Driffield U8s (pictured below) travelled to hosts Beverley to play in a three way mini matrix against Beverley and Bridlington, each team played four matches.
The Christmas break had certainly refreshed the mini Woldsmen. They played with determination, commitment and flare.
The 1st match started with Bridlington kicking off scoring almost immediately. Driffield levelled the score with a good combination of passing and support play through Barnie Woodmansey, Oliver Frost, and Jacob Farr.
Bridlington responded and were making ground but Driffield closed them down with some precision tagging from Sam Thompson, Louie Edge and Johnny Stabler forcing the turnover and to score nudging them in front. The match was an even contest with the whole game hinging on one score. The Driffield boys showed great commitment and held out for a narrow win.
Game two against Beverley showed how well both teams have improved since starting to play rugby.
Some good defence and moving the ball quickly were key to the Driffield victory. Lewis Forrester, Charlie Hogg, Thomas Gilson, Leon Kirby and man of the match Reece Goatley all showed what speed, running straight and quick thinking could do. This allowed them to have a two point cushion helping boost their confidence. The defence was worked well with George Walster and Grant Gammon who were as solid and reliable as ever keeping the team in a straight defensive line. A well worked and deserved win.
The third and second game against Bridlington was not going to be a push over. Bridlington wanted to prove a point.
Driffield went into an early lead assisted by some great sniping runs from Jacob Farr and Oliver Frost. Driffield were comfortably in front, but then lost Johnny Stabler and Bridlington lost a player through an injury. They brought on their secret weapon who managed to pull back three tries to bring the score within one point.
Thomas Gilson came on for Johnny and with Louie Edge holding their nerve in defence allowed Reece Goatley a couple of well worked tries and another for Barnie Woodmansey who showed how to run and jink for fun, brilliant! Another close game won again by good team play.
The last match and second against Beverley was very different to the first, Beverley wanted to get even, Driffield had a game on their hands. The contest was full of passion from both sides.
No one would get past Charlie Hogg who dived to save tries. George Walster using his quick thinking and working the space to support helped Leon Kirby and later man of the match Thomas Gilson in for well worked tries. An exchange of errors saw Beverley finally in possession putting pressure on the Driffield line, but Driffield responded to keep them from scoring. Always just keeping in front with the little magic from Lewis Forrester.
Driffield finally came out winners in a hard fought match which could have gone either way.
Game One. Bridlington 7, Driffield 8. - Game Two. Beverley 2, Driffield 4. - Game Three Bridlington 5, Driffield 6. - Game Four. Beverley 4, Driffield 5.
Fantastic team spirit, confidence and enjoyment helped the young Woldsmen win all four of their games. Well done boys a super display of rugby. The squad: Louie Edge, Jacob Farr, Lewis Forrester, Oliver Frost, Grant Gammon, Thomas Gilson, Reece Goatley, Charlie Hogg, Leon Kirby, Jonathan Stabler, Sam Thompson, George Walster, Barnie Woodmansey.