Baildon RUFC

Playing powerful rugby, Hemsworth handed Baildon a spanking at the reverse fixture earlier in the season. This raised questions about whether Baildon would be able to defend "Fortress Jenny Lane".

Hemsworth’s rugby is based on a big front five, mobile ball carrying back row and good backs, especially scrum half and full back. They work you outside in and Baildon have previously proven themselves vulnerable to runners cutting back on the reverse angle. To win, Baildon knew that they would have to put in a defensive shift with chop tackles and in attack find space out wide.

Baildon’s first defensive set was strong until a penalty at the breakdown gifted the visitors early points.

(0-3)

With an opportunity to attack Tom "Carpet Burn" Parnell found space outside with a wrap around move from first phase possession. Although Baildon lost the ball in contact, Hemsworth did not execute a great exit kick. Jake Duxbury drew defenders and put Luke Strauss in space.  Strauss used the man outside as a decoy and danced his way to the try line with a fine run. The conversion attempt bounced off the upright.

(5-3)

Matty Dixon had a chance to assault the try line but put a bendy-limbed foot in touch.

Matt Fox line out ball launched another Tom "Doggy Style" Parnell run but the Hemsworth Number Eight got over the ball superbly at the breakdown, a feat he was to repeat. Baildon support runners were perhaps guilty of looking to run in space to take an offload rather than compressing to the ball and clearing out the ruck.

Dan Cookson picked up at the back of the scrum and set off on a Billy Vunipola-esque line break. The play was taken on by Jake Duxbury who looked like he might run out of space until he dinked the ball over the last defender into the in-goal area inviting Luke Strauss to run onto it for his second. Converted Jake Duxbury.

(12-3)

Luke Strauss was soon back in the action with an interception. Strauss fed Matty Dixon who was put into touch with a try saving tackle. The Hemsworth defensive line out was overthrown and James O’Ryan set the backs going with an audacious reverse pass. Good hands saw Harrison Strauss cross.

(17-3)

Tom "Howl For Me" Parnell made yards. Ollie Murphy heard the “May-day” call late and when the ball did come to Jake Duxbury the kick was charged down by the big, mobile Hemsworth Number Eight who we are told has been successful in his ballot for this year’s London Marathon. Marathon Man showed his fitness by collecting the ball and cantering in to score, converted from the touchline with a superb effort.

(17-10)

A Matty Dixon turnover gave Baildon the ball and a Hemsworth high tackle gave Jake Duxbury a shot at goal.

(20-10)  

Baildon indiscipline then gave Hemsworth chances at goal.

(20-13)

With their eighth penalty of the half, Baildon gifted another shot at goal with the last kick of the half.

(20-16 HT)

The third quarter belonged to Hemsworth as Baildon played some indifferent rugby. Hemsworth started to punch holes as tackles were not low enough. Despite good Hemsworth line breaks, Baildon’s scramble defence held – just.

Baildon have proven that they can draw on reserves, especially when defending their home record. The team pressed “reset” and regained composure. In particular discipline improved.

Jake Duxbury turned defenders inside and out in broken play. A superb supporting line was run by Matty Robinson who cut through to dot down under the sticks for the bonus point try, converted Duxbury.

(27-16)

Matt Fox had a chance when he came from nowhere to chase a ball through. A Hemsworth player just won the race and grounded the ball for a 22 drop out.

A Baildon penalty shot at goal drifted wide.

James O’Ryan took on defenders from a scrum and passed to Jake Duxbury to score and add the extras.

(34-16)

By now the scoreboard was flattering the Jenny Laners and did not reflect the good endeavour of the visitors who had been pressing for the lead into the final quarter of the match.

Baildon again found space out wide off first phase ball when great hands moved the ball quickly. Luke Strauss was the beneficiary, crossing for his hat-trick.

(39-16)  

In what might have been a comedy moment had it not been for the injuries that ensued, a Hemsworth clearance kick was taken backwards by the breeze. There was a collision between a Hemsworth knee and a Hemsworth hip. The ball eluded both Hemsworth players who were laid out clutching their respective sore joints. Who collected to score? I wrote L Strauss but I don’t know if this was just habit: Luke or Levi? You decide.

Jake Duxbury added the conversion.

(46-16 FT)

Thanks Hemsworth for a great game. The scoreboard did not do you justice. Thanks, as always, to our match officials, sponsors, coaches, volunteers and supporters: canine and other.

Congratulations to our Second XV who also recorded a win away at Keighley.