Sat 26 Nov 2022
Match report by Richard Turner
Woodhead was in good nick on Saturday with Autumnal sun shining on a perfect playing surface and a good crowd gathered to watch this eagerly expected derby game.
Brods chose to play up the hill from the kick off and face a stiff breeze however, in the early exchanges, it was the home team taking the initiative and using the ball to establish attacking positions. Brods opened the scoring with a well taken penalty goal given for offside deep in Morley territory.
Brods attacking shape looked good as they made good ground down the flanks with James Millington linking with Jimmy Hodkinson to go close on the right. Morley’s defence was working overtime and when the Hipperholme boys had the opportunity to register more points from the boot they elected to kick for the corner and test their visitors with an early lineout drive. The plan worked and a perfectly formed lineout drive took the home pack over the line and the ever-reliable Elliot Craven was on hand to touch down. Matty Briggs converted and Brods had a 10-0 lead after ten minutes play.
Morley responded well and took the game to the home side gaining good possession, camping deep in Brods’ territory for a sustained period. The home defence was up for it, however a penalty was conceded and the Maroons opted to take three points through scrum half Noah Hawkins’ boot.
Brods stepped up the pace and playing some great rugby capitalised on strong running from James Millington and Michael Briggs before moving the ball from left to right and the across the entire back line back to the left hand corner to secure a fine team try with Cam Wroot having the final touch. The touchline conversion was missed and Morley responded immediately with some strong running in centre field culminating in a well taken try by powerful No 8 Nick Green under the posts. Hawkins’ boot kicked the extras to give a 15-10 score line.
Morley were enjoying their best period in the game and when the Brods defence didn’t react, after a clear Morley knock on, they could not recover as the visitors took full advantage. Two missed tackles on the Brods right flank allowed the winger to cross in the corner and level the score for half time.
The second half opened with the Woodhead boys showing great intent and Loketi Manu led the way with his strong running. He linked up with James Millington who was also enjoying a great game. Millington had work to do down the left flank however he was tool strong for the Morley defenders and he touched down to give the Brods the lead once more.
Brods continued to press and Ryan Harris was next on the score sheet from close range, reward for his outstanding work rate. The Woodhead boys continued to dominate the game at this stage, their forward dominance giving a solid platform for their young half backs to pressurise the visitors. Morley’s scrambling defence kept the home side at bay however when the Hipperholme boys had a lineout on the Morley 22 the dominant home forwards gathered themselves for a major drive. A great catch by Harris and drive took the Brods to the Morley line. Desperate defenders dropped the maul and the Hipperholme boys were awarded a penalty try and a 27-15 lead.
Brods were relentless in the forward battle and when they won a tight scrum against the head the visitors were penalised and another kick to the corner with the inevitable take and drive and try to the home side 32-15. Matty Briggs kicked the conversion from the touchline and Brods held a 34-15 lead.
Brods were totally dominant at this stage and when Jimmy Hodkinson hoisted a high up and under landing deep in the Morley 22 Brods attackers chased down the dangerous bouncing ball and Michael Briggs claimed it to score again under the posts. His young brother converted once more to extend the lead to 41-15.
Matty Briggs featured once more in Brods next attack as his dash for the line was stopped Joe Kafatolu was on hand and his supporting run brought due reward when he touched down under the posts. 46-15.
In the closing minutes Loketi Manu put Brods back on attack with an immense kick down the field. Brods chase was equally good and the pressurised defenders lost possession. Jimmy Hodkinson was on the receiving end of the recycled ball and good handling was rewarded with Brods scoring another excellent team try.
In injury time Morley scored a consolation try when their speedy left wing broke free on the flank and outpaced the defence to bring the final score 51-22.
Probably Brods most complete performance of the season - this young side continues to improve and their increasing confidence is being rewarded with some good rugby appreciated by the Woodhead faithful.
Woodhead was in good nick on Saturday with Autumnal sun shining on a perfect playing surface and a good crowd gathered to watch this eagerly expected derby game.
Brods chose to play up the hill from the kick off and face a stiff breeze however, in the early exchanges, it was the home team taking the initiative and using the ball to establish attacking positions. Brods opened the scoring with a well taken penalty goal given for offside deep in Morley territory.
Brods attacking shape looked good as they made good ground down the flanks with James Millington linking with Jimmy Hodkinson to go close on the right. Morley’s defence was working overtime and when the Hipperholme boys had the opportunity to register more points from the boot they elected to kick for the corner and test their visitors with an early lineout drive. The plan worked and a perfectly formed lineout drive took the home pack over the line and the ever-reliable Elliot Craven was on hand to touch down. Matty Briggs converted and Brods had a 10-0 lead after ten minutes play.
Morley responded well and took the game to the home side gaining good possession, camping deep in Brods’ territory for a sustained period. The home defence was up for it, however a penalty was conceded and the Maroons opted to take three points through scrum half Noah Hawkins’ boot.
Brods stepped up the pace and playing some great rugby capitalised on strong running from James Millington and Michael Briggs before moving the ball from left to right and the across the entire back line back to the left hand corner to secure a fine team try with Cam Wroot having the final touch. The touchline conversion was missed and Morley responded immediately with some strong running in centre field culminating in a well taken try by powerful No 8 Nick Green under the posts. Hawkins’ boot kicked the extras to give a 15-10 score line.
Morley were enjoying their best period in the game and when the Brods defence didn’t react, after a clear Morley knock on, they could not recover as the visitors took full advantage. Two missed tackles on the Brods right flank allowed the winger to cross in the corner and level the score for half time.
The second half opened with the Woodhead boys showing great intent and Loketi Manu led the way with his strong running. He linked up with James Millington who was also enjoying a great game. Millington had work to do down the left flank however he was tool strong for the Morley defenders and he touched down to give the Brods the lead once more.
Brods continued to press and Ryan Harris was next on the score sheet from close range, reward for his outstanding work rate. The Woodhead boys continued to dominate the game at this stage, their forward dominance giving a solid platform for their young half backs to pressurise the visitors. Morley’s scrambling defence kept the home side at bay however when the Hipperholme boys had a lineout on the Morley 22 the dominant home forwards gathered themselves for a major drive. A great catch by Harris and drive took the Brods to the Morley line. Desperate defenders dropped the maul and the Hipperholme boys were awarded a penalty try and a 27-15 lead.
Brods were relentless in the forward battle and when they won a tight scrum against the head the visitors were penalised and another kick to the corner with the inevitable take and drive and try to the home side 32-15. Matty Briggs kicked the conversion from the touchline and Brods held a 34-15 lead.
Brods were totally dominant at this stage and when Jimmy Hodkinson hoisted a high up and under landing deep in the Morley 22 Brods attackers chased down the dangerous bouncing ball and Michael Briggs claimed it to score again under the posts. His young brother converted once more to extend the lead to 41-15.
Matty Briggs featured once more in Brods next attack as his dash for the line was stopped Joe Kafatolu was on hand and his supporting run brought due reward when he touched down under the posts. 46-15.
In the closing minutes Loketi Manu put Brods back on attack with an immense kick down the field. Brods chase was equally good and the pressurised defenders lost possession. Jimmy Hodkinson was on the receiving end of the recycled ball and good handling was rewarded with Brods scoring another excellent team try.
In injury time Morley scored a consolation try when their speedy left wing broke free on the flank and outpaced the defence to bring the final score 51-22.
Probably Brods most complete performance of the season - this young side continues to improve and their increasing confidence is being rewarded with some good rugby appreciated by the Woodhead faithful.
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