Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club began their season with a tough game at home to higher league side Barnard Castle in the first round of the Durham Junior Cup. Unfortunately, Aycliffe were missing at least 10 players for a variety of reasons, leaving the front five, in particular, somewhat makeshift. Barnard Castle finished last season strongly and have recruited highly-rated players since. The day also marked the debuts of Matthew Wiper and James Cocks.
The spirit in the Aycliffe side was apparent straight from the kick-off, taking advantage of Castle not dealing with the kick-off, Aycliffe drove deep into enemy territory with a series of quick rucks before Cocks grubber kick through and James Thacker was first to the ball to touch down. Aycliffe continued to play well but then lost a player to the sin-bin for 10 minutes during which time Castle took the lead with two penalty kicks.
The forwards were rucking very well with Paul O’Donnell and Deryk Cairns putting themselves about. Almost as soon as this period was over, another player was lost to the bin and, although Luke Tinkler came close to regaining Aycliffe’s lead, the visitors capitalised with two tries. At the break the score was 18 – 5 to Barnard Castle
.Early in the second half, Aycliffe’s scrum, which had been performing well despite being far smaller than their opponents, finally succumbed to the constant pressure and a penalty try resulted. It was obvious that Aycliffe’s strength lay in the backs and they decided to throw caution to the wind, flinging the ball wide at every opportunity.
A quickly taken penalty by Cocks saw James Thacker and Gareth Parsonage pin the defence with some excellent interplay, Thacker broke free and, when confronted by the last line of defence, bulldozed through the to score in the corner.
A fine conversion from the touchline by Cocks reduced the gap. Barny did manage to land a fifth try through their big forwards, but for the last 20 minutes of the game Aycliffe were in the ascendency.
The visitors had a strong back line, but they were often scrabbling to make the last tackle as Aycliffe broke the gain line. It was Aycliffe who completed the scoring with the best try of the game. From deep in defence, Tinkler found a great line to make 30 metres up the middle of the pitch; Thacker continued the move and his well timed pass gave Adam Gascoigne enough room to outpace the defence. Another excellent Cocks conversion left the final score 19 – 37.
Coach Peter Ryans expressed his delight after this performance. With a makeshift side and against probably the strongest team they will play this season, Aycliffe had shown excellent spirit,combined with fine rucking and a superb display by the back line. With a full squad to pick from, Aycliffe should be a force in Durham and Northumberland Division 3 this season. The man of the match, awarded by matchday sponsors MS Hardy Contractors was given to James Thacker.
Aycliffe rugby is sponsored by Whitehouse Funeral Service and The Mortgage Advice Centre.
