FIRST AWAY WIN

Northallerton 1st team travelled to fellow relegation candidates Old Otleinsians in a must win game and returned triumphant with an excellent 19-10 victory.
Northallerton totally dominated the first half especially up front where the usual second rower Dick Lonsdale was was being tested out at prop. Lonsdale had one of his best games for a long time both in the loose and in the tight without receiving his regular yellow card. It was old boy Steve Robinson who stole the show though, with his experience and Richie McCaw like abilities. Despite having the upper hand for nearly all the first 40 minutes, both teams went into the break at 0-0. The closest North came was a penalty from Tim Tomling that fell just short.
North received a stirring half time talk from Captain Paul Dixon and started the second period just as brightly. Tomling was more successful in the second spell and converted two penalties - both from acute angles near the touchline. North then seemed to relax and allowed Otley to come back into the game. And following a constant ten minute spell of pressure, the home team produced a well worked line out followed by a rolling maul to go over the line, the conversion put the home team 7-6 up. North then finally woke up with James Read linking up with Cannel and Barrett. North gained good ground up field with Tomling's place kicking, and then with Robinson and Flash McDonald securing the loose ball, it set the platform for Doug Mulholland's trademark drop goal to take the lead once again. Both sides then exchanged penalties to leave the game finely poised at 12-10 to Northallerton. With only 5 minutes left North looked slightly nervous before Robinson again came to the fore. Peake, Sanderson and Dennison went through six or seven phases of recycling, and with the home team expecting another Mulholland drop goal, Robinson barged over for the match winning try. Tomling secured the win with the conversion to give North a 9 point lead. The home team had chance of a bonus point when awarded a penalty at the last play of the game, but unwisely opted to run the ball which was stolen by Charlie Young and kicked out of play. Both teams agreed that the referee was one of the fairest and finest officials they'd had this season.
Next week Northallerton first team are at home to Old Modernians and the 3rd team are also at home, but against Middlesbrough 3rds. The 2nd team are awaiting fixture confirmation.