COMFY AWAY WIN

Northallerton first team earned their first away win of the season with a 42-0 shut out victory at West Park Leeds.
North controlled the game well in the first half, but struggled to turn their superior possession and territory into points as the home team defended magnificently and North often choosing the wrong option.
After thirty minutes though, Norths backs combined well to release Matt Clarke out-wide to go over for his first try in his first league game for the club. Ashley Rio added the conversion.
North kept the pressure on and were rewarded with a try just before half time for Rio following good work from Matthew Marsay and Alexander Metcalfe. Rio added the conversion to take North in at the break 14-0 in front.
North caught Leeds still napping at the start of the second half when prop Dom Dalby picked up a loose ball on the Leeds 22 line, and then proceeded to trundle in slow motion - very slow motion - all the way to the try line with defenders either bouncing off him or being dragged along before he touched the ball down. Rio again easily adding the conversion.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, with the home team scrambling to clear their lines, Rio intercepted a loose pass well inside the Leeds 22 and sauntered over for his second try which he also converted.
On the hour mark Jeremy Deas was introduced to the affray after over 18 months out with a serious knee injury. Soon after coming on and with his first touch, Deas made a promising break up the wing only to see his offload fall into the grateful arms of the West Park winger.
After sixty five minutes North had a scrum on the half way line, from which they quickly shipped the ball out to the dynamic centre duo of Pete Willis and Metcalfe which caught the home team on the back foot. Metcalfe then went on a jinking zig zagging run, turning the Leeds defenders inside and out before putting in Rio for his third try and his fifth conversion.
On the last play of the match, Rio threw an outrageous dummy to make another break before off loading to the supporting Deas who went over for the try. Rio added the conversion to take his points tally to 27 for the day.
Despite a strong performance from Alexander Metcalfe, man of the match was awarded to Australian Ashley Rio.
Next week North play Wetherby at home with a 3pm kick off.

Northallerton second team had their first game of the season away at Sedgefield, and ended up 48-33 victors in a thrilling and entertaining game.
North points came from Matt Argo(4 tries), Joe Osleton, Matt Wheeler, Simon Warren and Graham Currigan. Argo completed a good day with four out of the eight successful conversions.
Man of the match, despite Doug Mulholland's protestations, was awarded to Argo who may have put himself into contention for a recall to the first team.
Next week North are hoping to field a second team also at home to Wetherby with a 3pm kick off.

Thank you
H Johnson