SILVER TROPHY

Northallerton sent one of their strongest 1st teams of the season to Goole for the semifinal of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy and put in a valiant effort before losing 27-20.
The full strength back line of Joe Terry, Steven Lister, Alex Porter Jnr, Greg Aspin and Dave Barrett meant there was not even room for Captain Dougie Mullholland.

North started the stronger with powerful centre Barrett causing problems for Goole and forcing them to concede two early penalties, both converted by Porter.
On the twenty minute mark North increased their lead thanks this time to the forwards. A Goole line out was smartly stolen by Lee Peake which set North on a 15 metre rolling maul which was touched down by Iain Swall and converted by Porter to give North a 13-0 lead.
Goole then began to put some good rugby of their own together and scored an impressive try from their inside centre who cut through the North defence to score under the posts. North responded straight away with a similar try of their own from Barrett to retain their 13 point lead. Just before half time a lapse in concentration and two missed tackles cost North as Goole scored a unconverted try to give them renewed hope and send the teams in at 12-20 at the break.

Five minutes into the second half a silly and unplanned quick tap 22 drop out from North went 10 yards straight into the oppositions hands forcing North to concede a penalty in front of the posts. This gave Goole a boost and they began to up their game significantly as North began to tire. North managed to keep out the wave after wave of attacks before succumbing to a converted try mid way through the half to give Goole a 22-20 lead. As North pressed to get back into the home teams 22 a turnover ball was shipped out to the Goole winger who raced away down the touch line, somehow avoiding going out of play and touch down in the corner for the winning score. North tried in vain to get a score levelling try in the last few minutes but after giving their all, they were just lacking at the final hurdle.
Norths backs looked dangerous all afternoon but in their over eagerness to stretch the home teams defence, they were often guilty of throwing too many wayward and blind passes. With more experience of playing together week in and week out these minor niggles would be erased.
However, this performance against the runaway league leaders shows what level North can reach when ALL players are available and hopefully they will be able to push on and improve even more next season.

On the evening Northallerton had their end of season players presentation at the rugby club.
1st team player of the year was awarded to Sam Hopkins, with Patrick Hebblethwaite receiving young player of the year, just edging out Jedd Bainbridge.
2nd team player of the year was awarded to Gary Eden by just two votes over Chris Macaneany, and finally 3rd team player of the year was justifiably given to Ben England.
Lee Peake was presented with the most improved player of the season award after going the whole season without a yellow card for the first time in his his career.
The event was a huge success, and praise should go to organisers Mr Gareth Essex and his wife Mrs Sammantha Essex.

ALL PLAYERS PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING POST FROM YORKSHIRE RFU FORUM -

Completely Neutral
Finding my feet
Posts: 67

Are people satisfied with how their team has performed throughout the season?
« on: Yesterday at 10:06:48 PM »
What are peoples thoughts with how their team have faired over the course of the season. I'd have thought Goole and LMD are chuffed with the way their season has gone. Personally I thought Throne would be mixing it up with the big boys at the top of the table a little more, and I'm pleased that Cas seem to have stopped the rot and been more than competitive in Yorkshire 3.

Saw Northallerton today for the first time this season and for the life of me can't believe how they are not further up the table. Although they lost in a very tight game there were parts of the game that were exceptional and I don't use that term lightly. Their lineout was tight and well drilled, awesome at the breakdown, they had a flanker who is quite possibly the best player I have seen all season, turned ball over time and time again. A flyhalf who would be at home in a Yorkshire 1 side, a couple of wingers who were big and pacey. Their defence was very good also, not many missed tackles. The only downside been that their scrum wasn't as good as it might be, that said they were up against a pack that have dominated most sides I've seen this season.

With what I saw today these guys should be higher in the league pushing for promotion and I suppose this is the reason for the thread I'm disappointed that they are not higher.

On to days performance promotion favourites next season.