Hope Valley RUFC

Derbyshire Presidents Cup Quarter Final
Venue: Home
Result: Win
Final Score: Hope Valley 27 – Bakewell 14

Match Report
Report by Robert Mortimore

Saturday’s fixture was a crucial game in Hope Valley’s season not only because they were playing in the Derbyshire Cup and against local rivals Bakewell but also because Valley had reached this competitions final before a few years back so today was a chance to get one step closer to the final.

The home side had a full strength squad. Andy Woodall the Valley captain was back from injury and with many players on form looking to carry on from where they left off the week before, namely, Johnny Elliot, Tom Hodgson, Richard Spencer, Matt Shaw and Nick Hoyle.

Hope Valley began the first half with some brilliant passing down both wings. Within the first 5 minutes Valley had stolen the ball from a Bakewell ruck through a solid defensive line stopping them dead in their tracks. Nicolas Hoyle made an excellent tackle on Bakewell’s advancing scrum half.

Valley defended superbly and held back the away side proving the immense team spirit, Valley were holding their defensive line impressively and nobody could deny the home side were working hard for each other today.
An excellent passage of play from Valley in their scrum was helped by Matt Shaw off loading the ball quickly to Richard Spencer who linked up superbly with Matt Stoddard. Valley were looking on top of the game.

A knock on minutes later from Bakewell and Valley won another scrum, with excellent ball handling from Matt Shaw. Hope Valley’s forwards were proving a real handful for Bakewell’s front line. Hope Valley were driving well through the oppositions half with solid work from the pack.

Bakewell’s number 6 was then sin binned for a dangerous tackle. The away side are awarded a penalty but fail miserably and Adam Cornes clears the ball out of his own half with a superb kick, he was in fine kicking form and the crowd from both sides praised his effort.

Bakewell somehow manage to get another penalty and convert. A superb drive from Valley from the restart and they’re back on track unfazed by the oppositions pressure. Bakewell opt for a drop goal close to Valley’s posts and put it over. Valley make an excellent run into Bakewell’s half and Luke Charmson takes the ball well on the wing followed with a darting run from Matt Stoddard and off loaded to Richard Spencer for a superb Valley try, Richard Spencer converts to make it 6-7 to the Valley side.

Valley’s Paul Terry takes the ball well, then 12 makes a brilliant tackle on away side’s forward. Bakewell score another drop goal and go 9-7 into the lead but Valley are well in this game.

The start of the second half saw Valley start with some excellent passing and forward pressure. Bakewell’s players start to get rough with their tackles and loose their heads but Valley keep theirs and rise to the occasion with superb team work and excellent run down both wings. Andrew Woodall makes his usual trademark tackles when the opposition look like they have found a way through.

Valley then gain a penalty try after an uncalled for and ridiculous trip right in front of Bakewell’s posts, once agin coolly converted by Richard Spencer making it 12-9 to Valley. Straight from the restart and Valley are right back in Bakewell’s half, this is turning to be a truly memorable team performance form Valley. Mel goes over for an excellent try, showing strength running through the defence with excellent support from the pack. Converted coolly again by Richard Spencer.

Adam Cornes charges down the left wing and with excellent support from his team mates and goes over to open the gap and converted by Richard Spencer. Hope Valley are now well on top, but Bakewell still have plenty to prove and in the last 10 minutes they get another try.

This is a thrilling finale to a pulsating game of rugby with both sides showing real grit and determination; but Valley came out top dogs. The supporters were in full voice and urging their sides on. Valley are through to the next round with a truly awesome display of character, gelatine, and their team spirit is undeniable. They came into this game knowing a win was well within their grasp and proved that they are on top of their game and thoroughly deserve their place in the next round.

Man of the Match: Mel

Venue: Away
Result: Win
Final Score: Hope Valley 22 – North Manchester 36
Tries:

• Adam Cornes – 1
• Jonny ? – 1
• Mark (N.Man) – 1

Conversions:

• Rick Spencer – 2

Penalties:

• Rick Spencer – 1

Venue: Away
Result: Loss
Final Score: Hope Valley 10 – Eccles 28
Tries:

• Andy Woodall – 1

Conversions:

• Rick Spencer – 1

Penalties:

• Rick Spencer – 1

Match report by Robert Mortimore

An understrength Hope Valley team traveled to Eccles for the game and we would like to extend our thanks to the home side for lending us the players needed.

