Buffaloes roam to pastures new to take the spoils against unbeaten Dodsworth Miners
Andy & Devon Johnson
The Buffaloes’ fourth fixture of the season presented what looked like a tough challenge away at Dodsworth Miners, who were riding high on confidence following their recent victory against Elland/Greetland. Despite this, the Buffaloes approached the game with determination, buoyed by the return of Omar Al-Rawi after a decade-long stint with NCL Premiership side Hunslet.
It took just 10 minutes for the Buffaloes to assert their dominance. The pack delivered strong runs, laying the foundation for Billy Butterworth to receive the ball 10 meters from the try line. Butterworth evaded the Dodsworth tacklers with a graceful sidestep and touched down beside the posts. Connor McGill’s successful conversion made the opening score 6 – 0.
Building on their momentum, the Buffaloes orchestrated a well-executed try when Jamie Donelly embarked on a powerful run down his wing. Spotting the presence of Kieran McFarlane on the inside, Donelly delivered a careful kick. McFarlane gathered the ball and crossed the try line despite a wicked bounce. Unfortunately, Cameron McGill’s conversion attempt went wide, leaving the scoreline at 10 – 0 in favour of the Buffaloes.
Just before half-time, Dodsworth breached the Buffaloes’ defence following a penalty for a head-high tackle. This occurred when a Bramley player tugged on a Dodsworth player’s collar. This score narrowed the margin to 10 – 6.
Half-time score: Bramley 10: Dodsworth 6
The second half started with a remarkable display from Omar Al-Rawi, who swiftly notched two tries for the Buffaloes. His first, coming in the 50th minute, showcased his brilliance as he seemed to cast a spell on Dodsworth, who watched him jink left and right before going in to score untouched. Connor McGill’s successful conversion extended the Buffaloes’ lead to 16 – 6.
In a stunning repeat performance, Omar struck again just five minutes later. Displaying his uncanny ability to bewilder the opposition, Omar danced through the Dodsworth defence, holding the ball with one hand and casting a magical spell with the other before crossing the try line unopposed. Connor McGill added the extra points again, bringing the score to 22 – 6 in favour of the Buffaloes.
With the Buffaloes firmly in control, the ball was skilfully moved across the field, allowing Jordan Wilson to showcase his speed with two tries on the right wing. Both plays were so well worked that Dodsworth failed to touch the scorer on either occasion, as both tries were run in from 30 meters out in the 60th and 65th minutes. Unfortunately, neither conversion attempt succeeded, leaving the score at 30 – 6.
In the 70th minute, Taz was sin-binned for a high tackle, giving Dodsworth the ball on our 10m line. Seizing the opportunity, Dodsworth capitalised on the penalty to score a converted try, reducing the gap to 30 – 12.
The final points of the match came in the 80th minute courtesy of a Connor McGill drop goal, sealing the victory for the Buffaloes.
Full-time score: Bramley 31: Dodsworth 12
Overall, both coaches and loyal Buffaloes supporters were delighted with the team’s performance. It marked an impressive start to the season, with both the first and second teams securing victories in their opening two fixtures.
Dodworth: 1) Sam Atkinson, 2) Michael Crehan, 3) Clark Dixon, 4) Declan French, 5) Jack French, 6) Joseph Green, 7) Tom Griffiths, 8) Thomas Hardwick, 9) Harry Harvey, 10) Kieran Lee, 11) James Liversidge, 12) Junior Njoh, 13) Joe Perry, Subs (All used); 14) Jack Ratcliffe, 15) Jackson Taylor, 16) Jonathan Ward, 17) Sam Whitworth.
Buffaloes: 1) Omar Al Rawi, 2) Jordan Wilson, 3) Daniel Booth, 4) Samuel Marshall, 5) Jamie Donnelly, 6) Connor McGill, 7) Kieran McFarlane, 8) Jacob Oldroyd, 9) Jack Boot, 10) Tony Morrison, 11) Lewis Gaunt, 12) Thomas Langton, 13) Cameron McLachlan, Subs (All Used); 14) Billy Butterworth, 15) Bradley Wilson, 16) Michael Wright, 17) Ethan McFarlane, 18) Ben Wilkinson, 19) Lewis Young, 20) Omar Aziz, 21) Karl Wilson.
Tries: Butterworth (10), McFarlane, K. (20), Al-Rawi (50, 55), Wilson J. (60, 65)
Goals: McGill (10, 50, 55)
Drop Goal: McGill (82)