Boro 1st XV and Boro Wasps both travelled to Morpeth for the two Saturday games held on 8 March. The team had mixed fortunes with one win and one loss.
Morpeth 13 – 27 Middlesbrough 1st XV
Morpeth Reivers 35 – 17 Middlesbrough Wasps
Morpeth 13 – 27 Middlesbrough 1st XV
On a Spring morning our heroes in maroon and gold set out up the lonely road (A19) through the land of the Prince Bishops under the mighty river and thru the black and white gate up into the realm of the dark lord Morpeth. Sorry got a bit JRR there, this was a second vs third fixture with our opponents being one of only 2 sides to beat us this season.
In the fourth minute the home pack recycle the ball a few times for them to then crash over for the opening score 7-0.
A good response from Boro, who are awarded a penalty and elect to scrum. Another penalty is taken quickly but a loose pass allows Morpeth to clear. Another penalty to Boro, who decide to go for goal, Aedan Moloney kicks it straight thru the uprights 7-3.
Morpeth extend their lead with a penalty 10-3.
A Boro line out is caught and a driving maul takes the ball over the try line; with prop Josh “Lyno the Rhino” Lynas touching down. Moloney adds the extras and we’re level 10-10.
Back come Morpeth to retake the lead with another pen 13-10.
Boro are back on the attack and from a scrum 5m out they go close being held up over the line. They then get a penalty tap and go, and the ball is moved out wide to Rhys Kilbride who duly scores the con makes it 13-17.
That takes us to half time.
Boro start the second stanza brightly and extend their lead with Moloney kicking another goal 13-20.
Boro are on top and Morpeth are giving away penalty after penalty. From a maul Boro move the ball wide for Moloney to crash over. He then converts 13-27.
The final few minutes are a tense affair with Morpeth camped in the Boro half. Boro clear after a penalty.
The last move of the match sees Boro try for the bonus point but, alas the ball does not go to hand and we reach Full Time Morpeth 13 Middlesbrough 27.
We are now in Top spot in Regional 2 North on points difference to second place Northern (who beat Keswick 13-19). There is only a converted try in it. We’re going down to the wire with 2 games left to play.
Next week we have our final home game of the season against fifth place Consett KO 1500
Morpeth 2nd XV 35 – 17 Middlesbrough Wasps
