CLOSE GAME

After an extensive pre season training schedule Northallerton fielded a squad of nearly 30 players against a visiting squad from Newton Aycliffe of similar numbers.
Northallerton were led by newly appointed captain Joe Terry in a game of four 20 minute quarters. North welcomed back a couple of old faces, including ex captain Liam Lincoln (girlfriends dumped him) and Phil Swall (deported from Southern Hemisphere for being too ginger!). The game was expertly officiated by the much experienced and highly knowledgable Sir Clive Pointon esquire.

The first twenty minutes were spent with both teams making plenty of errors - especially Studley, but neither getting close to scoring.

The second period was a much better effort with North going close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Winger Jack Whittaker and utility player Steve Metcalfe both going close to the whitewash, only to be stopped by some excellent defending from Aycliffe. Just before the break the visitors opted to take the easy penalty, much to the crowds disapproval, to go in at the half way stage 0-3 up.

North made numerous more changes before the third quarter to give fringe players and newcomers a run out. Newton Aycliffe also rotated their squad, this led to a stalemate with both teams making plenty of errors but also gaining valuable experience.

In the fourth and final period both teams fielded their strongest possible teams in preparation for next weeks games. North put some first class moves together with Johnny Franks and Jason Simmons looking a very useful centres partnership.
As Norths superior fitness began to tell the visitors suffered a couple of niggling injuries forcing the scrums to go uncontested.
With just minutes to go North finally made the breakthrough their hard work deserved with Jack (Bens lad) Barker setting up Simmons to touch down out wide. Jedd Bainbridge was unable to make the conversion leaving a very nervy final five minutes in which North just managed to hold on.
The only down side - apart from Clive's reffing, was a bad injury to a visiting Aycliffe player near the end, when he pulled off a try saving tackle near the line, resulting in a suspected broken jaw. Northallerton Rugby Club wish the player a speedy and full recovery.

Next week Northallerton start the season away at Wensleydale in a cup game, kick off at 3pm. If not selected please go along and support.

Sent from my iPad H Johnson.