IN beating Guisborough in this Yorkshire Silver Trophy semi-final tie Aireborough have now massed total of 25 unbeaten games this season, almost undoubtedly a new club record.
With this Silver Trophy semi-final being played at West Park Bramhope due to a waterlogged Nunroyd pitch Aireborough soon discovered that the Bramhope turf was no better than that of the home ground.
With Guisborough sealing an impressive win over last week's opposition Bramley Aireborough knew that in order to score points they needed to get into the game straight from the off.
Boasting a large pack the North East side were hit early from the ever impressive back play of Aireborough, even in the quagmire that the pitch was developing into. Winning a penalty only two minutes in it was Stocker again who added the conversion, showing some great consistency with his boot.
With some quality rucking, resulting in good clean ball from scrum-half Nield it was again the home' side who scored next. Persistent scorer James Druce came up with the goods and it was Stocker again who slotted the ball between the posts to give a 10-0 lead after ten minutes.
Some good brotherly teamwork saw another Druce score, winger Druce again taking it down the wing for full-back Mark Druce to score in the corner after picking up from the ruck. Stocker added the touchline conversion and Aireborough were 17-0 up after 20 minutes.
As the pitch conditions worsened Aireborough were coming under increasing pressure as Guisborough strung together some quality passes in open play.
The forwards now put in the tackles whilst standing outfield coaches as Carbutt and Smith along with Davies, Helm and Baxter worked hard at the slide defence making it look as easy as a training exercise. This impenetrable line kept Guisborough away from the scoreboard for the remainder of the first-half.
As Aireborough entered the second-half the pressure increased around the ruck area, No 8 Brewer and flanker Davidson took some big hits in defence as the away side put in some hearty impact runs.
The Guisborough fly-half took advantage of a poor Aireborough line-out and the downfield punt tactic resulted in them winning some ball as they launched a giant No 5 up in the air to compete in the line-outs.
With the extra possession the away side punished Aireborough just after Stocker added another penalty. A chip along the floor with a successful touch down gave Guisborough their first five points.
As young Smith took a ball centre-field it a gash in the eye saw him leave the field, giving way for Stanley to step up from the subs bench along with lock McLoughlin, who replaced Exley.
A few players with clean kit and extra energy made no difference as Aireborough conceded another try three-quarters of the way in, the conversion being added gave the final score of 20-12.
Bringing on Greenwood and Holdsworth before the final whistle Aireborough fought right until the end. Credit goes to all the lads as they prepare to play their second cup-final in two years at Malton on May 13.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article