A fortnight is a long time in rugby and it would seem the Talbot Park outfit has at last begun to show some signs of progression and unfortunately for todays visitors Hartlepool Rovers they were on the receiving end of that fledgling improvement.
The game started in fine, crisp clear conditions that slowly deteriorated as the game progressed unlike the home sides performance, which apart from a sluggish period in the second period remained at a high tempo with both divisions taking the game to their opponents.
From the kick off the green and blacks charged up the pitch to camp on the Rovers 22, to their credit the away team held out for some time before an enterprising move by the back division allowed the impressive SPENCE to break the deadlock. Steady play then forced another four tries by the home side as they took a strangle hold on the game. Most pleasing in this period was the defence line that refused to be broken only allowing Rovers over the home 22 on one occasion. One conversion by PEAREY - GILL brought up the half time score of 27 - 0.
Oranges and an upbeat team talk, reminding the players that the score was 0 - 0 and that the second period needed to reflect the first.
Acklam tried to maintain the earlier pressure but some dogged defending and mistakes in decision making cost the home side dear as they failed to break through during the third quarter, a sin binning for NIXON didn't help either and it took some reorganisation to force the play forward again. ROLLINGS left the field (with a slight injury for a well deserved breather) RUSTON moved to 9 and the impetus returned. Three scores followed to bring up the final total of 42 - 0, giving Rovers their due they were in the home five when the whistle blew and it was a reflection of their determination that they hadn't given up.

As in the first half the most pleasing aspect of the game was the lack of concession of any points, closely followed by the enterprise shown throughout the team that led to scores by SHORT, SPENCE, GATER, NIXON and NAYLOR. PEAREY - GILL and NAYLOR (playing out of position at 6) shared the MoM award.

Next up are Northern who beat us by a similar score at their place in the autumn - lets see what progression has been made!

Acklam Acklam under 15’s 61 Points V’S Houghton under 15’s 0 Points.

Acklam hosted Houghton on a brisk but sunny morning.
The game got underway and both teams jostled for field position, after some good passing play by the Acklam back row that allowed slow inroads to be made into Houghton territory.
Acklam Camped on the Houghton 22 for what seemed like an age before a driving run for Reece Dailey broke the deadlock and gave Acklam the first points of the game.

From the kick-off the game reverted to its highly competitive state with both teams showing a relentless need to gain ground. This persisted for a good 15 minutes before the Acklam back row put a sublime passing move which expanded the full length of the field, ending with Scott Hamilton who showed great pace and application to score his first try of the day.

Acklam’s third try was a textbooks front row driving maul, with Jake Arrondale spinning of the back and lunging himself hard over the line.

Max Weston chased down what looked like a lost cause ball with dogged determination; the ball broke for Max, he headed towards the post, two opponents closed him down, an unselfish offload to the oncoming Scott Hamilton gave Acklam another try.

Declan Winward first game back from a long-term injury was marked with one of Declan’s trademark runs down the wing, his blistering pace has been a miss. He placed the ball right between the posts.

Tom Solent got the next with a good run down the wing, out pacing the Houghton winger to score his first of the season.

Jack Leyson made some powerful runs all game gaining endless yards for his team; he got his rewards for his hard work by scoring a typical No8 forceful try.

A searing break away try, a run from his own 22-yard line again saw Tom Hughes outpace everyone on the field.

Johnny Weatherly moved from full back to centre for today’s game and played really well, the ball broke loose on the halfway line and Johnny pounced, a good pick-up and a strong straight run, placing the ball down right in the centre of the posts to create an easy kicking opportunity.

With confidence now high, the ball was elegantly flowing across the back row, and again Tom Solent found himself with room to exploit, a good turn of pace saw him cross the line to score his second try of the day.

Tom Hughes proved again how attentive he is, this quality and the fact that he is blessed with pace to burn, made the outcome never in doubt, intercepting the ball on the Halfway line and just burst his way to score his second for the day.

Over the last few weeks, Acklam have not had the run of the green and with a mounting injury list, today was the first time in a long time that a full team with the luxury of two substitutes was available.

The hart and endeavour of the core of the team has never been in question, last week’s game showed promise and it was only a matter of time before the win came.

Today was an excellent effort and some good skill was on display. Take nothing away from Houghton, they made Acklam work for the win and had good possession for long periods of the game, crossing Acklam’s try line twice only to have the ball held up, which verified the commitment of the Acklam squad. Every player played an significant role in the victory which made choosing Man of the match very difficult.

After a lot of deliberation, Cameron McCell received the awarded for a great display at fullback.

Acklam Under 14's 15 v Whitley Bay Rockcliffe Under 14's 12

Acklam hosted the game in perfect playing conditions. Acklam forwards were the more dominant in all phases of the game which denied the Rockcliffe backs good possession. Acklam welcomed two new lads who both had impressive debut games, these were Connor Moody and Kieron Earl-Ross. So with Declan Monaco and Nathan Marron having their debut games last week and with Connor Mitchell, David Reed and Tyler still to make their debut games, Acklam squad looks much healthier.
Acklam had looked threatening on several occasions but it took until 23 minutes for Lewis Mace to open the scoring with a powerful run. Immediately after the restart debutant Connor Moody showed his strength and pace when he ran in the second try under the posts. H.T. 12-0.

The second half saw Rockcliffe pick up their game and their very good elusive full back ran through to score. Rockcliffe scored a second try to make it 12=12, but Acklam reformed and held the visitors at bay. Acklam pressurised the visitors in their 22meters and won a penalty which Jack Fox converted.

This was a scrappy game which was to be expected from Acklam 's point of view with so many new players. However there is plenty to work on in training, so lets have a full house for training on Tuesday.
Well done lads !