Middlesbrough 1stXV 18 – 3 Northern
Before England faced the stern test of France at Rugby HQ, the Middlesbrough 1st XV were facing their own test in the top of the table clash against Northern.
Northern were sitting top of the table, 4 points above Middlesbrough with a superior points difference by 16. In their 3 previous games since the turn of the New Year, Northern had amassed 194 points whilst only conceding 33. The shift in points difference being a swing of 99 points over Middlesbrough in the same period. Northern came into the game in form and seemingly full of points. Whatever the result surely they would be heading back home still in top spot. What transpired left them dejected and looking up the table.
Both teams went at it hammer and tongs. The tackling was exceptional; with no ground being given. It was around the 20 minute mark before the first points were posted. A penalty to Middlesbrough and a 3-0 lead courtesy of Ste Jones. Swiftly followed, 3 minutes later, by a penalty response from Northern. 3-3.
Shortly before half time, Middlesbrough’s Jones was sin binned for a stand up tackle making slight contact to the head. During the yellow card period Boro defended resolutely and Northern could not make a breakthrough. Northern did try to cease the initiative by kicking a penalty to touch for the line out drive, but Boro held firm.
Half-time score 3-3.
Middlesbrough, now back to 15, started the second half on the front foot. A few minutes into the second half Boro were awarded a kickable penalty. In a tight game the correct decision to take the three points was made. The penalty was successful and Boro crept ahead again. 6-3.
The contest for the breakthrough was relentless, both teams moving the ball across the field trying to find that all elusive gap.
Ten or so minutes into the second half Boro did find the magic spark. Boro crashed the ball up the park. The ball was moved out left and Ollie, who must have been slow getting back up from a previous ruck, took a pass and then showed the backs what they should do. A little grubber kick past the defending line, a collect and a try. If Dupont had scored that the Beeb would have gone wild. As it was, it was the Boro home crowd celebrating wildly. Ste Jones conversion attempt looked to be heading in, but the ball drifted and brushed the left hand post. 11-3.
Shortly after the score, Boro were again reduced to 14 when Josh Lynas was binned for a no arms tackle. On this occasion, Northern ceased the possession more than they had during the first yellow and were soon camped out on the Boro 5 metre line. Drive after drive was repelled by the Boro defence; eventually holding Northern up over the line, allowing a goal line drop out reprieve.
After successfully repelling the repeated waves of attack , the Boro forwards were starting to take command of the scrum. A couple of super drives had the Northern pack moving back at speed. This superiority had Boro moving up the pitch and into the Northern 22. As Boro looked like crashing over, a resolute defence by Northern caused Boro to knock on and Northern had the scrum close to their own line. The Boro pack again had the Northern pack reeling backwards and the ball come shooting out the Boro side. Connor was quick to pick and go, and with Ollie driving him on, Boro had scored again. Ste Jones added the 2 and going into the final minutes Boro were ahead 18-3.
Northern tried to move the ball up field but Boro were impenetrable. After a turnover, Jones found space down the right and kicked for the backs to chase. A rattled Northern scampering back, chased by a buoyant Boro backline, shamelessly charged into Moosh to put his chase to an end. During the subsequent fracas the referee decided to call time and Boro walked away with the four point and top spot in the table.
Final score 18-3.
So Boro, had not only won the four points to take them level with Northern, they had secured enough points difference to put them in top spot.
In the final five game both Boro and Northern face, Aspatria, Consett, Keswick and Morpeth. This looks like it’s going down to wire…
Courtesy of KinoSport Rugby, you can now watch the whole game, here.
Boro Wasps 27 – 14 Alnwick 2nds
Meanwhile, also at Acklam Park, the Wasps were entertaining Alnwick 2nds. In a tough fixture, Boro put in a comeback performance to run out 27-14 winners.
