Eagerly Anticipated

Not since the owners of the White Star Line sent an ocean going luxury liner on a blind date with an iceberg has a fixture been so eagerly anticipated.

A return to full contact rugby after months of lockdown would be reason enough to cheer but Covid-19 and lockdown has had a disproportionate impact on many Mixed Ability rugby participants. Many of the Bumbles players have had to plot a course between greater risk of ill health if they catch Covid and the significant harms of isolation including: loss of social capital, loss of physical fitness and reduced mental wellbeing. The fact that they navigated these treacherous seas successfully is a great credit to the players and their support networks.

Would Missing Players Sink Bumbles’ Ambitions?

With Bumbles missing many of their star players including Paul “The Maul” Whyatt, Ryan Kirby (shielding) and Tom Beattie (unable to travel from lower tier to tier 3) the only question was whose hopes would be sunk when the epic played out.

Curtain Raiser

As a curtain raiser to the main event there was a game of touch rugby in the “return to play” format. The Bumbles team in this match was skippered by Katrina Dobson on debut with her sister Bronte Windle. Keen to establish a Women’s Mixed Ability rugby team, both sisters showcased skills that they have developed over the summer with some wonderful running lines.  Debutants  “Mighty” Gideon Simpson and Haley Rhodes were also prominent for the visitors.

Wicked High Ball

Hosts Keighley had the best of early play and worked deep into Bumbles territory. Spotting space and a mismatch out wide, Hamish Pratt launched a wicked crossfield kick skywards. Isolated and outnumbered by onrushing Keighley players twice his size Michael “Giddy” Whittaker out jumped the attacking wave to secure the ball. From their own try line Bumbles worked the ball the entire length of the pitch using their forwards in twin pods. The play included trademark penetrating runs from Bumbles founder player Anthony Brooke and wrecking ball Cam Smith. Having sucked in defenders, Bumbles now released their speedsters with Sufyaan Hussain rounding the last defender to dot down in the corner. The touchline conversion by Dan “You’re in the Army Now” Fletcher was good. (0-7)

Riposte

The riposte from the home side was immediate. Quick hands and elusive running saw Keighley in under the posts. The easy conversion somehow drifted wide. (5-7)

Blinded by the light

Bumbles again pressed. This time it was the high ball that did the damage. Jake “Dazzled” Ruff collected and was through, only to inexplicably drop the ball as he crossed the try line. To guffaws from his father David Ruff, Ruff junior was to explain that the floodlights had disorientated him. Fortunately for the visitors the error was not costly with Keighley giving up possession in their own 22. Sufyaan Hussain again worked the edges to score. Kev Pringle’s conversion attempt kept low and didn’t get above the Plimsoll line. (5-12)

Dancing Feet

After a break to sanitise hands, two Bumbles player coaches showed their skills. Leon “The Pocket Rocket” Taylor used his dancing feet to draw defenders before feeding Ahsan Sakandar who ran a beautiful supporting line cutting through the drift defence. The move was finished off by Darren Heigold who still had work to do to beat his winger. Such was Darren’s elation at crossing the try line, he almost forgot to ground the ball before running out of the in goal area. (5-17)

Rhino Charge

Stephen “Rhino” Rhodes penetrated with a typical charge, scattering Keighley defenders. Michael Kernan took the ball on with mazy running. Michael “Giddy” Whittaker was on hand to take the scoring pass. Rhino Rhodes added the extras with the conversion. (5-24)

Turnover ball saw Will “Chinny” Tomlinson running hard like he was scrambling for the last place in a lifeboat. This set up Michael “Giddy” Whittaker to double his tally with a second try. This time it was Big Lee Hainsworth who converted. (5-31)

Big Lee Hainsworth was soon in the action again as he and Michael Kernan moved the ball deep into Keighley territory.

Mark “thinks he’s a Kamikaze twin but in reality he’s more like one of the Proclaimers” Goodwin zigged and zagged before putting Michael “Giddy” Whittaker in for his hat trick. (5-36)

Another Keighley spill gave the visitors quick turnover ball and Stephen “Rhino” Rhodes took advantage, crossing to extend the lead as the final period approached. (5-43)

And the Band Played On

In the fourth quarter the home side, determined to go down fighting, were boosted by the addition of several Bumbles players who gave Keighley added sting.

As Bumbles found themselves increasingly on the wrong end of the referee’s whistle, Keighley were able to close the gap with a well worked try. (10-43)

With the clock ticking Kev Pringle, now in Keighley hoops, scored. Converted Ahsan Sakander.

(17-43)

Last Word

With Keighley clinging on like Leonardo DiCaprio to a waterlogged door, it was Bumbles who had the final hurrah. Sam Evans who had only just started training with Bumbles during a recent placement with International Mixed Ability Sports as part of his Bradford University Physiotherapy degree showed his fine footballing skills to hack through a loose ball. The bounce was kind: Sam collected on the final whistle to score his first try on his Bumbles debut and in his first ever rugby match. Smiles all round. Leon Taylor added the conversion. (17-50 Full Time)

Rugby is the Winner

Unlike the encounter between liner and iceberg there were no losers in this epic collision. Keighley were brilliant hosts and the superb RFU artificial grass pitch under floodlights enabled both sides to play First Class rugby. Whilst Keighley might regret some more “steerage class” errors: missed tackles and poor ball retention, Hamish Pratt was keen to emphasise that it had been a useful run out that had given the home side lots to reflect and work on. In the end, of course, as it is every weekend up and down the country, rugby was and is the winner.

