BUFFALOES AND KNIGHTS SEE THE LIGHTS!



Rarely has a game in the fourth tier of summer rugby league attracted so much interest.

Bramley Buffaloes take on Kippax Knights in the Co-operative Rugby League Conference National under the lights next Friday (21st May) at Stanningley (kick-off 8pm) in a match being billed as one of the most exciting clashes in the young history of the game at this intermediate level.

It’s the champions against the league’s new boys, the first game under floodlights for Bramley and their army of fans at the excellently appointed Arthur Miller Stadium.

Add to the mix that the Buffaloes have started the season with four straight victories and the ambitious Knights are not far behind with just one defeat and you have all the ingredients for a compelling clash between two title favourites.

Buffaloes coach Mark Butterill is looking forward to the occasion: “When all is said and done this is just another regular season home game but there’s a real buzz amongst the players and fans that next Friday will be a big one!

“Kippax are new to the competition but from all reports you can pretty much guarantee that they’ll be up there challenging for honours come the end of the season. They are, like us, set up for success.

“It’s going to be interesting and a must see for any rugby league fans looking to take in some quality action,” added Mark talking after his side’s unconvincing 18-10 home victory over Nottingham Outlaws.

“I’m angry about how we nearly threw this game away today after a positive first half performance. After the break we really took our foot off the gas and we just can’t afford to do that. The Outlaws nearly made us pay and you suspect it will be a different story against Kippax if we perform like that.

“Tony Williams grabbed two opportunist tries with Richard Hulme’s touchdown giving us an 18-0 lead but at no point did we hit the heights we are capable of in front of an impressive home crowd.

“We all had our hands in our mouths in the last 15 minutes as Nottingham pushed us back but we saw it through. We were lucky!” added Butterill.

Buffaloes Chairman Martyn Cheney is hoping that Rhinos and Bulls fans looking for some early weekend action will pop down and experience the action:

“I think they’ll like what they see,” explained Martyn “and we have a special promotion in place which means Rhinos and Bulls season-ticket holders, indeed any Super League or Championship season-ticket holder, can gain entry for half price, just £2.

“The promotion was extremely well received at our first home game with Nottingham Outlaws with over 50 season-ticket holders taking advantage and we hope a lot more will come down next Friday.

“We are looking for a big crowd in a game being sponsored by Green Motion of Kirkstall and we’ll also be celebrating our close sponsorship links with Unison and the RMT, two national unions that closely reflect our ideals as a community focused co-operative club,” added Martyn.

I believe there is a Bramley Buffaloes forum?

Whats wrong with promoting it on the VT? I'm interested.

I just think the VT has lost it's way a bit - are we going to be promoting every game from SL to amatuer on the VT? The Bramley Buffaloes forum is there for topics specific to that club.

really??? You don't say!

there was me thinking this was a rugby league website and people posted about rugby league.

maybe i was wrong. or alternatively my aim is to big up my team and promote it in any way i can.

that's why the press release (sent out to over 300 media outlets) appears on here too as it is about rugby league and offering [uyou[/u and other supporters, should have a season ticket for the club you follow the change to come for half price. not just on friday, when, by the way there are no super league games on in Yorkshire, but for the rest of the season.

so what is the VT here for? please enlighten me

From the 'Forum Rules':
This is a rugby league forum about the game in general.
Other forums exists on the site for topics that do not belong here, and off-topic threads may be moved to more appropriate boards.
These include:
separate forums for all professional clubs playing in the Super League, Championship, Championship One and RLC National as well as other amateur clubs."
I don't blame you for putting this on the VT but just think it's getting a bit ridiculous these days.

Well you might just have another speccy here. Haven't been since your first season in the conference but I'll bob down for this one.

I've no issue with this been on the VT. Marto does a great job at the Buffaloes and should be congratulated for keeping one of the founding clubs going in some form.

I'd understand that if it were just a normal league game, but it's a massive game for these clubs and they are offering cheap entry to other clubs fans. So if they didn't put it on the VT, no-one would hear about that offer.

Like the shirt by the way!

Exactly, I've no problem with it and indeed I'm considering going to it to see what the fuss is all about.

You're one dedicated Rugby Leaguer Matt!

More dedicated than me! I can see the ground as i type this. I'll start making more of an effort and pledge to attend more matches.

JUNIOR SHINES IN SUMMER GAME!



One of the brightest lights in Bramley Buffaloes unbeaten start to the season has been powerhouse prop Junior Brandford.

The 22-year-old, currently studying for a degree in Sports Development and PE at Trinity All Saints, joined the West Leeds outfit at the start of the season after being spotted by Buffaloes coach Mark Butterill whilst playing against Milford.

“Mark was playing for Milford and he had a quiet word in my ear after the game and really sold the Buffaloes to me.

“I’m enjoying every second at Bramley,” explained Junior “and the lads have made me very welcome and I have to say that I much prefer summer rugby to the winter version! I don’t like the cold!

