If ever a game epitomised Aycliffe rugby’s improvement, it was this one. Hosting at Moore Lane against Hartlepool TDSOB that could only muster 9 players two weeks previously and postpone the fixture but then forces a rearranged match with a squad of big forwards last Saturday. Aycliffe had to hastily form a squad from players that were available due to several key players being unavailable as this was supposed to be a free week. This included Captain Luke Harty. However, that said the rest of the Aycliffe players rallied to the call to arms.

The hasty rearrangements did not deter most of the loyal barmy army of Aycliffe fans proudly wearing their newly purchased colourful pompom woolly hats. The delayed kick off started with the first kick not reaching 10 meters resulting in a scrum to TDSOB. The sight of their big pack caused concern for the spectators, but it was obvious that recent scrummaging training has paid off for the home side as both packs hardly moved each other. TDSOB took advantage of that first scrum and their strong forwards pushed Aycliffe back towards their try line. Their big back row combing well to crash over for the first converted try. 0-7 (7mins). Undeterred Aycliffe opted to attack more with some good handling amongst their centres which allowed James Thacker to find a gap to score. In the absence of kicking maestro Euan Kitching, fly half David Gibson’s attempt at conversion just missed. 5-7 (9mins). Aycliffe continued their attack with some good tactical kicking but struggled to win their own lineouts at times. TDSOB turned over one lineout and went on to score their second try unconverted. 5-12 (20mins). Aycliffe bounced back when centre Gareth Parsonage stormed towards the TDSOB right wing, who was powerfully handed off and ended up doing a reverse triple somersault but still somehow managed to get back on his feet, the spectacle was worth the full 10 marks in any gymnastics floor contest.Prop John Hanlon collected the pass from a change of direction then drove over for a try. Kicking duties were switched to fullback Tom Prior who converted. 12-12 (22mins). TDSOB increased the tempo and powerfully drove Aycliffe back once more. A penalty was awarded to them 5 metres from the line as the referee spotted an infringement in a defensive ruck by Aycliffe. They opted to tap and go for the try which was converted. 12-19 (30mins). Soon after Aycliffe’s Nr 8 Drew Gibson, who normally plays blindside flanker, sustained an injury and was substituted by Aycliffe’s ex Captain Andrew Littlefair. A welcome return after lengthy sabbatical from playing rugby. His return to his favoured position created an immediate impact in Aycliffe’s pack performance. Just before the halftime whistle Aycliffe were awarded a penalty. A quick tap option allowed second row Jeff Hodgson to drive through the TDSOB defence hooker Sam Daltry supported to score and Prior slotted over the conversion to equalise the score. 19-19 (40mins).

From the start of the second half Aycliffe kept up their momentum and once the ball was secured by the forwards, scrum half Aiden Ryans switched the game play to launch the back line to attack as often as possible. On one occasion Gibson’s smart thinking cross-field kick was collected by wing substitute player/coach Chris Richards who scored in the corner. Prior scored an immaculate conversion from 1 metre inside touch to the delight of the barmy army. 26-19 (48mins). From this moment frustrations took over the TDSOB players who started to infringe too often and at one extraordinary moment of madness caused the referee to award two of their players a yellow card at the same time. Aycliffe capitalised and turned their performance into Sapphire rugby and thrilled the crowd with some awesome handling and running lines. Left winger Nathan Acana’s mesmerising speed allowed him to score which was unconverted. 31-19 (65mins). The referee spotted some naive over enthusiasm by blindside flanker Chris Hallworth who was yellow carded, but this did not impact on the performance too much with TDSOB down to 13 men. Towards the end both teams returned to 15 players, but Aycliffe were in full flow. The forwards and backs combined well and once again Richards showed his class by collecting a high pass with one hand and kept his composure to score his brace of tries which again was unconverted. 36-19 (78mins). Not to be outdone the play switched back to the left wing and within the last minute of the game Acana scored his brace. Duly converted by Prior. Final score 43-19. An emphatic bonus point win by a continuously improving squad, which delighted the home crowd enormously.

Aycliffe wish to thank sponsor Honest John for their continued support. The rugby club calls upon every rugby fan in the town to get down to Moore Lane to watch, what promises to be, an exciting match. Table leaders Redcar, who thrashed Aycliffe 83-5 at their home ground earlier in the season, are the opponents. Aycliffe are well up for this and hope to redeem themselves in this much waited encounter. Match date Feb 1st ko 2.15pm. Everyone will be made most welcome at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club on Moore Lane. The 6 Nations starts on February 1st and will be shown on the screens in the club lounge.