SWALL AGAIN

Northallerton 1st team travelled to Old Modernians with a much changed squad from the previous week and fell to a 26-12 defeat.
North conceded 2 early penalties before getting the journey out of their system and stringing some good work together. From their own line out, North went on a 20 yard catch and drive before prop Phil Swall touched down for his second try in consecutive weeks. Dan Lucks conversion from out wide just glancing the posts. Both teams opted to battle away in midfield without gaining many notable scoring opportunities for the rest of the half.
Half time 6-5 to Old Mods.
North made an early breakthrough in the second half following a charging run from number 8, Adam Massey, who brushed aside numerous tacklers before off loading to centre Jamie Hopkins to score under the posts, Luck effortlessly converting like the pro he is.
With North now in the lead, Old Mods brought on two replacement forwards that changed the game completely. The new flanker and lock seemed to galvanise the Old Mods team, who then produced their best rugby of the day scoring three unanswered tries and a penalty to take a insurmountable 20 point lead. Despite North themselves making changes, bringing on new prop Martin 'Chuckles' Court and returning scrum half tiny Paul Smith, North could never get into a try scoring position. Even man mountain, Gareth Essex was unable to break through the impenetrable home team defence, he also tackled somebody too!!!
Norths man of the match was the ever improving Patricia Joyce or Joyce Patricia???
Next week North are on the road for the 3rd week on the trot. This time to face old rivals Castleford, who are currently flying high at the top of the table. But North hope to welcome back numerous players missing through cricket, including captain Dougie Mullholland (never mind), Steve Lister and hooker Tom Young. Tom might even bring along his baby brother Charlie if he has no school homework!