Newton Aycliffe RUFC 1st XV travelled to South Shields for a curtain raiser Durham County Plate match on Saturday with anticipation of a hard match against a team who were strong last season.
Aycliffe’s pre-season squad build up has come on leaps and bounds with an influx of new signings of raw young talent. Following last weeks mix code training match against local Rugby League club Durham Tigers, several of the Tigers players are starting to sign over to Aycliffe union side as their league season concludes. The apparent bond that has been forged with these players will boost Aycliffe’s league chances this coming season.
With 6 substitutes allowed in the cup game Aycliffe took advantage of the influx of available players with 21 players stripped and ready to take on Shields.
At first glance it looked like Shields were a big set of players ready for business, however as the game unfolded it turned out Aycliffe’s forward technical training and the immense speed of the back line paid dividends.
Aycliffe supporters were rewarded with a great display of rugby with some brilliant defensive tackling and great lines of running from all angles. Centre James Thacker opened the account with his first try after 8 mins. Unsuccessfully converted due to a very stiff cross field wind. Captain Luke Harty helped himself to Aycliffe’s second try (16 mins) this time converted by Nathan Acuna. Within minutes Acuna himself bags himself a try but sadly missed his own conversion. (20 mins). When Shields took possession at times they were met by ferocious tackling from Aycliffe’s forwards and backs, one of the hallmarks of the game. The big Shields players were worn down rapidly. Aycliffe’s stand in scrum half, Aiden Ryans, scored a brilliant individual try using his pace, conversion missed (40 mins) Half time score 0 – 22.
There was a period after the start of the second half where both teams cancelled each other out when Shields got themselves sorted. However, Aycliffe’s defence held out before the stalemate was broken by a try from Richie Hackett, (61 mins) an old boy who returned and resigned after several years playing in southern England. He showed he had not lost his class and promises to be a great asset to Aycliffe. Conversion was missed as the wind continued to hamper the kicking. The try of the match must go to Adam Winterburn who played his first ever competitive rugby match at senior level and stole the show with a mesmerising 60 metre run from the Aycliffe half to touch down between the posts. (63 mins) A fantastic new signing from a former basketball player. One to watch in the coming matches. Paul Richardson got himself on the score sheet converting from in front of the posts.
The final points came from Thacker’s second try to end the score at 0 – 39. (70 mins) An outstanding performance from a squad of experience and fresh talent. The club are still interested in anyone wanting to play rugby. Just turn up for training Tuesday or Thursday evenings or come down and watch the matches and introduce yourselves.
Next Saturday the decision was to hold a squad selection game with both sides made up of Aycliffe players. Such is the influx of players the coaching staff will have a headache selecting the starting XV for the match the following week which is a Northumberland and Durham division 3 league game at home to Houghton Le Spring. It promises to be a great clash, and all spectators are welcome, free of charge, to watch the match and use the facilities of Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, Moore Lane. KO 3pm.
