Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club triumphed against travelling to Jarrovians with a weakened team of 14 men. With no prop forwards available, Drew Gibson and Craig Holmes agreed to put themselves up against the home side’s large front row.
The back row of the scrum featured three backs, Sam Daltry, Chris Knight and Luke Crossen. expecting a torrid afternoon.
After struggling in the scrums, Aycliffe’s inexperienced pack were able to get enough ball to feed the backs and their advantage in pace created numerous chances. After a break from James Thacker, Crossen was in the perfect place to receive the ball and score.
A good handling move saw Holmes cross the line in the corner and then bump off a defender as he came round to touch down under the posts. After two attempts Thacker got his name on the score sheet with the third try. Jarrovians only response was a penalty kick, while three conversions from Luke Tinkler saw Aycliffe 21 – 3 ahead at the break.
The hosts put pressure on Aycliffe at the beginning of the second half, but never really threatened and only came away with another penalty goal.Two further tries for Thacker the match was safe and the bonus point gained. Gareth Parsonage’s mazy running gave Jarrovians nightmares. A fine try ensued when the feisty Mikey Dunn, at scrum half, found Tinkler making an incisive run through a gap; his side steps added a further try.
Michael Welsh, playing his first game since October, moved into the front row and saw off pressure applied by his more experienced opposite number. Aycliffe’s line came under concerted assault for the first time in the match but fine tackling saw the attackers knock on and, from the scrum Aycliffe broke back upfield. A fine pass from Thacker to Crossen completed the scoring and a further two Tinkler conversions in the half with the final score an impressive 45 – 6 to Aycliffe.
Aycliffe’s travelling supporters praised the spirit of the team, and in this form they are a match for any team in the Division. On 9th March Aycliffe host Yarm, the first in a run of 6 consecutive home games; kick-off is 3:00pm. Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club is sponsored by Workshop Supplies and Lift Right Forklift Training. Visit the website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/newtonaycliffe.