Thanks to players, coaches, match officials for putting smiles on so many faces.

Written by: Mark Purvis
Photography: Mick Massey

Both teams had large squads with an amazing 28 players for Bumbles Bees, especially considering the number of player unavailabilities. A huge thanks to new players Andy Fradgley (RFU RDO), Callum Harris, Paul MacNamara and Jolly Dobbs (West Yorkshire Society Referee) – we hope you enjoyed the experience and will be back for more.

The first half started at an impressive pace with both teams attacking between the 22s. After 15 minutes Stephen (Rhino) Rhodes made the breakthrough with an impressive break and long run to touch down (5-0).

After the first score Darren made yards down the wing, with the forwards making strides up the middle including the mighty BIG Lee but handling errors handed the ball back to the opposition, who came back with intent. Another attack from deep inside Bumble’s half led to another Rhino try finishing at pace, from distance (10-0).

Halifax came back into the match with two short range tries and a conversion to take a lead (10-12) into half time.

At the break, Bumble Bees made multiple changes to ensure everybody had half a game. Although many changes were made it didn’t seem to affect the home team’s attacking prowess, with great hands and support play leading to multiple opportunities. Unfortunately, BIG Lee missed a try scoring opportunity when running the ball dead and several other attacks were contained by impressive defence by the Magpies. Another attack from broken play led to another long range score for the in-form Rhino, who converted his own try to enable the Bumble’s to take the lead into the last quarter (17-12).

The Magpie showed great fitness, teamwork and commitment to enable them to score 3 great tries to take the lead coming into the last 5 minutes (17-27).

The Bumble’s weren’t going to allow Magpie’s to win by a 10 point margin, and a perfect scrum attack led to Jack Thornber scoring a spectacular try in the corner with 1 minute remaining – even more impressive was his ‘Ronaldo’ celebration and dance (22-27).

With the restart being the last play, Bumble’s tried to get a winning try but just couldn’t break through a solid and committed Magpie’s defence.

The Magpie’s celebrated the win in a very close match and all players look forward to the next encounter.

Final Score:
Bumble Bees (22) – Halifax Magpies (27)

Tries: Rhino (3); Jack (1)
Conversion: Rhino (1)

Finally, a hugs thanks to all the supporters and to Tom Massey for refereeing – he did a great job to keep the match flowing and everyone smiling.

Note: Photos from Mick Massey to follow.

This was the 9th annual meeting between the sides who contest the H Bomb Cup. Although neither side has been able to win the game away, the matches have traditionally been close and the Warriors lost by a point back in July. All were set then, for another titanic struggle, with two healthy sized squads named.

It was no surprise that the contest was pretty even throughout and from the early stages it was a hard fought battle. The Warriors had slight territorial advantage early on but couldn’t get a breakthrough. The Bumbles might have been in their own half most of the time but had several breakouts that might easily have resulted in scores. The tension seemed to get to some players with some uncharacteristic mistakes but it was still very absorbing.

What was apparent was that the sides knew each other well with big players like Lee Hainsworth (Bumbles) and Simon Day (Warriors) heavily marked. With both sides looking to counterattack whenever possible, kicking was a dangerous option with the Bumbles especially sharp in the back three. This meant both sides looked to their big carriers to make ground and it certainly wasn’t a place for the faint hearted as an attritional battled developed.

The Warriors pressure, with Tomos Hall to the fore, forced numerous penalties and in the end the referee felt he had no option but to award a penalty try.

It was straight back to the trench warfare though until eventually the Warriors worked Thomas Edwards out wide and he scampered over for the games opening score proper which was successfully converted.

The Bumbles upped their efforts and pressed the Warriors back down field. a number of forward rumbles eventually resulted in them driving over the line and from underneath the bodies a try was awarded.

14-5 at half time and with plenty of fresh players from both sides there was no let up in intensity. Paul Whyatt was impressive for the Bumbles and Michael Whitaker had a fine game. For the Warriors Thomas Ashour ran hard and Lloyd Crowley showed some neat touches.

Into the third quarter and the Warriors scored again, Jamie Evans breaking a tackle and scooting over.

With time running out, the Bumbles redoubled their efforts and pounded the Warriors line. Will Tomlinson rampaged through some tired defence but a missed conversion meant the Warriors were two scores clear. Tomlinson again broke through and this time the conversion was good.

With their lead but to two, the Warriors had to redouble efforts and held on to seal the win.

The next day, both sides travelled up to Cardiff with the Warriors facing Cardiff Quins and the Bumbles facing the capitals mixed ability team, the Cardiff Chiefs. After the excursions of the night before perhaps it was no surprise that both teams lost. The Warriors shipped 45 points to an impressive Quins team but scored 3 good tries of their own. It was familiar faces with Evans, Edwards and a guesting Tomlinson crossing the line. Dylan Crolla impressed on the win and Youseff El Taweb was named man ofthe match.

