NARROW DEFEAT

Northallerton travelled away to Aireborough with only 2 substitutes due to 3 cry offs on the morning of the game. This lack of fresh replacements proved costly as North fell to a narrow 11-10 defeat with the last kick of the game.

North defended stoically for the first twenty minutes inside their own 22, there was some tremendous tackling from all of Norths players to keep the home side at bay. - Even from Jonny Franks!!!
North first foray into the Airborough 22 was due to some good work from stand in fly half Fraser Deas which was chased up by speedy winger Adam Massey. Massey's pressure forced the Boro full back to run into touch for a Nothallerton line out. It was from the ensuing line out and 15 yard rolling maul that Deas went over for the opening score. Jedd Bainbridge added the conversion for a 0-7 lead.

Five minutes before half time Boro's dangerous winger was harshly yellow carded when he was adjudged to have deliberately thrown the ball forward into touch. Half time 0-7.
Five minutes into the second half, the Boro winger was reintroduced and immediately earned his side a penalty, which was converted to close the gap.
North responded themselves with another precise Bainbridge penalty to re establish their seven point lead.
On the hour, Airborough's Kojak looking inside centre, who was proving to be a serious threat all afternoon, managed for once to slip the first and second tackles and set up Boro's only try of the day to bring them within 2 points.
Nine minutes after coming on, Norths front row replacement, Nicholas Bainbridge was sin binned for apparently being TOO OLD! This left North down to 14 men and growing increasingly fatigued. Again North rallied themselves, and under the instructions of their coach and also stern words from captain Lee Peake, organised their players precisely to keep Boro out.
Norths efforts proved to be in vain though, when Boro were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute which was more due to languor than foul play. Boro converted the penalty and the whistle was blown for full time. Final score 11-10.
Despite the loss, this was one of Norths bravest and impressive display of defending of which they should be proud of.
Next week North face Old Grovians at home which will be their toughest game of the season so far. Kick off at 3pm.

Northallerton 2nd team fell to a disappointing 15-38 home defeat to Darlington Mowden Park.
Despite North being superior in the forwards, the visiting backs proved to be more than North could handle. Darlington ran in 6 first half tries (4 converted) to Northallerton's 2 tries from Jim Duggleby and Paul Dennison, no conversions.
Mowden took their foot off the gas in the second half, resting and swapping players around, allowing North one more try from Mark Polejoy. Norths man of the match was given to Polejoy, who just edged out Studley by 35 votes to 1.

Next week North 2nds are again at home, this time to Middlesbrough 'A' team, 3pm kick off.