U16 v Sunderland Match report

Thousands made their way to the outskirts of Darlington to witness the biggest sporting spectacle since Eddie The Eagle Edwards - could Mike's Marauders defeat Sunderland and get through to the final at the end of March?

As the game kicked off there were few empty seats, and only another 24,963 people and the stadium would have been full to the rafters! Anyway the game kicked off, and the lads absorbed some early pressure from a big Sunderland side. However, the defence was strong, and early nerves soon disappeared as the boys started to find their rhythm and run through the phases.

It was not long before a scintillating move with the backs, saw Angus Ferguson over for the first try, which was then converted by Tom Brown 7-0 up.

The forwards worked hard in the loose and provided a regular source of ball for the backs who were well organised by Matty Wray.

In all the excitement memory Is a little hazy, however, as the game wore on, Mowden became more dominant in all areas, and in the end were deserved and comfortable winners with further tries from Sam King, James Dryburgh, and The Huminator (Josh Human). Add another conversion from Tom, and we were good value for a 24-0 lead.

Unfortunately, in the second half our intensity dropped off, and the team did not go on to dominate as perhaps they should. Billingham in the final will be a tougher proposition, and there will be a need to maintain focus and intensity until the final whistle. In addition, at the breakdown, there was a need to up the aggression, to ensure that we dominate and secure ball. And in the second half, Sunderland managed to score and convert a consolation try, making the final score 24-7. Well done boys, a fantastic achievement and shows how far you have come and your potential for the future.

Also, as Paul's note said, for the coaches, selection of a squad for a game everyone wants to play in is never easy, and it was great to see a couple of the squad coming down to support!

Whilst writing, there are a couple of unanswered questions...........

During his rehabilitation, where has Angus been going for his spray tan?
Why did Matty Wray decide not to wear socks?
Has anyone got photographic evidence of Mike smiling after the game?
Rowan has rightly challenged my recollections of his previous tries. I am sure I didn't see him sprint 50 metres and side step the entire back division of Westoe, however I am happy to be corrected if evidence emerges! In the meantime ".......Rowan tripped over the line....." remains!!!

Answers to these and more to follow..........

Bring on the final!

And finally, thanks to the club for hosting both our match and the U17's which followed.
Good luck to the U17's who also won their match and go through to the semi-finals.