IS LINCOLN THE NEW DONGSDALE?

Northallerton finally fitted in their rearranged league game away against high flying Baildon. Again Northallerton 1st team travelled away with a weakened squad and only 1 substitute due to late cry offs and unavailability's. Despite only having a squad of 16 instead of the usual 18 North still put in a gallant and courageous effort before losing 22-19.
Northallerton found themselves 19-0 down within the first 20 minutes before waking up and putting together some classy and impressive rugby. The way was led by the forwards who started to overpower their opposition relatively easily. This provided the platform for the backs to build on, led by Captain Paul Dixon. It was Dixon who thought he had gone over for North's first try, before the referee disallowed it for a previous minor infringement. Two minutes before half time North got the breakthrough they had been threatening, when Rob Green went over for a try which had been set up by the powerful forwards work. Half time 19-5
Northallerton continued the pressure in the second half and got another try from Rhys Kilbride, who went on a jinking 40 yard solo run to score under the posts, Joe Terry with the conversion.
Northallerton then suffered a double set back, firstly after being put under constant pressure the home team opted for uncontested scrums, this was apparently due to a couple of injuries and no more front row replacements! The second set back however was of North's own makings when Lame Lincoln was sin binned for his involvement in a 6 player fracas. With North down to 14 men and uncontested scrums, North's momentum was nullified thus allowing Baildon back into the game. There then followed a 10 minute period of pressure from the home team to try and take advantage of the extra man. Only some last ditch tackling from Lee Peake and Dougie Mulholland kept out the Baildon backs. The home team did manage 3 points from a penalty to stretch their lead to 22-12
When Lincoln returned from his 10 minute break, North again took control of the game and started to gain more ground. Then 15 minutes from the end Ian Dooffus brushed aside two tacklers and with one other Baildon player on his back, managed to power his way over the line for a fine try. With Terry's conversion the score was back to 22-19. North tried in vain to get back into the home teams half but could not clear their lines well enough. Two minutes from time, following confusion in North's midfield, Baildon scored under the posts to put an end to any hopes North had of victory. Final score 29-19. This performance shows what Northallerton are capable of, even against a team joint 2nd in the league and with a weakened team who will hopefully all be playing again next week - this time at home! Better discipline required though - esp from certain criminals (you know who you are!)
Next week North are at home to Aireborough.