CUP VICTORY

Apologies for shortness of report but I'm a bit under the weather today. H Johnson.

Northallerton 1st team travelled away to Richmondshire in the first round of the Silver Cup, and ground out a 27-0 victory.
Richmond, who play in Durham/Northumberland division 3 were coming off a run of 2 consecutive victories, while Northallerton had not won a game in 5 outings and were struggling to put together any consistency. North however ground down the opposition and for once had the better drilled and stronger backs. This led to two first half tries for Ian Duffus, plus a try for Liam Lincoln and also a try, 2 conversions and a penalty for Man of the Match Dan Luck. Lucks performance was even more impressive considering his very unusual positional switch from recent years at prop to slim down and make the inside centre spot his own! HALF TIME 22-0
Richmond made more of a game of it in the second half and restricted North to only one try from debuting winger Tom Rennison. Steve Robinson continues to astound his critics to play well above a player of his young and tender age, and hopefully has a long future at the club. He continued to combine well in the back row with the elder Rob Green and Captain Don McStone.
Richmond showed how much they have improved in the last 10 years, as not so long ago their 1st team only played at Northallerton's 3rd team level and they look like they have a bright future ahead. Next week Northallerton 1st team travel to Bramley Phoenix who are the only team North have not played in the league yet this season.

Northallerton's 2nd team game away at Castleford had to be cancelled as not enough players were available to travel away.
Next week North 2nd team are at home to local rivals Thirsk who will be looking for their first victory in 20 fixtures against Northallerton.