Second Half Revival Not Enough

We rested a couple of players to ensure we had a full squad to pick from for this weeks cup final. However, a very strong squad travelled to Stockton's new ground at Grangefield Academy. There were opportunities for Iain Dodds, Rob Murphy and Carl Parkinson to play their way into consideration for the cup final.

The warm up went well and it seemed the players were switched on to their task of trying to cement fourth place over the next three weeks as Horden play the top three. However, we game out of the gates very slowly and missed tackles and gave away a number of penalties. This allowed Stockton to get in behind us and turn pressure into points.

Stockton built a lead of 19 points without reply as we struggled to avoid the whistle and played the game too high in contact situations.

Once we regrouped we started to play some rugby and try and get back into the game. We picked up the tempo and eventually Pete Twentyman crashed over. Johnno Wilkes adding the conversion to make it 19-7.

We were finally on a roll and starting to look dangerous ball in hand. After a line break we were given a penalty which again was slotted by Wilkes. 19-10 to Stockton.

Just when it looked like we were getting back into things Stockton scored a fine try to extend the lead back out to 24-10.

Our backs were starting to make some line breaks and Johnny Ward was able to canter in for a 50m try. He was chased but to no avail as all that the chasing player was able to do was foul him in the act of scoring. Conversion added by Richard Dodd. Stockton up 24-17.

We then made things interesting as Sam Busby raced in for another long distance try to make it 24-22 to Stockton with 12 mins to play. However, this is where the comeback ended as we fell of tackles again and they were able to kick us out of the game by the score of 34-22.

It was pleasing to get through the game without injuries ruling people out of the cup final. However, we had a strong squad out and had hoped for a better performance on the back of a fine win against Boro the week before. As a group we must work harder, tackle lower, make better decisions at the breakdown.

This inconsistency in performance is the groups next challenge, one that I am looking forward to helping them overcome.

This week is Cup Finals Day as we take on Ponteland at Northern RFC, 1500 on Easter Saturday. Be great to see the club turn out in force and support the lads as they try to overturn last years result against Ponteland.

Up the Vos !