Three teams were in action for Northallerton RUFC this weekend as the men’s first XV travelled away to play Old Otliensiens, a team currently running hight on a rebuild in recent seasons. The men’s second XV were flying the flag at Brompton Lodge hosting Barnard Castle RUFC in a league fixture. The ladies’ first XV played away at Stockton RFC on the Sunday in their league fixture which was anticipated to be a serious test for the team.

With everyone else away, it gave the men’s second XV a chance to run out in front of the clubhouse. Entertaining Barnard Castle RUFC second XV in a league match, North fielded an experienced and capable side with many returning faces bolstering the ranks. Confidence in the changing room was high from the hosts owing to the depth of experience in the team however it was the visitors who started the brightest, bagging an early converted try and kicking a penalty to take a significant lead, placing all the pressure on the home side. North duly responded with tries from Harry Hinckley, Iain MacLeod and Joe Grieff to shake off the typically sluggish start that often afflicts Northallerton sides. The establishment of a strong lead gave North the spring in their step much needed to take the game by the scruff of the neck. The
expansiveness of the game gave great entertainment to the fans and opportunities to the players. Gareth Essex was the next name on the score card for North, surprising players on both sides he plucked a high ball out of the air and raced away toward the goal line to score his try.
Winger Reece Brammah was the next to collect some points by employing his blistering pace to catch the Barnard Castle defenders flat footed and find a gap in the wider channels. As the first half drew to a close, North held a commanding lead and seemed to have the game under wraps. The visitors were never for giving up though and continued to show tremendous commitment to the cause by putting their bodies on the line. North’s power runners on the day were simply too strong to stop, a feat demonstrated capably by winger Tom Norton as he battered a path through several attempted tackles to score. Jedd Bainbridge had been adding the extras to most of the tries with his usual calm and his reliable boot also helped to navigate the forward pack around the field, giving North some useful attacking positions.
The game was well and truly out of the visitor’s reach and as often does, the structure from both teams began to breakdown, allowing some unusual play and enterprising attacking rugby. Connah Richmond got his try in his customary fashion, a wrecking ball being the most obvious analogy to reach for. The last of North’s tries came from Joe Grieff who completed his hat-trick in style, running in not one but two long range efforts, picking a canny running line to unlock the defence. The parting say in the match went the Barnard Castle who, having refused to give up all game were justly rewarded for their determination and scored a try at the close of the match to walk off with their heads held high. The final score read Northallerton 55 – Barnard Castle 17. A wonderful game of rugby to watch and many thanks go to the
referee for his officiating that allowed that to happen. Thanks also to Barnard Castle for travelling down for the game and to the many supporters and volunteers who helped make the day happen and keep the clubhouse full long into the night.

The men’s first XV faced a tough challenge away to Old Otliensiens, a club that had fallen on difficult times recently after the highs of winning a Twickenham final some years ago. A concerted rebuilding project has seen the team climb back up the league tables and pose a serious threat to any side in Yorkshire Two league this time. The past couple of outings have been fruitful for North at a time when wins have been highly prized. The confidence in the team was growing and valuable experience was being forged. As the game began to unfold, a series of early tries to the hosts gave an indication that this day may be one to chalk down to experience, rather than looking to find meaningful answers. The tries continued to rain down on North as the hosts found spaces both out wide and in tight with their clever running lines and expansive approach to play.
The scoreboard continued to climb against North even in spite of a consolation try scored by Phil Swall. Otliensiens could see the ton in sight as the game progressed into the final few minutes. Resolute defence from North managed to hold them at bay long enough that the clock could help them and end the game with a final score of Old Otliensiens 91 – Northallerton 5. A character forming day for many of North’s younger lads and a reminder to the older heads in the squad. Hopefully onwards and upwards for the team after a break next weekend. Many thanks to Otliensiens for their generous hospitality and to the referee for officiating the match.

The ladies’ first XV made the short trip up the A19 to play Stockton RUFC’s ladies for the team’s first away fixture of the season. At the start of the day, both sides were undefeated, a state that nobody expected to last the day. The game began with North using the forward pack for their usual battering ram style approach. This was met with solid defence from the hosts and it took many phases of possession before prop Amy Pointon was able to force their way through for the game’s opening try. A long period of play followed with both teams locked in a stalemate. Stockton eventually broke the deadlock with a try to level the scores. North reacted well and pushed back against the home side, gaining good territory through the boot of Ellie Readman. Once the ball was won back and recycled through several pairs of hands and landed in the grasp of winger Josie Arthur who raced away to score the away side’s second try of the day.
Stockton showed their resilience well and looked to pull North’s defence apart by stretching the play from one wing to another. This created gaps across the pitch and from these opportunities, two tries soon followed, both of which were converted to extend their lead. In order to get her team back into the game, captain and number 8 Abby Rollings steam rollered her way over the try line following a quick tap penalty. Still down by four points, North looked for any way to score the try that would take the game. Despite hammering on the Stockton’s goal line for a considerable length of time, North were unable to force the opening to score the try. A turnover at the ruck for Stockton gave them possession just as North were fully committed to the attack. This imbalance allowed the home side to run the full length of the pitch and score another try which looked to put the game beyond the visitor’s reach. With about five minutes left Northallerton mounted a late attack and once again pinned Stockton on their goal line. By keeping hold of the ball and building the pressure on the home side North were able to get on the front foot and put the ball into the hands of Cara Williams who tucked it under her arm and dived over to score the try. Readman converted the try to lessen the margin to four points once again.
As the last few seconds ticked by North threw everything at Stockton who held firm to see the game out. The final score at the whistle was Stockton 26 – Northallerton 22. A loss but one that only gives the team credit. Going up against the top of the league and coming a very close second bodes well for the rest of North’s season. Many thanks to Stockton for their hospitality, to the referee for officiating the match and to the many supporters who cheered the team on.

For any readers who would like to play rugby in Northallerton, please contact the club on social media for more information. The men train on Tuesday and Thursday 7pm, the ladies train on Wednesday 7pm and the juniors play on Sunday 10am. All ages and abilities welcome.