Acklam entertained Bishop Auckland in this Durham and Northumberland Division 2 clash. Talbot Park ground conditions were very heavy after the weather that we have experienced in the last seven weeks. However, when a team can score 70 points under these conditions must say it all about the team’s performance.
After 7 minutes into the game, a quick lineout 40 meters from B.A. line and flanker Dan Burns burst through for a 30 meter run, quick ruck and along the line for winger Liam Cochran to score the games first try. Immediately from the restart and Acklam pressurised the visitor’s line which was followed by hooker Ross Groves scoring under the posts. After 22 minutes Chris Walker punted the ball 50 meters into the visitors 22m area, from the lineout B.A. were off side and Danny Ashton converted a penalty. From the restart Acklam won the ball and Danny Ashton ran in a try from 30 meters. On the 40 minute B.A. scored in the corner when Acklam failed to do the basics when the opposition kicked the ball through. H.T. score 22-5.
The second half kicked off and Acklam struck immediately, after some great team support play, flanker James Ffitch scored. Only minute’s later centre Chris Walker showed his pace as he burst through to score a good individual try. Shortly afterwards No 8 Ashley Speight hard work was rewarded when he burst through to score. On the 55 minute James Ffitch was at hand to score his second try.
At this stage of the game Acklam made three substitutions, with the introduction of teenager Ben Pearson, Craig Moffatt and Andy Cruickshank for Steve Donegan, Chris Walker and Simon Bate.
In the last ten minutes Acklam scored another four tries with Dean Roberts, Craig Moffatt two tries and Dan Burns adding to the total. Danny Ashton converted six of the eleven tries scored. Everyone played their part in this convincing win, but special mention to the backrow performance of Dan Burns, Ashley Speight and James Ffitch.
Excellent performance by Acklam.