Three wins on Saturday meant another upbeat week end for Boro.
Th 1st XV saw of a resilient Durham in what looked like a comfortable win. However, Durham caused a little corcern in the Boro ranks by scoring three late on to make the finish a little more edgy. Wasps equalised the 1st XV in points scored in a 38 – 14 win away at Percy Park; whilst the ‘A’ Team put 45 past Hartlepool in a 45-5 win.
On Sunday the U14s also ran in tries in a high scoring victory over Guisborough.
Boro 1st XV 38 – 35 Durham City
Another cracking afternoon of rugby down at Acklam Park as Middlesbrough welcomed fellow 152 year old Durham City, our friends from the North
As with most games in Regional 2 North both sides were at it hammer and tongs from the off
On 11 minutes a break from Boro No 8 player/coach Ollie Hodgson results in quick ball for the backs, wing Brendan Hill passes out of a tackle to full back Matthew Marsay to score, Hill adds the conversion 7-0
Durham attack, up the slope and are rewarded with a try after several drives from their pack 7-7
A lineout on halfway allows Boro to attempt an intricate move in the centres, straight off the training pitch, this puts Hill through the gap he draws the full back and passes to centre Jack McPhillips to score 12-7
McPhillips then breaks through the DC defence to set up the ball for fly half Shay Barritt to score out wide 17-7
Towards half time DC kick a penalty leaving the score at the break Middlesbrough 17 Durham City 10
The second half starts with DC mounting wave after wave of attack at Boro, the home side can count themselves lucky to only concede 2 penalties 17-16
Hands, hands and more hands from Boros backs and forwards sees them pass the ball along the line and back again, eventually it ends up in Jack McPhillips hands, he pivots and pirouettes creating space for him to run in from 20 metres to score, Hill adds on 2 24-16
At this point I got a phone call from my Mum and I looked up from it just in time to see Hill cross the whitewash for a tr4y, U have no idea what the move was that led to it but I couldn’t ignore me Mum could I? Hill converts 31-16
More good play sees Boro centre Pete Homan go on one of his trademark barnstorming runs, the ball was fed out to replacement hooker Jack Cook who juggled but held on well, a ruck was formed allowing Hodgson to snipe over from close in 38-16
A fellow spectator commented that DC had played well and would be disappointed to return home with out a pair of bonus points. Commentators curse became that spectators curse as DC finished the game strongly with three well deserved tries the third of these was a length of the field effort securing them 2 losing bonus points
38-35
Another great game from two sets of players giving their all for our game
Next week Boro travel along the A66 to Carlisle for a 2pm kick off, a week off in the middle of the Holidays then back over to Cumbria again on the 4th January to play Kirkby Lonsdale 1400 ko for this one
Yours in rugby
Jabba
Boro U14s vs Guisborough
In a tough, physical encounter, Boro U14s put on a dominant display, securing a commanding 68-5 victory over Guisborough.
The game started at a blistering pace, with Archie Brent diving under the posts within the first two minutes, converted by Riley Watson. Momentum continued to build as Captain Lewis Boyes, Seth Naughton, and Charlie Evans crossed the line, all successfully converted by Watson. Despite Guisborough responding with an impressive try in the corner following a well-executed phase of play, Boro carried a solid 28-5 lead into halftime.
However, discipline became a factor as Boro began the second half with just 13 players due to two yellow cards received at the break. Undeterred, the team demonstrated their depth and determination, producing a second-half masterclass. Tries flowed freely from George Cann, Christian Boyes, Haelma Pemha, Harry Fysh, Shea O’Hara, and a superb hat trick from Charlie Evans. Notably, one of Evans’ tries came from a stunning 70-meter solo run, cementing his performance as a standout.
The team also showed great camaraderie and resilience in the face of physical challenges, with Jack Smith stepping up as the “Unsung Hero” for his grit and loyalty when tensions boiled over.
Player of the Match: Charlie Evans – A clinical display of finishing and determination, capped off with three brilliant tries.
Unsung Hero: Jack Smith – For his relentless hard work and unwavering support for his teammates.
As the team heads into the new year, discipline will remain a key focus, but this strong finish to 2024 sets a promising tone for the challenges ahead.
Simon Cann
