Seaham 25 Newton Aycliffe 5
Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club travelled to Seaham for their first match in this season’s Counties 3 Durham and Northumberland league.
Both sides were closely matched in the opening minutes, with the defences on top. Aycliffe were close to scoring early in the half when the ball was deemed held in the ruck and Seaham survived with a penalty kick to touch awarded. It was Seaham who scored first after 17 minutes when they threw a short lineout and went over in the corner. The game carried on in the same vein until just before half-time when Seaham kicked a penalty to take an 8-point lead. Both sides displayed good defensive tackling qualities. In particular, back row Lyle Whyatt, whose reading of the game and his tenacity in defensive tackling, earned him Aycliffe’s man of the match. With the last play of the half, Aycliffe won a kickable penalty; but Luke Tinkler’s vexatious effort came back off the post and the game turned around with the hosts 8-0 ahead.
The game was still close, but Seaham further increased the lead with a second try, which was converted. Soon after, some fine work by the Aycliffe backs was finished off by centre Josh Dewhurst’s try. Tinkler’s kick was close but went just wide. The gap was now down to 10 points. The next score was critical, and it went to Seaham whose unconverted try saw them take a 15-point lead with 15 minutes to play. As the game ran down, Seaham picked up their fourth, bonus point, try for a final victory of 25-5. The defeat may have placed Aycliffe close to the bottom of the division, however the spirits were high. Aycliffe continue to strengthen, week on week, on the training ground, but would welcome more players to enhance the depth of players during this seasons campaign. It’s not too late to introduce yourselves on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6.45pm starts. Come and join this family freindly club and learn or refresh your knowledge of the game. Bring your boots.