Newton Aycliffe RUFC 1st XV continued their winning streak when they travelled to Hartlepool TDSOB with a well fought victory that sees them joint top of Durham Northumberland Division 3 with Wallsend and Yarm. It’s early days but the prospects are looking favourable as the squad gets stronger and stronger every week.
Whilst Aycliffe accustomed themselves to the pitch conditions TDSOB caught the visitors napping with a converted try (9 mins) from kick off. 7- 0. Aycliffe were still adjusting with some players coming in for their first outings of the season when a lack of concentration gave away a penalty to the home side who took advantage to gain the extra 3 points. (13 mins) 10 – 0.
Eventually Aycliffe settled down and countered at the first opportunity with a try from outside centre Euan Kitching who has quickly become the first-choice kicker for the team. It was fitting therefore he converted his own try. (18 mins) 10 – 7. Following some good possession from Aycliffe’s forwards the ball was shipped out to try scoring machine inside centre James Thacker who powered over for his first try of the match. (24 mins) 10 – 12.
TDSOB were still up for the fight and soon scored to retake the lead (28 mins) 15 – 12. The crowd were well entertained with some end to end quality rugby. A lull entered the play as both teams battled hard to gain ground until Aycliffe’s wing sensation Nathan Acuna Ocana touched down after a fast finish, converted by Kitching to end the first half in front (40 mins) 15- 19.
It didn’t take Aycliffe long from the restart to continue with the momentum when nr 8 Ben Hoggart helped himself to a try in the early stage of the 2nd half. Converted by Kitching. (47 mins) 15 – 26. Soon after the crowd were enthralled by a superb 70 metre attacking solo run by Thacker to score his 2nd brace of the season. The conversion was missed but the points created a clear gap between the two sides. (55 mins) 15 – 31. Aycliffe took their foot off the gas a little bit, perhaps resting on their laurels a bit too much when TDSOB exploited a gap to come back with a converted try. (60 mins). 22 – 31. From that moment on the intensity of this running game slowed as both teams reverted to defensive tactics for the final 20 mins. The score remained 22 – 31 at the final whistle.
A deserved victory for Aycliffe who continue to go from strength to strength. There is always room for more players. Any player wishing to add themselves to this fantastic club please come forward on Tuesday or Thursday evening at Moore Lane 7pm and introduce yourself.
A huge thanks to our main sponsor for the match The Mortgage Advice Centre. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. This coming Saturday 28th September, Aycliffe are at home to Prudhoe and Stocksfield RUFC. A match that promises to be a thriller. All support is welcome at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, Moore Lane, where you will be made most welcome and you can enjoy the bar and facilities of this great local club. The club are open early for the forthcoming England World Cup games. Check the sports club website for details. Follow Aycliffe Rugby on Facebook.
