CARLISLE 63 MORPETH 7

Carlisle Under 15s faced Morpeth at Warwick played in perfect rugby conditions. Following a successful the week previous V Percy Parck the Carlisle outfit went into the game confident but gave their opponents the upmost respect following the 44-29 defeat at Warwick rd last season.

The blues started brightly and Robinson slotted a penalty after 2 mins when the visitors were penalised for not rolling away at the breakdown. Five minutes later it was Robinson again who capitalised on some good forward play at the scrum. He threw a dummy and beat 3 defenders and sprinted 40 metres before touching down to the left of the sticks. 8-0.

Morpeth tried to find their way into the game but numerous turn overs from work horses Luke Finney and Josh Park led to healthy possession for the home side. Grant Taylor rallied the front 8 from scrum half and was busy all game. Harry Blowing, John Short and no.8 Chris Green made numerous carries. And it was only a matter of time before Short's support paid off and he bursted over for his first try! 15-0.

Carlisle continued to press supremely. Ashley Reid worked tirelessly around the park. Mike Newstead was always at the heart of the action at ruck, maul and scrum and led from the front with a solid captain's performance. Barton and Watson linked well all game and some slick offloads led to some free space and Luke Kemp used his pace and added to the scoreline in the corner. 20-0. Full back Ben Davison threatened on numerous occasions from deep and always made good ground. Carlisle added another try just before the half to go into the lead 27-0 at half time.

Michael Scott, Harry Robertson, James Sisson and Toby Huggon came onto the field and each picked up where their replacements left. The interchange was not noticeable. Straight Into the second half and Patrick Noutch, in what can only be classed as a pick and go found the gap to burst through and go 60 metres and score under the sticks. 34-0. Minutes later Noutch added to his tally. The forwards forced a turnover deep in opposition territory and Watson threw a beautifully timed pass out for Noutch to scamper over to the right of the sticks. 39-0. The hat trick was completed when scrum half Taylor grubber kicked from the half way to the corner and Noutch raced away and touched down in the corner. 41-0.

Morpeth pressed hard from the kick off and after numerous infringements found a way into the home sides 22. The home side could not hold them out for what was a well worked team try. 41-7.

Carlisle regained possesion and Ross Barton made a surging break down the right flank before kicking ahead. Noutch won the foot race to score again this time to the left of the sticks. Carlisle added further scores later on and wrapped the game up 63-7 following a very comprehensive performance. Man of the match went to John Short for his outstanding game in the front row.

Post game Ben Blain commented; This was a great team performance with all players contributing their share towards the result. The progress this bunch of players are making is evident in their turn of results. This comes from good attitude, effort and enjoyment for the game.

Thanks go to the referee Ollie Ridley for his efforts.

Next week Carlisle entertain Sunderland at Warwick Rd.