Shields entered the game on the back of two impressive wins: 5-63 vs Newton Aycliffe and 10-37 vs Medicals. Since Darlington’s drop into DN2 a couple of years back Shields have yet to overcome the side. Michael Harrigan and Aaron Willcocks were the only changes from Tuesday’s clash who were replaced by Harry Watson and Sam Brooks.
The first half as expected was a very physical encounter which saw Shields have the large part of possession. Darlington were strong in defence and not letting Shields cross the gain line. It took around 30 minutes before Shields finally got themselves on the scoreboard with a well worked line out move resulted in Harry Watson crossing the white wash, Scott Rendles converted, 7-0. Shortly after Shields we’re back in scoring territory and came away with a further 3 points from a S.Rendles penalty kick, 10-0.
Half time 10-0
From the kick off the Darlington player dropped the ball and Lewis Boyle was quick to bounce and grubber kick through to Scott Murphy who grounded the ball on the try line, Rendles converted 17-0. Further try’s came from Lewis Boyle, Chris Allott and Matty Dockey with Scott Rendles adding one more conversion. Darlington did get on the score borad from a well worked driving maul however this would be their only points of the day.
Full time 34-5
Darlington were relentless throughout the game and very physical. Shields were very patient in the first half to break the visitors down and scored some excellent try’s as the game began to open up.
Richard Carr was nominated man of the match by our visitors after a great game. Carr was responsible for some impressive turnovers, with one in particular preventing a certain Darlington try.
Squad: Anthony Jordan, Harry Watson, Ben Lemmons, Mark Hall, Dave Anderson, Richard Carr, Dean Harrison, Andrew Leith ( c ), Mark Walker, Scott Rendles, Sam Brooks, Ben Dalton, Matty Dockey, Lewis Boyle, Gavin Duffy, Chris Allott, Scott Murphy and Jack Rendles.
After a perfect week for Shields they return to the training paddock this Tuesday and Thursday from 19:00 to prepare for Ashington this coming Saturday 14th April.
If you’re new or looking to get back into rugby we’re always looking for new players so get yourselves along. Any questions drop mark.c.hall@hotmail.co.uk an email!
#NSRFC
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
1. | Acklam | 26 | 123 |
2. | Whitley Bay Rockcliff | 25 | 87 |
3. | Hartlepool | 26 | 84 |
4. | North Shields | 26 | 82 |
5. | Whitby | 23 | 81 |
6. | Ryton | 24 | 73 |
7. | Sunderland | 24 | 59 |