Welcome to the 1st XV Section

Next Games 21st April
away to Brodleians Yorkshire 1 KO 3pm.

Rishworthians travel to Woodhead for a Yorkshire One derby clash which could be the start of a possible three games in eight days. While the big local clash is our priority we have a scheduled match in the quarter final of the Yorkshire Shield under lights against Hullensians on Tuesday next week at Pontefract. This will also double as the last league game of the season. A win in that game would likely see us hosting Middlesbrough on April 28 in the semi-final at Copley.

But first thoughts turn to the game at Hipperholme with the target being to finish above Brods in the table. The Woodhead men lie one place ahead of us by just one point. Rishworthians lost narrowly to Brods in the opening game of the season, but a good win over Bradford Salem last week has left us full of confidence.

“We played some excellent attacking rugby last week, although we did go to sleep for about 20 minutes and let them come back at us,” said team manager Dan Ingham. “It will be a tough ask against Brods even though they have not fared as well lately. But form goes out of the window in these derby games. “They will be looking to do the double over us and establish bragging rights in front of what is likely to be a big crowd. But we’re looking forward to the challenge and hope to use the slope well,” said Ingham.

While teenagers Ben Sutcliffe and Will Bowers are not available, Chris Flanagan is back after missing last week’s game. Young Thomas Jowle retains his place at flanker after an outstanding performance in last week’s game.

After that Rishworthians are looking to the much delayed game against Hullensians. Games between the sides have been called off three times this season because of the weather and the Shield game has to take place soon to get in matches ahead of the final. To accommodate this Rishworthians have agreed to play midweek and because of travelling times have agreed to play it halfway under lights at Pontefract even though it should be a home fixture for us. Barring injuries we hope to be at full strength for what will also double as the scheduled league game.

Player awards evening

Awards were given out at a presentation night at Old Rishworthians after what president Tim Thornton described as the best season in the rugby club’s history. While the first team gained promotion to Yorkshire One, the highest level to be played at since leagues began, there were also successes for the Development team and the Colts. He stressed that the great work done with the Development team and the colts had given the first team the strength in depth to complete a successful year and gain promotion. He thanked the coaching team of Chris Stone and Tom Andrews and team manager Dan Ingham, together with the Development team and Colts teams’ coaches Jon Bake, Dave McDonnell and Morley Hilton.

Club head coach Chris Stone congratulated the players saying: “As a club, we are on the way up”. He thanked the Development team and Colts coaches, Tom and Dan, the team of line markers – Leigh Billing, Peter Morgan and Roy Greenwood – Julie for her work in the kitchen and Jade for her photographic coverage. First team ties went to Ed Cockroft, Anthony Nathaniel and Sam Nunn and then he handed over the first team trophies.

The award for player of the year was shared between scrum half Ed Cockroft and back row forward Nick Faulkner.
The best newcomer award went to prop Anthony Nathaniel,
The coaches’ player of the year was won by centre Sam Nunn.
The most improved player award was split between forwards and backs, Callum Heseltine winning it for the forwards and Luke Flanagan for the backs.
The players’ player award was shared by Anthony Shoesmith and James Clark
Josh Kelly won the supporters’ player of the year award.

Presenting the Development team awards, Jon Bake said it had been a real pleasure coaching them and they had only lost three games all season. Team ties went to Sam Bake, Ben Rooney, Greg Day, Lewis Hilton, Martin Brook, Chris Fox, Kris Hattam, Sam Rawnsley, Rhys Town and Paul McCumisky.

The ‘Team Player’ award was shared by Chris Fox and Martin Brook.
The most improved player was James McHugh.
The coaches’ award went to Josh Illingworth
The players’ player to Sam Bake.

Jon Bake also handed over the Colts league trophy to captain Jacob Bower. Colts awards went to:
backs, Sam Bake;
forwards, Jacob Bower;
most improved, Oliver Marshall;
coaches’ award, James McHugh;
players’ player, Ethan Pollard;
special award to Catherine McHugh for her help in the kitchen on Sundays.
Special thanks also went to under-17s coaches Richard Soothill and Greg Wright.

Finally team manager Dan Ingham thanked head coach Chris Stone for all his work.