NOT ENOUGH GINGER PLAYER?

Northallerton 1st team entertained fellow strugglers Halifax Vandals at Brompton Lodge and fell to their second consecutive defeat by the same score of 10-13.
As last week North started the game on full throttle and scored after only two minutes. Following good work by both of North's ginger wingers Townsend and Wilkinson, the forwards produced a long and adventurous driving maul before releasing centre Tom Hopson for a fine try which was converted by Tucker. Unfortunately, as last week, that was as good as things got for Northallerton. The next 15 minutes were even with neither team carving out a clear cut chance. North were however dominant in the scrum, with hooker Mike Rhodes taking three against the head and looking very comfortable. Then Halifax were awarded a scrum on North's 5 metre line for an incongruous and dubious knock on. From the ensuing scrummage, North's pack seemed to switch off and somehow allow Vandals no. 8 to go over for a try. Just on the stroke of half time the visitors were awarded another controversial penalty, but luckily the attempt drifted just wide. Half time 7-7.
North introduced the old vet Bulman in the second half, who immediately looked dangerous whenever he got the ball, which was nowhere near enough! Front row replacement Ginger Lonsdale also came on at half time for the injured prop Paul Dennison, and produced a sterling and vastly improved performance from last week. But again, ill discipline cost North dearly as they gave away two soft penalties which Vandals easily converted. North thought they were back in the game when, after 4 or 5 phases of recycled play, Captain Paul Dixon went over for what he thought was his second try in a week. However the referee had other ideas and said he was held up before awarding the scrum to Halifax?!?!?! Much to the disbelief and furore of the crowd. Northallerton's Brian Tucker managed to convert a long range penalty with 10 minutes left to again give North a glimmer of hope. Halifax however, managed to hang on and were greatly relieved at the final whistle. North now find themselves languishing third from bottom with both teams below having games in hand.