Richmondshire 24, Newton Aycliffe 10
Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club lost ground on the promotion places in Durham and Northumberland Division Three with a disappointing defeat at Richmondshire.
With a number of players unavailable, Stuie McLean came in for his first game of the season.
Richmondshire’s large pack, playing downhill, took control of the scrums and they had the lion’s share of possession.
Richmondshire took the lead with a penalty kick, before the home forwards powered over for a try.
A second try followed from a blind-side break off a 5-metre scrum. Aycliffe replied with a penalty from Dave Gibson.
The score at half-time was 13–3 to Richmondshire.
In the second half, Aycliffe’s scrummaging improved and they got more ball, but they still had to withstand an onslaught on their line.
Excellent tackling saw Richmond unable to score any tries but they potted two more penalties to increase their lead.
A moment of skill saw Dave Gibson release James Thacker into space and he score the try under the posts; Gibson added the conversion.
Aycliffe now poured forward hopeful of gaining at least a losing bonus point, but the attack broke down and the turnover ball was run back for a final try of the match with Richmondshire triumphing 24–10.
On 4th March, Aycliffe visit Hartlepool BBOB for another league encounter; kick-off now reverts to 3pm for the rest of the season.
Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club are sponsored by Workshop Supplies, Lift Right Forklift Training and Taylor Hastwell Steeplejack Services.
Visit the website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/newtonaycliffe