Last Saturday Newton Aycliffe 1st XV resumed their league season campaign at Prudhoe and Stocksfield, North of the Tyne. It’s Aycliffe’s first match in 2020 and the squad were certainly eager for this game.
Aycliffe fielded a changed team with the main changes being in the forwards. The front row of James Hanlon, Alfie Wilson (replaced by Paul Richardson) and Sam Daltry performing brilliantly in the scrum. Although up against it in the tight they gelled as a unit causing problems for Prudhoe around the breakdown and in the lineout, with Luke Harty dominating throughout. Another change saw James Thacker have an outstanding game at number 8, causing the opposition a headache not knowing if he was attacking from the scrum or out in the backs! However, an infringement by Aycliffe allowed the home side to slot over a penalty against run of play to score the first points of the match. 3-0 (18mins). The work rate put in by the back row was outstanding and was borne out by a Man of the Match performance by Neil Anderson at number 7 – some engine that boy!
It didn’t take Aycliffe long to regain their composure when Luke Tinkler intercepted a loose pass and ran in the first try of the match, ably converted by Euan Kitching. 3-7 (24 mins). Soon after it was Prudhoe who infringed offside and gave away another penalty which Kitching skilfully scored.
3-10 (26 mins). This remained the half time score.
It took another 11 mins into the second half before Anderson scored a fantastic try resulting from some hard work against a dogged Prudhoe defence. 3-17 (51 mins). From this moment Prudhoe increased their tempo desperate to gain at least a losing bonus point as this has been a regular feature of their point accumulation in the division.
Tactical changes throughout ensured the kind of coherent play the coaching team are working the team towards, with the most impressive period of the game being the last 10 minutes, when, 3-17 down Prudhoe camped on the Aycliffe try line and were repelled at every attack. Every Aycliffe player on the field defended brilliantly with each Prudhoe effort being halted on the gain line time and again! No further points were scored by either team, but this resounded victory against a tough team meant a lot to all the Aycliffe squad and travelling fans.
Aycliffe would like to thank sponsors Fab Shop for their continued support.
Despite the long break over the festive holidays Aycliffe have no fixture for this Saturday. Their next league match is at home at Moore Lane the following Saturday, Feb 1st 2020 ko 2.15pm against Redcar. Redcar are division leaders and it promises to be a great match. All old and new supporters will be made very welcome at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club.
