Some exciting fixtures this week, with MOTD being the local Halifax Derby for me.
$alem V Wetherby
Morley V Pock
Crocs V Brods
Ponte V Donny
M&N V Scarborough
Moortown V Selby
Salem v Wetherby – Home advantage just the decider, Salem but not by many.
Morley v Pocklington – MOTD for me (unless you are from Halifax) very close game which could go either way. With no confidence a home win and Pocklington to lose three in a row.
Old Crocs v Old Brods – Halifax MOTD. A game where league position and form don't count all about local bragging rights. Old Crocs win.
Pontefract v Donny P – Must win game for both teams, Pontefract to win a very close game.
M&N v Scarborough – Bonus point win for Scarborough and top spot in the table.
Moortown v Selby -Selby win.
With only 1 win separating 4 teams from 7th-10th, this weekend is probably the biggest so far for the lower placed teams. This can also be echoed for the upper echelon of the league with potential for a first place switcheroo.
$alem V Wetherby - A $alem win would drag Wetherby right back into the dog fight. Big game at home, more than likely means that the Money Men will turn up. Salem +7
Morley V Pock - 2nd MOTD. Where's it all going wrong for Pock recently?! Not an easy game for Pock to try get back on track. Morley +7
Crocs V Brods - Personally my favourite fixture of the year. The hostile home crowd will be out in force and to count as a 16th man. I'm sure there'll be plenty of niggle with big hits flying in left, right and centre. Honestly could go anyway but no matter what the beer will be flowing. Crocs -7
Ponte V Donny - Yawn. Ponte +7
M&N V Scarborough - I didn't get up to Malton for the Crocs game but it did sound very 1 sided. Scarborough's backs to run away with it in the last 20. Scarbs +7
Moortown V Selby - Moortown looked to really struggle last week for large parts of the game, and this was topped off with a couple of injuries. However the big lad that came off the bench in the second half looked dangerous. I haven't seen Selby this year but, as always, they come up with some surprising results. Selby to walk this. Selby +7
$alem V Wetherby - Not much to say on this one, both capable of pulling out a performance. Was surprised at $ losing last weekend. Were they offit or just a decent game from Selby?- Salem -7 at home.
Morley V Pock - LLL for Pock for me. Morely pulling out a good performance last week and a few Pock fans seem rattled, dissent among the ranks with supporters clashing with one another. Morely just.
Crocs V Stoke - Anything could happen here, from memory the reverse fixture was a close one. Ill give it to the home side as they seem to have a habit of grinding a result out at home with their 16th man. Crocs -7
Ponte V Donny- Clash of the underachievers. Hope Donny sneak a win because I think it'll be their last chance unless knights start playing for them.
M&N V Scarborough- This could be MOTD for me, Scabs will always be a strong side but Malton are running into a bit of form. I don't think Malton's pitch will suit Scabs and for that I'm going with the home side. -7
Moortown V Selby- Whoever's backs show up will take this one. DRAW 32-32.
Salem v Wetherby – Depends if $alems imports bring their thermals. If not Wetherby win
Morley v Pocklington – Confidence counts for a lot in this sport, and Morley have just beat Stoke City so I have to side with them. Morley win
Old Crocs v Old Brods – Brods been worried about this one for a while since narrowly escaping with the points in the home fixture. The Crossleyans will overwhelm Brods 1 - 15 I foresee. Crocs win
Pontefract v Donny P – Ponte.
M&N v Scarborough – MN finding some form but Scarbs are a well oiled machine who will prove too much. Scarbs win
Moortown v Selby - Selby too much for Moortown Whoopers.
Salem v Wetherby - Too cold and wet for the $alem imports. Wetherby win
Morley v Pocklington - Pocks form continues to worsen for me, three losses on the bounce. Morley win
Old Crocs v Old Brods - MOTD, form goes out of the window for this fixture and should be an intense game. Crocs close win
Ponty v Donny - Ponte by a lot
M&N v Scarborough - Tough to call with M&N having a few good results, think Scarbs back will have too much and run away with it. Scarbs win
Moortown v Selby - Selby by a lot
Quote from: crocodiledundee on Dec 09, 2025, 10:16 AMSalem v Wetherby - Too cold and wet for the $alem imports. Wetherby win
Oh the irony.
It's not that long ago when Crocs turned up and tried to refuse to play - because it was cold and wet.
Doncaster not travelling to Pontefract this weekend, Home Walkover !
