Bradford Bulls U16 0 Leeds Rhinos U16s 64

By Guy Harvey

The undefeated Scholarship team were back on the road and it was an exciting one coming up against old rivals Bradford Bulls at the historic Odsal stadium. The derby game certainly started as most would of expected it to be with both sides trading blows and going set for set with each other but with a fair share of errors coming from both sides owing to a stuttering start.

The Rhinos did cross the try line in the first few minutes but this was ruled out for a double movement from the away side which meant the first points wouldn’t be scored until after thirteen minutes with Harley Thomas crossing for his first of the game after a great pass out to the left, only metres out from try line from Harry Smith after noticing a  gap in the defence which allowed for Thomas to charge on to the ball and dive over for the four pointer.

Errors were still too present in the game, far more than both coaches would of liked  which meant the next points weren’t scored for a while after until the Rhinos showed a change in gear and through Harry Smith running at the line with Lore Jones-Buchanan on his shoulder who received the short tip on pass was able to brake the line and show great turn of pace and race in for the try from forty metres out evading the full back on his way.

Moments later it was Smith’s halves partner George Brown showing his talents with the ball when surrounded by Bulls defence, he used great footwork to evade them and open space ahead of him to race under the sticks to score which sent the Rhinos in at half time with a 16-0 lead but with plenty to work on in the second half.

The Rhinos certainly listened to the message given to them from Mark Butterill at half time and we’re back on the scoreboard quickly after kick off after an error from the Bulls gave the Rhinos a scrum ten metres out, where they quickly passed it out wide where it found Joseph Diskin on the edge who raced in the corner to score. Moments later the Rhinos were breaking again this time down the right touchline and George Brown was in support to take the ball from Luca Teal and score under the post.

The Rhinos were in again shortly after with the forwards setting a great platform and Presley Cassell crashed through down the middle but with just the full back to beat Joseph Deakin was in support and scored under the sticks giving the Rhinos a 34-0 lead ten minutes into the half. Moments later Diskin was completing his hat trick crossing in the corner after the spine of the squad combined well to get the ball across the field to Diskin with space to go over in the corner.

The Rhinos were now cruising through the half and having most possession of the ball making it a really tough night for the Bulls, minutes after Diskin had scored his hat trick Harley Thomas made it a double for himself after a great pass on the halfway line from Harry Smith fizzing it left to Thomas finding the gap in the defence to race fifty metres to the try line. George Brown was next to make it two tries for himself again showing great talent throwing the dummy pass and stepping to find a gap to dive over for the try.

The young Rhinos was leaving no chance for the Bulls to get in on the action and were scoring again through Harley Thomas crossing for his hat trick try after using his strength to fend off the Bulls defence and march himself in for the four pointer. With the game in the closing minutes Seru Qareqare didn’t want to miss out on the scoring and after great passing on the right flank ever present Harley Thomas threw a great offload to Seru who gladly took the pass to cross for his try in the right corner. And with the final hooter moments away Qareqare was able to get his own double on the night and crossed for an almost carbon copy try in the corner crowning an incredible second half from the Rhinos.

The impressive scholarship side are next in action on Wednesday 3^rd May away at St.Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium with 7pm kick off scheduled.

Leeds Rhinos

Joseph Diskin
Jack Wilson
Seru Qareqare
Harley Thomas
Luca Teal
George Brown
Harry Smith
William Wilkinson
Elliott Fox
Lore Jones-Buchanan
Jacob Stead
Noah Whittingham
Presley Cassell
Dylan Hutchinson
Zak Lloyd
Alexander Cowley
Dacx Jones-Buchanan
Jacob Hardy
Daniel Stelfox
Joseph Butterfield

Bradford Bulls

Harvey Duckworth
Isaac Lee
Macall Baker
Joel Rice
James Singh
Frederick Butler
Isaac Jepson
Tyde King
Henry Welsh
Jacob Dibden
Samuel Spencer
George Mckinley
Jake Baker
Jacob Andrews-Smith
Jayden Wright
Thomas Bell
Jacob Robinson
Henry Jackson
Luke Hutchinson
Adam Temple
Logan Boylan