HESSLE AWAY

Northallerton 1st team started off the season by having to endure a round trip of over 180 miles to recently relegated Hessle, only to return with no points in a 15-0 defeat.
North had a number of players being 'home only' and also a couple of cry offs on the day. However, the 17 men that travelled put in a gallant effort and showed tremendous attitude throughout.
North started the game with regular 'old' boys Tank Bainbridge and Paul Dixon in the front row - who's combined age nearly totalled the rest of the pack! Despite their advancing years both showed they are still a force to be reckoned with and still have a few games left in them yet. With a number of promising youngsters also making the away journey, fitness was never a problem as North came into it more in the second half. In fact North were unfortunate not to get some points on the board as Tom 'Greengrass' Harper was held up over the line and Captain Dixon was penalised for a double (maybe triple) movement in an attempt to score his annual try. North's cause also wasn't helped by a couple of unfortunate yellow cards, particularly Richard Dongsdale, who must be the unluckiest player ever - to get so many cards. Apart from Robbo obviously.
This was a slight confidence knock but there is no doubt within the team that the return fixture will be a completely different story.
Next week North 1st team are at home to Halifax Vandals at Brompton Lodge, kick off 3pm.