Wyke went to Ossett trinity tigers, who had not lost a home game in almost two years and came away 16-14 victors. The result ensured wyke continued their unbeaten run and also meant they have won the league for the second year running. The game itself was a fantastic spectacle in front of a large crowd and with both coaches putting out strong teams the scene was set for a high quality game. Wyke started slowly and after both sets of forwards setting a high standard in defence, it was Osset who took the lead after a penalty was awarded under the sticks. This seemed to rattle the the unbeaten black and whites and after two tries were disallowed much to the frustration of the large Wyke crowd, Wyke eventually broke the Tigers line through James Cullen who had moved into the centre after an early injury to Brad Peel. Clarkson Slotted over the conversion to make the score 6-2 to Wyke. Wyke then lost Brad Clarkson to a high shot which allowed coach Ian Wormald to introduce Willie Woodhead for his debut. Woodhead along with Nathan Marchant and Charles Grocock were in fine form in the middle and ensured Wyke went to the break 6-2 up. Wyke started the second half strong and when a high kick was taken by Jimmy Waine he broke the line to put Wyke on the front foot and allowed man of the match Jordan Payton to feed Calvin Barker who went 50 meters, rounding the fullback to give Wyke an 8 point cushion. Osset showed their metal and with their impressive back row, lead by their loose-forward. They marched down the pitch and it was left to Ossett’s man of the match hooker to dive over to put the tigers back within 2 points. Wyke again rallied and when lively hooker Coby Kittsen came to the fore he was first held up, then dropped the ball over the line, but his final say was to find the Osset left side napping and fire a pass to giant wingman Cameron Foster who acrobatically dived in at the corner. Payton added the extras to ensure Wyke got back to an 8 point lead. Osset were not finished and showed what a class outfit they are, when the ball went through 4 pair of hands and find their fullback who raced in untouched under the sticks to get them back to within 2 points. Osset then threw everything at Wyke but with Jimmy Waine cleaning everything up at the back and the forwards now lead by Oscar Woodhead, taking the ball into some tough collisions they managed to see the tie out and celebrate winning the league with a fine performance against a very good team.
Coach Ian Wormald said after the game “Before we move onto what we have achieved I’d like to thank Ossett for a fantastic rivalry this season, they are a very good side and very well coached by Simon Hagger who I personally have a lot of respect for. Since coming back into the coaching roll at Wyke we have gone from been a team who were looked upon as easy targets, to a team that is winning games, winning cups and winning leagues. I believe this is now the most successful Wyke side in the modern era and with great players coming through the internal ranks and quality players joining from outside I believe we have a lot more to win with this group of players. The game today was a real battle and If we can win our playoff semi I believe there is a good chance we will meet Ossett again in the final. I’m a very proud coach today and taking the league and cup double two years running I’m still very hungry for more success. Starting at Wyke at 9 year old I feel I am now repaying those people who started my journey in this great sport by bringing success to the club. I’d like to thank Daniel Barraclough, Cameron Scott, Ryan White, John Rayner, Lisa Goodwin, Graham Fynn and all the players in both squads for helping to make this happen”.
Chairman John Rayner added ” This is a fantastic achievement for Wyke A.R.L.F.C. and i would like to congratulate the Open Age playing squad and backroom staff on what has been an amazing season. To do the league and Bradford Cup double two years in a row is unheard of at Wyke, and as we enter into our 130th year of existence as a club, we need to use these last couple of years as a catalyst to propel Wyke A.R.L.F.C. to it's rightful place at the forefront of Amateur Rugby League in Bradford. Good luck to the Open Age squad and Staff in the remaining games and the playoffs, lets try make it a Treble winning year"!!!!!

YES WYKE!!!

THE FUTURES BRIGHT, IT'S BLACK & WHITE!!!