Bramley Buffaloes return home to West Leeds for the first time in 2025 to deliver a clinical performance against
Birkenshaw Blue Dogs.
Reported by Andy and Devon Johnson
Bramley Buffaloes marked their first home fixture of 2025 with a commanding performance under the lights at West Leeds, overcoming Birkenshaw Blue Dogs in a hard-fought encounter.
Taking the field for an unusual 8:05pm kick-off (delayed due to their hosts’ training session) the Buffaloes showcased a blend of familiar faces and some new faces eager to don a Buffaloes shirt.
The home side came out firing, dominating both possession and territory in the opening 25 minutes. Their early pressure was rewarded with a 12-0 lead, a lead which they never lost.
The opening try was a thing of beauty. A brilliantly fashioned cross-field move involving multiple players carved open the Birkenshaw defence, allowing Ethan McFarlane to dart under the cover and touch down 20 meters wide of the posts – his third try of the season. In sporting an unusual number 6 shirt, Lewis Gaunt added the extras to make it 6 – 0.
The second try for the Buffaloes was a full team effort. After some hard yards from the forwards, the ball was worked out to Kieran McFarlane, who powered over from 15 meters out. Lewis Gaunt was again accurate with the boot, stretching the lead to 12 – 0.
Against the run of play, Birkenshaw hit back in the 25th minute. They worked the ball along their line and found their quick-footed winner, who simply managed to outpace the Buffaloes and race 55 meters to score. The conversion narrowed the gap to 12 – 6.
Momentum began to shift after the Buffaloes were heavily penalised for repeated high tackles and an alleged ball steal. Birkenshaw capitalised on the given field position, crashing over from close range to bring the score to 12 – 10.
However, just before the break, the Buffaloes regained control. A series of powerful carries from the forwards created a gap in the defence, which Kieran McFarlane spotted and exploited to grab his second try of the evening. Gaunt made no mistake with the conversion, adding 6 more points to the scoreboard on the stroke of half time.
Half time: Buffaloes 18 – 10 Birkenshaw.
The Buffaloes began the second half with intent, and they didn’t take long to extend their lead. Newcomer Jack Iceton was straight on the attack, marking his debut with a determined solo effort, powering through defenders to score beside the posts. Lewis Gaunt slotted the conversion with ease to make it 24 – 10.
The following period of play saw Birkenshaw enjoy a stronger spell of possession. 20 meters out, they moved the ball down the line, threatening to break through with a slight overlap in players. The Buffaloes’ defence held firm, stopping the attack just short of the try line. However, the ball was played straight to the winger from the ensuing play-the-ball, who instantly dove forward to score from close range. This brought the score to 24–14 as the conversion attempt sailed wide.
However, Bramley quickly reasserted themselves. Jacob Oldroyd, who had been in fine form throughout the game—consistently driving the team forward with every play-the-ball—took matters into his own hands. Receiving the ball 15 meters out, he simply powered through the Birkenshaw defenders as if they weren’t there, crashing over to score to the left of the posts. Gaunt again converted, taking the score to 30–14.
Birkenshaw struck back with two more tries before the game was up. The first came from a well-placed kick out wide to the winger, who was waiting just over the try line to simply dot it down. The second followed shortly after—a fifth-tackle kick that took an awkward bounce away from the Buffaloes defenders and into the hands of a chasing Birkenshaw player, who crossed to narrow the margin to 30 – 24.
Sensing the need to steady the ship, Keiran McFarlane coolly slotted a drop goal at the end of the next set, giving Bramley a crucial seven-point cushion at 31 – 24.
The Buffaloes put the icing on the cake with a final try in the closing stages. Elliot Carter powered over from close range to cap off a sustained spell of pressure. With Gaunt receiving treatment for an ankle injury off the field, Kasper stepped up and nailed a superb conversion from wide on the right to seal the 37 – 24 victory.
Despite a spirited effort from the youthful Birkenshaw side, the Buffaloes’ experienced pack were always a step ahead. The forwards laid a solid platform with strong carries and defensive work, well supported by a sharp, organised backline. Each of the new players earned their shirt with committed performances throughout the match, and we look forward to seeing them develop and make their mark at Bramley in the games to come.
For the first time in a long time, we couldn’t disagree with the referee when he expressed his choice for Man of the Match – Cameron McLachlan. Cam fully deserves the recognition for a standout performance.
Final score: Buffaloes 37 – 24 Birkenshaw
Buffaloes: 1) Ethan McFarlane, 2) Jonathan Filin, 3) Kacper Mroz, 4) Bailey Harman, 5) Michael Bryan-Joyce, 6) Lewis Gaunt, 7) Kieran McFarlane, 8) Jacob Oldroyd, 9) Jack Boot, 10) Charlie McMurray, 11) Jack Iceton, 12) Jake Doyle, 13) Thomas Langton, Subs (all used); 14) Cameron McLachlan, 15) Marcus White, 16) Ben Wilkinson, 17) Billy Butterworth, 18) Ramsey, 19) Elliot Carter
Tries: E. McFarlane (5), K. McFarlane (15, 40), Iceton (45), Oldroyd. (57), Carter (80)
Goals: Gaunt x 5, Mroz
Drop Goal: K. McFarlane
Birkenshaw: 1) Daniel Fretwell, 2) Ole Rigby, 4) Joel Kirkland, 5) Harry Shaw, 6) Benjamin Redmond, 7) Craig Dalladay, 9) Alfie Lavery, 10) Regan Lee, 11) Michael Crowley, 12) Jack Wilson, 13) Charlie Arnold, 13) Ethan Barnes, Subs (all used); 14) Samuel Batty, 17) Henry Dorymeade, 18) Luke Asquith-Watson, 19) Dominic Christy, 21) Liam Kershaw, 22) Cian Hoyland