After their first game of the New Year ending in defeat to Marple at home, Hope Valley were hoping for a return to winning ways.

However it was Eccles who took first point with a mistake made in a scrum not far from Valleys try line. The ball rolled out from valleys end but with no one to defend the loose ball, Eccles took full advantage and ran forward to steal the grounded ball exposing a gap in valleys defensive line, and ran through to score the first try of the game within the first five minutes. Thankfully the home side failed to convert their try and thus the score was 5-0.

After a few minutes of messy play the ball was kicked over the top of the advancing valley forward. Scott Torrance was on hand to collect an awkward bouncing ball and began to push forward with his quick nimble foot work, however he was stopped midway inside the Eccles half with a strong tackle from the opposition defence.

The home side then started to push on and dominate possession, and were proving to be on top of the game. Valley, however, were starting to put some good moves into play and get back into the game.

Eccles mid way through the first half ran toward the valley try line and with a missed tackle from the defence, a gap appeared and the home side ran through to score their second try of the match (10 – 0). Valley showed some positive play but Eccles were proving very strong and fast on the wing. The conversion was taken well and so Valley were down 12 -0 but the game was not out of valleys hands. The traveling supporters urged on their side and valleys heads picked up knowing that it was possible for them to get back into the match.

One of the key factors to Valley getting back into this game needed to be their tackling. Too many times had the home side rallied through for Valley to not make crucial tackles.

Minutes later and Eccles lost their line out on the side of the pitch as the ball was forced through to Valleys defence and with an awkward bounce, Scott Torrance got the loose ball and immediately cleared as a try was imminent by Eccles

The away side at this stage needed to chase the moving ball when kicked by Richard Spencer.

Then due to Eccles handling the ball illegally in the scrum Richard Spencer composes himself well to convert a well deserved penalty and Valley had points on the board 12 – 3!!

Scott Torrance picks up the ball in valleys half making a good run nearer to Eccles try line but with poor support this neat run comes to an end, and a lineout is given to valley which they win but valley loose momentum in the maul.

Half time is signaled. (12 – 3) Hope Valley is still in this game.

Second half kicks off and forward pass from Eccles gives valley a scrum on the half way line.

Valley pushed forwards down the Eccles left wing and on hand to push over the try line is the Valley captain Andy Woodall for a well worked try from the lineout. With an excellent conversion at a tight angle on the far left side of the pitch by Richard Spencer making the score, 12 – 10. Hope Valley is within touching distance of leveling.

Eccles gains a penalty within a few minutes for coming round from the side however the penalty is missed. Eccles are then disallowed a try on the left side of the pitch. The away supporters try to boost their team seeing a possibility to get back into the game.

Valley then drop the ball and Eccles gain a scrum. A superb run form Eccles number 13 down left side but Valley however defend superbly Minutes later and a well worked try from Eccles and conversion to make it 19 – 10. Eccles may be winning at this point but valley haven’t lost either.

Scrum to Eccles but Valley does well to steal the ball thanks to quick hands from Josh Berry playing at scrum half.

Josh Berry takes the ball from the scrum and passes the ball to Richard Spencer who gives the ball a good kick covering a large distance.

Eccles take possession of the ball and make good ground with the ball. Valley show some superb defending and gain back possession. Moments later the valley winger Scott Torrance suffers a tackle around the neck, which is obviously too high.

More well worked play from Hope Valley, but Eccles were on top form that day and gained control of the ball once more and manage to make it all the way to valleys Try line and score their next Try. Which they manage to convert with a good kick from their number 1. Making the final score 26-10.

Valley played well but still managed to keep loosing the ball in the scrum. Eccles get given a penalty due to handling in the maul by valley which Eccles kick, making the score 29-10.

Game over and Eccles win. A brave display from Hope Valley throughout the game.

Venue: Home
Result: Loss
Final Score: Hope Valley 14 – Marple 27
Tries:

• Nick Hoyle – 1
• Scott Torrance – 1

Conversions:

• Rick Spencer – 2