By Paul Abraham
After starting the season with very few players and defeat in the first match, the Buffaloes ended their season with a 10-32 defeat at the impressive York St Johns Barbarians, but WOW what a season in between those two matches.
The heat and long season took its toll on the “Buffs” who despite a Ethan McFarlene try and Martin Loveridge goal in the first half went in to the break losing 6-22. With the heat beating down the players of both sides found the going tough and credit to them for giving 100% right up to the final minute.
Ben Blanchard scored the final Bramley points of the season by scoring an unconverted try as Bramley finally slipped to a 10-32 defeat.
Club statement after the York St Johns Barbarians match
Today marked the end of our season and boy has it been a great one overall.
We’ve been to a cup final which – for most – was the first time with Bramley, we’ve brought through many young players who featured heavily for the second team last season.
The biggest achievement is winning the league which shows consistency. To be the best in a league is a massive achievement and recognition must be given to every player who pulled a Buffs shirt on.
There are many people behind the scenes who make playing the game we love possible, so much work is done before a ball is even on a field and our thanks go to them.
A special mention to our chairman Martyn Cheney who gives 100% to this club and has done for so many years. Without him this club wouldn’t be here.
The coaching staff is in the best position it has been in for some time, Steve Langton, Connor Mcgill, Jed Gowland and Karlos Wilson have really given the players structure on the field and a clear direction of the rugby they want to play.
Last but by no means least a thank you to all our fans for coming to games both home and away with some sponsoring the players this year.
We at Bramley are not just a club but a family who do everything we can for each other both on and off the field, we are Bramley Buffs and we’re going up UTB
Help celebrate a defining moment in Bramley’s rugby league history
On Tuesday 18 December 1973, Bramley shook the rugby league world when they won the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy after travelling and defeating Widnes 15-7.
It was Bramley’s first trophy in their-then 94-year history. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of that amazing day, the Bramley Ex-Players Association are holding a special event at the West Leeds Rugby Union Club on Sunday 17 December.
The association are interested in hearing from any ex-players of that era or relatives as they seek to re-unite as many ex-players and supporters of that memorable era on the day.
Contact Buffaloes Chair Martyn Cheney for more information or if have any contact details regarding former players via info@bramleybuffs.com.
Check out the feature of this piece of rugby league history in the latest printed edition of the West Leeds Dispatch.