Buffaloes reclaim top spot and are Division 1 Champions after epic win against Dodsworth Miners.
Andy & Devon Johnson
It’s remarkable how the season has unfolded. Who could have predicted that after our win at Dodsworth on April 20th, the final match, a home rematch, would carry such weight with the Division Three Minor Premiership on the line? On a perfect afternoon with a large crowd, the Buffaloes fielded one of their strongest teams of the season. The return of top try-scorer Elijah Chitiyo and the experienced Kylie Briggs bolstered the squad.
The Buffaloes got off to a flying start. Just two minutes in, a breakaway play saw the ball swiftly moved across the field from right to left, landing in the hands of Curtis Sidebottom, who was in the centre berth. Curtis spotted the gap and powered through the would-be tacklers to score. Lewis Gaunt’s conversion attempt was narrowly off-target, leaving the score at 4 – 0 in favour of the Buffaloes.
Before anyone could draw breath, Dodsworth launched an attack but was repelled by the robust Buffaloes defence. When the Buffaloes regained possession, the ball found its way to Eliah, who was deep in his own territory, with 80 meters and the entire Dodsworth defence ahead of him. Elijah set off at pace, threading the needle between the wingman and the touchline. As he cut inside and accelerated, he outmanoeuvred the full-back to score a magnificent try. Gaunt added the extras this time, putting the Buffaloes 10 – 0 ahead by the 10th minute.
For the next 25 minutes, both sides had the opportunity to score, but strong defences prevailed. Then, Sam Neave took the ball 60 meters out and set off on a determined run, evading two Dodsworth defenders before he made tracks for the distant try line. He outfoxed the full-back by faking right before going in left to score. Although Gaunt’s conversion attempt was wide, the Buffaloes extended their lead to 14 – 0.
Dodsworth, who never gave an inch throughout the match, struck back in the 38th minute. After a hard-fought defensive stand by the Buffaloes, Dodsworth opted to run the ball on the last tackle, with their centre cutting inside to take a well-timed pass and score a converted try, narrowing the gap to 14 – 6.
However, the Buffaloes responded immediately, and on the stroke of half-time, Dan Booth, who worked tirelessly in attack and defence, showcased his strength and determination when he powered over from close range. Gaunt’s conversion was off the mark, but the Buffaloes entered the break 12 points in front.
Half-Time Score: Buffaloes 18 – 6.
The second half was just as intense as the first. The Buffaloes struggled to maintain possession, with the referee—who otherwise had a solid performance—penalising them for several questionable and relatively innocuous head-high tackles. This culminated in Connor McGill receiving a yellow card for a man-and-ball tackle that prevented what might have been a try.
With the Buffaloes down a player, Dodsworth capitalised on their numerical advantage, enjoying their best spell of the match. They scored three tries and added a conversion, taking the lead for the first time in the 65th minute, with the score at 18 – 20.
However, the Buffaloes were not finished; they had saved their best try for last. After successfully repelling a Dodsworth attack, they regained possession deep in their own territory on the 10-meter line. Sam Marshall tore through the Dodsworth defence, and with Sam Neave in support, Marshall passed the ball to Neave, who raced past the full-back to score his second try of the game, the Buffaloes’ fifth overall. Connor McGill stepped up and added the conversion, putting the Buffaloes back in the lead at 24 – 20.
As Dodsworth kicked off, my watch showed 75 minutes had passed, but the match officials seemed to be running on borrowed time. We had to endure three more nerve-wracking sets from Dodsworth and another eight minutes of play before their man-of-the-match, the scrumhalf, was penalised for not playing the ball correctly. Finally, the referee blew the whistle, and the Buffaloes could begin their celebrations.
Final Score: Buffaloes 24 – 20.
After a long and gruelling season, the Buffaloes finished top of the table following what was arguably their toughest match. Credit to Dodsworth for pushing us to the limit—they, like the Buffaloes, only suffered two defeats all season (both against us). A heartfelt thank you to all the players who donned the Buffaloes jersey this season. You gave 100% every time and represented the team with enthusiasm and dedication, securing both the Cup and the league title. Let’s aim for a triple in 2024 and add the premiership title to our achievements!
Buffaloes: 1) Codey Downey, 2) Daniel Booth, 3) Samuel Marshall, 4) Sam Neave, 5) Eliah Chitiyo, 6) Connor McGill, 7) Kyle Briggs, 8) Jacob Oldroyd, 9) Jack Boot, 10) Cameron McLachlan ©, 11) Thomas Langton, 12) Curtis Sidebottom, 13) Lewis Gaunt, Subs (All Used); 14) Kieran McFarlane, 15) Bailey Harman. 16) Charlie McMurray, 17) Ben Wilkinson.
Tries; Sidebottom (2), Chitiyo (10), Neave (38, 75), Booth (40)
Goals; Gaunt, McGill
Dodworth: 1) Joe Ashworth, 2) Thomas Brearley, 3) Michael Crehan, 4) Oscar Dyson, 5) Adam Edwards, 6) Scott Edwards, 7) Declan French, 8) Thomas Hardwick, 9) Harry Harvey, 10) Kieran Hyde, 11) Kieran Lee, 12) Matthew Lock, 13) Harrison Norman, Subs (All Used); 14) Alex Pegg, 15) Joe Perry, 16) Jack Ratcliffe, 17) Jonathan Ward.