Newton Aycliffe 15 v Gosforth 48
Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club hosted Gosforth for their first home game in Counties 3, Durham and Northumberland. Despite a number of players unavailability Aycliffe still managed to give the visitors a tough game.
Aycliffe’s forwards were well on top, particularly in the scrum where the front row of Dave Carney, Matty Stephenson and Josh Sedgwick were outstanding all games. The territorial advantage finally paid off when the ball was spread wide and Josh Hodgson powered over to take the lead. After half an hour Gosforth were able to score a try of their own to equalize the scores. Aycliffe were now beginning to be stretched and Gosforth scored another two tries, one converted to turn around 17 – 5 ahead.
Early in the second half, Aycliffe reduced the deficit when the ball went wide again and the other winger, Drew Gibson, added another try. A couple of injuries saw Aycliffe reduced to 14 players and Gosforth began to use their advantage, scoring five further tries. Aycliffe refused to give up though and, with the last play of the game, Man of the Match, sponsored by Caitlands Nail Bar, Dave Carney finished off some fine forwards work with a third try. The full-time score was a rather flattering 48 – 15 victory for the visitors.
Aycliffe Rugby continue to recruit into the season. So if you fancy a game make yourselves known by message on Facebook @Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club