Scunthorpe Barbarians 'A'	Sheffield Forgers 'A'
34	50

Saturday, 03 May 2008 - 14:30
Scunthorpe Barbarians 'A'	Sheffield Forgers
38	16

The Sheffield Forgers played another double header last weekend with both teams travelling to Scunthorpe for fixtures against The Barbarians.

Their preparation was less than perfect, with only 23 fit players travelling for the two fixtures, and this was reflected in the performances. Only a handful of players could be rested for the second of the fixtures, which was to be only their second conference class of the season.

In the Merit League fixture, the Forgers were able to establish early dominance running in a number of tries against inexperienced opposition.
The half time score showed a healthy lead, and Captain Phil Stubbs called for composure and a repeat in the second period.

Early on the Forgers pressure continued, however as the half wore on The Barbarians began to outscore The Forgers. As we have seen in previous weeks, this lead to a tense finish to a game that they should have easily won. A 34-50 scoreline in The Forgers favour was probably a fair result.

Heading in to the Conference game with only a handful of rested players, this was always going to be a tough test for The Forgers. And this proved to be the case with numerous early attacks ending in impressive scores for the home team. Only impressive prop Sam Turnell stood between The Forgers and an embarrassing first half capitulation.

The first half performance did little to inspire the hope that The Forgers can compete at conference level, but the second half proved to be a somewhat different story. There was more purpose about them in both attack and defence with Paul Holbrook at the heart of the fight back.

On a number of occasions poor handling and decision making cost The Forgers valuable points, but the second half saw the spoils shared with two tries scored apiece. But this was a half marred by a hamstring injury to the influential Turnell and cut short by a serious injury to one of the Scunthorpe players which required the attendance of an ambulance. At the termination of the game the score was 34-16 and perhaps demonstrates that The Forgers are beginning to find their feet at this new level.