It's Aireborough v Baildon in the last 16

Having recently become known as one of the best and most anticipated games on the fixture list the pressure was doubled in this fifth round cup game with both sides wishing to progress into the last 16 and come one step nearer to the final at Twickenham.

After last week's loss to Skipton Aireborough weren't disheartened enough to go into this game as underdogs. Even without experienced lock Craig McLoughlin and full-back Mark Druce Aireborough were confident and happy to play on a decent pitch.

A perfect, high tempo start from the away side gave Doncaster a rude awakening, as after only five minutes and numerous attacking chances winger James Druce turned on the speed to cross the line.

James Stocker missed the conversion but Aireborough had made a big enough impact. Stocker did convert a penalty five minutes later though and only minutes after that Nick Jackson went over for his first of the year. Jackson's throw and flanker Smith's catch secured the maul before the hooker sneaked over behind the pile of bodies.

After full-back Stocker converted the latter Aireborough had a 15-0 advantage over their illustrious South Yorkshire neighbours. Whilst the weather was a trifle windy Aireborough still managed to punch holes through the Reds' defence, captain Craig Stanley running some great lines from centre Smith.

In defence flanker Nathan Smith was racking up a terrific tackle count against some cumbersome opposition.

In a terror ten minute period before the end of the first-half Aireborough let slip 17 points. Most of the damage was caused by the opposition's flat passes and strong running through Aireborough's leaky midfield.

Doncaster had stepped up their game before the end of the first-half, their tight head prop especially hard to put down when he sped up from a walk whilst the second row and captain appeared to keep the side together.

Aireborough were two points down at half-time (17-15) and needed to continue the rapid rucking more than anything in the second-half whilst the wind was against them.

After the whistle Doncaster strung some lively play together, making Aireborough work twice as hard to get around the park. The back-row of Davies, Brewer and Smith coped especially well, with replacement Martyn Hemsley adding his contribution.

Doncaster scored once more before Aireborough really turned up the heat after being awarded a number of penalties. Nearly all the players were involved at some stage in the set-pieces, the ball having being picked up and driven over from the ruck to try and force a mistake and wear the opposition down.

Eventually, Doncaster succumbed and made one mistake too many. A deserved, although dubious, penalty try was awarded to Aireborough. Stocker converted this to tip the game in Aireborough's favour.

Baildon 14 Yarnbury 3

AFTER these two teams met earlier in the season for a rare 0-0 result, this was always going to be a keenly fought contest. And so it proved to be.

The early pressure was Yarnbury's, with the benefit of the slope and wind helping them pin Baildon deep in their own half but determined defence kept Yarnbury at bay in the early encounters.

Then, pivotally, Yarnbury lost influential Captain Ben Horner with an injury which left him with a closed eye and bloodied nose. Steve Mather came into the centres.

Yarnbury were unable to capitalise on the advantage of hill and wind, indeed were only able to record three points with a Steve Riley penalty on 23 minutes after persistent offending resulted in the penalty.

Baildon had an immediate reply. After a poor kick-off collection by Yarnbury, Baildon were able to secure possession and after many phases of play they piled on pressure and crossed in the corner with their right wing being the beneficiary. The conversion was missed.

Again, Yarnbury resumed their encampment of Baildon's 22 but too many errors resulted in only one opportunity to score - a missed penalty from Riley.

With Baildon now coming down the hill, the advantage was now firmly with the home side and to counteract this Yarnbury brought on the heavyweights in the shape of second rower Matthew Atkins and belligerent back rower Joe Bennett. This seemed to have the desired effect. Yarnbury were battling out the game on the half way line and indeed in Baildon's half for much of the match but again they were unable to produce any sort of scoring opportunity.

The only clear cut chance came in the shape of Bruce Johnson -Laird, who was called back by the referee with the line in sight, much to the confusion of the Yarnbury spectators and the amusement of the Baildon spectators. Who can blame them. After a Yarnbury kick was touched by the Baildon defender the loose ball was collected by Yarnbury pace man John Bramham who linked well with Johnson-Laird, only to be called back and the scrum awarded to Baildon.

Baildon gained the momentum from this and took good position in Yarnbury's half to apply the pressure and so it came.

After good rucking Yarnbury strayed off side and gave an easy penalty chance which was gratefully accepted. Then Baildon's Yeadon-based player-coach Hugh Gumbs - the former Otliensians player and coach - slotted over the sweetest of drop goals to put two scores between the sides. A final penalty followed on 80 minutes to kill off any hope Yarnbury had of a late come back. Yarnbury made too many errors against a side clearly up for the battle to hope they could snatch a victory.

Baildon made the most of the few chances in this game and deserved to go through to the next round - the last 16. Yarnbury however, have learned some lessons from this game and will be up for the challenge when the two sides meet again, this time back in the league.