Joe Bookbinder 1/3/2013

Men’s 2nd XV 23 – 19 Bishop Burton

The Men’s 2nd XV Rugby team left it late to record an impressive victory after a sterling performance to beat local rivals Bishop Burton. Having made a strong start to the match, Gryphons found themselves 17-0 up after Richard Kiddle and Simon Haddad crossed the line. Haddad’s try in particular came after a piece of brilliance from man of the match Jack Gaff who kicked a cross-field ball over the Burton defence, where Haddad was on hand with the presence of mind to run from the corner, to just under the post. This gave Gaff the opportunity to convert, which he duly obliged.

The match seemed to be beyond Burton when Louis Timpony scored Gryphons’ third try of the day after making massive gains from a rolling maul. The game seemed to be beyond Bishop Burton before half time yet they made the game competitive by scoring just before the break, running in 17-7.

Just as the first half saw the Gryphons in control, Bishop Burton used the break to good effort and galvanised themselves and regrouped. They made their efforts count, scoring early in the second half, the referee then contrived to award the visitors a penalty try for no discernible reason, giving Burton a 19-17 lead.

The game was poised tantalisingly close with 15 minutes to go and the introduction of Jack Bell helped to sway the game the way of the hosts as he immediately put himself about, forcing Burton onto the back foot.

Just as the momentum had swung from Leeds to Burton, it swung again in the last moments as Uni were awarded a penalty from 30 yards which Gaff duly dispatched. A few minutes later he outdid himself by adding another three points, this time from even further out, kicking from just inside the opposition half giving Leeds a 23-19 lead with only minutes to go.

The drama was not over as Leeds were reduced to 14 men after Joe Little was sinbinned with seconds remaining.

The knackered Gryphons roared with delight as the referee blew for full time just as Bishop Burton were camped on the Leeds try line.

It was a much deserved win, full of hard work and endeavour from a number of players, most notably Jak Gaff for his impressive range of kicking, and match-winning assist for Gryphons second try.

A special mention should also be given to the Bishop Burton coach, whose range of swearing and insults, mainly aimed at his own players, were much more impressive and colourful then his tactical nouse.

BUCS League Table

1st. York 1st

2nd. Liverpool 1st

3rd. Bishop Burton 1st

4th. Sheffield 1st

5th. Hull 1st

6th. Leeds 2nd

7th Leeds Met 2nd

8th Manchester Met 1st

The Men’s 2nd team’s next match will be on the March 6 against the second place Liverpool 1st team.