Battling Moor scare table toppers Royals

Top debut: Jordan Foster scored two tries on his first appearance for the Dewsbury Moor open age side against leaders Methley last Saturday.

Moor only had nine-men when they met Methley on the opening day of the season and they slipped to a 108-2 defeat but they produced a terrific effort last Saturday and led 10-4 at half-time.

Methley hit back but the game was all square at 14-14 going into the final 15 minutes when the Royals struck the decisive blow.

Methley were rocked by Moor’s effort and enthusaism, despite them fielding four 18-year-olds in Cameron Bruce, Jamie Samme, Jordan Foster and Patrick Farrelly.

Moor made a lively start and struck first when James Delaney went over for the opening try.

Former Castleford favourite Dean Sampson led the big Methley pack, supported by Adam Briscombe and Matthew Handforth but they were met by some solid Moor tackling, with Adie Moore, Peter Robinson, Bartley O’Brian, Phil Shotton, Andy Robinson and Ashley Boddy leading the way.

Rob Senior and Bruce prompted some good Moor attacking play and they deservedly added to their score when Samme slipped a lovely ball to send Yorkshire Under-18 county teammate debutant Foster over for his first try for the open age team.

James Eatherley added the conversion to extend Moor’s lead to 10-0.

Although Methley have a big pack, they can also play good open rugby and Yorkshire scrum-half Andy Speake produced some clever kicks, one of which led to a try from winger Josh Dixon before half-time.

Methley pressed at the start of the second half and Moor’s defence eventually cracked as Lee Starbuck scored an unconverted try, reducing the deficit to two points.

Moor responded with good runs from Terry Maun, Anthony Boardman, Eatherley and Peter Robinson and they found a gap on Methley’s left for Foster to score his second try and put Moor 14-8 ahead.

As Moor tired, Starbuck scored his second and Speake levelled matters with the conversion before edging the Royals ahead with a penalty five minutes later.

With five minutes remaining, Methley full-back Dave Williams scored the decisive try to end Moor’s brave effort and Speake landed the goal to complete the win.

Moor will hope for the same level of commitment when they host Chequerfield on Saturday (ko 2pm).