Do we know if this is a one off?
Not sure if Ponte have heard officially that its off. Donny were struggling to field a front row
Declared HWO on both YRFU and RFU web site.
That is very rare at this level and very sad to see, especially at this stage of the season.
I hope they manage to recover.
I cant remember a level six side not being able to play a fixture. Hope they can turn things around or things can quickly unravel which might have some benefit to the likes of Wheatley, Thorne and maybe even Wath or even Dearne Valley. Good luck Donny on turning it round.
I can't remember a walkover at this level. How they can regroup over the Christmas break.
On a wider point it also shows the weakness of 12 team leagues, looking at the fixtures/results Ponte were last at home on the 29 November, because of the walkover their next home game is not until the 17 January.
Not great for clubs cash flow.
Salem v Wetherby – Salem potentially a little bit too rough around the edges for Wetherby. Salem +7.
Morley v Pocklington – MOTD as two of the early and still league favourites do battle. Morley impressively won last week it seems so unless Pocklington have some returning from injury it could be a Morley win. Just. morley -7.
Old Crossleyans v Old Brodleians – impossible to predict but will have a go. Old Crossleyans definitely the forums choice but I wonder how many are coming from home voices. Old Brodleains to sneak this one -7.
Pontefract v Doncaster Phoenix – I would predict Pontefract 5 point win and a home walk over! 😃. This will be much to this dismay of relegation rivals.
Malton & Norton v Scarborough – I can sense the backrowbandits excitement from here about going top this weekend but will not be an easy test. Scarborough +7 but only a 4 point win.
Moortown v Selby - I remember a few seasons ago a bit of niggle between these 2 - is that still there? were selby arrogant pre game or was there a scuffle on pitch? eating away at me is that one. Selby -7 if injuries are serious from last week as per Pumba.
Game on at Moor Lane on Saturday. Donny have got a side and Yorkshire RFU aware
$alem V Wetherby
Salem seem to be a very tough team to predict this year but just have a feeling they get it done this weekend
Salem -7
Morley V Pock
F pock. Morley 7+
Crocs V Brods
Boy oh boy where do I even begin. What a game this will be I think crocs in good form and brods seem to be in a bit of a rough patch will help this one lean to the home team. Crocs - 7
Ponte V Donny
Tough start for Donny no doubt. BUT THESE BOYS HAVE FIGHT (if the games on)
DONNY +7
M&N V Scarborough
Don't know who the Malton instagram admin thinks he is posting MY predictions. Absolutes clowns. Incredibly unprofessional, I think the kids nowadays call it "rage baiting"
Scarborough 7+
Moortown V Selby
From reports Moortowm were woeful last week so I can see a big bounce back although selby are a good team
Moortown -7
Great weekend of games ahead
RIR
Salem v Wetherby – Both of these sides are highly unpredictable with ups and downs throughout the season. Similar styles so I'm going to go for a tight Salem win driven by home advantage.
Morley v Pocklington – Pock have hit their inevitable wobble point and it seems it's caused by injuries and unavailability (exactly the same as Scarborough when we lost 3 in a row). Morley are hard to predict but I think at home they should have just enough to continue Pocks wobble.
Old Crocs v Old Brods – Halifax slogathon. I actually think that Crocs might win this fairly comfortably at home and with their tails up.
Pontefract v Donny P – Good to hear that it sounds like Donny have got a front row together. Although it will be closer than some of their games this year I can't see Donny getting their first win. So Ponte by a bonus point.
M&N v Scarborough – Malton have been watering their pitch and running cattle over it for the last week to prepare it for their style of play. In fact the rumour is that there is still a beast lost in the long grass!
Joking aside, Malton will be bouncing off the walls wanting to get one over Scarborough. They are undoubted favourites at home and in the mud. A very tricky match for Scarborough to navigate. Should be a big crowd and great entertainment.
Moortown v Selby - I can't see anything but a Moortown victory with their backs enjoying a free running match. All Moortown members have been invited to an after match singing practice ahead of their visit to silver Royd next week.
Surely your new coach isn't turning the team into a bunch of pretty boys who don't like a bit of mud BRB?
Quote from: backrowbandit on Dec 11, 2025, 07:00 AMSalem v Wetherby – Both of these sides are highly unpredictable with ups and downs throughout the season. Similar styles so I'm going to go for a tight Salem win driven by home advantage.
