a gap to score under the posts which Outram duly converted to give Tigers the lead for the first time at 12-6 after fortyfive minutes. This was further extended on fifty minutes when after sustained pressure on the Boro line the home side infringed by holding on and Outram duly converted the penalty to give Tigers a cushion at 15-6. Tigers indiscretion was penalised when Dave Price was yellow carded for handling in the ruck but even down to 14 men Tigers continued to dominate play. The pack was doing well in the scrum and debutant Luke Gross added substantially to the line-out options. A brilliant team try started from just inside their own half, with again, Morley to the fore with an incisive break into the line from his wing position. Swift handling and support saw back-rower Nick Barrett score to continue his good form this season. Again Outram converted to give Tigers a comfortable lead at 22-6 with only fifteen minutes remaining. Tigers now seemed to be cruising but just as they took their foot off the gas Boro winger Micheal Thornburn scored a fine try in the corner to bring the score back to 22-11. Boro were now encouraged to finish strongly and when scrum-half Peter Wright scored under the posts for O'Farrell to convert Boro were within one score of winning. Tigers held on to record a rare victory at Middlesbrough where few teams will find it an easy place to collect points. The win keeps Tigers in fourth place on equal points with the leaders, a position decided only by points difference.
Team – Warner, Toews, Bunting, Joel(C), Gross, Barrett, Price (Ramsden), Pearson N, Scully (Drage), Pearson J, Spon-Smith, Tillyer (Bowman), Bray, Morley, Outram
Subs – All used
Referee - Peter Ashman
Report By: Stuart Headford
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18/10/08 - Tigers 1st XV Have Week Off on EDF Cup 1st Round Weekend
Sheffield Tigers - No Match
Tigers had a bye in the 1st round of the EDF Intermediate Cup and opted for a Saturday training session.
Team –
Subs –
Referee -
Report By:
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11/10/08 - Tigers 1st XV - A Hull of a Performance in North 1 League Victory
Sheffield Tigers 18 - Hull 16
This turned out to be the most exciting and high quality match seen at Dore Moor for a long time. The meeting of the top two teams in the league certainly lived up to expectations. Hull kicked off on an afternoon ideal for handling rugby against Tigers playing in their white shirt change strip. Hull exerted early pressure and worked a line-out penalty after appealing for a push. Tigers disputed it and were marched back ten metres but James Cameron missed the target. However, when Tigers were adjudged to have gone over the top at a ruck on seven minutes the same player calmly slotted the three points. The Tigers scrum was putting Hull under pressure this early on but a penalty miss by Tom Outram allowed Hull to kick deep into Tigers half and a clever short pass fed an attacker through a mid field gap. His well timed pass saw the speedy left winger Mateo Malupo score to extend the lead to 8-0 after only eleven minutes.
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Dave Scully - Defending
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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Tigers pack responded by taking the game to Hull before using their backs. When Hull came in from the side at a ruck, Outram opened the home side account on sixteen minutes with a well struck penalty. Number eight Biffa Pearson was temporarily replaced for treatment to a cut by Owen Evans after a high tackle. Hull now had a period where they had most of the possession and looked to play expansive rugby. Tigers defended well and then it was the home sides chance to put pressure on the Hull line. Two catch and drives for the line were defended by the visitors and Outram nearly got over for a try but the ball was dislodged. The Hull front-row were now coming under increasing pressure from the excellent Tigers front three who forced their counterparts to concede another penalty. Another catch and drive was defended and the Hull captain spoken to for the number of penalties being conceded. On this penalty Tigers confidently opted for a scrum. Again the drive was stopped. Next Tigers were awarded a free kick when the Hull scrum half delayed putting the ball into the scrum. Quick thinking by Alex Drage saw him tap and somehow wriggle/power his way over the line for an excellent opportunist try to level the scores on thirtythree minutes. Hull now came back strongly and forced Tigers to defend bravely. It looked as if, despite all their hard work, Tigers would go into half-time behind but a simple penalty attempt by Hull from in front of the posts was missed so the score remained tied at half time.
