Newton Aycliffe 2nd XV featured in a highly entertaining game in muddy conditions when they hosted Wensleydale 2nds at Moore Lane. Despite calls to the 1stXV and a number of players being unavailable, Aycliffe were able to field a squad of 17 for the match. The Wensleydale team were young and athletic, while many of the Aycliffe players were more mature, but the sides proved to be very well matched.
Wensleydale made a number of sniping runs, but Aycliffe tackled well. It was Aycliffe who took the lead with the first try of the game. The returning Lewis McCormick’s powerful run put Wensleydale on the back foot and the ball was quickly fed to the backs by scrum-half Mikey Dunn, JJ Rudge kicked the ball through the defence and was quick enough to pounce for the try. Tommy Cooper converted.
Wensleydale now had a long period of pressure in the Aycliffe half and eventually the pressure told and they scored converted try. Wensleydale continued to apply the pressure as the forwards from both sides looked to keep the ball alive.  After two missed penalty kicks, the visitors finally put one over to take the lead and scored another converted try just before the break to turn around 17 – 7 in the lead.
Aycliffe, ably led by captain Ronnie Gilyeat came back into the match with the best try of the game when a finely weighted pass by David Gibson found Rudge cutting back against the grain and he touched down beneath the posts.
Cooper again converted. With the game moving into the final quarter, Aycliffe tried hard to get the score that would put them into the lead, but it was the visitors who added the final score with a converted try as the game reached its closing stages and it was too late for Aycliffe to recover.  Wensleydale won a fine match, played in good spirit by 24 – 14.
While disappointed at the defeat, Aycliffe were not downhearted after a very good display against this much younger opposition.
Next matches are this Saturday 20th Feb, 1st XV at home to Seaham and the 2nd XV travel to Seaton Carew.
Aycliffe Rugby is sponsored by Redworth Hall Hotel and Emre’s Barber Shop.