Morley v Pocklington – Pock have hit their inevitable wobble point and it seems it's caused by injuries and unavailability (exactly the same as Scarborough when we lost 3 in a row). Morley are hard to predict but I think at home they should have just enough to continue Pocks wobble.
Old Crocs v Old Brods – Halifax slogathon. I actually think that Crocs might win this fairly comfortably at home and with their tails up.
Pontefract v Donny P – Good to hear that it sounds like Donny have got a front row together. Although it will be closer than some of their games this year I can't see Donny getting their first win. So Ponte by a bonus point.
M&N v Scarborough – Malton have been watering their pitch and running cattle over it for the last week to prepare it for their style of play. In fact the rumour is that there is still a beast lost in the long grass!
Joking aside, Malton will be bouncing off the walls wanting to get one over Scarborough. They are undoubted favourites at home and in the mud. A very tricky match for Scarborough to navigate. Should be a big crowd and great entertainment.
Moortown v Selby - I can't see anything but a Moortown victory with their backs enjoying a free running match. All Moortown members have been invited to an after match singing practice ahead of their visit to silver Royd next week.
Quote from: TeflonRevlon on Dec 11, 2025, 01:36 PMSurely your new coach isn't turning the team into a bunch of pretty boys who don't like a bit of mud BRB?
Quote from: backrowbandit on Dec 11, 2025, 07:00 AMSalem v Wetherby – Both of these sides are highly unpredictable with ups and downs throughout the season. Similar styles so I'm going to go for a tight Salem win driven by home advantage.
Morley v Pocklington – Pock have hit their inevitable wobble point and it seems it's caused by injuries and unavailability (exactly the same as Scarborough when we lost 3 in a row). Morley are hard to predict but I think at home they should have just enough to continue Pocks wobble.
Old Crocs v Old Brods – Halifax slogathon. I actually think that Crocs might win this fairly comfortably at home and with their tails up.
Pontefract v Donny P – Good to hear that it sounds like Donny have got a front row together. Although it will be closer than some of their games this year I can't see Donny getting their first win. So Ponte by a bonus point.
M&N v Scarborough – Malton have been watering their pitch and running cattle over it for the last week to prepare it for their style of play. In fact the rumour is that there is still a beast lost in the long grass!
Joking aside, Malton will be bouncing off the walls wanting to get one over Scarborough. They are undoubted favourites at home and in the mud. A very tricky match for Scarborough to navigate. Should be a big crowd and great entertainment.
Moortown v Selby - I can't see anything but a Moortown victory with their backs enjoying a free running match. All Moortown members have been invited to an after match singing practice ahead of their visit to silver Royd next week.
Training cancelled tonight....it's a visit to a nail bar then a pamper party.
$alem V Wetherby - Two heavy inconsistent teams. I think the $alem boys at Home will nick this one in an attritional battle. Salem-7
Morley V Pock - MOTD for me. Morley on the back of some good results against Brods and Town with Pock beginning to wobble i fancy Morley at home. Morley -7.
Crocs V Brods - The Halifax derby, the hoards of crocs fans who have taken over the forum lately seem to think the crowd will be too much for Brods (who are wobbling) to handle and i'm inclined to agree. If they can muster the same intensity they played with against town last week it could be a heavy result for Brods. Crocs +7
Ponte V Donny - I think Donny might have something to prove in this game after it initially looked like it was going to be a HWO - Ponte will still have enough. Ponte -7
M&N V Scarborough - M&N seem to have got some of the old boys back in and the results have taken an upwards trajectory since. I think the Silver Royd lads will still have a bit to much at the Gannock. Scabs -7
Moortown V Selby - Based off of Pumba's account of the Crocs game last week, Town may be missing a few players through injury but Far Moss is one of the hardest places to go in the league and they will be wanting to get their season back on track after a couple of losses. Town -7.
Salem v Wetherby – Surporting our lads as always, Wetherby win.
Morley v Pocklington – Think Pock will take the spoils here in what i would expect to be a very forward dominated 80 minutes.
Old Crocs v Old Brods – Local derby form goes out of window complete toss of a coin going for brods.
Pontefract v Donny P – Gutted for Donny and hope the christmass breaks enables them to re group and keep the lads together to re build next season.
M&N v Scarborough – anouther almost local derby going for Malton to upset teh form book on this one.
Moortown v Selby - Should be a pleasant afternoon of jovial pitchside banter whilst watching a close game with Selby just sneaking the win in the last 5 minutes to be warmly applauded off the pitch.
