Winning run continues for Aycliffe
Mar
Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club played host to Winlaton for this friendly match. The visitors turned up 2 men short, but Aycliffe were able to lend players to make up the numbers. Darryl Pettit started a game for the first time this season, at scrum half.
Aycliffe had the advantage of a strong wind, blowing diagonally across the pitch, in the first half. As usual, the home backs looked potent and, when Drew Gibson received the ball on the wing, he was able to power away from the defence from the half way line. Gareth Parsonage added the conversion. Pettit broke away on the blind side soon after and Andy Newman was on hand to score in the corner. Excellent handling in the backs saw Neil Cochrane break through the middle, and similar good work saw him add another not long after. Parsonage added another two conversions. The Winlaton scrummage and mauling was always a threat, and they came close to scoring when held up over the Aycliffe line. The score at the break was 26 – 0.
At the beginning of the second half, Aycliffe put together an excellent move, with forwards and backs working together, but a forward pass brought it to an end. The visitors then proceeded to camp in Aycliffe’s 22 for most of the rest of the match. Excellent tackling and defence from the home side saw them concede only two unconverted tries. The game ended 26 – 10. Although the wind was a factor, Aycliffe were unhappy with the second half performance and are still looking to put together 80 minutes of good play.
Anyone who would like to play at Aycliffe, of whatever standard, is welcome to attend training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Moore Lane at 7pm. On 8th March, Aycliffe visit Bishop Auckland 2nds in a league game, kick-off time to be confirmed, up-to-date information can be found on the website at www.ayclifferugby.co.uk.
