As can be seen from the featured image Storm Darragh played havoc with some games in the UK this weekend. However, the 1st VX and a late change in the ‘A’ Team fixture against Richmond did go ahead. A huge shout out to all the players who played in torrential wind and rain. It was not nice, so well done. Credit should also go to the fans who attended all the games too. The weather was not nice for them either, but the fans had the opportunity to wrap up warm.
Unfortunately, the planned Friday night game was cancelled due to a Club miscommunication. We hope the U14’s aren’t too despondent and get their game against Guisborough rescheduled soon.
Consett 15 – 59 Middlesbrough 1st XV
In the face of Storm Darragh Middlesbrough travelled into the land of the Prince Bishops to face Consett in their latest Regional 2 North fixture. Playing against the elements Boro open the scoring with a pushover try with No 8 Ollie Hodgson touching down, Brendan Hill kicked the conversion 0-7.
Boro have to try to run everything out as kicking is not an option. They get caught holding on at a ruck and the home side kick the resulting penalty 3-7.
Consett clear the ball kicking to Boro full back Matthew Marsay who fields the ball in his own half and sets off on a run deep into Consett territory he passes to Rohan Brown who off loads to points machine Hill to score then convert 3-14.
Consett then score a try of their own as they pick up at the base of a ruck and run through the defence to score kick is good 10-14.
The ball is kicked into the home team’s half and Boro scrum half Conner Foley steals it and runs in from 20 metres to score con is missed from out wide 10-19.
Consett then kick the ball dead from their own 22 and from the resulting scrum Boro centres Pete Homan and Jack McPhillips combine to punch into the red zone the ball gets recycled, and Ollie Hodgson grabs his second the conversion is good 10-26.
The home side then score their final points of the afternoon through a try 15-26 Half Time.
The second stanza begins with Boro stealing a line out and Marcus Lang charging through bouncing off at least 3 defenders to score 15-33.
Boro are using the elements well with both Conner Foley and fly half Shay Barritt kicking the ball behind Consett and forcing them to attack from deep. They clear one ball and from the resulting line out Boro catch and drive over the whitewash with replacement hooker Jack Cook scoring 15-38.
Deja Vu happens and Cook scores his second from a catch and drive, Barritt adds the extras 15-45.
Another try from a line out quickly follows but I have no idea who scored it as it occurred on the far side of the pitch, the cold must be affecting my eyesight. Barritt converts 15-52.
Today’s scoring is finished when a goal line drop out into the wind goes straight to Pete Homan who crosses the line unopposed, a well deserved score for a player who has been everywhere today, the conversion is added the final score being Consett 15 Middlesbrough 59.
Massive respect to both sets of players who gave their all in the face of Storm Darragh, literally. How a game was played to that good a standard in those conditions credits both clubs immensely.
The bonus point win sees Boro remain in second place in the league table. Next week we return home to Le Parc du Acklam to face old friends and rivals Durham City. There is confusion about kick off times at the moment so aim to be there for a 2pm start in order not to miss out as I nearly did today.
Report by Jason Littleton.
Richmond 10 – 34 Middlesbrough ‘A’
In a late arranged league fixture, Richmond hosted Middlesbrough ‘A’ team.
Boro scored 6 tries to Richmond’s 2 and ran out comfortable winners
Ripon 0 v 44 Middlesbrough Colts
Well what can I say about today other than a fantastic result 44 points to 0 against Ripon away with 20 minutes still left on the clock when the referee blew his whistle for full time due to bad weather.
As the lads ran out from the changing rooms to enter the field of play we had strong winds and hale stone coming in sideways followed by some really heavy rain. This never stopped our lads who if I’m honest ran some fantastic lines and great ball handling seen them breaking the line time and time again.
While the Ripon players were having a winge at their coach for keeping the game on today the boro lads were wiping the mud from their eyes and getting set for the next phase.
Half time the referee and us coaches decided to let the lads take 10 minutes to try and get the feeling back in their hands our lads used this 10 minutes to all jump in a hot shower with their full kit on to get a warm before running back out into the cold with steam coming off them 🤣🤣 not too sure who’s idea it was but they all followed 🤦♂
I’m really proud of all of them today it just shows the true grit and togetherness of this team and again just getting stronger and stronger with more self belief.
2 players to mention Francis Armstrong scoring 3 trys and some great support play all game and also Brook Powner brook broke the line so many times today I could even see the shock in his own face 🤣 but again solid all game well done lads.
I would also like to mention Jade Roper our medic jade follows the colts about all over Yorkshire and doesn’t get the recognition she deserves last season and this one she’s never let us down so thankyou jade from all of us.
Next game Friday night at home ko to be confirmed.