Great win for Morley to make it two wins against teams above them in the table and condemning Pocklington to a third consecutive defeat. Final score 25-19.
Malton 10 Scarborough 12
Well we tried to throw that one away......
Scarborough forgot how to play the basics today. Great 20 minutes at the start of the game other than that we conceded possession and we territory way to easily. Very poor kick defence albeit that Malton were never penalised for being in front of the kicker. Sloppy wide defence cost two tries.
Held on for a win though. Poor form from a couple of Malton players at the end who should be ashamed of their behaviour.
A hard-fought victory for Scarborough today in a typical local-derby, bare-knuckle fight. Neither side lacked commitment, although composure was perhaps a little lacking at times but would you expect anything else in matches like these?
As usual, the Scarborough supporters turned up en masse, outnumbering the home crowd. At least the Malton Chairman will have one thing to be happy about... the door and bar takings.
Malton's defence was excellent in the opening 20 minutes as Scarborough ran them ragged, and I'm not sure Malton really touched the ball. However, only one try came from that dominance, with Malton producing several outstanding last-ditch tackles on their own line.
After the first 20 minutes, the sickness bug that has been moving through the Scarborough squad began to take its toll. It was obvious that some players should really have been in bed but huge credit to them for turning out and sticking at it.
Malton had their bright moments, running some good lines and missing opportunities of their own. The lead changed hands before Scarborough went into the final 15 minutes 12–10 ahead, despite missing further chances to extend the lead.
Both sides suffered injuries, and the final 10 minutes looked relatively comfortable for Scarborough, who controlled possession and territory—right up until the last play of the match. Malton broke through from halfway and raced to within a couple of metres of the try line. It looked as though they might squeeze over at the death, much to the delight of the home crowd (and as predicted during the week in a phone call!). However, massive defence saw Scarborough knock them back, steal the ball (hmmm 😏), and kick it dead.
After the final whistle, one Malton player appeared to lose his cool, but all was forgotten by the time the teams went through the tunnel.
A close game that could have gone either way, but in truth Scarborough could have won by a few more.
Quote from: backrowbandit on Dec 13, 2025, 06:44 PMA hard-fought victory for Scarborough today in a typical local-derby, bare-knuckle fight. Neither side lacked commitment, although composure was perhaps a little lacking at times but would you expect anything else in matches like these?
As usual, the Scarborough supporters turned up en masse, outnumbering the home crowd. At least the Malton Chairman will have one thing to be happy about... the door and bar takings.
Malton's defence was excellent in the opening 20 minutes as Scarborough ran them ragged, and I'm not sure Malton really touched the ball. However, only one try came from that dominance, with Malton producing several outstanding last-ditch tackles on their own line.
After the first 20 minutes, the sickness bug that has been moving through the Scarborough squad began to take its toll. It was obvious that some players should really have been in bed but huge credit to them for turning out and sticking at it.
Malton had their bright moments, running some good lines and missing opportunities of their own. The lead changed hands before Scarborough went into the final 15 minutes 12–10 ahead, despite missing further chances to extend the lead.
Both sides suffered injuries, and the final 10 minutes looked relatively comfortable for Scarborough, who controlled possession and territory—right up until the last play of the match. Malton broke through from halfway and raced to within a couple of metres of the try line. It looked as though they might squeeze over at the death, much to the delight of the home crowd (and as predicted during the week in a phone call!). However, massive defence saw Scarborough knock them back, steal the ball (hmmm 😏), and kick it dead.
After the final whistle, one Malton player appeared to lose his cool, but all was forgotten by the time the teams went through the tunnel.
A close game that could have gone either way, but in truth Scarborough could have won by a few more.
See you next week BRB 🤓
Carl...as I've told you numerous times, I'm away skiing now so won't be there next week. But there will be extra security on the door and additional white lightening and special brew has been ordered.
We've ordered some entertainment to be bussed in to keep your 2nd and 3rd team entertained - and Colin will be wearing his best Christmas jumper! Let the games begin 🤣
Quote from: backrowbandit on Dec 13, 2025, 08:38 PMCarl...as I've told you numerous times, I'm away skiing now so won't be there next week. But there will be extra security on the door and additional white lightening and special brew has been ordered.
