WATHS FATTIES BEAT NORTHS FATTIES

Northallerton first team put in a spirited effort before eventually running out of steam in the 29-14 away defeat at Wath upon Dearne.
The home team pressured North straight from the kick off, bulldozing their way up the middle of the park with their huge set of forwards.
North finally succumbed to the home teams pressure after ten minutes when a Wath catch and drive steamrolled over North defence for the first try.
North came straight back at the home team when a excellent restart kick from Ashley Rio was gathered by Iain Swall who exchanged passes with Matthew Marsay before a Wath defender deliberately knocked the ball on. Tom Peacock pounced on the loose ball to score and level the game up.
North were now beginning to build momentum with their backs looking dangerous whenever they could get clean ball. There was a moment of comedy gold when Rio attempted a little dink through middle of an up-rushing Wath defence, only for Rio to completely miss the ball with an air shot.
After twenty minutes North managed to get the ball cleanly out the back of a scrum and Doug Mullhollands pinpoint pass picked out Marsay who came into the line at an angle to catch the Wath defence flat footed. Marsay evaded two tackle attempts before scoring under the posts to give North a 7-14 lead.
North slightly edged proceedings for the next fifteen minutes but were unable to increase their lead. Five minutes from half time a rush of blood to the head of Norths winger Matt Argo ended with him receiving a yellow card for not retreating ten metres at a penalty. Wath took advantage of the extra man to grind out a converted try on the stroke of half time to send the teams in 14-14 at the break.
Wath again started the second half full of gusto and pressed North back into their own 22. After ten minutes a good backs move ended with the Wath full back touching down for a converted try. Five minutes later North were dealt a devastating blow when 20ish stone Phil Swall had to come off due to injury. With Norths pack tiring, the loss of the gigantic Swall hindered them even more. From the first scrum after the injury, Wath pushed North back, before their number eight peeled off and feed his supporting centre for an easy score out wide which put them two scores in front.
North continued to try and get some ball out to their dangerous backs trio of Marsay, Argo and Peacock, but the Wath forwards easily nullified all of Norths attempts. North spent most of the last quarter of the game on the back foot with Marsay saving at least two tries with his courageous last ditch tackling.
Three minutes from time Wath added a penalty to seal the 29-14 victory.
Man of the match was awarded to Marsay.
Next week North hope to rebuild again with a home fixture to league leaders Roundhegians with a 3pm kick off. The game guarantees to be a tough encounter even though Hegians have already qualified for promotion to Yorkshire One - barring any reshuffle from the RFU due to virus pandemics.
Northallerton seconds travelled to Guisborough and returned on the wrong end of a 62-5 scoreline. North only had nine players on the Friday but still opted to go ahead with the fixture and managed to muster another two players on Saturday morning to travel with eleven eager players. Thankfully Guisborough were able to lend North a couple of players for the game to go ahead. Norths only points of the day came from Matty Wheeler, who produced a remarkable turn of pace for such a large chap to score in the corner.
Next week North seconds are at home to Hartlepool BBOB with kick off at 3pm.

On Sunday 15th March Northallerton Ladies hosted top of the table Scarborough Valkyries at Brompton Lodge in front of a good sized crowd. Unfortunately Norths Ladies couldn’t match the crowds enthusiasm or their opponents slick handling as they fell to a 14-55 defeat. The Valkyries showed why they are top of the table with their excellent handling and support play.
North gave two debuts to Sabrina McKee in the forwards, and Vicki Phillips who seemed to relish in her role of winger/full back.
Norths two tries came from Ali O’Brien and Natalie Gardiner, with Gardiner adding both conversions.
Rachel Bailey and Laura Thomas shared the player of the match award.
Norths Ladies next match is scheduled for Sunday 29th March away to Winlaton and more players are always welcome.

Thank you
H Johnson