DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES

Apologies for short report but I am currently suffering from ‘man-flu’.

Northallerton 1st team entertained fellow strugglers Baildon at home in a close and scrappy encounter, and just emerged triumphant 12-5.

Northallerton welcomed back scrum Half James Read who had been given special permission (by his wife) to play at short notice when, selected scrum half Coates was taken ill with food poisoning. North also had the returning services of Iain Townsend who had been released from domestic duties for a couple of hours under the watchful eye of his wife.

Neither team produced much flair or excitement, but the home team just edged proceeding thanks to their speedy winger Reese Kilbride who scored a try in each half with Brian Tucker converting only the more difficult attempt. Sandwiched in between was the customary warning for Richard Lonsdale followed by a 10 minute rest. The visitors, while never looking too dangerous in open play did get a forward orientated try 15 minutes from the end to set up a tense and nervous finale. Thankfully stout defending kept the visitors at bay for a much needed win.