Hornsea 11

Aireborough 19

Delaying the kick-off for an extra 15 minutes with Aireborough stuck in severe traffic left the away side's prior preparation to a dismal nothing.

However, this still didn't prevent the gallant Aireborough side from finishing their sixth league game of the year with a win next to their name, this being the fifth league game in which they have scored points.

After eventually getting out on the pitch both sides faced the wrath of the cheerless and dismal weather, with Aireborough taking a good ten minutes to get into the game.

Conceding a penalty and a try within the first ten minutes Aireborough were under great pressure from last year's Yorkshire Five champions, with the opposition backs winning the ball and the points.

The forwards once again won ball over for the backs within the many scrummages, props Carbutt and Helm taking the scrum down to a level which posed too much pressure upon their opposing numbers, giving hooker Craven a solid base to work on.

Bringing the score almost even upon 18 minutes winger Stuart Williams broke through four tackles whilst running the full length of the pitch to touch down for Aireborough's first try of the game, Holdsworth adding the conversion.

Becoming a tough and physical game the backs from both outfits became involved in much more contact than usual, Aireborough centre Stanley and winger Smith having to use upperbody strength to keep hold of the ball, before the forwards finished off the work.

Kicking a penalty conversion once again Hornsea were unknowingly scoring their last points of the game, this being after only 25 minutes whilst Aireborough were slowly taking control of the game through the hard graft of the forwards and running rugby of the backs.

A Holdsworth kick downfield enabled the next period of attacking play, a five metre scrum created a number of opportunities for Aireborough.

However, this time No 8 Stewart Brewer utilised the chance by forcing his way over the line with a pushover try.

With Holdsworth missing the touchline conversion this latter try left the half-time score at a close 11-12 to Aireborough.

The back row muscled their way through line-outs, scrums and open play with Davidson stripping his opponents clear of the ball in rucks, Davies tackling extensively and Brewer controlling ball in the scrums.

A run from centre Tony Smith and pass from Holdsworth enabled captain Carbutt to come within inches of another five points, however an 80 minute try from James Druce rounded off yet another promising performance from the full-back, Holdsworth later added the conversion just sealed the game for Aireborough just before the final whistle.

Aireborough Dragons 12

Burley 27

Aireborough's second string entertained a strong Burley outfit looking to notch up another win in their merit table game.

From the start it became clear that Aireborough would be up against it as the home scrum was pushed back at pace. Two early scores for Burley put them 10-0 up with Aireborough looking down the barrel of a heavy defeat.

However, Aireborough continued to battle tirelessly and began to get rewards. Turnbull throwing into the line-out accurately for Coric to take cleanly and give the Aireborough backs some ball to work with.

Despite these improvements, it was Burley who scored again, sending the sides in at half-time at 17-0.

Aireborough came out positively in the second-half and got their reward when the returning Martin Hemsley caught an attempted clearance kick wide out on the wing before crossing the line unchallenged.

Further pressure allowed Pete Booth to power his way through the Burley defence to score under the sticks shortly afterwards.

He followed up with the conversion to cap his Man-of-the-Match performance. Aireborough continued to push forwards wherever possible - Jon Rhodes producing some driving runs through the Burley pack, however ultimately it was the visitors who finished off the scoring with two late tries.

So ultimately it was a disappointing day for the home team, however there are many positives that can be taken from the performance, who travel to Halifax on Saturday for their next fixture.

Moortown B 7

Aireborough B 18

Aireborough B were on their travels again, this time to Moortown, and thanks to a well rounded performance came away with a great win.

The third team regulars were joined by old stager Ian Ellis, making his playing return after a long lay off.

Debutant James Stocker, playing at full-back, made a big difference to the back line, with his tireless running, tackling and kicking - skills conspicuous by their absence in the remainder of the team.

Indeed, he opened the scoring with a finely taken penalty mid-way through the first period.

Aireborough extended their lead after a 20 yard rolling maul set up a try for centre Jon Sellers. The try was not converted, and shortly before the break Moortown scored a converted try to make it 8-7 at half-time.

An unusually quiet Jim Russell hooked well, ably assisted by his props, even though at some points Wilkinson did seem to be rather lost. Second rows Robinson and Thackary provided a great base for flankers Sweetman and Tully to go on some marauding runs.

This paid off in the opening minutes of the second-half when the forwards set up another move for the backs to finish off, this time it was the other centre, Steve Barber, crossing the whitewash. The conversion was narrowly missed by Man-of-the-Match Stocker.

Moortown, refreshed by what seemed like a whole team of replacements, and then began to assert some pressure. No 8 Nightingale took over the tactical kicking from stand in fly- half Bob Middleton, leading to some great counter attacks by the home side, only stout defence from Gaunt and Wedgwood keeping them out.

Aireborough made the game safe in the last minute, after a kick through from their own half was pounced on by winger Chris Illingworth.

This was not converted, but the referee blew up for full time, Aireborough winning 18-7.The third team visit West Leeds on Saturday.