Stern test for Bishop Auckland
Aug
BISHOP Auckland RUFC organised a stern test for their second pre-season
friendly – a clash with Westoe who play in North 1.
And for three-quarters of the game Bishop performed superbly, defending
well and showing plenty of commitment and good attitude.
Westoe arrived with a large squad and used the 20 minute team exchanges to
full advantage. However, they failed to boss Bishop’s pack and the home
backs coped with most of what Westoe threw at them in the first 40 minutes,
Bishop going into the break a couple of tries down.
Bishop’s third 20 minutes display saw them up their game further and
determined work, with stand-out performances from back-row Dan Halliday and
scrum-half Andrew Brabban, forced Westoe to play the game in their half.
Bishop scored with a clinically executed move between stand-off Dave Gibson
and Mike Halladay. Halladay finished it off well - his strength a huge
asset for Bishop’s backline.
But Westoe’s class shone through in the final quarter. They fielded their
strongest side and their power, pace and fitness ultimately proved
unstoppable for Bishop. They ran in a number of tries in quick succession
and comprehensively won the game. Nevertheless, Bishop’s forwards never let
up the intensity with Andrew Rispin and Danny Ross leading the line by
example.
Captain Paul Brookes praised the commitment of Bishop players and said
lessons learnt against such quality opposition will stand them in good
stead for the season.
- Bishop train at Westmills playing fields 7pm Tuesday and Thursday. New
and lapsed players very welcome.
