LONSDALE - MORE CARDS THAN W.H. SMITHS

Northallerton welcomed two teams from Barnard Castle for two friendly games, with the home teams emerging triumphant in both games.

Northallerton 1st team fielded a slightly weakened team due to a certain elderly player selfishly having his ‘stag’ party in London during the rugby season and taking four or five players with him. However this gave youngsters Peake and Lincoln a chance to shine and claim a regular spot in the 1st team squad. With both players having fine games it should make selection more interesting next week when the wanderers return!

Northallerton1st team again made hard work of a game they should have won more easily, and again it was ill discipline that let them down. But to take nothing away from the visitors, Castle defended resolutely and looked very dangerous on numerous occasions. Despite North’s consistent infringements, it was the home side who took the lead via a straightforward penalty from the reliable boot of Dan Luck. Soon after a flowing move from North backs ended with centre Mark Waldo diving over in the corner. Northallerton’s stupidity struck again though when young prop Lonsdale received a yellow card, his second in consecutive matches. With Christmas coming soon, North hope he doesn’t get too many more cards! It was whilst the young prop was off that veteran and stalwart of years gone by; Clive Fontain made a 10 minute cameo appearance as front row replacement. Unfortunately for him it was then when Castle fought their way back into the game with an unconverted try just before half time. Luckily for North the whistle for half time sounded just as Castle seemed to be regaining their confidence. Half time 8-5.

The second half started similar for Northallerton with the backs looking slightly anxious and constantly dropping or knocking the ball on. It was winger Reese Killbride who settled the home teams nerves with a intricate worked try involving back rower Lincoln and stocky hooker Mike Rhodes, Dan Luck again converting the try. The game was still far from over, as the three amigos at numbers 3, 4 + 5 still gave a few penalties away. However, fly half Teddy Bulman was showing some sublime skills, and one particularly excellent show and go dummy followed by a huge clearance kick kept the visitors defending in their own half. Two minutes before full time though Castle got their second try when indecision between full back Matty Fishbum and old boy, Scotch winger Iain Townsend allowed the visiting winger to go over and leave a tension filled last few minutes for North to hold out in.

Final score 15-10