Buffaloes put an end to their Cup Final woes a year on with an impressive win against Division 2 side Illingworth.
Devon & Andy Johnson
What a difference a year makes. With the sun shining rather than thunder rumbling, the Buffaloes put Illingworth to the sword to clinch the 2024 Trophy final. The victory was particularly sweet, coming a year after their debacle against East Hull. It was made even sweeter by achieving three wins out of three in the cup against opposition from the division above.
The game began poorly for the Buffaloes, who appeared nervous, dropping the ball three times early on in their own half. Illingworth quickly showed their intent, leaving their left-winger hugging the touchline and nearly scoring but for a knock-on. However, the Buffaloes failed to heed this warning. Illingworth capitalised on their second opportunity in the 8th minute, with their winger squeezing in at the corner for a converted try, making the score Buffaloes 0 – 6.
The Buffaloes regrouped with powerful runs from their pack men – Charlie McMurray, Curtis Sidebottom, Cameron McLachlan, Louis Morrison and Jacob Oldroyd were crucial in making vital yards throughout the afternoon. Their hard work finally paid off in the 17th minute as the Buffaloes struck back. Omar Al-Rawi took a beautiful pass to score the Buffaloes first try. With Lewis Gaunt adding the conversion, the score became level at 6 – 6.
In the 36th minute, the Buffaloes took the lead. Sam Neave, a constant thorn in Illingworth’s side throughout the afternoon, broke through and led the charge upfield. The supporting Bryn Perrott took the pass and sprinted the final 20 meters to score beside the posts. Lewis Gaunt’s conversion brought the score to Buffaloes 12 – 6.
With 3 minutes left before halftime, the Buffaloes’ lead seemed secure if they could complete a set of six. However, the Buffaloes once again gave away possession, an unusual occurrence given their recent performances, likely due to the heat or the intense nature of the match.
Illingworth didn’t look a gift horse in the mouth and drove hard towards the Buffaloes line. On the final tackle of the set, Illingworth launched a high kick, which Sam Marshall leapt up to receive. It appeared his feet had not yet hit the ground when the Illingworth player made contact and stole the ball. Somehow, the officials allowed play to continue. Illingworth quickly passed it out to their winger, who squeezed in at the corner, as confirmed by the touch judge, despite the Buffaloes’ protests. Illingworth missed the conversion attempt, reducing the deficit to 12 – 10 as the halftime whistle blew.
Half time: Buffaloes 12 – 10
The second half began brilliantly for the Buffaloes. Connor McGill’s kick-off confounded the Illingworth scrum half and went into touch. Bramley didn’t let this good fortune go astray and pushed forward towards the line. Jack Boot received the ball just meters out on one of the final plays. He dived between the despairing Illingworth defenders, extending the Buffaloes’ lead. Lewis Gaunt slotted over the conversion, bringing the score to 18 – 10.
Illingworth responded soon after by narrowing the gap with a try of their own. This came after a controversial yellow card for Jack Boot, who was penalised for allegedly tackling a player without the ball. From the stands, it appeared that Boot had caused the Illingworth player to spill the ball in a legitimate tackle, but as many referees have tried to point out before – what do we know? Illingworth capitalised on the penalty as they managed to breach the Buffaloes defence out wide to make it 18 – 16.
The Buffaloes’ final try came from Kieran Hudson, who received a long pass from Connor McGill and scored a trademark try inside the flag. Lewis Gaunt’s conversion attempt narrowly missed, bringing the score to 22 – 16.
The Buffaloes successfully defended against Illingworth’s final attack in the closing moments. They managed the last three minutes with composure, securing the victory and claiming the trophy. The Buffaloes’ fans, in fine voice all afternoon, erupted in cheers at the final whistle. While it wasn’t the team’s best performance overall, their determination and effort on a swelteringly hot afternoon made them deserving winners. The players celebrated with a song and likely continued celebrating late into the night. There are stories floating around Batley that the Buffaloes could be heard singing on their big, red bus as far away as the M62 as they returned to West Leeds with the trophy.
Final score: Buffaloes 22 – 16
Buffaloes: 1) Omar Al-Rawi, 2) Zane Ballantyne, 3) Samuel Marshall, 4) Bryn Perrott, 5) Kieran Hudson, 6) Connor McGill, 7) Sam Neave, 8) Jacob Oldroyd, 9) Jack Boot, 10) Louis Morrison, 11) Thomas Langton, 12) Cameron O’Connor, 13) Lewis Gaunt, Subs (All Used); 14) Cameron McLachlan, 15) Kieran McFarlane, 16) Charlie McMurray, 17) Bailey Harman, 18) Curtis Sidebottom.
Tries; Al-Rawi (17), Perrott (36), Boot (41), Hudson (55)
Goals; Gaunt x 3
Illingworth: 1) Callum Bacon, 2) Graham Charlesworth, 3) Stanley Steele, 4) Jason Dodd, 5) Dion Groombridge, 6) Ryan Jepson, 7) Andrew Mcelroy, 8) Harley Morris, 9) Reece Ogden, 10) Isaac Farrell, 11) Jamie Love, 12) Macauley Thompson, 13) Kyle Scott, Subs (all used); 14) Shaun Smith, 16) Brennan Paxman, 17) Jacob Farrell Briggs, 19) Kieran Nicholson, 20) Joss Bentley,