Last League Action of the2022/2023 season For The 1st XV
At home v Carlisle, Middlesbrough 1st XV played a cracking game at sunny and warm Acklam Park (to begin with). Carlisle kick off and the game is afoot. There was good attacking rugby on display in good conditions, with good defence by both sides keeping the score 0 – 0. Carlisle attack well, but knock-ons and strong Boro defence keep them out. After 13 minutes, the deadlock is broken by great attacking and good support play by Boro, finished by Rhys Kilbride. The conversion gave Boro the lead 7 – 0. Only 3 minutes later, Boro attack well again. Strong running by Jack the Mack from 30 metres out gives us a 12 – 0 lead on 16 minutes. On 20 minutes, great forwards attacking by Jack Luke and big Finn almost leads to a try, but good Carlisle defence kept the score at 12 – 0. Carlisle then play some great rugby to get in a dangerous attacking position in the Boro 22, but another knock on stops their progress. On the 30 minutes, Carlisle get their reward with a try, attacking well from a 5 metre scrum. It is now 12 – 7 with Carlisle playing some very good rugby. Next, Boro get some good ball, and attack well with Finn scoring. Charlie converts again and we lead 19 – 7. The game ebbs and flows, with some good rugby by both sides. Carlisle score a well deserved try again to make it 19 – 14 in stoppage time at the end of the 1st half. From the restart, Boro attack well and Rhys scores on the stroke of half time after a good break by Adam Marron.
The second half takes place in a heavy downpour, and the standard of rugby suffered as a result. On 52 minutes, Myles puts in a great tackle but somehow injures himself and the tackled Carlisle man. Both go off, and Myles is happy to be in 1 piece for his evening dancing as he celebrates his engagement tonight. Carlisle then attack very well, but get accidentally offside and their momentum is halted. The rain stops now, allowing for some better handling, and after 60 minutes, a Carlisle clearing kick is charged down and Brendan Hill runs well, beating 3 defenders to score a good try. 33 -14 now with 20 minutes to go. Fin is Yellow carded for a misdemeanour, and Boro compete now with 14. The game once again is even for a while with good defence by both sides. Great attacking play from Boro with Shaun Kaye, debutant Rio and Michael ‘T-Bird’ Thornburn. Carlisle steal the ball and clear their lines, but it is fielded by Brendan Hill who runs well again to score another try on 74 minutes. 38 – 14. Fin nreturns after his rest, and Boro have the last few minutes with 15 players. A great move by Boro leads to a try on 37 minutes scored by T Bird who plays his 1st first team game this season. Welcome Back. Charlie converts making it a 45 -14 score line that Boro are very happy with at full time. Carlisle deserved more from this game, but it wasn’t to be. We will see them again in May when we visit with 2 teams in their 7 a side weekend. Man of the Match was Jack the Mack, and a great debutee performance by 17 years old Rio was enjoyed by all.