Tigers now had the advantage of a slight breeze but Hull started the second half at top speed. When Tigers lost their own ball at the back of the line-out Hull shipped the ball quickly down their three-quarter line for Malupo to score in the corner on fortyseven minutes. More Hull pressure followed but despite a couple of half breaks the Tigers defence stood firm.
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Man of the Match - Simon Bunting
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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The game was now at an interesting stage with Hull doing better at the line-out but Tigers dominating the set piece. Again Hull looked to up the pace but forward passes and knock-ons cost them momentum and possession. On fiftysix minutes an adjudged deliberate knock-on by Dave Scully saw Cameron extend the lead to 16-8. Tigers now came back into the game. Outram missed a penalty before reducing the lead to five points with a successful kick on sixtyfive minutes. Tigers then made a double substitution of Jimmy Pearson for Drage and Chris Warner for Toews. The match ebbed and flowed and it was looking like Hull were in control and going to close out a hard fought away win. Then came the turning point. With the eighty minutes virtually up and Hull in possession on the half-way line their number eight Rob Devonshire was red carded by the referee for stamping. Tigers kicked to the corner. The line-out was good and a catch and drive saw winger
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Winning Try
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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Gareth Morley involved and he scored in the corner. Better was to follow as Outram put the ball between the posts from the touchline after three minutes of injury time. There was no time to restart and the referee blew the full time whistle. Tigers had won 18-16 and inflicted on Hull their first defeat of the campaign.
This was another fine performance by all the Tigers side, but special mention must go to the front row and in particular man of the match Simon Bunting. Also credit to Tom Outram for keeping his nerve to slot the match winning conversion. The ironic thing was that even in beating the leaders by two points Tigers slipped from second to fourth in the league as Birkenhead Park and Westoe won by larger margins. However, with three away games played and having now played three of the four top teams level with us at the top of the table things look well set for the rest of the season.
Team – Toews (Warner), Price, Bunting, Joel(C), Parsons, Barrett, Rockey, Pearson N, Drage (Pearson J), Scully, Spon-Smith, Tillyer, Bray, Morley, Outram
Subs – Evans for Pearson N (Blood on 20 minutes)
Referee - Nick Ashton
Report By: Nigel Dakin
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We won then.....
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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04/10/08 - Tigers 1st XV In 2nd Spot after Beating Beverley in North 1 League
Beverley 13 - Sheffield Tigers 26
The match began on an afternoon with difficult playing conditions with a blustery wind slightly in Tigers favour. Tigers front-row exerted early pressure when Tigers opted for a scrum from a penalty close to the Beverley line with the home side unable to cope with Bunting, Price, and Toews. The ball was quickly moved by Dave Scully to his new half-back partner Phil Dale who turned a pass inside for the ever present open-side Ashley Rockey to score an excellent team try on five minutes Tom Outram added the conversion to take an early lead of 7-0. Beverley were feeling the pressure up front and had to replace hooker Todd after an earlier injury with Brant. Tigers continued to spend long periods in the home twentytwo and were rewarded with a penalty on twelve minutes which due to the windy conditions was pulled just wide of the posts by Outram. Beverley were then able to mount their first positive attacks of the game with the forwards combining with fly-half Archibald, particularly open-side Worrall and number eight Hopa. On twentytwo minutes Tigers were penalised for hands in the ruck resulting in Bunting being sin-binned after referee Claire Francis had warned both captains. Archibald was able to convert the penalty to bring the score to 7-3. Tigers needed to replace Bunting in the front-row with debutant Chris Warner and Nick Barratt having to leave the field. With Tigers down to fourteen men they again showed how effective quick ball can be with Scully, again the provider from ruck ball, allowing Outram from full-back to enter the line at pace and score Tigers second try of the afternoon. The conversion from wide out was difficult and the score remained at 12-3 after twentyfive minutes. Tigers were then penalised for offside and Archibald was successful again with his penalty kick to make the score 12-6 on thirty minutes. Bunting returned and for the next ten minutes to half-time the Beverley forwards had a lot of possession but little in terms of territory. Tigers made telling breaks through Dale and Rockey that could easily have resulted in scores but the conditions made handling very difficult. The half ended with Tigers still leading by 12-6.