We've ordered some entertainment to be busses in to keep your 2nd and 3rd team entertained - and Colin will be wearing his best Christmas jumper! Let the games begin 🤣
Hopefully not the ginger Trojan that spoilt all the fun last time 😓
We will look after Colin, the rest of it.....buckle up 🥸
The Bradford Salem committee are having their Christmas weekend at Silver Royd next weekend so we'll seat you all together 🤭🤭🤭
Quote from: backrowbandit on Dec 13, 2025, 08:51 PMThe Bradford Salem committee are having their Christmas weekend at Silver Royd next weekend so we'll seat you all together 🤭🤭🤭
Have they got a game?
Yes but they paid double this week so that they can miss next week's match 🤭
Quote from: backrowbandit on Dec 13, 2025, 08:56 PMYes but they paid double this week so that they can miss next week's match 🤭
£3.5k to come to Scabs?
Ouch!
Mixed feelings walking away from The Gannock today. A win is a win, however Scarborough very nearly threw it away, quite literally given the number of knock ons. That said, who can blame them when playing on such a sticky, wet, boggy pitch. Russell may want to add "pitch maintenance" to the agenda for the next committee meeting.
The opening 20 minutes were excellent from Scarborough, with Malton seeing very little ball and the game looking like it could turn into a comfortable win. Credit where it is due though, Malton defended well and had a few moments of real quality. From a Scarbs perspective, they perhaps enjoyed kicking the ball away a little too much when there were opportunities to keep hold of it and apply pressure.
Malton's number 16 on the wing stood like Lurch but had surprising pace and looked dangerous at times. Man of the Match for Malton in my opinion (not many to choose from)
The referee was generally ok, although a fair few offsides were missed, mostly to Malton's advantage.
One of the Malton props became a little heated at the final whistle and, rather ungentlemanly, stormed straight off into the changing room before the tunnel and handshakes. Disappointing behaviour from a veteran player.
All in all, not a bad day out, although poor form at the bar serving Guinness in cider glasses. That alone almost spoilt it.
On another note....
Popped into the New Globe in Malton after the game. Barman asked which team I was with. Fully expected that saying "Scarborough" might cause a bit of an issue. I said "Scarborough".
He replied, "Good. Malton players are all banned from here."
Apparently a long-standing issue. His words, not mine, but he followed it up with something along the lines of "bunch of idiots, don't behave."
Sad to hear......
Quote from: Eustace.L.Boots on Dec 13, 2025, 09:34 PMMixed feelings walking away from The Gannock today. A win is a win, however Scarborough very nearly threw it away, quite literally given the number of knock ons. That said, who can blame them when playing on such a sticky, wet, boggy pitch. Russell may want to add "pitch maintenance" to the agenda for the next committee meeting.
The opening 20 minutes were excellent from Scarborough, with Malton seeing very little ball and the game looking like it could turn into a comfortable win. Credit where it is due though, Malton defended well and had a few moments of real quality. From a Scarbs perspective, they perhaps enjoyed kicking the ball away a little too much when there were opportunities to keep hold of it and apply pressure.
Malton's number 16 on the wing stood like Lurch but had surprising pace and looked dangerous at times. Man of the Match for Malton in my opinion (not many to choose from)
The referee was generally ok, although a fair few offsides were missed, mostly to Malton's advantage.
One of the Malton props became a little heated at the final whistle and, rather ungentlemanly, stormed straight off into the changing room before the tunnel and handshakes. Disappointing behaviour from a veteran player.
All in all, not a bad day out, although poor form at the bar serving Guinness in cider glasses. That alone almost spoilt it.
Imagine having time to write that when you win 🤣
Quote from: Eustace.L.Boots on Dec 13, 2025, 10:25 PMOn another note....
Popped into the New Globe in Malton after the game. Barman asked which team I was with. Fully expected that saying "Scarborough" might cause a bit of an issue. I said "Scarborough".
He replied, "Good. Malton players are all banned from here."
Apparently a long-standing issue. His words, not mine, but he followed it up with something along the lines of "bunch of idiots, don't behave."
Sad to hear......
lol, his drinkers/mainly his wife got upset when we interrupted the Karaoke night......
Admittedly changing the TV to Babestation and volume 100 wasn't the smartest thing to-do but ask any other establishment in Town it will be a different story.
Quote from: backrowbandit on Dec 13, 2025, 06:44 PMA hard-fought victory for Scarborough today in a typical local-derby, bare-knuckle fight. Neither side lacked commitment, although composure was perhaps a little lacking at times but would you expect anything else in matches like these?
