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Aycliffe Fail to Hold Out

Newton Aycliffe 12 Hartlepool BBOB 22

Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club continued their Durham and Northumberland Division 3 campaign, hosting Hartlepool BBOB who they had beaten in a thrilling match earlier in the season. With a squad of 26 players to select from, Aycliffe were able to field a strong side.

From the beginning of the match it was obvious that Aycliffe were clearly on top in the scrums with Alan Layfield having been chosen for his scrummaging strength and Cymon Lee strong in the front row. The visiting back line was one of the strongest seen at Moore Lane this season and Aycliffe’s tackling was tested from the start. Aycliffe took the lead from a try from a break by Gareth Parsonage; Neil Morgan was on hand to take the ball before feeding on to Niall Jenkins who exchanged passes with Chris Wilson before running 20 yards to score. BBOB replied with a try of their own. The dominance of the Aycliffe forwards saw Michael Welsh held up just short of the line, but scrum half Warren Parsonage saw enough of a gap to touch down. Luke Tinkler added the conversion to see Aycliffe 12 – 5 ahead at half time.

Injuries disrupted the Aycliffe side in the second half but the pack, with Ryan Milford playing his first game of the season, were still on top in the scrums. BBOB made breaks with the backs and added two tries, one converted, to take a 5 point lead. Aycliffe attacked again but despite sustained pressure failed to add to their total. With less than 10 minutes to go, the visitors scored again to clinch the game. The final score was 22 – 12.

On 13th March Newton Aycliffe travel to Whitby with a 3pm kick-off. Aycliffe’s sponsors are Fabtech Engineering and Workshop Supplies. More information is available at www.ayclifferugby.co.uk.

© Stuart McIvor 10 March 2010

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