Hornsea RUFC 27
Rowntree RUFC 8
HORNSEA RUFC men’s team kicked off 2025 at the Hollis Recreational Ground with the ultimate challenge of facing the team who began the year top of the table.
Rowntree RUFC had, prior to last weekend, conceded fewer than 10 points and scored 28 points a game on average.
An early inspection passed the pitch as fit as the weather started to roll in over the country, sparing the east coast the worst and coldest of the spell.
As the game kicked off it was clear that nerves were dominating the early stages. Hornsea kept possession of the ball well but did not manage their field position as successfully, with some rapid blitz defence putting pressure on their attacking line.
Some scrappy balls ended up with a dropped pass which was scooped up by Rowntrees with 20m to the line, making it look easy. Having barely touched the ball, Rowntrees were 0-5 up – it looked like being a long afternoon.
Hornsea took the restart, and the slippery conditions ended with several scrums throughout the day. The first two (one for Hornsea and one for Rowntrees) were both won against the head.
Rowntrees, who are always dangerous with the quick ball against the head, failed to capitalise with Andy Finch and Tim Roberts patrolling the backfield superbly to snuff out any chips over or overlaps.
The Hornsea men were able to capitalise on their turnover at the scrum with Rob Weekes gaining the better of his man and Leon Smith returning to the fray with an industrious display too.
Back to the action, Tim Roberts found himself in a mini-break with Liam Tudor-Bateman able to hold the ball just long enough to draw a player and release a pass to Brandon Leggett, again then on to Tim Roberts who managed a little kick through to a hopeful Andy Finch.
Hornsea were unfortunate not to score from the kick, but a late hit on Tim Roberts resulted in a penalty that the forwards ran from. Several phases went through, and Rob Weekes was able to squeeze through and over the whitewash. The try levelled the score at 5-5.
Once again, another scrum now having itself traditionally stamped with the Hornsea authority meant front-foot ball for the returning Dave Ashbridge at 8, managing several runs throughout the game and beating the gain line each time to provide more front-foot ball to move from.
The hard work from the forwards enabled the backs to move freely from inside the Hornsea half into Rowntrees territory.
Another break from the combination of Tudor-Bateman and Leggett was able to set Andy Finch one-to-one against the opposition, and Finch then dummied a check inside to stand up his opposite number and accelerate away, making it look simple.
Hornsea took the lead for the first time in the game, 10-5. They were on top, but the touchline was certainly a nervous place to be.
Rowntrees often attempted to play with field territory, forcing the Hornsea back three into retreat rather than in the defensive line. The skilful handling of Joel Kinder was able to manage a catch running back off his own line, but the chase was good from Rowntrees’ players, forcing a rushed kick. Hornsea then tackled offside from the resulting kick, leading to a penalty in front of the posts. Rowntrees chose to kick, successfully, and narrow the scoreline to 8-10.
The Hornsea pack continued to lead the way and Mark Thomas was able to spot an overlap from the ruck on the right wing with Finch on the end. Thomas stepped in, moving players out the way, to provide a mis-pass straight to the waiting Finch to touch down, and the winger opened up a gap of 8-15 at half-time.
The match followed much the same pattern in the second half, and the next score would clearly deal a lethal blow for either team.
Hornsea played some risky rugby on their own try line but got away with it and escaped without conceding. The risk-taking paid off and Hornsea again walked up the pitch, with a notably impressive turnover from Tom Biddlecombe relieving pressure at a crucial time in this stint.
On the far side of the pitch, Hornsea managed to keep the ball tight in the forwards, with some disciplined defence from Rowntrees matching the attack. Eventually, Deusjes Nzage was able to make a decisive break and scored a crucial try to open the gap further to 20-8.
Despite the breathing space, the game still felt nervous and needed a final score to kill it off for the Hornsea team. This only came three minutes before the final whistle with Adie Wadforth able to pick up on a carbon copy of Rowntrees’ try of the game.
The try was converted by Tim Roberts to make the full-time score 27-8 and take Hornsea RUFC to the top of the Yorkshire 4 table.