The second half began with Beverley again giving away penalties to allow Outram to put Tigers in a good attacking position. Beverley second-row Jackson was then sin-binned for stamping. This helped to allow Tigers forward pressure to engineer a central position in front of the Beverley posts. When the home side were forced to give away a penalty for holding on Outram converted to increase Tigers lead to 15-6 lead on fortyfive minutes. The referee then made it very clear she was not going to allow deliberate infringements and again issued a yellow card, this time to Beverley centre Tupai for hands in the ruck. This allowed Outram to add a further three points to make the score 18-6 lead on fifty minutes. Tigers then produced the best passage of play from well inside their own half. Interplay down the blindside between Scully and right wing Gareth Morley gave the big wing some space to work in and he finished in style handing off two opponents on his run to the line to score in the corner. Outram was unable to add the conversion but the gap had increased to 23-6 after fiftytwo minutes. Tigers then allowed Beverley back into the game but the home side continued to make mistakes in their backs through handling errors and crossing. Tigers continued to defend well with Dale, playing against his home club, providing a number of excellent relieving kicks. The referee continued her consistency when Rockey was sin-binned for Tigers on sixtyfive minutes. The extra man late in the game allowed Beverley to exert some pressure and the outstanding Hopa was able to burst through the middle of Tigers defence and score under the posts with Archibald converting to make the score 23-13.Tigers then mounted a number of attacks. Owen Evans replaced Matt Wood in the pack and Jimmy Pearson replaced Dale at fly-half. Tom Bray made an electrifying break and chipped the defence when perhaps ball retention would have been a better option. However from this position Beverly again infringed at the breakdown and Worrall was sin-binned on seventyfive minutes and Outram increased the lead to 26-13, which was the final score.
Tigers front-row dominated the afternoon and showed with good quick ball that the young and enterprising three-quarters with the experienced Scully directing them can maintain a challenge in North 1 this season.
The match was refereed by Claire Francis, on exchange from Somerset, who was consistent all afternoon and despite difficult playing conditions and a lot of mistakes by the players had an excellent match maintaining control throughout.
Team – Toews, Price (Warner), Bunting, Joel(C), Wood (Evans), Barrett, Rockey, Pearson N, Scully, Dale (Pearson J), Spon-Smith, Tillyer, Bray, Morley, Outram
Subs All Used –
Referee - Claire Francis
Report By: Stuart Headford
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27/09/08 - Tigers 1st XV Bounce Back to Beat Birkenhead Park in North 1 League
Sheffield Tigers 26 - Birkenhead Park 17
Another glorious day weather wise saw unbeaten visitors Birkenhead Park at Dore Moor. Tigers had all the early pressure and full-back
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Tom Outram - Penalty
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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Tom Outram opened the scoring with a well taken penalty after only six minutes. A good break by centre Simon Tillyer then involved several other players but was not quite finished off. However, when Park gave away another kickable penalty on eighteen minutes Outram again added three points. Park were now starting to get some possession and like Tigers were playing fifteen man rugby. A good attack down the left was forced into touch just short of the try line but the pressure was wasted when at a maul stamping by the Park captain saw him yellow carded and Tigers awarded a relieving penalty. Tigers were showing more adventure than in their two previous matches with a lot of ball being passed out wide. Just as Park were getting used to this pattern and their defence was starting to drift out an excellent break by scrum-half Alex Drage saw him tackled by the last man with the try line in sight. On thirtyfive minutes Tigers produced the best try of the match. Stand-off Dave Scully gave a lovely inside ball to Tillyer arriving at pace and as he hit the full-back he off loaded to perfection to supporting centre Tom Bray who scored a super try. Outram added the extra points for 13-0. Just as Tigers were settling for a comfortable interval lead the match changed dramatically. First, Park's Hall kicked a penalty on thirtyeight minutes and then on the stroke of half-time Tigers lost their ball in an attacking ruck enabling Park to break quickly on the blind side and left winger Malloy sped in unopposed from sixty metres. The match was now finely balanced at 13-10 with everything still to play for.
