BRAMLEY HOME

Northallerton 1st team entertained strugglers Bramley Phoenix at Brompton Lodge and recorded a impressive 40-17 win.
Bramley started the stronger and had a couple of early chances before eventually scoring an unconverted try after ten minutes. Northallerton then composed themselves and stamped their authority on the game using their bigger and stronger forwards led impressively by Paul Dixon. North got their just rewards when Bramley repeatedly dropped the scrum on their own 5 metre line, leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty try. Soon after Bramley's ill discipline came to the fore again, as it has a few times this season, when they had two players sin binned. North were now well on top, but to Bramley's credit, they dug in and sustained immense pressure to hold out to the break. Half time 7-5
Soon after half time North took advantage of their superior scrimmaging for a pushover try, touched down by new father, Martin Dennison. Even when Bramley came back to full strength they still had no answer to North's centre James Hopkins who was relishing tearing holes in the Bramley midfield. Hopkins helped himself to 2 tries (+ a broken nose) and setting up try apiece for Joe Terry and Greg Aspin. Dan Luck capped a fine display by kicking 5 out of 6 conversions, with his only miss hitting the upright. Bramley showed glimpses of quality by adding 2 tries for themselves, but could not keep their composure for long enough periods. And apparently Dougie Mulholland was rubbish! Final score 40-17
Next week Northallerton 1st team are at home again, this time to Burley RFC, kick off at 2.15pm.

Northallerton 2nd team were also at home and hosted Guisborough RFC in a mostly entertaining encounter before edging the game 24-19.
The first half was a close, cagey affair with neither team putting too many phases of rugby together. North's only first half try was set up by an outrageous dummy from Paul Dennison, allowing him to skip(?) past two defenders before off loading to Jack Radcliffe to touchdown, with Brian Tucker converting to put the teams level 7-7 at the break.
Thankfully the second half was much more entertaining, with North out scoring the visitors by three tries to two. North's tries came from John Harker, man of the match Jeff Footer and a converted try for Chris Hustler. Hustler was making his first appearance for 23 years having only recently returned to the area. Other good performances came from Scotch flankers Chris Macaneany and Andy McQuaker. Paul Dennison said he had a good game too.
Next week Northallerton 2nd team travel to play Stockton.

Northallerton 3rd team were also due to play a Guisborough team but the visitors were unable to raise another team and forfeited the match.
Next week North 3rds are away at Middlesbrough Lions.