DUFFUS SEES RED

Northallerton 1st team maintained faith with much of the same team from last week’s victory, and saw it pay dividends with a convincing 31-0 victory over York RI.

North suffered the loss of inspirational youngster Steve Robinson due to it being 'A BIT COLD', but had a more than capable replacement in the form of Martin Sanderson. York also had a few of their regulars missing due to late cry offs. This meant a recall for one of their retired wingers who was obviously a couple of years past his prime. North proceeded to take advantage of this whenever possible and get their fastest man, John Harker against the veteran at every opportunity. This tactic came to fruition after only five minutes, when Harker volleyed a low, wayward pass up field and out-sprinted his opposite number to touch down, the conversion fell short. After fifteen minutes another kick through, this time from Brian Tucker was chased up by Harker and Sanderson who caused the opposition to panic and Sanderson to steal the ball. He then selflessly offloaded to Liam Lincoln to score the second try. Again the conversion fell short. York then stepped up their game, and led by their ferocious tackling number 16(?) began to get back in the game. Fortunately for North, Richard Lonsdale and Marc Waldon were on top of their game and snuffed out any danger that York could muster. Just before half time there was a potentially game turning moment when the referee, with much encouragement from the York fans, gave a straight red card to Northallerton’s Ian Duffus for an alleged dangerous tackle. North reshuffled, taking off the unlucky flanker Lincoln to bring on winger Ed Bulman. North managed to hold out to half time at 10-0

Despite being a man short North still dominated the second half and were even afforded the luxury to rest Nic Bainbridge and bring on hooker Tom Young. Ten minutes into the second half North were still pressing on the visitors five yard line, and just as York were expecting a forwards rolling maul, the ball was expertly shipped out by scrum half Dan Luck to crash ball centre Dave 'Posh Bloke' Barrett, who broke through two tacklers to go over for a fine try. Luck this time being successful with the conversion. North then made a couple more changes and introduced the dynamic Lee Peake to the game, coming back after a shoulder injury, also sent on to bolster the attack was flying winger Sam Windross.

After sixty five minutes, and after even more pressure, North were awarded a penalty try when York deliberately pulled down a rolling maul with the try line beckoning, Luck again with the conversion. Then just before full time, Luck got his deserved try, sneaking over from the base of a ruck. With the conversion the final score was taken to 31-0. This was by far North’s best performance at home for a long time, especially considering being a man down for the entire second half. Marc Waldon in the centres also had one of his best games in a North shirt and constantly linked well with fly half Tucker. Man of the Match was awarded to Richard Lonsdale for amazingly not getting a card. Oh and playing quite well!

Next week North are away to league leaders Roundhegians and are hopeful if not confident of causing an upset if all the same players are available!