The start of the second-half saw Tigers again attacking and a good kick into the Park twentytwo by Outram gave the home side a good position. Park managed to escape without conceding points. Good forward bursts by Nick Pearson and Andy Barnes again threatened the Park line but it was only on fortynine minutes, from yet another Park penalty, that the home side increased their lead. Tigers kicked to the corner. The catch and drive saw hooker Dave Price credited with the try and Outram converted. By now the Tigers pack was getting control of the scrummage and the pace of number eight Pearson
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Nick Pearson - Break
- © Ian Anderson 2008
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was enabling him to make headway every time he picked up from the base of the scrummage. Another Outram penalty extended Tigers lead to thirteen points on fiftyfive minutes and Tigers seemed well in control. Play then took place around the halfway line before Park at last got into the Tigers twentytwo. A kick at goal was declined when Tigers were penalised for a late tackle and from the line-out the Parks captain scored a try converted by Hall for the lead to be whittled down to only six points. With the home supporters now beginning to get nervous captain Richard Joel was the coolest man at Dore Moor when he turned down a penalty kick at goal feeling the kick out of Outram’s range. His brave decision was immediately rewarded on seventyseven minutes when Park were again forced to concede a penalty, this time well within range. Outram duly kicked the three points to make the score 26-17 and re-establish some breathing space and this was the final score of the match.
This was an excellent performance against well organised opponents who never gave up. Tigers showed that they are developing a cutting edge in attack to go with their usual sound defence. Credit must be given to the referee Jonathan Owen who had a fine match and allowed both sides the opportunity to play open rugby. Tigers man of the match was number seven Ashley Rockey for his dynamic display over the full eighty minutes.
Next Saturday sees Tigers at Beverley who were relegated from National 3 North last season. All support welcome.
Team – Toews, Price, Bunting (Warner) , Joel(C) , Barnes, Barrett, Rockey, Pearson, Drage, Scully, Bowman, Bray, Tillyer, Morley, Outram
Subs Not Used – Ramsden, Dale
Referee - Jonathan Owen
Report By: Nigel Dakin |
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20/09/08 - Tigers 1st XV Suffer First Away Defeat At Morley in North 1 League
Morley 11 - Sheffield Tigers 5
Tigers arrived at Scatcherd Lane on an afternoon with perfect playing conditions and a pitch that was a credit to the ground staff. A match that had all the ingredients of an open, entertaining, affair was unfortunately constrained by the constant intervention of the referee with a plethora of penalties against both sides. The match began with a poor defensive clearing kick from Tigers which allowed Craig Field the Morley captain and outstanding player on the field, to make an early break and feed winger Gyast who made good ground only to be forced into touch. From the ensuing lineout Morley piled on the pressure and Tigers were penalised for hands in the ruck. Mark Chester duly obliged with the penalty on five minutes to give the home side a deserved lead. This seemed to galvanize Tigers and within three minutes they took the lead with Nick Barrett providing the line break and quick recycling by scrum-half Alex Drage putting number eight Nick Pearson in for his first try of the season. Five points to three for Tigers. The tempo of the game was constantly interrupted by the penalty count with Tigers seemingly incurring the whistle more than their opponents giving Chester the opportunity to regain the lead which he failed to do. As the half was coming to its close Field once more made a telling break to feed speedy winger Simon Bradshaw who scored in the corner to give Morley a deserved lead at eight points to five on thirtysix minutes. Worse was to follow on thirtynine minutes when Dave Scully was sin-binned for what the referee described as persistent team infringements. Fortunately for Tigers Chester was having an off day with the boot and failed with the attempted penalty as the players went into the break at half-time. Morley deserved their lead with the majority of territory and possession throughout the half.
