Hope Valley RUFC

Saturday 23rd February
Hope Valley 7 – 40 Eccles
Report by Robert Mortimore

On a cold windy day Hope Valley were looking for a second win against Eccles. Valley began kicking up field against a strong wind. Adam Cornes gaining distance into Eccles half with strong kicking. Mike at number 11 made a strong tackle on the wing.
The away side scored first with a well worked try. Andy Woodall made some low, strong tackles. Rory Williams played well at scrum half. Tom Hodgson and Scott Torrance made plenty of strong surging runs with brilliant support from Mel Maylor, Jonny Elliot, Will Marsh and Adam Russell.
Valley’s Lee Jones raced over for the home side’s only try of the day converted by Nick Hoyle. Eccles put more points on the board. Dave Warren, Will and Paul Wayne combined well together.
Nick Hoyle contested well for the ball on the right. Adam Russell pulled down the Eccles front line showing his upper body strength. Luc Charmsson took the ball well from a lineout making a strong run after Adam Cornes had been high tackled unnoticed by the referee. Eccles pilled on the points but Valley didn’t give up.
Tom Hodgson punt kicked and chased the ball coming tantalising close to the try line.
Matt Shaw came on in the 2nd half on the wing and put together some great runs down the wing. Eccles were showing their strength in their front and back row and with more tries and conversions widened the gap.
Valley’s support play was unquestionable but they were being pushed back by a thorough Eccles front row.
Scott Torrance was driven back unfairly earning his side a penalty. Tom Skelton put in some brave tackles towards the end but Valley’s brave effort was ended by the final whistle. They had been outgunned by a stronger pack.

Hope Valley V Trafford MV
Saturday 16th February
Report By Robert Mortimore

There have been many new faces in the Valley squad in recent weeks and today was an important day for the new and old to show their team work and skill to hopefully carry on their positive team performances.
Valley started the game with the bulk of possession and superb handling on the ball and solid strong tackles coming in from all areas of the pitch.
Unfortunately it was Trafford who scored first with a converted try but no-one could deny the home side’s hunger and strength and on their own line minutes later they showed true grit to hold off the oncoming surge from Trafford.

The away side then picked up more points with a try but failed to convert. Valley needed to keep their heads up and concentrate to get back into the game and minutes later Dave Warren crossed over the line for Valley’s fully deserved first try. Straight from the ensuing kick-off, Tom Hodgson made a blistering run through the ragged defensive line to score another try! Half time and 12-10 to Trafford MV.

The away side came out strong at the beginning of the second half and scored another unconverted try after Valley failed to clear properly from their 22. However, this prompted Valley to step up their effort and Mel ploughed through for a converted score. The game was finely balanced at 17-17 when the Trafford no.10 capped a fine individual performance with a drop goal.

Valley were working flat out down the slope pushing for the win and with five minutes left, strong defence led to Scott Torrance grabbing an interception and racing 60 yards for the winning try.
A fine end to a great team performance from Hope Valley!

It’s been too long in coming but we have finally started getting some of the photos of the Hope Valley teams throughout the years up on the website. We are still working through a load of old, damaged photos to try and salvage some and also have some newer material to work on as well.

You can find the gallery under the links section of the website, but it is available at the following URL:

Hope Valley RUFC Photo Gallery

We will continue to add more photos as time goes on. If any ex-players happen to have any photos if their basement then please get in touch with a member of the club.

Josh

Venue: Home
Result: Loss
Final Score: Hope Valley 18 – Dukinfield 38
Tries:

• Rick Spencer – 2

Conversions:

• Rick Spencer – 1

Penalties:

• Rick Spencer – 1

Drop Goals:

• Rick Spencer – 1

Match Report
Report by Robert Mortimore

The away side would firstly like to thank Dukinfield for lending out two of their players to the traveling pack.

Saturday’s clash between Dukinfield and Hope Valley was another vital fixture in Valley’s season after a superb battling performance against local rivals Bakewell two weeks before in the Derbyshire Presidents Cup.

This was a chance for Valley to get themselves back on track in the league and go for a win and a strong team performance and with some fresh faces in the starting line up.

Valley started the game with an excellent take on the ball from Tom Hodgson right from kick off, proceeding with a darting run through the home side’s defensive line and down the right wing.

Hope Valley were causing havoc deep within Dukinfield’s half.

The home side’s number 19 was then well tackled by the Valley forwards. Nicolas Hoyle then made a superb interception in the ruck shortly followed by another good tackle from Tom Hodgson and then by Josh Berry.

Richard Spencer converted a well earned penalty for Valley giving them a well deserved lead.

The home side’s number 17 was proving to be a handful down the wing with some strong running and quick passing.

Matt Shaw then stole the ball in Dukinfield’s scrum and shortly after Nicolas Hoyle got a hand to the ball in Dukinfield’s lineout making a vital interception.

Valley’s number 2 was getting to the loose balls extremely well and committing himself to the action with excellent support. Nicolas Hoyle made a great tackle on the number 17 who had been a handful racing down both wings.

Unfortunately the home side went ahead with a try but failed to convert. Josh Berry made a superb tackle on the incoming forward’s he was having a great game.

The home side then went over for another try but Valley kept their heads high knowing that they were still fully in the game.

There were some powerful performances coming from all areas of the Valley line-up including two new faces in the side playing in the back row. Andy Woodall the captain was making yet more crunching trademark tackles left right and centre and Jonny Elliot was proving to be a handful in the centre of the field.

Richard Spencer then noticed a lapse in concentration from the home side’s defence and took full advantage with a drop goal to put Valley back into the game.

In the second half Valley stepped up a gear and Ben Oldfield took the ball well with the home side’s closing in. He was having another superb game with some excellent handling in tight areas.

Nicolas Hoyle again intercepted the ball well and Josh Berry made another vital tackle. Richard Spencer cleared the ball well with a Dukinfield try immanent.

Hope Valley were defiant and determined not to give up without a fight and showed superb team spirit.

Josh Berry made good ground into the oppositions 22 and Valley went over for a try and converted. Valley were defending heroically bringing down the home side’s giant of a captain thanks to strong tackling from all the team especially in the front row.

Tom Hodgson went in with yet more crucial tackles towards the end and with a superb interception from their own 22 Valley noticed a gap in Dukinfield’s line and they raced away with Richard Spencer well supported by his team mates and went over for a brilliant try. That showed what Valley are capable of when on top of their game.

The final whistle was closing in but Valley were still hanging on and showed true grit and determination right until the very end