On Saturday 19th of December unbeaten NARUFC 1st XV travelled North through the Tyne Tunnel to Seghill to play their first game in over four weeks. The weather was surprisingly warm it was cloudy and there was a strong wind which blew continuously across the pitch. The pitch was heavy in places. The First had already beaten Seghill earlier in the season at home 42-0 but anyone who know the Seghill players would most definitely not expect an easy ride at their ground.
Aycliffe fielded two new signings ex Vale of Lune and Sale Academy forward Shaun Tomlinson and Winger Dom Ridley. Both of whom were excited to make their debuts for their new team and Impress their fellow players coaches and supporters with a solid performance. The hosts kicked off and applied an aggressive approach to the game which to be fair was to be expected. Aycliffe were pinned back in their own half for quite some time before they were able to apply pressure on Seghill and begin to win some much needed ball. Aycliffe’s scrummaging was not at its best and it took along while before parity was reached, credit to Seghill they dominated the aspect of the game for long periods. Aycliffe did however win the majority of the lineout ball Jeff Hodgson and Captain Andy Littlefair lifted the Jumpers Neil Morgan and Shaun Tomlinson really well to help them secure great ball off both sides throwing in.
Newton Aycliffe’s backs are regarded by many opposition teams as being the best backs by far in the league a massive complement and something they work really hard to achieve. Adam Gascoigne scored the first two tries and almost completed a hat trick after twenty minutes. Gascoigne fly hacked the ball into the twenty-two dived and collected the ball in mid-air only to land on the only piece of dry ground on the whole pitch anywhere else he would have slid over the line for his third try. Warren Parsonage crashed over the line after great rucking by the forwards for the third try and Andrew Parkin scored Aycliffe’s bonus point try when he out sprinted the Seghill backline hogging the touch line and scored in the corner.
Seghill kicked a consolation penalty. James Cocks Aycliffe’s number 10 and goal kicker certainly had his kicking boots on today pity they were on the wrong feet!!!
Half time Seghill 3 NARUFC 20
Aycliffe after not playing for so long appeared rusty to be fair. The wise words spoken at half time were ignored and Aycliffe conceded a try within minutes of kicking off. Aycliffe under no pressure and well in the opposition half decided to take a ridiculous and extravagant quick throw in which to be fair very few on the field were aware of with the exception of quick thinking Seghill centre who swooped on the loose ball to score under the posts. James Thacker scored his obligatory try to settle the nerves after his earlier strange quick throw in. Score 25 – 8.
With ten minutes to go before the final whistle the Referee awarded Seghill a penalty try under the posts 25 -15. The remainder of the game was played out in the Seghill half and on the final whistle everyone was pleased to leave the field with five valuable points in the bag.
Final Score Seghill 15 NARUFC 25
Newton Aycliffe RUFC Players Coaches and Committee would like to thank all of their Sponsor’s, Followers, Families and Friends for their continued support and would like to take this opportunity to wish them all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.