Morpeth 42 Alnwick 28

Alnwick were wooly in the warm up and wooly in the first 10m as they showed the home side too much respect again, merely spectators as Morpeth ran in the first 2 tries. Capt Allen having won the toss decided the sun, breeze and slope were little advantage and played against all 3 in the first half! A coach' roasting' behind the posts seemed to waken the Blue and Gold up and they suddenly started to ruck, Jackal, and compete for the ball! Eventually territory was worked up the pitch. A Burn penalty saw the forwards break off the lineout through Allen and Spark jinked away releasing Inglis down the short side for a nice try, Burn converted. Morpeth came straight back but an Interception by the fleet footed Harvey had an 80m foot race for a fine individual try to make it 25-16. The pack was working hard marshalled by Sutherland and some good runs from Balmbro, Harrison and Whitely were making yards supported by Ellis, Fahy, Henry and Hill. Half time and Alnwick needed to score, wingers JP, Sey and Cameron were getting the ball and space but Morpeth defence was good. Alnwick's defence was also stronger than it has been of late, they needed to score next when Spark charged down a kick and gathered for a try 25-21 GAME ON!! Morpeth showed steel though and came back with a try as Alnwick were napping. Blackburn came on for McCaig, Johnson and Brunger in the backs, Alnwick pushed back up the pitch and a nice back move saw hand to Harvey again who streaked down the wing into the corner for his second try 32-28. It really was end to end stuff until the last 5 minutes when 2 pacy tries had the beating of the Alnwick boys. Capt Allen could be proud of his teams efforts and a lot of positives can be taken away. The Spectators certainly enjoyed the game! Lets keep working this week for the Next big game at home on Sun.