1st XV
Matches
Sat 08 Feb 2020  ·  Durham/Northumberland One
Gateshead
25
14
Barnard Castle Rugby Club
1st XV
Tries: G Welsby, O WelsbyConversions: J Worley (2)
Team disruption hits Castle prior to vital game

Team disruption hits Castle prior to vital game

David Bottoms9 Feb 2020 - 17:49
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Castle travelled up to Gateshead on Saturday knowing that only a win would do against their fellow-struggler rivals. Their build-up was hampered by the loss of skipper Ali Johnston to work commitments and lock forward James Peareth to a groin injury durin

Castle travelled up to Gateshead on Saturday knowing that only a win would do against their fellow-struggler rivals. Their build-up was hampered by the loss of skipper Ali Johnston to work commitments and lock forward James Peareth to a groin injury during the week. Matters got worse when they lost their talisman prop Marty Lonsdale to injury early in the game. This allowed Gateshead to gain early momentum and they scored a breakaway try to lead 7-0 at the break.
Now facing into the strengthening wind, Gateshead used it effectively and scored two early tries to stretch away 19-0. Undaunted though, Castle continued with their patterns of play and following excellent forward drives up the middle of the pitch they gained a penalty on the home twenty-two metre line. George Welsby took a quick tap and drove through tackles to dot down with Jack Worley converting. When Gateshead next kicked deep Olly Welsby picked up the ball and weaved his way through the early traffic, then realising the pitch was opening up, he set off at pace and outran the cover tacklers for a magnificent individual score. Worley again converting.
Having closed to 19-14 Gateshead did manage to stretch away at the death potting a couple of penalty goals to leave the final score 25-14 denying Barnie the losing bonus point. The team once more put in a great performance on the day but all too often their mistakes at vital moments prevented tries being scored or let the opposition back into the game.
This week they entertain Whitley Back Rockliffe down on the Demesnes where it is hoped they can field a strong side and continue to improve.

Match details

Match date

Sat 08 Feb 2020

Kickoff

TBC

Competition

Durham/Northumberland One

League position

13
Gateshead
14
Barnard Castle
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Club Sponsor - GLO Tanning Salon
Club Sponsor - John Cullerton & Sons Ltd
Dress Shirt Sponsor - Harpers Kitchens and Bedrooms