Newton Aycliffe RUFC 1ST XV arranged a friendly at the last minute at home to Durham Northumberland division 1 club Consett 2nd XV.
It turned out to be a baptism of fire for some of the new young players who have recently just taken up the sport of Rugby Union. Coupled with the fact several key players from Aycliffe were either unavailable or rested.
However, the large group of spectators, which seems to be growing every week, were treated to some glimpses of good passages of play by the young guns.
Consett are a well-established squad and their game plan was to come to Aycliffe and show their class. Undeterred Aycliffe’s defensive tactics held out with some ferocious tackling until Consett broke the deadlock with a converted try. 0 – 7 (18mins)
Aycliffe spent the rest of the half pretty much the same way. On the few occasions Aycliffe had possession Consett managed to turn the ball over and attack more often. More great tackling helped to stem the onslaught until Consett struck again with another converted try. 0 – 14 (31mins)
Aycliffe held out further and that remained the score at half time. This was a match that allowed changes so that all players got a run out in preparation for selection for next week’s League fixture.
From the start of the second half Consett stuck to their game plan and ran in two further unconverted tries 0 – 24 (45, 55 mins).
Aycliffe suddenly began to stem the flow and turn the tables when hooker Karl Chapman scored to calm the nerves of his team. 5 – 24 (65mins). This gave Aycliffe the boost they needed when second row Adam Winterburn did one of his trademark runs from mid field to touch down his 2nd try of the season. 10 – 24 (70mins). Aycliffe’s revival was short lived though when Consett countered with another unconverted try 10 – 29 (73mins). The spectators were also rewarded by a mesmerising try from wingman Nathan Ocana who sprinted up the right wing then jinked his way infield escaping the clutches of the Consett defence, to score between the posts. Full back Tom Prior added the easy conversion to bag the extra two points. 17 – 29 (75mins)
The final points of the game came from a last minute converted try from the visitors. 17 – 36 (79mins).
The score did not reflect the tremendous effort by a squad making huge strides by amalgamating inexperienced and experienced players. The opposition knew they were in a game as it certainly was no walkover.
Training will resume on Tuesday and Thursday evening, all new and old players are welcome to join. Next week sees the start of Durham and Northumberland division 3 matches. Aycliffe are at home to Houghton at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, Moor Lane. KO 3pm. Come down and feast your eyes on your towns Rugby team. All supporters are welcome and appreciated.
