U16's on top form.

A couple of weeks ago there was a game on TV between The All Blacks and some other outfit that Nico mentions from time to time! Anyway, I enjoyed the game and thought that as a display of attacking rugby, and the perfect union between forwards and backs it was outstanding, and one of the best games that I have ever seen. However, on the green Blaydon pastures today, those of us lucky to be there, witnessed something even better as the DMP U16s powered to a 37 - 0 win over Blaydon.

First half was tight, however good pressure from the Mowden pack allowed Sam King to fall over the line to make it 5-0. It was soon 10, as James Dtybrough, leaping like a rampant salmon on its way to the breeding grounds took a clean line out ball. Again, the forwards controlled a lovely driving maul, allowing Sam to trip over the line once again. The rest of the half was quite a tense affair, with some toing and froing, although DMP always looked the more likely to score, as against our powerful tackling, Blaydon did not have the penetration to get close to our line.

So then, 10-0 at half time, and we had merely had an amuse bouche for what was to come. As the second halfway, progressed, Mowden produced attack after attack, and in reality it was only the fact that we took the wrong decision or someone held on to the ball too long that the final score was kept to 37! In the second half as Josh Human ran in two tries, Liam Dent scored one, Callum Burke scored one, and Rees Brown another, some of the interplay between forwards and backs was breathtaking. It was great to see forwards winning clean, fast ball and the backs exhibiting quality handling to finish the moves off. Whilst all contributed, Ollie Turner had perhaps his finest game in a Mowden shirt as he timed his passes to perfection in the centre to create space for those outside him.

As the boys celebrated this marvellous victory, a couple were asking - Who is Tom Gardiner? And, what happened to that prop we once had called Rowan?

James Allinson taught all a lesson! Don't tackle with your head, as it hurts!!

Good result, well done boys, and well supported parents!