Newton Aycliffe 1st XV and supporters turned out to honour their club president Mr Rodney Shepherd, affectionately known as Shep. Who sadly passed away recently following a lengthy illness.
A minute silence was observed by both teams and supporters prior to kick off for a great man who was a longstanding servant to the club. RIP Shep. He will be forever missed at Aycliffe rugby.
Aycliffe were full of optimism about this match against great rivals Houghton. Two clubs bonded by loss of life over recent years, that has created friendship in rugby and comradery in sport.
From kick off those sentiments were put to one side temporarily during the next 80 minutes with what turned out to be an enthralling match. Centre James Thacker opened Aycliffe’s account with his first try from a powerful run duly converted by Tom Prior. (7 – 0). However, Houghton hit back with an unconverted try of their own. (7 – 5). These were the first signs of what was to become a very tense first half. Both teams exploiting some good passages of play but both defensively cancelling each other out. Houghton struck again with their 2nd unconverted try. (7 – 10). Determined not to be behind by half time, Nr 8 Warren Parsonage powered over to re-establish Aycliffe’s lead (12 – 10) before the whistle blew to end the half.
The large crowd of supporters were clearly feeling the tension as it was difficult to split the two teams in terms of firepower. Their nerves were more unsettled when Houghton were first to score in the second half putting them back in the lead. (12 – 15). Aycliffe winger Sam McIvor showed his pace and scored an excellent try with some brilliant moves combining with Thacker midfield to lift Aycliffe’s spirits. Euan Kitching took over the kicking duties and converted. (19 – 15). A lapse in concentration from Aycliffe created an infringement and the Referee awarded Houghton a penalty from which they converted for the 3 points. (19 – 18). The crowd were really beginning to bite their nails as the clock was ticking down. The slight lead seemed to spur Aycliffe on from this point as their fitness began to pay off against the tiring visitors. Hooker Karl Chapman drove over for a punishing try converted by Kitching. (26 – 18). The final honour went to Thacker who spurred everyone on with his immense tackling in defence and leggy powerful running which allowed him to score his brace of tries converted by Kitching final score (33 – 18). Man of the match Neil Anderson proved worthy of the accolade for his tenacity in his defensive tackling and ball turnovers to help Aycliffe to victory in this season’s curtain raiser. A crowd-pleasing effort in the end. The tensions eventually evaporated, and the anticipation of more victories awaits. A big thanks to club sponsors Carmel Safety Training. Your support is very much appreciated.
Next week Aycliffe travel to Hartlepool TDSOB. KO 3pm. All support is welcome both away and at home at Moore Lane. Follow Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club on Facebook.