As usual, the Scarborough supporters turned up en masse, outnumbering the home crowd. At least the Malton Chairman will have one thing to be happy about... the door and bar takings.
Malton's defence was excellent in the opening 20 minutes as Scarborough ran them ragged, and I'm not sure Malton really touched the ball. However, only one try came from that dominance, with Malton producing several outstanding last-ditch tackles on their own line.
After the first 20 minutes, the sickness bug that has been moving through the Scarborough squad began to take its toll. It was obvious that some players should really have been in bed but huge credit to them for turning out and sticking at it.
Malton had their bright moments, running some good lines and missing opportunities of their own. The lead changed hands before Scarborough went into the final 15 minutes 12–10 ahead, despite missing further chances to extend the lead.
Both sides suffered injuries, and the final 10 minutes looked relatively comfortable for Scarborough, who controlled possession and territory—right up until the last play of the match. Malton broke through from halfway and raced to within a couple of metres of the try line. It looked as though they might squeeze over at the death, much to the delight of the home crowd (and as predicted during the week in a phone call!). However, massive defence saw Scarborough knock them back, steal the ball (hmmm 😏), and kick it dead.
After the final whistle, one Malton player appeared to lose his cool, but all was forgotten by the time the teams went through the tunnel.
A close game that could have gone either way, but in truth Scarborough could have won by a few more.
Fair assessment, Good defensive shift again from us allowing only 2 visits to red zone in the second half, could have gone either way we left 7 points on the field with difficult kicks.
Had 4/5 visits to your 5m line and probably should have left with more especially the two times in the second half where actions weren't spotted, collapsing maul on the refs blindside and the last play 😕.
Four weeks ago at Morley, 26 - 0 at 60mins we really could of wilted but three games later we've got some renewed accuracy and them play offs are on the horizon..
I know I am not really allowed on here now that we are in "exile" in the North West, but at Northwich yesterday we were royally entertained with a three course xmas lunch (Scarbadosesque). We played aganst a team with nine (yes nine) Boks in the starting line up. We won with plenty to spare after being 14 - 5 down at the interval, really good people but where is a community club going with so many imports. All good lads but that is after four have gone back home for their own safety after giving the local (allegedly) drug honchos son a beating in an altercation in the town.
I know its up to all clubs to do what they want but, surely there is no future for the community in it. Maybe thats why there were more supporters from Ribb than the home side. Again royally welcomed.
9 'boks' against 9 player coaches watched by about 9 spectators then.
BRB and Carl can't you two just text each other.
$alem v Wetherby - both these sides inconsistent form continued here, great win away from home for Wetherby, back in the hunt for the playoffs
Malton v Scarbs - low scoring derby game that has been well documented above
MBH v Selby - Moortown proving again it is a very tough place to go. I think they are going to climb the table and potentially a playoff run
Morley v Pock - out of no where, Morley are right in it. Genuine title contenders.
Crocs v Brods - great away win in the Halifax derby. Another one score game where Crocs came out second best. Crocs will survive the drop and Brods will be top 3
Ponte v Donny - cricket score. Donny in absolute free fall and can't see them getting any more points this season unless something drastically changes post Christmas
Salem will be left wondering how they let this one slip away. After having 80% possession throughout the game they just couldn't find a way through the Wetherby defence.
Although butchering two four man overlaps probably didn't help their cause!
As expected Salem were very physical, not always legal, but loudly whooped from the sidelines never the less.
Not sure which players they are supposedly paying? On yesterday's showing it would be hard to pick a stand out player for them worthy of the supposed money being thrown around.
Quote from: Rob on Dec 13, 2025, 11:24 PMQuote from: backrowbandit on Dec 13, 2025, 06:44 PMA hard-fought victory for Scarborough today in a typical local-derby, bare-knuckle fight. Neither side lacked commitment, although composure was perhaps a little lacking at times but would you expect anything else in matches like these?
As usual, the Scarborough supporters turned up en masse, outnumbering the home crowd. At least the Malton Chairman will have one thing to be happy about... the door and bar takings.
Malton's defence was excellent in the opening 20 minutes as Scarborough ran them ragged, and I'm not sure Malton really touched the ball. However, only one try came from that dominance, with Malton producing several outstanding last-ditch tackles on their own line.
After the first 20 minutes, the sickness bug that has been moving through the Scarborough squad began to take its toll. It was obvious that some players should really have been in bed but huge credit to them for turning out and sticking at it.
