Our first ever midweek evening game was against Billingham away. The midweek fixture causing the lads some concern, how will I be able to do my homework? what if I am back late on a school night? you could sense that these things were very much on the lads minds and I am certain that there must have been frantic last minute work in the changing room completing homework before kick-off. Traditionally we have had some great games against Billingham and tonight was to be no exception. With the exception of a strong wind blowing across and slightly down the pitch, conditions were perfect. With virtually the full squad available (significantly though Jack Mac and Sam G both out injured) it was agreed to play three thirds(ish) of 25, 25 and 20 minutes respectively, which enabled JB to mix and match things and give the whole squad significant game time. (Well done to all of those who played out position.)

We started into the wind and were soon on the offensive. A curious decision by Nath to kick ahead directly into the wind resulted in a) a slight backward step and b) Nath being advised by the coaching staff that this wasn’t a wise tactic to use. We started in dominant fashion in the pack and particularly in the scrum, which we kept up all game, and early breaks by Josh B and Sam N saw us make good yards. However, a number of knock-ons and little fumbles here and there prevented an early score. We were pressurising though and after a sustained period of us recycling the ball through a number of phases, Josh Bainbridge was released and forced his way over wide on the right. Conversion missed 5-0. Billingham came straight back and after a period of some possession they cleverly spotted and exploited a simple overlap on the blind side to run in a score and with the conversion to follow were in the lead 7-5. We were dominating possession and a powerful run from the rampaging Tom B saw us threaten again. We were however on the wrong end of the penalty count and just kept getting pegged back either by kicks or some good running by the Billingham backs. Good lineout ball in our own half saw Adam break well and link with first the pack then the backs to make ground and a quick tap and go from Ben L after Billingham killed the ball, saw Ben dash over past a strangely static Billingam defence. Nathan slotted a good little kick to put us 12-7 ahead. The last play of the third saw Billingham’s dangerous backs create space and were only thwarted by a great Fez chase back. JB rang the changes for the 2nd third and while we resettled Billingham started the stronger and despite getting a limited amount of ball their backs were using it well and making ground. We lost Josh B to a knock to the leg and were now down to a relatively inexperienced set of backs. The Billingham backs finally making matters count when a number of missed tackles allowed them to score under the posts. Plus the kick we were now 14-12 behind. The pack was still largely dominating possession and our new backs were finding their feet and now making good tackles and getting over the gain line. One great break by Jake Fingland forcing a last ditch cover tackle from the opposition fullback. We had a run of penalties in our favour and from a quick tap Lewis B was released to power his way over. With the kick missed it was back to 17-14 to us. The second third finished with another storming run from Lewis B almost releasing Dan O but good last ditch cover tackling again by Billingham prevented a score. Further team changes for the final third and with the floodlights on the atmosphere was building for a tense final third. Would our forward dominance prevail or could the Billingham backs muster enough ball to win the day. Billinghan started well and probably had their best period of the game they were getting some ball and looked threatening, only a great chase and tackle back from Sam N preventing a score. Billingham finally made the pressure count and scored again. Now 19-17 to Billingham. This seemed to galvanise us a bit and a great series of driving play through the forwards and good recycling saw us progress up field slowly and after a number of phases Lewis B went over for his second try. Conversion missed so it was now us ahead again at 22-19. Billingham hadn’t given up though and were still pressing for a final score in the dying minutes. From a tap penalty Billingham cleverly passed the ball out wide and good handling saw them given the benefit of the doubt on the grounding to score out wide. The missed conversion was the last kick of the game and Billingham finished ahead 24-22.

This was a very entertaining end to end game and on balance Bellingham’s better back play with less ball just outdoing our forward dominance. The scrum was superb throughout winning ball against the head and almost at will. Our new squad members and less experienced players got great game time and performed exceptionally well against some quality opponents. All in all there were more positives than negatives from this game. We were on the wrong end of a big difference in penalty count and we must get a bit smarter at “playing” the referee. Massive games from Tom B and Lewis B, and Adam looked great in the lineout and seemed be relishing his move to the pack. Josh B looked real quality and it was great to see Jake F storming down the wing, Damons handling and tackling has come on tremendously, good contributions from Harry Sides and Jake Prest seemed to enjoy his first outing for us. Based on this there will be genuine competition for starting places for the cup games and this seasons targeted fixtures.

Thanks to Billingham for an excellent, competitive game played in a great spirit.

MoM - Tom B (narrowly ahead of Lewis B).
DoD – Nath for learning not to kick directly into a gale.