A tribute to the U23's : Thu Sep 01, 2011 11:12 am  

A Tribute to the U23’s Last night the U23 played Leigh at the Sports Village, unfortunately it turned out to be their last game of the season. It was the play-off which was lost 26 20 in a very hard fought game. Scores for Leigh Centurions; Tries Barry Clarke x 2 Anthony Griffiths Billy Sheen Conversions Gareth Thomas x 3 Penalties Gareth Thomas x 2 Score 26 Scores for Halifax RLFC; Tries Jabe Dennis Mark Goodman x 2 Conversions Mark Goodman x 3 Penalties Mark Goodman Score 20 Half-time score Leigh 10 V Halifax 18 Referee Dave Sharpe From the clubs point of view we must go on record in thanking and praising these young athletes. At the start of the season the expectations for glory were quite low. This had nothing to do with the lack of skills or commitment, but, more to do with never having played a competitive game together. To reach the play-offs in their first season was nothing short of fantastic. There are definite stars for the future. At the James Haley testimonial launch the following players picked up awards; Jesse Jo Sheriffe, U23’s player’s player and shooting star for the future Stuart Proctor Player of the year Chris Holroyde Sportsman of the year A special mention should be made to U23’s coach Martin Gonzales and assistant coach Graham Holroyd. Who have both shown great skills to pull the players into a working unit. They will start season 2012 with a good nucleus of players. We also need to thank the following people who give up their free time to assist on match days. The kit men; Ned Kelly, Phil Coventry, Sean Rothery and the one and only Hilda Hardy. Having had a chat with the Chair of the Halifax Supporters Trust, who was instrumental in organising the £25,000 fund raising in support of the U23 for 2011. It was suggested that more information should be made available for the fans and someone should take on the responsibility. I’ll take on that responsibility. Next season there will be a short match report plus the following; • Player stats • Attendance • League Table • Fixture list If there is anything that the fans would like that I haven’t mentioned please email me at malcolm@halifaxrlfc.co.uk or just reply to this thread.

A Tribute to the U23’s Last night the U23 played Leigh at the Sports Village, unfortunately it turned out to be their last game of the season. It was the play-off which was lost 26 20 in a very hard fought game. Scores for Leigh Centurions; Tries Barry Clarke x 2 Anthony Griffiths Billy Sheen Conversions Gareth Thomas x 3 Penalties Gareth Thomas x 2 Score 26 Scores for Halifax RLFC; Tries Jabe Dennis Mark Goodman x 2 Conversions Mark Goodman x 3 Penalties Mark Goodman Score 20 Half-time score Leigh 10 V Halifax 18 Referee Dave Sharpe From the clubs point of view we must go on record in thanking and praising these young athletes. At the start of the season the expectations for glory were quite low. This had nothing to do with the lack of skills or commitment, but, more to do with never having played a competitive game together. To reach the play-offs in their first season was nothing short of fantastic. There are definite stars for the future. At the James Haley testimonial launch the following players picked up awards; Jesse Jo Sheriffe, U23’s player’s player and shooting star for the future Stuart Proctor Player of the year Chris Holroyde Sportsman of the year A special mention should be made to U23’s coach Martin Gonzales and assistant coach Graham Holroyd. Who have both shown great skills to pull the players into a working unit. They will start season 2012 with a good nucleus of players. We also need to thank the following people who give up their free time to assist on match days. The kit men; Ned Kelly, Phil Coventry, Sean Rothery and the one and only Hilda Hardy. Having had a chat with the Chair of the Halifax Supporters Trust, who was instrumental in organising the £25,000 fund raising in support of the U23 for 2011. It was suggested that more information should be made available for the fans and someone should take on the responsibility. I’ll take on that responsibility. Next season there will be a short match report plus the following; • Player stats • Attendance • League Table • Fixture list If there is anything that the fans would like that I haven’t mentioned please email me at malcolm@halifaxrlfc.co.uk or just reply to this thread.

Re: A tribute to the U23's : Thu Sep 01, 2011 11:23 am  

Great post Malcolm and well done to everyone who had a hand in this fabulous season for the U23`s. Its important to remember that these lads have been together for a very short time and will mature and get even better. The Fax future is back up and running.

Re: A tribute to the U23's : Thu Sep 01, 2011 3:04 pm  

Will the fund raising be happening again next season?If so perhaps ideas for how people can help towards it during the close season could be posted.Not everyone can attend do's for fund raising so other ways they can help might be useful.

Re: A tribute to the U23's : Thu Sep 01, 2011 4:01 pm  

Malcom what a great post and from my own point of view very humbleing .
The amount of time you put into the Club on a volunteer basis is nothing short of phenominal but every time when a queery or question is asked your reply is always "HOW can we do it " It`s very refreshing in this day and age and as I was saying to you and Batleys tea lady a few weeks ago it`s people like her and you that are the real life blood of all rugby league clubs.
This going the extra mile will benifit the Under 23s no end , as people will start to follow them and have more of an empathy with them . It was nice to see them all at the Supporters Trust Annual Players Awards Night last week too, something else that Martin Gonzales is good at is ensuring there is a building of mutual respect for the players and to the fans who have financed the team.
All in all a great success for their first year and wouldn`t it be super if we see some of these lads playing in the first team some time.

Re: A tribute to the U23's : Thu Sep 01, 2011 4:05 pm  

Skipdog wrote:

Will the fund raising be happening again next season?If so perhaps ideas for how people can help towards it during the close season could be posted.Not everyone can attend do's for fund raising so other ways they can help might be useful.

That is a good idea , not sure yet what is hapening re` fundraising but by all means the sooner it`s started the better.Thanks for your suggestion.

Re: A tribute to the U23's : Thu Sep 01, 2011 6:59 pm  

Thanks for the info Malc. Thanks to all who have helped in any way at all possible with the setting up, fund-raising and sustaining of this conceptual age group at our club. I had every faith that the lads would gel, albeit a very young set of lads, but under the coaching of Gonzales they have really blossomed and he's given loads of local lads a real opportunity. I was in attendance at the end of monday's training session and the lads and Martin were very determined to succeed last night & beyond. I certainly hope that Gonzo & Holly are still in situ with this group of lads next season & beyond.
Good luck & well done to all involved.

Re: A tribute to the U23's : Thu Sep 01, 2011 7:09 pm  

I'd like to add my congratulations to all the playing, coaching and voluntary staff involved with the u23's. A side that had never passed a ball together before this season was assembled with a very youthful squad that surpassed peoples expectations. Hard work from the coaching staff and dedication from the players as well has reaped rewards in my eyes. I, and everyone else who have been to support these lads, have been privileged to witness some top class rugby. I can't wait for next season! Thanks again to all those who give their free time to help out.

Re: A tribute to the U23's : Thu Sep 01, 2011 9:32 pm  

I would like to add my two peneth at Mals match rundown , it must have taken some time to do that so thanks to all the volunteers who help to take care of our Under 23s .I contributed to them so there fore I have a lot of interest in them and it was nice to see them at the Supporters Trust Night last week.

Re: A tribute to the U23's : Thu Sep 01, 2011 10:03 pm  

Nice one Malcolm, thanks.

Re: A tribute to the U23's : Fri Sep 02, 2011 6:14 am  

I have been contacted by Martin Gonzales and he would like to pass on his thanks to everyone who helped in any way or contributed money toward Faxbuilder for the Under 23s. He said the lads in the team have been so grateful to you all and the lads have been fully aware all season at how hard everyone has worked to raise the £25,000. They sent apologies that they just were not able to beat Leigh the other night and progress a little further in the play offs.
Well thanks for a good season lads and lets hope that next year will be even better.