Aycliffe Resistance Tested
NOV
Newton Aycliffe 17 Barnard Castle 2nds 33
Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club hosted a strong Barnard Castle 2nd team at Moore Lane. Aycliffe were still missing a number of players but were able to field a solid looking side.
The opening exchanges were close fought with the visitors having a set of backs that looked the equal of Aycliffe. Barnard Castle took the lead with a converted try but Aycliffe struck back when Gareth Parsonage was able to just score with three defenders trying to pull him down. The visitors added to their lead with a further converted score but Andy Newman was released by Warren Parsonage 20 metres out to reduce the deficit. At the break the score was 14 – 10 to the visitors.
Aycliffe took the lead early in the second half when Gareth Parsonage found some space, chipped the ball passed the defence and was able to retrieve the ball at ankle height before diving over the line. Luke Tinkler added the conversion. Barnard Castle then began to get the upper hand with good tackling keeping them out. Bob Malvern stopped a try with a crunching hit on the goal line. Finally, however, Castle were able to go over in the corner from a 5-metre scrum to take a 2-point lead. The Aycliffe resistance finally cracked in the last ten minutes and the visitors added two converted tries for a flattering 33 -17 scoreline at the end of the game. This was a good performance by Aycliffe and the match was a fine spectacle for the spectators.
On Saturday 23rd November, Newton Aycliffe visit Durham City 3rd XV in a Durham Junior League match; kick-off 2.15. Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club would like to thank their sponsors Aston Hotels and ServiceForce. More information is available on the website at www.ayclifferugby.co.uk.
