Malton and Norton RUFC

Colts Turning the Corner?

It’s been a tough couple of years for our Colts. Player unavailability for all sorts of reasons has hampered development and disrupted the team culture across our two oldest age groups within what is otherwise a highly commended age-grade structure. After a difficult few seasons and only one win so far, teaming up with the U16s in training is proving to be a smart move. Our lads are getting more meaningful minutes on the pitch, and the younger boys stepping up are adding real value.

We travelled to Aireborough in the Yorkshire Cup with 17 players, including three U16s playing up—none of whom looked out of place. Their impact showed why flexibility is important, giving both stronger and less experienced players chances to play at a level that suits their needs.

Coming off a narrow defeat to Bradford & Bingley, we arrived at Aireborough knowing it would be a hard game, but also one where the team performance mattered more than the result.

The opening 15 minutes were tight, with us on top. Dominant carries from Charlie Towse, Noah Winchcombe and, as always, Arran Cornforth helped us punch holes in the Aireborough line. Will North, stepping in at fly-half, organised the backline well and used probing kicks to turn the defence, looking to put new player Seth Gibson-Fuller and stand-in winger Bailey Bradley into space. Unfortunately, the final pass or a small knock-on let Aireborough off the hook.

Our strong start forced AB to raise their intensity, and in the next 15 minutes they scored three well-constructed tries—each one worthy of a Saturday 1st XV. A cut-in from the left wrong-footed Lenny Fox, a slick lineout move caught our fringe defence napping, and a clean midfield strike put their centre through a gap before outpacing stand-in fullback Harry Lamb.

In seasons past, those scores might have opened the floodgates—but not this team. Not anymore.

From the restart we earned an offside penalty and kicked to the corner. Despite the wet conditions and a few shaky moments, Bobby Buchan stuck to his task at the lineout and grew stronger as the match went on. A series of strong carries put us within 5 metres, and with the coaches’ pre-kickoff message about patience ringing in the lads’ ears, Noah picked up and drove like it was a Premiership final to score our first try. 19–5

We brought on Warren Reid and Elliot Leppington in the second row at halftime and started brightly, but a hard Aireborough carry down the right gave them quick ball and an early score. 26–5 

Front-rowers Jayden Wilks and Alex Thompson dug deep despite fatigue, constantly competing and helping us gain ground. Captain Isaac Goodfellow carried well from No. 8, and we spent the next 20 minutes playing mostly in Aireborough territory. We lost Arran to a blood injury and Lenny and Bobby to knocks, but Aireborough began to tire. This allowed Riley Overton to direct traffic, picking out his forward runners—including Big Sam Fernie—and using centres Seth and Ethan Macdonald to keep the defence guessing. Riley even threatened the line himself on a couple of snipes.

Sustained pressure and close-range carries finally allowed vice-captain Alex Thompson to power over, dragging the winger with him. 26–10

Aireborough brought on fresh legs late on, and although our defensive effort was excellent, they eventually scored again with a well-executed cross field kick which caught out our stand in backline, sealing the match.

Final score: 31–10

The biggest positive—and something our travelling support all noticed—was belief. The lads didn’t fold. They worked, competed, and stayed connected. That’s growth, and it matters.

Keep training, keep believing, and that second win will come. Thanks to every player who pulled on the shirt.

Forwards: Alex Thompson (VC), Bobby Buchan, Jayden Wilks, Sam Fernie, Noah Winchcombe, Ethan Macdonald, Isaac Goodfellow (C), Charlie Towse (VC).

Backs: Riley Overton, Will North (VC), Lenny Fox, Seth Gibson-Fuller, Arran Cornforth (VC), Bailey Bradley (16s), Harry Lamb.

Finishers: Warren Ried (16s), Elliot Leppington (16s)

Scores

Noah Winchcombe, Alex Thomspon.

POTM, Charlie Towse

DsOTD, Lenny for forgetting his shorts and Feathers for been late.