“It was a real eye opener at our first home game last Sunday to see just how many fans we have and that really adds to the atmosphere,” added Junior who hails originally from Oldham and hopes to become a PE teacher after graduating.

Junior started playing rugby at the age of 9 with Wrighton Tigers in Oldham and then went on to play for Saddleworth Rangers. He’s recently been selected to play for the England Students RL side and took to the field against GB Police earlier this year.

“It was my proudest moment so far,” said Junior “and I’m hoping to play again against the RAF at the start of June but they will all be topped if I can help Bramley retain their title.

“Next Friday’s (21st May) home game against Kippax will be a real test and we are looking forward to what will be a great occasion,” added Junior.

Coach Mark Butterill concluded: “Junior has come in and done a solid job so far and I’ve been very impressed by his attitude and performances.”

Don't see a problem with the thread been on the VT at all, better then another bloody 'Toulouse for SL' thread or whatever.



Best of luck Marto, hey I also love the shirt - very smart and traditional-looking.

The VT is a general rugby league forum. This thread is perfectly kosher. And the VT already has its mods, the site admin - we don't need any others thanks. That is all.

SPEIGHT LOOKING FOR IMPROVEMENT!



Bramley Buffaloes second row Simon Speight is once again catching the eye this season with a string of consistent performances but he freely admits that the side has yet to reach top gear.

“We’ve not started off that well despite winning our opening four league games,” explained the 25-year-old Bradford-born forward.

“It’s a real joy playing with this bunch of lads because we really are like a family,” added Simon who spent five years at Salford City Reds and has also had a two year spell at Mount Pleasant with Batley Bulldogs.

He first picked up a rugby ball at the age of four with Wibsey Juniors and describes his career highlights as signing his first professional contract with Salford as well as last season’s Grand Final victory over Huddersfield Rangers.

Voted Bramley’s Player of the Year last season, Simon is keen to pay tribute to the Buffaloes supporters: “They are fantastic! They follow us everywhere and it’s great to hear them singing at home games. They help to make this a very special club indeed.”

Turning his attention to tonight's home clash with Kippax Knights (kick-off 8pm), Simon is keen to get it in perspective: “We know they’ve been making big noises about beating us but I see it as just another game. We are looking beyond it and are all focused on repeating last year’s triumph.

“It will no doubt be a feisty match but we have nothing to fear as long as we get into our stride.

“I was impressed with Nottingham last week and expect to see Huddersfield Underbank doing well again and I’m sure other challengers will emerge as the season progresses,” added Simon who works as a trainer with the NHS.

Buffaloes coach Mark Butterill was keen to heap praise on Speight: “He’s done us proud over the last season or so and he’s hitting form again. He never fails to give 100% and that’s exactly what we’ll need against Kippax on Friday night.”

Pity about the result but hope otherwise it was a good evening.

Nah the best team won the game. it was as simple as that, we played dumb football and deserved too loose.

Was a cracking night though. big crowd and that.

Friday nights, i like.

Not sure how we'd have gone had there been any super-league on in Yorkshire last night, but that was good planning on my part

Bramley Match Report -

KNIGHTS DESERVEDLY TAKE DERBY HONOURS
[iby Andy Coldrick [/i

Bramley Buffaloes 12 (0) v Kippax Knights 17 (14)

In front of a bumper Friday night crowd at Stanningley, Kippax Knights deservedly took the honours in a hard fought by error strewn game against Bramley Buffaloes. Leading 0-14 at the break the Knights held off the Buffaloes late charge to become the first team since Warrington Wizards in August 2008 to win at Stanningley.

Both teams had minor changes from the weekend, the Buffaloes welcomed back Andy McGann for his first full start of the season after recovering from injury, Matthew Booth replaced then injured Jon Nicholls and Paul Gledhill was again on the bench. Kippax made some positional changes with Andy Tillett moving from the centre to stand off, Chris Redfearn in turn moved to scrum half whilst Gav Adkin moved to hooker, otherwise both teams had decent sides out.

Kippax put points on the board within the opening minutes thanks to some poor Buffaloes play. Firstly a needless scrum was conceded by Bramley with Kippax head and ball, from which a then needless penalty was conceded on the last tackle to give Kippax an excellent attacking position 10m out. They needed no second invitation as livewire Gav Adkin dived over for a try from close range and added the conversion himself. Good work followed from the Kippax forwards who made good metres going forward, particular mention to Craig Jones who had a couple of excellent drives. Further Buffaloes ill discipline saw Adkin add a penalty on 10 minutes. The Buffaloes forwards struggled to make an impression on some solid Knights defence, in an effort to create an opening Tony Williams chipped over the Kippax defensive line, unfortunately he did not get enough elevation on his chip and Adkin gratefully caught the ball and raced 50m to touch down in the left hand corner. Adkins touchline conversion came back off the post. This try visibly lifted Kippax and they produced more enterprising play on the back of a repeat set and further penalties. Despite ill discipline, poor ball control and decision making, the Buffaloes prevented any further scores as they sought to weather the Knights play. On 31 minutes Redfearn was sin binned for Kippax after an altercation; however this did not prevent them from stretching their lead further prior to the break when Tillett kicked an easy penalty after missing an earlier attempt.