The weekend was again triumph for inclusive sports with three quality encounters again demonstrating that disability need not be a barrier to full participation.

Hell of a battle of a game. Great to see Josh Crowther back in Warriors colours in amongst a jumbo squad of players – hopefully all felt that they played a part in the match, it was very difficult to organise. It was a great game with some big hits and plenty of excitement.

Tomos Hall was deserved man of the match but mention to Yanis whose tackling made a huge impact in the second half. Just to emphasise the physical nature: Fudge, Lloydipop, Hapus and Daydream all had to leave the field with knocks. Fussy also picked up an injury but that was in the warm up – courtesy of the Tominator.

Back at the clubhouse there was the usual presentations and then some 6 nations games, organised by Jamie, that apparently the Warriors also won.

It was into town for the night – and the girls with shiny beads, and karaoke in the Met bar and other dirty deeds

Photos from Mick Massey here: https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/llanelliwarriorsrfc/photos/warriors-v-bumble-bees-22219-mick-masseys-880118.html

A Morley select XV entertained the lads from Bumbles, England’s first mixed ability rugby team. It was a glorious Sunday afternoon in front of an expectant crowd.

It was indeed a select XV from Morley, including the club chairman, committee member, junior parents, former junior players, former 1^st team players, current 1^st team players, current 2^nd team players, current Saxons players, current VETS players and last but by no means least the current VETS manager.

The crowd gathered, the sun shone the players were out on the pitch warming up, Well the Bumbles were running through drills whilst Morley just stood around watching!  The referee called the captains to the middle, or did he, no one seems to remember that bit.

Anyway the bumbles kicked off – not quite 10 metres.  There were shouts of “call that a kick” – from the Bumbles own players.  So the first scrum of the day was formed.  There was a bit of the usual chat from the two front rows especially from the Morley hooker reminding Kevin of the repeat fixture last year!  Morley won the ball and broke from the scrum.  The Bumbles, as usual, tackled hard and Morley could not find a way through some stern defence. Eventually handling errors handed the ball to the Bumbles.

Now it was a test for the Morley defence as Lee Hainsworth was on the field and none of the Morley lads fancied tackling him!  The Bumbles ran through their drills and took an early lead.  The game ebbed and flowed from then on with both teams crossing for tries.  No one had an idea of the score at the end of the first 20 minutes.

Morley restarted the second 20 minute period and put the Bumbles under immense pressure and opened up a two try lead.  The Bumbles weren’t put off by this and bounced back closing the gap.  The end of the second 20 minute period came.

The final 20 minute period got underway and there were some tired legs out on the pitch.  Again both teams managed to cross for ties.  The whistle blew for the end of the game, or was it.  Someone shouted out “fancy another 20 minutes” there was a shout of ‘yes’ from somewhere and there we were playing another 20.

So the final 20 minutes got underway with more big tackles and strong running going in from both sides.  The final whistle eventually went.  “Ref, what was the score” “Very close” the ref said “39-38 to Morley”

Morley therefore got the prestigious trophy to look after for the next 12 months.  At the end of the day it isn’t about the score it’s about both teams taking part in what is becoming a regular fixture in the rugby calendar.

Try Scorers

Morley: Karl Scarth 3, Simon Bradshaw 3, Martyn Stringer

Bumbles: Ryan Kirby, Darryl Wilson, Stephen Rodhes 2, Ahsan Sakandar, Michael Whitaker

Martin Sands, Bumbles captain said “Thank you very much to Morley for hosting us, we would like to have a rematch at our ground to get our trophy back”

Ahsan Sakandar said “It was a very close and tough game.  The most important thing is that we had a good time!”

Paul Wyatt “Morley are a very nice bunch of lads to play, they played a very good game”

Michael Whitaker said “Now we have new friends in Morley”

Tim Calverley, the Morley captain replied “It is absolutely fantastic to see the work put in by the Bumbles and the opportunity they give to these lads.  What a great bunch they are, we really look forward to the rematch”

Mark Earnshaw the Morley chairman “It was a pleasure to host the Bumbles with the game played in excellent spirit.  Well done to all that guys involved and represented both clubs superbly, what an advert for this great game”

The British Sports Minister Helen Grant met a Bumbles delegation who presented her a Bumbles’ shirt. The Minister endorsed the event saying she will do whatever she can to make this dream real.

Llanelli Warriors deservedly achieved their third victory in five editions of the annual England v Wales mixed ability rugby international game. With the battle of Burry Port, after 80 minutes of great rugby, the home team avenged their national side’s defeat prevailing over the Bumbles for 37-10.

The Bumbles scored only two tries, but showed a fierce spirit and a great teamwork, which they must be proud of. All the players did their best, supporting each other and playing according to the Spirit of the Game.
Outstanding, among the others, were the performances of Ahsan Sakandar and Martin Sands, who came close to score its first international try.