Friday 11th – Middlesbrough U14s Triumph in Friday Night Clash Against Billingham
In an electrifying Friday night fixture under the lights, Middlesbrough U14s hosted Billingham in a hard-fought game that showcased skill, determination, and sportsmanship from both sides. A large crowd turned out to support, with both teams delivering top performances.
Middlesbrough struck first, with captain Lewis Boyes breaking through Billingham’s defense to score, followed by a successful conversion from Christian Boyes. Billingham responded swiftly with a well-executed passing move that resulted in a try and conversion, leveling the score at 7-7.
The game opened up, with dynamic passing and solid defensive efforts from both teams. Jack Smith powered his way to the corner to score Middlesbrough’s second try, and newcomer Haelme Pemha followed up with a strong run to extend Boro’s lead going into halftime.
Billingham started the second half with renewed energy, applying pressure with quick passes and stretching Middlesbrough’s defense. However, the home side held firm. George Cann powered through to score under the posts, with Christian Boyes again adding the extras.
As the match progressed, Middlesbrough’s superior fitness began to tell. Christian Boyes, Seth Naughton, and Will Foster all crossed the line for further tries, before Harry Fysh sealed the game taking an offload from Haelme Pemba sprinting the length of the field to score in the corner.
At full-time, Middlesbrough emerged comfortable winners, with Player of the Match honors going to Frankie Peacock, presented by sponsor Joe Thompson. Sam Walker was named the Unsung Hero for his outstanding teamwork and selfless play. It was a performance both teams could be proud of, with rugby truly the winner on the night.
Saturday 12th – Middlesbrough 1st XV, Wasps and “A” record wins
Northern FC 21 Middlesbrough 1stXV 39
Our heroes in maroon and gold travelled up to the Toon to play league leaders Northern. A spilled pass from the hosts was pounced upon by the Boro winger, I presume, Brendan Hill who ran in from the half way line and converted for 7 points. Hill then slotted a penalty 0-10.
Northern rallied scoring 3 tries all converted 21-10. Shortly after the third of these tries Boro were on the front foot and after a number of penalties a Home player was given 10 minutes rest and Boro used the advantage to score making the half time score line Northern 21 Boro 15.
The second stanza started with Boro still a man up and this paid dividends when their blindside wing finished a well rehearsed move of a scrum being put through a gap and scoring under the posts, Brendan Hill converted 21-22. Boro scored again when the full back evaded the defenders to score 21-27.
Middlesbrough added a fifth try when they scored from a catch and drive from a line out 21-32. Ollie Hodgson scored our final try when he broke off a scrum from No. 8 and touched down over the line Hill converted making the final score Northern 21 Boro 39.
What a performance and result for the lads away from home at a ground where we haven’t had much luck over the last few seasons.
This result puts us on top of Regional 2 North level on points with West Hartlepool.
Sunday 13th – Billingham v Middlesbrough U15
Middlesbrough under 15s faced Billingham in a closely contested away match. The forwards played really well with a strong set piece and some excellent carries from S. Watson and Sheridan who consistently gained ground, creating space for the backs. Richardson showcased his pace from fly half, scoring two well-worked tries. A powerful carry by Watson set up Coulson, who burst through for another try.
In the second half, Billingham fought back, closing the gap to just four points with a try of their own. However, Middlesbrough regrouped, and an excellent team try was finished off by Laverick, thanks to some impressive footwork. Quick thinking from scrum half Andrews allowed him to gather the ball at a ruck and scamper over for Boro’s fifth try.
Watson capped off a fantastic performance by side-stepping the fullback for another try, bringing the total number of try’s to six. Sheridan’s perfect kicking saw him convert all six tries. It was an excellent display of rugby from both teams.
Final score Billingham 24, Middlesbrough 42.
Sunday 13th – Guisborough v Middlesbrough Girls
One result not reflected on the board: Middlesbrough Girls played in their first match on Sunday against Guisborough. In a close fought contest they come out on the losing end of the fixture by a single try. The final score was not registered but the Girls have done really well considering it was their first outing.
