{Man of the Match was back row player - Jack Lewtas}

Torrential rain in the second half spoiled what was looking like an exciting try filled game. Four tries in the opening 21 minutes gave Morley a bonus point and a cushion to withstand a spirited OBs fight back in the second half.

Morley opened the scoring after only 5 minutes when James Silkstone made a break, taking out three defenders. The move was carried on by George Kelly and Sam Godfrey down the left. Tom Stansfield punched a hole in the centre before Jamie Silkstone set up a streamlined Mickey Ryan for a touchline try with an excellent chip to the right.

Old Brods hit back only 3 minutes later with a break by Josh Kelly which was finished off on the stand side touchline to leave the score at 5 – 5.

Old Brods knocked on near the halfway line and Silkstone accepted the gift by shipping the ball to wing Theo Tyrer. Wasting no time, Theo charged down the cricket club side and with only the fullback in his way and passed inside. He had 5 players from which to choose and Tom Stansfield was the lucky one to be picked out to race unchallenged over the line. Hawkins made no mistake with the conversion to make the score 12 – 5 after 11 minutes.

Good interplay between Silkstone and Ryan saw the ball reach Tyrer on left. His power took him past one attempted tackle but a slight ankle tap brought him down Godfrey and Lewtas were there in support before the ball came to Declan Brereton. He surged between two of the opposition and arced round the last defender to score by the posts. Again Hawkins was successful and Morley led 19 – 5 on 18 minutes.

The bonus point try was scored in the 21st minute. Jack Lewtas surged ck Lewtas surged up field. A clever chip ahead over the defence saw Brereton first to the ball, but a bad bounce denied him his second try. However, Silkstone had followed up and took the pass to force the ball over the line. Hawkins 3rd conversion made it 26 – 5.

Old Brods responded well with a few big carries. A touch of carelessness at the edge of a ruck allowed OBs to run in a good try which was converted on 25 minutes. 26 – 12

As the first half was drawing to an end Noah nearly scored an individual try with a breakaway from halfway. He was brought down and the move broke down when an OB’s player illegally stopped the play. A yellow card followed and only a malicious bounce stopped Ryan getting his second try on the stroke of half time from another god kick by Silkstone.

OB’s started the second half well and were denied a try by being held up over the line. As they returned to the attack from the kick out, a poor pass caused a mix up in the attacking OB’s line. Theo Tyrer was first to react and he went round his opposite number and ran 80 metres to score Morley’s fifth try. The touch line conversion was missed to leave the score at 31 – 12 after 45 minutes.

Torrential rain then came to disrupt the game. Old Brods had the majority of the possession and territory but Morley were only in danger on one occasion when again were held up over the line. Jamie Silkstone nearly stole a last minute try when he was second after a long kick and chase.

It had been a tough second half but Morley were delighted with their 4th consecutive 5 point victory.

Photo's are available on the Media tab or by clicking the links below:

Dennis's photo's

Nigel's photo's

Morley first team have no match on Saturday but return to Scatcherd Lane on April 5th for the final league match of the season playing Old Crossleyans.

The Cavaliers are away to Cleckheaton in a Championship Merit match.