Newton Aycliffe 7 v Darlington 2nd XV 36
For the latest Durham Tees Valley Social League fixture Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club, after winning their first 3 league games, hosted near neighbours Darlington 2nd XV at Moore Lane. Both sides were able to feature strong squads with Aycliffe able to have 7 players on the bench.
The game began with both sides being very physical in the rucks and mauls, after 10 minutes it was Darlington who broke the deadlock with a try when their powerful centre broke through the home defence; the conversion was good. Aycliffe fought back and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, but Darlington’s scramble defence was able to get across and cover. On 26 minutes it was anther Darlington converted try to double their lead and soon after they scored a third. At the break the score was 0-19.
Aycliffe made a number of attacks and Matt Rowe came close more than once; after he was held up inches short of the line, Mark Makin was able to complete the score. Luke Tinkler added the extras. The game continued in the same competitive way as before, but it was Darlington who were able to add two converted tries. Aycliffe never stopped attacking, but could not break through the tight defence.
Being awarded a penalty with the clock in the red, Darlington made an unscrupulous decision to kick the points, making the final score 36 – 7 to the visitors. The match on 19th November will be away at Darlington Mowden Park Elizabethans. Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club are sponsored by Mortgage Advice Centre.