Morley quickly took advantage of the extra man when again Tigers infringed on the floor and Bradshaw took on the kicking duties to add a finely struck penalty to his earlier try and increase the lead to eleven points to five. This was to prove the end of the scoring and with Harry Toews replacing Dave Price on fiftyfour minutes Tigers were able to mount one of very few visits to the Morley twentytwo. A Morley offence gave Outram the chance to reduce the arrears but he narrowly missed. Tigers were unable to match Morley’s ability to produce quick ball and the home team continued to dominate possession. Morley introduced fresh legs and these allowed them to dominate up front. From a quick ruck both wingers Gyast and Bradshaw combined to go close to scoring but good defensive work by Tigers full-back Dale snuffed out the chance. Morley then wasted a good opportunity with a forward pass spoiling a neat backs move orchestrated by the replacement Morley coach Scott Benton. Tigers prop McMillan was forced to leave the field with cramp on 72 minutes with Price returning to the front-row. Tigers finished the game with some sustained forward pressure but the Morley resolute defence held firm despite some eleven minutes of injury time.
This was a match Tigers could have won but the home sides ability to retain possession and take their opportunities were superior and they deserved their victory. Tigers will look forward to their first home game against Birkenhead Park next week but must improve if they are to be in the mix for promotion at the end of the season.
Team – McMillan, Price (Toews), Bunting, Joel(C), Barnes, Barrett, Rockey, Pearson, Drage, Scully, Bray, Tillyer, Outram, Morley, Dale,
Subs Not Used – Bowman, Evans O.
Report By: Stuart Headford
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13/09/08 - Tigers 1st XV Start League Campaign with Away Win at Cleckheaton
Cleckheaton 17 - Sheffield Tigers 30
Tigers opened their new league campaign away at Cleckheaton facing a number of familiar faces. Cleckheaton, now coached by former Tigers Doug Trivella and John Dudley, included four former Tigers in their starting line up, Zak Hill ,Edu Hanekom, Tom Denton and Bossie Mueller. It was the home side that started the game in the ascendancy. Early pressure from the kick-off caught Tigers off-side allowing fullback Hayden to give Cleckheaton the lead on three minutes. Tigers then began to find their feet with some enterprising back play with Tom Outram to the fore. He was rewarded with a penalty on seven minutes but was unable to convert. However, from the resultant drop-out by Cleckheaton the ball went straight into touch. From the scrum intelligent play by Dave Scully saw him feed Andy Barnes who went close to a try. From the ruck Hanekom infringed when a try was looking on for Tigers and he became the first Cleckheaton man into the sin-bin. Outram duly kicked the penalty to level the scores at 3 - 3 on twelve minutes. Almost from the restart and with Tigers losing concentration the Cleckheaton backs moved the ball quickly down the line to score a simple try in the corner by winger Piper. This was well converted by Hayden to give Cleckheaton a ten points to three lead on fifteen minutes. Tigers then produced the best rugby of the match and when their pressure was again halted by a Cleckheaton infringement a second back-row man, Hamilton, was sin-binned. This gave Tigers back-row forward Nick Barrett the chance to force his way over for Outram to convert and level the scores at ten all on twentysix minutes. Four minutes later Barratt picked up a loose ball on the half-way line and with some pace and an excellent dummy worked his way to just short of the twentytwo. When he was tackled he gave a good offload to the supporting Gareth Morley who scored and Outram converted to give Tigers the lead. The away side continued to dominate play and Cleckheaton continued to give away penalties. Tom Outram was able to extend Tigers lead to ten points with another penalty on thirtyfive minutes. Tigers then produced the try of the game with Gareth Morley again involved. He broke away and with Ashley Rockey giving inside support the ball was quickly moved to the supporting Dave Price who scored with a flamboyant dive over the line, Outram providing the extra points to give Tigers a twentyseven points to ten lead at half-time.
