NARROW LOSS

Northallerton travelled to Halifax Vandals on the back of a three game unbeaten run, but ended up unfortunate losers by a score of 15-12.
The game was mostly a contest between the forwards, with both teams fielding large and well drilled packs.
As they have done in previous weeks, Northallerton started off the slower and fell behind to early scores. By half time North had conceded two tries and penalty to go in at the break 15-0 down.
Confidence was still high in the North team though, as they are renowned for grinding the opposition down and scoring late on.
Midway through the second half Norths game plan seemed to be paying off, firstly from another try by the amiable auctioneer Simon Manthorpe which was converted by Jedd Bainbridge. Soon after another try from the improving PJ Skinner brought North to within 3 points and North in the ascendancy.
On this occasion however, Halifax held fast in defence, especially in the last ten minutes as North pressed and pressed.
Norths cause wasn't helped by a couple of devastating injuries. Firstly to Jonny Franks whom seemed distracted with thoughts of ladyboys and Leonardo Di Caprio, and then second row Alex Bilby who had to come off when he lost his multi coloured head guard. Both of which affected Norths lineout play and slight forward domination in the last quarter of the game.
On a brighter note player/coach James Hopkin came on for the last twenty minutes for his first game in 18 months after a shoulder injury AND DIDN'T GET INJURED AGAIN!!!!
Next week Northallerton first team hope to get back to winning ways at home to Stocksbridge, kick off at 2.15pm.

Northallerton second team entertained a Middlesbrough team at home and ran out 48-10 winners.
Boro travelled with only 13 players and Northallerton had 16 players so sportingly loaned a player to the visitors to make it a more even contest.
Boro still had no answer to the home teams more physical directness as numerous breaks were made through the middle of the visitors defence. These breaches caused a bit of concern in the Boro team which led to numerous outbursts of a strange, concoction of swear words that could only be put down to Touretttes (no disrespect to normal sufferers). The language combined with the willingness to remove their shirts when angry makes one wonder what they put in the water up that way, but it was funny to behold, even Lee Peake had to laugh!!!
Norths tries came from man of the match Gareth Studley(2), Ed Pratt(2), Trevor Mould, Matty Wheeler, Jack Swain and Gary 'the bicep' Norton. Mould added four conversions. However the tries from Studley and Wheeler were difficult to tell apart as both players are of similar stature.
Next week Northallerton seconds are away at Hartlepool, kick off 2.15pm.

Thank you H Johnson.

Sent from H's iPhone