Sunderland 3XV 8 - Newton Aycliffe 34
Jan
Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club travelled to Sunderland to play a friendly against the hosts’ 3rd XV, a fixture that in the past had seen the visitors suffer some heavy defeats. After enduring a journey through the city to the school pitch that the game was played on, Aycliffe kicked off with the minimum of warm-up.
From the start Aycliffe went straight on the offensive and good work by man of the match, Deryk Cairns, and Andy Newman saw the backs given enough space to release Chris Wilson on the wing, who beat a number of defenders before scoring. Sunderland’s big pack struck back and, following some destructive rucking, their flanker was able to equalise. Aycliffe attacked again and Luke Tinkler was able to score under the posts, converting his own try. Sunderland then came close to scoring before an excellent tackle from Wilson saved the situation. The Aycliffe front row scrummaged well against the larger opposition winning more than their share of the ball. Tinkler added a penalty before the break to make the score 15 –5.
Whenever Aycliffe got quick ball and moved it quickly through hands, the home defence were struggling, and Gareth Parsonage was strong enough to force his way over for another converted try. Sunderland added a penalty kick, but Aycliffe were soon on the attack again and Tinkler added his second try when he received the ball from a tap penalty. A mazy 40 metre run by Parsonage added a fifth try of the afternoon for Aycliffe with Tinkler notching his third conversion and the game ended 34 – 8 to Aycliffe. This was the best game for a number of weeks by Aycliffe and marked their 6th straight win.
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. The game for 22nd March is still to be confirmed, kick-off time 3pm, up-to-date information can be found on the website at www.ayclifferugby.co.uk.
