Northallerton RUFC welcomed Ossett RUFC to the Lodge for the first time in many years. League positions and chance have kept apart two sides that used to make a regular habit out of meeting on the pitch. On the back of some difficult results so far, North were looking to build on the many positive signs that have been shown whilst Ossett, who currently have a position in the upper half of the table, were seeking to keep the heat on the league leaders. On the Sunday, the U15’s side played away at local side Darlington RFC, hoping to continue their form from the last game’s successful outing.

The game began with Ossett racing out of the blocks, eager to impress themselves on the home side. A combination of hard, straight running and swift hands when needed yielded the first try of the match after only a few minutes. The shock of this early score did not rock North too much though and they were able to work the phases the gain territory in the Ossett half. By showing patience and using good support play the forwards manufactured a strong attacking position close to the visitor’s try line, and from the well-practiced rolling maul the host’s scored their reply to draw the match level. It was clear to the many spectators that both teams were fairly evenly matched on the day and the pattern of the first half continued in a back-and-forth manner. Ossett managed to convert another spell of possession into a try that took the lead again. Hooker JP Coyne celebrated his return to the side with a try for North from the back of a driving maul that helped keep the game to a one
score affair. With the half drawing to a close, a moment that looked as though it would shape the game occurred when a needlessly high challenge from an Ossett defender resulted in a straight red card.

Resuming the game and now playing down the slope with a man advantage, it looked as though North were going to be able to turn the screw and leapfrog the visitors into the lead. Testament to the defence qualities that have taken them to the upper half of the table, Ossett dug deep and not only managed to repel the North attacks, but then went on a scoring spree themselves. A few lapsed moments of concentration from the home side afforded space to the visitors on several occasions and from this they were clinical in their finishing. Despite the majority of the play being hotly contested with little to separate the team’s abilities, these well taken, break away scores meant that the gap on the scoreboard was ever widening, the game seeming to slip away from the hosts. In spite of this, the effort levels from North never dropped off. Grit and determination once again proved good motivation to keep the players fighting all the way. Fly half Ollie Walters provided one of the
moments of the match scoring a wonderful solo try. Taking the ball inside his own half he proceeded to send the oncoming defenders every which way with dummy after outrageous dummy. With the fullback still wondering where the ball had gone, he calmly stepped around him to score North’s third try. A moment of magic is often all it takes to lift a team and it certainly had that effect on the home side who gathered all the momentum towards the end of the match. North found themselves defending a scrum on Ossett’s five metre line and with a titanic push, turned it over against the head and drove the whole Ossett pack back over their try line. Number 8 Alex Hugill expertly controlled the ball at the base of the scrum to make certain of the try and claim the four-try bonus point for North. In the final few moments of the match, winger Josh Barratt continued his fine form of scoring with another try in the corner after some slick handling from the backs. The game ended with a final score of Northallerton 29 – Ossett 43. A big thank you to the referee for officiating the match, to Ossett for travelling in good numbers and to the many volunteers who help make the day happen.

The U15s travelled up the A167 to face Darlington RFC. Having had a mixed start to the season so far, the team were keen to follow the success of their last game with more of the same this time. The intensity of the match was impressive to the many spectators and, despite a high level of effort in both defence and attack, North were unable to impose themselves on a very physical and coordinated Darlington side. Hayden Norton scored North’s only try of the match, continuing his long-standing scoring run once again. The game finished with a final score of Darlington RFC 56 – Northallerton 5. Many thanks to Darlington RFC for their hospitality and to the many parents and spectators who went to support the team.

For any readers who would like to take part in rugby in Northallerton, the men train on Tuesday and Thursday 7pm, the ladies train on Wednesday 7pm and the juniors play on Sunday 10am. All ages and abilities welcome. Please contact the club on social media for more information.