Acklam Talbots 5 - Newton Aycliffe 7
Apr
Newton Aycliffe travelled to Teesside to meet an experienced Acklam Talbots side in a friendly on 5^th April. Again the weather was inclement with a strong wind and showers affecting the early part of the game.
Aycliffe played into the wind in the first half, and the game soon became a forward battle. Acklam had the edge in the scrummage, but Aycliffe were on top in the lineouts. Chances were few and far between for both sides, but the Aycliffe backs showed a few glimpses of what they could do. The Aycliffe forwards were tackling with gusto, with Ryan Milford making more than his fair share. The closest either side came to scoring in the first period was when Gareth Parsonage set off from his own 22, running close on 80 metres before being tackled 5 metres short, from the ensuing ruck, Peter Lampett, making his first start, was tackled into touch. The break was reached with no score on the board.
Despite playing into the wind, the Talbots applied more pressure in the second half and came close to scoring when after crossing the line they were held up through good defensive work by Aycliffe. Finally the pressure told and Acklam were able to score in the corner. The wind made the conversion too difficult. Aycliffe fought back and Acklam were beginning to make handling errors under pressure. When Stuart McIvor pounced on one knock-on and fed the ball out to the backs, Luke Tinkler was able to use his speed to round the defence, he then battled his way nearer the posts to make the kick easier. Parsonage was faced with a pressure kick to take the lead but he slotted it with aplomb. Aycliffe had the better of what little time remained and were well-satisfied to win a close game by 7 – 5.
On 12^th April, Aycliffe host a touring side, BP Chemicals, who are based in the Hull area, kick off is 3pm. 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. Up-to-date information can be found on the website at www.ayclifferugby.co.uk.
