KNOTTS AWAY

Northallerton first team travelled to league leaders Knottingley and put in a spirited and valiant effort before running out 27-19 losers.
Norths first and second teams were hugely affected by the selfish and terribly planned wedding of James Baker which meant the club were short of quite a few players, who felt they had to go or their milk quota may be affected.
North travelled with 15 fit players, a injured Sam Taylor and coach/player James Hopkins.
North conceded three tries in the first twenty minutes which were all down to their own mistakes, all of which could and should have easily been avoided. Try number one was due to a misjudged football style volley which went wrong. The second try was a poor pass from 9 to 10 which was fumbled, and the 3rd try was when Norths winger bought a dummy + then some, allowing Knotts to score in the corner.
North then got their forwards working and were rewarded with a try from Simon Manthorpe after a lineout catch and drive.
Just before half time Knotts reasserted their dominance with the best try of the day which was passed along the line, through seven different players webbed hands before being touched down in the corner. Half time 22-7
The second half was a stop and start scrappy affair with North just edging proceedings with two tries to one. Norths tries came from Jacob Sankey and a penalty try was awarded when a Knotts player was yellow carded for deliberately pulling a rolling maul down. Despite the late introduction of Taylor and Hoppy, North still couldn't find the elusive 4th try for a bonus point.
Northallerton can count themselves unlucky not come away with at least a losing bonus point which their second half efforts deserve.
Next week Northallerton hope to get back to winning ways at home to local rivals Wensleydale, 2.15pm kick off.

Because of the Baker clan wedding, Northallerton second team could only field 13 players at home to Newton Aycliffe but ran the opposition close in a 21-24 defeat.
Norths tries came from Kris Stephenson, Trevor Mould and Ian Cockings. Mould with all three conversions.
It had been said that if Gareth Essex had been available North would have won, however there was a good chance the ref - who was outstanding all afternoon(?!?!?) would have sent Studley off after 5 minutes anyway.
Next week North 2nds are scheduled to be away at Acklam.

Unfortunately, next week I HAVE to go away to Portugal for a bit of warmth, so can somebody please iMessage or Facebook me the scores etc. I will then attempt to produce another acurrate and true report.

H Johnson.