The Buffaloes opened the second half in a much more positive mood. Kippax fumbled the kick off and the Buffaloes took their opportunity when Danny Johnson spun over by the posts to reduce the deficit, Drake converted. The noisy crowd added to the atmosphere as they sensed a Buffaloes fight-back. Only excellent cover tackling denied John Richardson a try on 45 minutes, bundling him into touch. Kippax responded through the excellent prompting of Tillett, Redfearn and Adkin and had a try ruled out on 47 minutes for a double movement. The Kippax forwards worked tirelessly all night and they continually got over the advantage line with some strong runs, from one such effort a try went begging as a result of a knock on after 50 minutes. The early Buffaloes momentum seemed dissipate as they looked to force passes and build some pressure. Unfortunately for the Buffaloes they were unable to do so as many of the failings of the first half re-appeared and when they did get into a reasonable position either their attacking kicks were excellently dealt with, or, they gave away needless penalties and allowed Kippax to come off their own line. Andy McGann created a great opening on 60 minutes however his terrific inside pass with the line beckoning wet to ground. Knowles was sin-binned for the Knights shortly afterwards. Kippax showed their composure when under no pressure Adkin coolly slotted over a drop goal on 67 minutes followed by another penalty on 69, 6-17. The Buffaloes though showed why they are hard to beat when they responded with a superb one handed touchdown from winger Richardson who was under all sorts of pressure on 747 minutes. Drake’s effortless touchline conversion closed the gap to just 5 points with as many minutes remaining. That was the last of the scoring though. Bramley sought to create an opening in the final minutes but as so often had happened through out the game, the options they choose were either easily dealt with by the Kippax defence on the ball went to ground.

Kippax were deserved winners, their defence was strong and they were composed in attack. They took their opportunities and limited the Buffaloes in their options. By comparison the Buffaloes were again disappointing coming after an indifferent showing against Nottingham the week before. We seem to lack cohesion, particularly when we have the ball. The defence remains as solid as ever, still probably the best in the league; however as an attacking unit we seem down on confidence, leading to some poor plays and decision making collectively. Whatever we feel about the standards of refereeing or their lack of consistency, another 2:1 penalty count against us is a serious problem, ill discipline is becoming a worrying problem. Clearly there is work to be done by the coaching staff and players, but we must keep this in perspective, it is only one defeat and we did get a bonus point. We are a very good team with excellent players and coaches. The next two games against Warrington and Featherstone may give us a better idea how we are doing. We must stick together and ride this out.

Game star: Any one from Tillett, Redfearn or Adkin.

Game breaker: No one play by either team comes to mind. Kippax played a more conservative game and took their chances, whilst the Buffaloes failed to control the ball and turned possession over too often and gave too many penalties away. We did create some openings but failed to take them.

Bramley Buffaloes: 1. Andy McGann, 2. John Richardson, 3. Matt Mullholland, 4. Dan Caston, 5. Craig Green, 6. Paul Drake, 7. Tony Williams, 8. Danny Mitchell, 9. Richard Hulme, 10. Simon Speight, 11.John Elliker, 12. Danny Johnson, 13. Matthew Booth, Subs: 14. Graham Harrison, 15. Dave Parker, 16. Richard Leese, 17. Paul Gledhill

Tries: Johnson (42), Richardson (74)
Goals: Drake 2/2

Kippax Knights: 1. Chris Hall, 2. Danny Gill, 3. Steve Scott, 4. James Woods, 5. Wayne Little, 6. Andy Tillett, 7. Chris Redfearn, 8. Craig Jones, 9. Gav Adkin, 10. Andy Walter, 11. Chris Knowles, 12. Dave Jessey, 13. Mark Holmes, Subs: 14. Mark Crossfield, 15.Adam Withington, 16. Scott Goodall, 17. Scott Holder.

Tries: Adkin (2 & 17)
Goals: Adkin 3/4 Tillett 1/2
Drop Goal: Adkin

Half-time: 0-14
Final score: 12-17

Penalty Count: 9(4) – 18(10)

Referee: Danny Tindall

Sin-Bin: Redfearn (31) & Knowles (63) – both Kippax

Man of the Match:
Bramley Buffaloes: John Elliker
Kippax Knights: Andy Tillett

Next game: Saturday 29 May 2010
Competition: RLCN
Opponents: Warrington Wizards
Venue: Away
Kick-off: 7.00pm

Forgive me if i missed it as its hard to
read threads on an iphone! But what kind of crowd
was on?

there was around 450-500 in.