Northallerton travelled to Whitby with a near full strength squad, but a couple of rugby shirts short (Lee Peake), for the semi final of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy, and were met with a strong and resilient Whitby team. North just managed to overcome a very competitive Whitby by a close score of 0-8 and proceed to their second final in two weeks time.
On a surprisingly cold and rain sodden day, both teams struggled throughout with the conditions, and while there was plenty of errors, there were very few clear cut scoring opportunities.
Whitby, who comfortably finished top of Durham and Northumberland division 3, were more than a match for periods of the game and North had to show grit and determination to overcome the opposition.
Northallerton took an early lead after only ten minutes, when a fifteen yard rolling maul was touched down by Jacob Sankey for a unconverted try. North tried constantly to build on their early success but Whitby had learned how to deal more with North's usually effective rolling mauls, sometimes even legally!!!
Led by Captain Joe Terry, North opted for territory rather than possession. Terry and fly half Alec Porters precise kicking kept Whitby pinned in their own half for much of the game. With Iain Swall causing havoc with the Whitby line-outs, North were confident that their game plan would eventually wear the opposition down. Whitby though showed why they are a team on their way up the leagues with some good defending and composure to hold out to half time.
With no let up in the weather conditions both teams made changes at half time to freshen up their teams. Ten minutes into the half Whitby eventually conceded a kick-able penalty which Porter duly converted to give North a comfortable eight point lead. North then took their foot off the gas and seemed to coast through the rest of the game without ever having to overly exert themselves. Iain MacLeod took over kicking duties for the injured Porter and staked a claim for a regular spot with some more excellent long place kicking to keep the home team from the North's whitewash. With weather conditions deteriorating it was the travelling spectators who were more pleased to hear the final whistle to send Northallerton through to the final on Sunday May 10th at York rugby club. Kick off TBC.
Unfortunately Northallerton suffered some slightly worrying injuries to a couple of players who are concerns for next weeks trip to Twickenham. Probably the worst injury being Tom Rennison's very sore bottom, which is probably one of the most horrific I've ever seen! Hopefully Northallerton physio Debs Morgan will be able to 'patch' things up in time.
Next Saturday begins Norths march South, with over 200 spectators making the trip for the game on Sunday 3rd May, kick off 11am.