BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Northallerton first team resumed their winning ways with an emphatic 50-19 home victory against Stocksbridge.
In a game that was dubbed 'battle of the packs' it was Norths backs that came out top and scored the majority of the points.
Northallerton suffered a huge blow early on, when one of Norths finds of the season so far, PJ Skinner had to be taken to hospital with a broken clavicle - that's a poorly shoulder to you Dicko!!!!! Northallerton fortunately were able to call on replacement Baz Rolfe who some would say could open the game up with his more expansive and flamboyant play - only some might say that though.
The first half was a close affair with both teams being evenly matched on most levels and exchanging five tries between themselves.
Norths first half tries came from Xander Metcalfe, Oliver Watts and Simon Manthorpe, with Jedd Bainbridge adding two conversions to give North a 19-12 half time lead.
In the second half North moved up a gear and wore their opponents down with an intense pressure game, which forced the visitors into numerous errors. Bainbridge converted an early second half penalty, before North went into a unassailable lead with four more tries. Norths tries came from Metcalfe with his second, scrum half Baz Rolfe and prop Joe Osleton(2). Bainbridge produced another masterclass display of kicking to convert all four tries. Metcalfe and Osleton both should have had hat tricks but both chose not to score because one can't take his drink and can't afford to buy a jug, and one drinks too much and the club didn't have enough beer behind the bar for him to celebrate.
Stocksbridge scored a consolation try near the end which proved too little too late.
Next week Northallerton face their toughest challenge of the season so far when they travel to league leaders Knottingley, 2.15pm kick off.

After last weeks victory over Middlesbrough, Northallerton's second team, with only 13 players, were brought back down to earth with a 48-7 defeat away at Hartlepool Rovers. Norths try came from the younger Ryder brother, 50 year old Andrew, and Brian Tucker with the conversion.
Man of the match was awarded to Gareth Essex and dick of the day to Kris Stephenson who didn't turn up cos he wasn't credited with a try last week.
Next week Northallerton 2nds are at home to Newton Aycliffe.