Flying start continues for North at home.

Following on from their derby win last weekend, Northallerton RUFC’s men’s first XV secured another bonus point win over Burley RUFC. The second XV put the seal on another terrific day at the club by storming to a convincing win over Middlesborough RUFC 3rd XV.

As with the world cup matches, the hot, humid weather played a major role in the style of play both teams could adopt. A slippery ball made quick passing difficult and the scrum showed its importance as the number of knock-ons disrupted the flow of the game. North first XV started well, Jack Tart commanding the play from scrum half, pushing his forward pack around the field. With the boot of Jedd Bainbridge, North were able to gain territory inside the Burley half and with some opportunistic sniping, Tart was able to help the home side establish an early 12 point lead. More tries were to follow in time. Committed defensive displays from both teams meant a lot of the play for the first half took place in the middle of the pitch, neither team able to get a foothold over the other. After a rare period of sustained pressure on the Burley goal line, Jeremy Deas was able to find a gap and sneak over for his second try in as many games. This was followed quickly by another try this time scored by flanker Matty Clarke, continuing his try scoring form from last season. With the score line looking comfortable, North were able to relax into the game. Flanker Rob Green stole the ball and the show all over the pitch to justify his man of the match award after the game. With a final
flourish of tries, North ran out winners over Burley and continued their fine start to the new season.
The final score was Northallerton 40 – Burley 5.

The second XV and Middlesborough 3rd XV both took to the field low on numbers but agreed to play with fewer men, a bold choice in the heat and humidity. North started strong with an early try for Ethan Thiart who crashed his way up the pitch for a 5 point lead. North continued to battle but gave away a number of penalties due to the new tackle height laws. With some fancy footwork, Ollie Redding found a gap in the defence to get over the line and convert his own try to give North a 12-0 lead. After some control of pace from the forwards, the ball was passed out to the backs for new club member and outside centre Ricky Hewick to go over the line and score. Ben Gray added the conversion. North continued to put the visitors under pressure when a loose ball was chipped over to speedy winger Reece who collected and set off up the pitch to cross the line and after Redding added a conversion the lead stood at 26 points. The heat started to take its toll on the home side at this point as they let Middlesborough cross the line three times out wide to bring them back into the game.
The second half of the game was a battle of fitness with Middlesborough making a few line breaks to gain territory. On more than one occasion the visiting team looked set to score but for the efforts of Harry Robinson who made chase and executed two try saving tackles to stop them crossing the line. As the game drew to a close, new club member Ben Robinson crossed the line twice in quick succession, both tries converted by Gray. With time almost up, captain Dave Baker asked his team to empty the tanks and see the game off for the last few plays. Flanker Will Harrison responded and caught the ball from the kick off to make a sixty yard dash to the try line which was again converted
by Gray. The final score was Northallerton 47 – Middlesborough 15.

A big thank you to both away teams for travelling in such good numbers. A thank you as well to the referees for both games and to all the volunteers at the club who helped make the day happen.
Training for the men is on Tuesday and Thursday 7pm. The ladies train on Wednesday 7pm and the juniors train on Sunday 10:30am. All ages and abilities welcome.