After a tough season, battling out against strong opposition, the 1st XV have stood strong in the final game of the season and gained promotion into Regional 1 North for the 25/26 season.
This was probably the most close fought league in English Rugby. Going into the final match Middlesbrough edged top spot by points difference only. Their fierce rivals this season, and a team who over recent season have held the edge over Middlesbrough, Northern, were one the same points. One additional converted try and a penalty better could see Northern take the title. First and foremost Middlesbrough had to win. West Hartlepool were intent on spoiling the party.
Middlesbrough started the game strong and put lots of pressure on West and a couple of early chances by both forwards and backs, not finished, were opportunities missed. West kicked clear, too long, and from the resulting scrum a penalty awarded, Middlesbrough opted to take the 3 points to get the score board ticking. It did. West Hartlepool drove into the Middlesbrough 22 and recycled a number of times before eventually crashing over. West leading 7 – 3.
Middlesbrough responded positively. The pressure caused West to concede a few quick penalties. The set pieces allowed Middlesbrough to gain territory and eventually, Lynas ran a great line to gather a short past and burst through a gap. A little last minute side step was enough for the “Rhino” to score. Hill added the two and Middlesbrough were back in it. 7 – 10.
However, West were in no mood to lie down and let Middlesbrough have it all their own way. Again, their forwards drove into the Middlesbrough 22 and completed another score. The conversion put West in front. 14 – 10. West had the formula and the forwards set their plan for the rest of the game. Every time in the 22 that’s the plan.
Meanwhile news was in from Consett. Northern had raced off to a 21 to nothing lead. Northern same points but now a better score difference by 15. Middlesbrough players on the pitch were not aware but news had filtered to some in the dugout. They chose to say nothing and let the players get on with the job in hand.
The players did know what was required and they set off apace. Running the ball from one side to the other. Crashing into the West defence and recycling the ball in seconds. It was all too much for West. Their plan to get back into the Middlesbrough 22 went out of the window as Middlesbrough piled on the scores. Backs and forwards combined and from one of the recycles Conner got close but realising he was short popped a pass to Ollie who crashed over. Hill converted. 14 -17.
The scoring machine Hill then took possession on half way on a line that broke the defence. A tap tackle almost stopped the break and caused Hill to juggle the ball. However, he manged to hold on and score and convert. 14 -24.
The all important bonus point score soon followed. The Middlesbrough forwards were starting to take control at the set piece. Pressure had West stuck in their 22 and from a West put in the forwards caused disruption in the scrum. The lack of control caused the ball to pop out to Conner who carried over three defenders to score. Hill added two and Middlesbrough went into half time leading 14 – 31.
Middlesbrough were in no mood to let the title go further North. They started the second half as they had finished the first. Conner sniped a second and Hill added the two. Marsay ran in from half way. Hill added the two. The pressure was telling and the penalty count against West was telling. A quick tap and Ollie pops to Colvin and Helm to drive over. Hill converts. At 14 – 52 Middlesbrough have set a target for Northern and West seemed out on their feet. Or so it seemed…
In the next ten minutes West seemed to fight their way back into the game. They pressured Middlesbrough back into their own half and it was Middlesbrough who were starting to concede the penalties. With players open down the left it was certain West were going to go over to score, but spotting the danger Conner lay over the ball and killed the momentum. It proved to be a good penalty. The resulting line out was turned over and Middlesbrough managed to clear their lines.
Having overcome the difficult spell, Middlesbrough managed to get back up field and a score. Joe Sawdon, converted by Hill, put Middlesbrough 14-59 up.
Not knowing what was happening in Consett the fans and players wanted one more, just to be certain. Shouts of encouragement from around the ground. Peter in the centre on the pitch “big last five”. Everyone knew what was on the line. To the Middlesbrough fans, the thrill of the rugby on show was tempered by what is happening in Consett.
Middlesbrough players obliged the belief, as they have done all season. Harry Bryce, off the bench, went on a marauding run and sets up Hill to score. The final score 14 – 64.
As the players do in rugby. The tunnel. The appreciation of the competition. Only on this occasion the wait. What happened at Consett.
Keith Bircham, acting Club Secretary, was on the phone to his contact. As he slowly walked over to the players tunnel all everyone could do was wait. Then a massive cheer from the Middlesbrough players put everyone in the picture. Middlesbrough were Regional 2 North Champions. Northern had won and had won well. However, Middlesbrough had done enough. The first two scores registered on GMS…
Match report courtesey of Jabba’s in match commentary.
Hell of a season and congrats to everyone involved!
A special mention to Don, who we hear was being kept up to date as the scores were posted. A legend and a season dedicated to you!
