Braving driving wind and rain, Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club 2nd XV travelled to Acklam to play the Hustlers in their latest game. Aycliffe were able to field a strong team, but lack of preparation led to them conceding early penalties which resulted in Acklam driving over between the posts.  With 2 minutes gone the home team were 7 – 0 ahead.  Aycliffe soon settled down and equalised when Matthew Wiper fielded a loose kick and went over to score his first try in an Aycliffe jersey.  Phill Sangster added the conversion. Aycliffe were playing into a strong wind in the first half and kept the ball in hand as much as they could.  James Thacker added another try, stepping in from his wing.  A piece of individual skill from scrum-half, Ben Walton led to Aycliffe’s third try; he stepped through a number of defenders to cross in the corner, but then ran around under the posts to make Sangster’s conversion easier.   A second Thacker try and a full set of kicks from Sangster saw Aycliffe 28 – 7 at the break.
With the wind behind, Aycliffe looked forward to adding more points in the second half.  It was not to be.  The Aycliffe scrum tightened up and became dominant, but good defence from Acklam nipped every attack in the bud, helped in part by some over-elaboration from the visitors. Acklam used the home advantage to field no fewer than 21 players against Aycliffes 17 using rolling sub allowances. A great test of endurance for the Aycliffe team. Regardless to that fact the game was played in good spirit and, despite the inclement conditions; there was some good ball handling on show from both teams.
Next Saturday the 2nd XV enjoy a rest week whereupon  the 1st XV resume league duties after a 2 week lay off against 3rd place Yarm. A must win game for Aycliffe to maintain their 100% win record. Ko 2:15. Supporters are more than welcome to follow and cheer them on.
Aycliffe Rugby are proudly sponsored by The Shred Centre and The Mortgage Advice Centre.