Dewsbury Rams Academy 60 - 0 Keighley Academy

Match report by Chris 'Ossy' Osbaldeston

My second academy game of the season, but not my last, though there’s only Workington on the 26th, and the play offs to go.

The game was actually rather scrappy in the opening stages as both packs tested each other out, running the ball hard and straight. It was the Rams that got the better of these early exchanges, though it was 15 minutes before Joe Waters drove over beneath the posts to open the scoring, Danny Ratcliffe adding the conversion. 5 minutes later, a similar move saw prop Kyle Sampson go over, and Ratcliffe adding the goal.

With The Rams defence providing a solid platform on which to build, scrum half Andrew Tillotson picked up a couple of tries late in the half. The first darting over from a play the ball, and the second as he gathered up a loose pass from the ground and drove hard for the line. With Ratcliffe adding both conversions, the half time score was 24 – 0.

The second half was a different matter, with The Rams defence determined not to be breached, and the attack throwing the ball wide at every opportunity. The Cougars never gave up though, and it was only a determined and well-organised defence that kept them at bay. 5 minutes in Joss Ratcliffe was over from the play the ball, and again cousin Danny added the extras.

A few minutes later it was the turn of John Oakes, cutting back to take the inside pass and cross for his first try. By now The Rams were dominating. A towering kick from Tillotson was fumbled on the Cougars left, the ball being swept up and Joss Ratcliffe going over for his 2nd try of the night. This time it was Tillotson who added the conversion and The Rams were up 40 – 0.

It might sound like a stroll in the park, but the inexperienced, and under strength Cougars were persistent, and on several occasions it was only determined defence that kept them off the scoreboard.

The restart kick was well taken by winger James Craven, who ran outside the covering defence and set off for the distant posts, only for the move to founder on that dogged defence. But Craven’s run provided the platform for John Oakes to go over on the right following some good handling. This time Tillotson’s kick struck the posts and came back.

With The Cougars threatening again, sub Gary North’s interception saw him race the length of the pitch to go in under the posts for arguably the most dramatic try of the night. Tillotson again added the extras. The Rams solid defence continued to frustrate a tiring Keighley side, and the next Rams attack saw Joe Waters going over for his second try of the night, again Tillotson added the conversion.

The evening ended on a high note, with some good interpassing that saw Joss Ratcliffe go over for his third try of the night, taking the final score to 60 – 0.

For me, this was a true team performance, the forwards taking the ball up hard, and the backs spreading the play nicely. One last game to go in the official season, against Workington on August 26th, then it’s on to the play offs. If you get the chance, come on down and support the lads, they deserve it.

TEAMS.
Rams :- Tom Colleran; James Craven; Ryan Glynn; John Oakes; Morgan Starkey; Daniel Ratcliffe; Andrew Tillotson; Jake Wilson; Joe Waters; Kyle Sampson; Rob Kelly; Liam Crawley; Chris Grice. Subs :- Daniel Wray; Gary North; Joss Ratcliffe; Allister McMaster.

Cougars :- Richard Leatham; James Boxwell; Ben Sagar; Ashley Huck; Lee Dean; Adam Mitchell; Andy Robinson; David Emmott; James Flynn; Jason Dubas-Fisher; Robbie Spencer; Mick Land; Luke Sandland. Subs Andy Feather; Jason Barnes; Kris Gott.

Referee :- J. Downham