Class of 2010: Two decades on Brods follow in England star Charlie's footsteps
ALMOST 20 years to the day since one of the Old Brodleians finest junior performances, the club was celebrating again last Sunday.
On March 12, 1990, then Brodleians under-11 skipper Charlie Hodgson lifted the Yorkshire Cup for Old Brodleians. Sunday March 14, 2010 saw the old pot safely back in the Woodhead trophy cabinet courtesy of a 12-0 victory over Pocklington at Bingley.
Now the 2010 vintage has the chance to emulate that 1990s side, possibly following Hodgson all the way to an England shirt.
In a tense game, the first half was played in excellent spirit despite a raft of penalties which slowed Brods' usual high tempo game.
Neither side got into their stride but as the half drew to a close Pock were using their significant weight and height advantage to pressure the black and red try line.
However, as typified all day and indeed all season, there is nothing this Brods team seem to fear and a couple of thunderous hits from diminutive starlet Dakota Whylie while Dan Smith and, in front of him, Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley expertly collected high balls and kicked to relieve pressure to leave it scoreless as the teams turned around.
The second-half was similarly tight and saw Tom Robertshaw throwing well into the lineouts where Brods competed well against their taller opponents.
Ed Masters and Jack Crowther drove forward relentlessly while Bailey Ramsden looked for the gaps and tried to release the back line.
Brods' backs and forwards were gaining the upper hand as they played towards the large contingent of Brods supporters.
Chris Galvin and Alex Rackstraw held the scrum together well and Jack Headlong enjoyed the majority of territory if not possession.
Henry Asquith, Harry Smith, Nick Wood and Saul Roderick all played their part as all players were utilised.
Suddenly out of nowhere Dan Smith danced and weaved his way to the Pock 22 with a run reminiscent of his coaching father and Jack Crowther took up the charge and drove the ball over with what seemed to be the whole Pock pack upon him.
Maxwell-Whiteley's conversion opened up a seven point gap, a lead they held as the clock ticked on.
Parents and supporters got increasingly nervous but the players held theirs on the field where Ramsden and Maxwell-Whiteley controlled play.
Eventually they were able to release Whylie who won the diagonal race to the line. The conversion hit a post but it mattered not as Brods ran down the remaining time.
The rugby on show was of the highest quality for a set of lads that have not yet entered senior school.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Halifax
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: East
