CLOSE WIN

Northallerton first team endured a turbulent and frustrating afternoon at Brompton Lodge before just squeezing out a narrow 22-19 victory over West Park Leeds.
North got off to a bad start when after only only four minutes Graham Currigans rush defence tactic was out manoeuvred by the Leeds attack allowing them to score a converted try under the posts.
North then calmed down and began to organise themselves better. This led to two scrums ten yards out from the Leeds try line. On the second reset scrum, Iain Swall surprised the opposition, who were expecting a hefty push but instead picked the ball up to feed the sniping Matthew Marsay on the blind side for a try. The conversion from Ashely Rio drifted wide in a very strong wind.
North started to gain more possession but were unable to turn possession into points as the Leeds defence stood firm.
Five minutes before half time, Leeds broke up field to score another converted try to take a 5-14 lead.
On the stroke of half time the Leeds hooker was sin binned for lounging about in the floor too long giving North a man advantage. From a scrum five yards out Swall again picked up at the base, to this time feed Mighty Mouse - Harry O’Connor for his first try of the season, this time Rio was successful with the conversion. Half time 12-14
The second half was again a close affair with North having more of the ball but not in dangerous areas.
Half way through the second half good backs work released winger Ben James who scored in the corner for North to take a three point lead.
Ten minutes later a similar move again released James who this time had to beat two defenders before touching down in the corner for what appeared to be Norths match winning score. The conversion attempt was made even more difficult when it was discovered somebody’s dog had eaten the kicking tee, Rios drop kick attempt was a little wide of the target.
However, with five minutes left and both teams down to fourteen men due to high tackles - not on each tho, Leeds broke through Norths defence to score a unconverted try and leave them only three points behind.
With only one minute left on the clock, Leeds were awarded a penalty twenty yards out and just off centre, but instead of going for the draw, opted for a scrum with a chance of a try. From the resulting scrum North manage to snuff out the visitors attack and reclaim the ball before the referee blew for full time.
Man of the match was awarded to hooker Jeremy Deas who just edged out Ben James.
Next week North travel down the A1 to play Wetherby followed possibly by fish and chips at a local establishment, kick off at 2.15pm.
North seconds travelled away to Stocktonians and returned with a disappointing 35-17 defeat, however no details are forthcoming at the time of going to press.
Next week North seconds are also scheduled to play away at Wetherby, maybe I’ll get some details next week?!?!

Northallerton Ladies entertained Hornsea Ladies at Brompton Lodge on the Sunday and ran out comfortable 79-0 victors.
The game was played in good spirit throughout with some thoroughly entertaining phases of rugby displayed by both sides. Hornsea it has to be said were unfortunate not to score on a couple of occasions, only heroic defending from North kept them out.
Norths points came from tries by Ali O’Brien (6), Laura Thomas(3), Steph Welford, Abby Robinson, Rachael Bailey and newly engaged Natalie Gardiner. Ali O’Brien added seven conversions to cement her man/woman/player/penguin of the day performance.
Northallerton Ladies have another home game next Sunday 19th January at home to Ripon with kick off at 2pm
Entry is free, as many people/spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend to cheer the Ladies on.

Thank you
H Johnson