Newton Aycliffe 2nds played host to Richmond 2nds in a return fixture at Moore Lane. A match that was eagerly waited for by the hosts after Richmond beat them at home 54-0 only 3 weeks ago.
Ground conditions were excellent for rugby despite the persistent drizzle that plagued Aycliffe all morning.
With a much strengthened side from the previous encounter Aycliffe set out their intentions by scoring an early try by flanker Craig Holmes. Despite the missed conversion by Tommy Cooper there was a buzz in the air and the spectators could sense it. The early set piece encounters were well battled by both sides and debutant Andrew Tonkin showed his class and work rate with some awesome tackling. Richmond gave as good as they got but once scrum half Mikey Dunn took possession of the ball his distribution of the ball in the first half allowed both forwards and backs to share the try tally, loose head prop burst over to score as did the tighthead prop Jeff Hodgson. Not to be out done winger JJ Rudge scored with a dazzling run and centre Mark Wilson mesmorised the opposition by jinking through to score. Richmond did manage to counter with some ferocious forward play and were eventually rewarded with a penalty try under the posts, unfortunately the Richmond kicker was not on form even from close range. Cooper manage to find his aim after the fourth Aycliffe try and converted. The kicking duties were passed on to fly half David Gibson who slotted a lengthy conversion to finish the first half with Aycliffe leading 29-5
The second half continued for Aycliffe much the same and having plenty of subs on the bench allowed players to rotate and recover at will. Mark Wilson scored his brace, converted by Gibson. Richmond were not giving up and started to put pressure on Aycliffe for a while and eventually scored yet another unconverted try.
Andrew Parkin replaced stalwart old boy Stuart McIvor in the wing with his fresh legs helped himself to a brace if tries. Richmond again countered with 5 points but there seemed to be a thread within Aycliffe’s scoring prowess as Batley and Rudge also helped themselves to a brace each.
Gibson scored 4 more conversions to finish the score 62-15 to the hosts sweet revenge for the defeat they suffered away from home.
This Saturday Aycliffe 1st XV return to action at home versus Yarm and Aycliffe 2nds venture up the dales to face Wensleydale 2nds.
Aycliffe are proudly sponsored by Whitehouse Funeral Services and Emre’s Barbershop.