You’ve Just Been Buffaloed (Again)!
Reported by Andy and Devon Johnson
The Buffaloes made the trip to Illingworth with a number of familiar faces returning to action for the first time this season, stepping in due to several late withdrawals. It was a real boost to see Rob Brown back in the lineup after a year’s absence, while Louis Morrison’s first start of 2025 added further strength against what is always a tough and physical Illingworth pack. Once again, the Buffaloes’ strong team spirit shone through, with many players making the journey after a morning of hard graft.
The game got off to a flying start in the 3rd minute when the Buffaloes’ pacey backline linked up smartly, creating space for Jimmy Clark to round and outpace both the Illingworth winger and centre before finishing neatly in the corner. Codey Downey slotted the conversion over to open the score at 6 – 0.
Ten minutes later, the Buffaloes doubled their lead with a moment of individual brilliance from Kieran McFarlane. Picking up the ball 15 metres out, he weaved through three defenders with quick footwork to touch down near the posts. Downey added the extras with ease, taking the score to 12 – 0.
In the 23rd minute, the Buffaloes extended their lead following a penalty awarded for a high tackle just 10 metres out from the Illingworth line. From the resulting set, the ball was worked smartly from the middle out to Codey Downey, who executed a superb dummy that completely wrong-footed the defence. He then sliced through the defensive line like a knife through butter to touch down to the left of the posts. Downey calmly added the conversion himself, taking the score to 18 – 0.
Illingworth reduced the deficit with a try on 30 minutes but the Buffaloes reestablished their 18-point lead. Charging onto the ball at full speed from 15 metres out, Louis Morrison was simply unstoppable as he went straight through the Illingworth defence for a well-deserved try. Downey’s conversion attempt went wide, leaving the score at 22-4.
Half Time Score: Buffaloes 22 – 4
The Buffaloes picked up right where they left off in the second half, shifting back into high gear in the 42nd minute. Sam Marshall opened his account for the day with a brilliant solo effort. Collecting the ball near the halfway line, he spotted space on the outside, accepted the invitation from the Illingworth fullback, and glided past him to touch down. Codey Downey added the conversion to extend the lead to 28 – 4.
However, the next 10 minutes saw the Buffaloes on the back foot, as a string of penalties for high tackles handed Illingworth valuable possession. The hosts capitalised on the sustained pressure and crossed for their second try of the match.
But it didn’t take long for Sam Marshall to restore the Buffaloes’ control and 24-point lead. His second try was almost identical to the first, receiving the ball near halfway, assessing his options, and once again burning the fullback down the touchline with blistering pace. This time, Kacper Mroz stepped up to convert, pushing the score to 34 – 10.
Illingworth responded with another try of their own, but the Buffaloes sealed the game in the closing stages. Michael Bryon-Joyce showcased his speed and awareness with a pair of clinical finishes in the 68th and 80th minutes. On both occasions, he outpaced the Illingworth centre and winger to score wide on the right. Unfortunately, both conversion attempts drifted wide, resulting in a final score of 42–10.
After the final whistle, a bit of post-match drama unfolded when your reporters were approached by the Illingworth coach, clearly irritated by the relentless chants of, “You’ve just been Buffaloed!” to which we replied, “If you don’t like it, maybe stop letting so many tries in!” which certainly shut him up.
Full Time Score: Buffaloes 42 – 16
Buffaloes: 1) Marcus White, 2) Michael Bryan-Joyce, 3) Kacper Mroz, 4) Samuel Marshall, 5) James Clark, 6) Codey Downey, 7) Kieran McFarlane, 8) Jacob Oldroyd, 9) Jack Boot, 10) Louis Morrison, 11) Thomas Langton, 12) Ben Wilkinson, 13) Cameron McLachlan, Subs (All Used); 14) Ramsey, 15) Robert Brown, 17) Charlie McMurray.
Tries: Clark (3), McFarlane (13), Downey (20), Morrison (36), Marshall (42, 55) ,Bryan-Joyce (68, 80)
Goals: Downey x 4, Mroz