Malton had their bright moments, running some good lines and missing opportunities of their own. The lead changed hands before Scarborough went into the final 15 minutes 12–10 ahead, despite missing further chances to extend the lead.
Both sides suffered injuries, and the final 10 minutes looked relatively comfortable for Scarborough, who controlled possession and territory—right up until the last play of the match. Malton broke through from halfway and raced to within a couple of metres of the try line. It looked as though they might squeeze over at the death, much to the delight of the home crowd (and as predicted during the week in a phone call!). However, massive defence saw Scarborough knock them back, steal the ball (hmmm 😏), and kick it dead.
After the final whistle, one Malton player appeared to lose his cool, but all was forgotten by the time the teams went through the tunnel.
A close game that could have gone either way, but in truth Scarborough could have won by a few more.
Fair assessment, Good defensive shift again from us allowing only 2 visits to red zone in the second half, could have gone either way we left 7 points on the field with difficult kicks.
Had 4/5 visits to your 5m line and probably should have left with more especially the two times in the second half where actions weren't spotted, collapsing maul on the refs blindside and the last play 😕.
Four weeks ago at Morley, 26 - 0 at 60mins we really could of wilted but three games later we've got some renewed accuracy and them play offs are on the horizon..
Are there relegation playoffs too??
Credit to Doncaster for raising a side and getting the game on knowing what the outcome would be, poor old Ruckitrory picked another losing side after ditching Pock.
Suggest he switches to Old Brods next as they came out on top in the Halifax derby and are clearly the better of the two sides, they look set to stay in the title hunt and are a proper club too.
I don't just switch up on teams like that mate I stick with the club I support
Not like some other fake fans
Tough result yesterday but we will bounce back
Quote from: PocknRoll on Dec 14, 2025, 11:12 AMCredit to Doncaster for raising a side and getting the game on knowing what the outcome would be, poor old Ruckitrory picked another losing side after ditching Pock.
Suggest he switches to Old Brods next as they came out on top in the Halifax derby and are clearly the better of the two sides, they look set to stay in the title hunt and are a proper club too.
Quote from: Ribbflagman on Dec 14, 2025, 06:33 AMI know I am not really allowed on here now that we are in "exile" in the North West, but at Northwich yesterday we were royally entertained with a three course xmas lunch (Scarbadosesque). We played aganst a team with nine (yes nine) Boks in the starting line up. We won with plenty to spare after being 14 - 5 down at the interval, really good people but where is a community club going with so many imports. All good lads but that is after four have gone back home for their own safety after giving the local (allegedly) drug honchos son a beating in an altercation in the town.
I know its up to all clubs to do what they want but, surely there is no future for the community in it. Maybe thats why there were more supporters from Ribb than the home side. Again royally welcomed.
Northwich are the basket case of the NW. They were in NW1 a few years ago and suffered a huge collapse in their playing squad. Unfortunately for them they were given a reprieve due to a restructure and spent a season being absolutely battered (a bit like Kirby Lonsdale). If paying players is a short term plan to keep rugby in the area and a progression for younger lads then fair play but we all know it's never a sustainable long term solution unless there's a wealthy sugar daddy/mummy who has grand plans.
Just watched Morley v Pock on Veo, it was a gool old fashioned game which literally could have gone either way. Morley will be concerned that their discipline allowed Pock a sniff. Pock will be kicking themselves with their poor execution in the last 5 minutes.
In terms of the game as you would expect they were evenly matched across the board, I would say that Morley transitioned better and attacked far better from their set plays.
I thought the ref had a good game, clear what he expected and even handed in the way he enforced his expectations. Unfortunately Pock fell foul of this by repeating the same offence. If the ref says you can't do that ie Put your hands on the ground beyond the ball and you continue to do it of course you're going to get pinged.
There are some things that come across incredibly clear on Veo. I would like commend the Pock support on their passion and commitment to the cause, I would also like to pull them up on a couple of things;
1. Read up on the Laws and the way in which a referee is expected to apply them at this level. The constant inane screeching for supposed offences is tiring and wearing for a ref particularly when in the large majority of cases you are clearly wrong.
2. The constant screaming for a 'card' is beneath a Club of Pocklington's standard.
3. Re-read the RFU's Core Values.
10 games to go. 5 points separating both 1st to 4th and 7th to 11th. Fascinating league where it feels like anyone can beat anyone on their day (except Doncaster).