To mark the start of their 50th anniversary season celebrations Barney welcomed Northallerton to take on the first team squad and neighbours Richmond were the opponents for the second/ development team. The games were played on adjacent pitches and a large contingent of spectators, including a number of former players and club sponsors assembled to watch the action and enjoy the refreshments on offer.

Both Barney teams were resplendent in their new strips, proudly bearing the logo’s of sponsors NB Tyres, Peareth Financial and Plasterboard Recycling Group. On a warm and sunny afternoon, the games began at pace and on the first team pitch Barney galloped into an early lead with well taken tries by Oscar Jacques, Marty Lonsdale and Ben Parker. With Ralph Makepeace on target with two of the conversions they led 19-0 as the first 20-minute break loomed, but Northallerton hit back with a superb team try to narrow the gap to 19-7.

Barney rang the changes after the break and momentum slowed with the only try from the second period coming from a chip and chase and a dubious touch-down by flying winger Tom Steen. The third period saw Northallerton narrow the gap to 26-14 before Eddie Anderson pounced to touch down for the fifth try to extend the lead to 31-14.

The final 20-minute period saw excellent handling rewarded with a try for scrum half Dan Richardson to extend the lead to 36-14. In the closing stages Northallerton enjoyed their best spell of the game and ran in two well taken tries to leave the score at 36-28 as the final whistle sounded.

On the second team pitch the game was keenly contested, with both teams enjoying periods of time in the ascendancy, but thanks to tries from Luke Cowley (2), Sam Clarke (2) and Jack Clarke and two conversions by James Barber, Barney were able to claim victory with a final score of 29-22. Thanks go to Richmond who stepped in at the last minute to provide opposition and fielded a strong side. It was really encouraging to see the growing strength in depth that the club can now count on and there will no doubt be increased competition for places as the season gets underway.

Back at the clubhouse Chairman David Jackson had managed to conjure up a delicious buffet to mark the occasion and he thanked Northallerton and Richmond for proving worthy opponents. Both games were classed as pre-season friendlies, but both were played with real intent and commitment by all four sides.

Barney have another warm-up game away at Ripon on 30th August, before the league season proper starts on Saturday 6th September with a home fixture against Whitley Bay Rockliff. With two strong, talented and youthful squads, the club will be hoping to celebrate their 50th anniversary season in some style.

Nick Raper