Q: How are you finding the lockdown?
A: I guess that my lockdown months have been very different to most as lambing has been in full swing for the last two months meaning I haven’t even considered leaving the farm. I have tried to keep in contact with as many people as possible though. It's the little things that can keep spirits high and I’ve enjoyed reminiscing the season during the season review that I’ve been composing.
Q: What do you miss the most due to the lockdown?
A: It’s the simple things that you perhaps take for granted and obviously the rugby. Both training on a Thursday and Saturday games are brilliant, have a run around and then a beer with your mates, you really miss it when it’s not there.
Q: What were your thoughts on the season?
A: It’s been a really strange season because if you look at the table you’d think that we struggled however this wasn’t the case at all. We played some fantastic rugby and very rarely got easily beaten. In another season we could have quite easily won way more games than we did and I think with a little bit more dedication and game management we could have a really successful season next year if we get going again.
Q: What was your favourite moment of the season?
A: When you look back at a season the moments that are different to the norm stick out, so entering a side into the Northumberland 7s circuit was brilliant and I’m sure those who played would agree that it was a fantastic few weeks of rugby. The game vs Ryton in the 3rd leg of the tournament was a particular highlight and a great win.
Q: What was your worst moment of the season?
A: I don’t mind losing when your quite easily second best so the big defeat to Redcar RFC didn’t hurt as much as the defeat to Houghton at home. We had a very good first half and had a 21-0 lead. To let that slip in the way that we did was so frustrating.
Q: Which individual performance stands out to you from the season?
A: That’s such a tough question! Yannick deserves a lot of credit for his tries and all round play and Rob Reid never stops. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves from the opposition in my opinion. However as a 9 I’m sticking close to my roots. Having to play at scrum half in possibly the worst conditions of the season my individual performance goes to Chris Nicholls. I Thought he controlled the game brilliantly and was unlucky not to play there more, captains prerogative i guess!
Q: Which team do you enjoy travelling to the most?
A: There’s some great sides in the league who play hard on the pitch but are fantastic hosts off it. Both Yarm and Richmondshire are examples of this. In terms of a playing surface though, you’ll struggle to find a better pitch than Newton Aycliffe.
Q: P&S scored a total of 61 tries this season, which was your favourite?
A: Our second try against Houghton was the best we scored but it only involved 3 players. Jonny Nevin, Danny Whiley and finally Luke Masters all combined to score an unbelievable counter attacking try. Jonny beat 3 oncoming defenders before using Danny’s pace out wide. He then passed inside to Luke whose support line was perfect. Really enjoyed watching that one.
Q: What can we expect from P&S next season? Whenever that may be!
A: Hopefully you will see many more victories on the pitch and hopefully some new faces who can help us reach the next level. Also, keep an eye out on our social media as we are trying to raise the profile of the club and are planning lots more social events. Certainly looks like it should be an exciting season once we are allowed to meet again.