The second half was to provide little in terms of scoring opportunities with Tigers wasting a good chance from a short line-out when quick thinking by Price had created the chance. Outram was unable to convert a penalty chance on fiftyfive minutes and shortly after both coaches took the opportunity to give the bench players an outing. Coaches Trivella and Dudley came on for Cleckheaton with Wilkinson, McMillan and Bowman replacing Barnes, Price and Drage for Tigers. Cleckheaton again gave away a kickable penalty for Outram to extend Tigers lead to twenty points before the home team scored a second try. Full-back Hayden, Cleckheaton’s best player, created the space for Trivella to score against his old club and then added the conversion to take the score to thirty points to seventeen. With fifteen minutes to go Tigers then controlled the ball for long periods and again Cleckheaton were forced to give away more penalties. Ben Wade completed the sin binning of their whole back-row and he was joined in the sin-bin by Rockey. This was testament to the consistency of excellent referee Andrew Jackson, who maintained control throughout the afternoon. Tigers will be pleased to gain points away from home and get their season off to a winning start. Richard Joel, who gave a captains performance, will be pleased with the way the side gelled with so many new faces showing they can face the new season with confidence. Man of the match was Nick Barrett for his try and excellent dummy and break to set up a second try.
Team – Toews (McMillan), Price, Bunting, Joel(C), Barnes (Wilkinson), Barrett, Rockey, Pearson, Drage (Bowman), Scully, Bray, Tillyer, Outram, Morley, Dale
Subs - All Used
Referee - Andrew Jackson
Report By: Stuart Headford
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06/09/08 - Tigers 1st XV Start Season with a Home Win in a Friendly against Hinckley
Sheffield Tigers 16 - Hinckley 5
Tigers’ third warm up match was a friendly against Hinckley, newly promoted to RFU Midlands 1 League. After the previous day of heavy rain the pitch was in excellent condition, again justifying the expense of the drainage work carried out a year ago, and without which the match would not have been played. Tigers had most of the early possession but were shocked on eight minutes by Hinckley’s first break. From a charged down kick and resulting scrum a try was scored on the blindside for an early five nil lead to the visitors. Five minutes later Tigers levelled the scores when ex-captain Harry Toews scored following a catch and drive after a penalty kick to the corner. Tigers were now dominating possession but finding it difficult to break down a stubborn Hinckley defence. After a long break for an injury to a Tigers player, play resumed and Tom Outram kicked a penalty on twenty minutes. For the remainder of the half Tigers continued to enjoy the better of the play but there were no further scores.
The second half started in similar vein. Tigers slowly began to hint that they might be about to release their backs to attack. A good run by winger Tom Bray took play into the Hinckley half before a chance to increase the lead by three points went well wide. On sixtyfive minutes Outram was successful with a penalty and that looked like being the final score. However, with the final whistle due, Nick Pearson had other ideas as he set off on a thirty metre run down the right touchline. After knocking off one tackler he made the ball available. Dave Scully straightened to commit the defence before the ball went out down the threequarters for full-back Phil Dale to overlap and score in the left hand corner. That completed a 16-5 win.
The match was competitive and showed as it went on that the players are starting to knit into a team. This will take time, but the pack did secure the majority of the possession and the defence was sound. With Dave Scully orchestrating the backs it is hoped that their cutting edge will improve and that the crowd will be treated to the open style of attacking rugby of previous seasons.
Team - Toews (West), Price, Bunting, Joel(C), Barnes (Wilkinson), Barrett (Nash), Rockey, Pearson N, Drage, Scully, Bray, Spon-Smith (Pearson J) Outram, Morley, Dale
Subs - All Used
Referee - Andy Baker
Report By: Nigel Dakin
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