ROUSING SEND OFF FOR IAN

The U14 team dominated the match against a largely unknown Guisborough team to give back coach Ian Wilson a victory to remember as he heads to Loughborough Uni and assistant forwards coach Mike Whinn cause for satisfaction as he returns to Teesside Uni.

Continuing their good form the U14 team ran in 9 tries and Tamer Fuat, adopting the more conventional tee instead of his left boot as a kicking aid, converted 8 of them in a more than convincing performance.

After some early pressure from Mowden, Guisborough learned the folly of not making touch with a defensive kick as Elliot Wanlass nearly ran the ball straight back at them and only some good tackling on the line prevented a try. However the pressure soon told and from a tap penalty a great run from Callum Oakes then fine linking of backs and forwards Tamer went over for the first try of the match. Sadly, Dominic Gibson suffered an injury and was replaced by Alfie Wilson in the front row.

As Mowden applied consistent pressure, it was only a matter of time until they scored again, this time James McLintock bursting over the try line for a second try. Guisborough became increasingly desperate in defence and eventually the referee had no choice but to sin-bin a player for continual infringement in the ruck. Mowden took full advantage and in a lovely move from the tap penalty Gordon Thompson, Mark Wilson and Jonny Teague set up a try for Tom Lawson under the posts.

Shortly afterwards Joe Craggs made an excellent tackle on a Guisborough forward, robbed him of the ball and after a powerful run set up Mark Harsley who showed his pace and a clean pair of heels to the Guisborough defence from outside the 22 as he completed the fourth try, also under the posts.

The Guisborough forwards, although outplayed in the set pieces were more committed to the loose than Mowden and turned the ball over on several occasions. Mowden’s tacking was solid but against a stronger team, failure to commit sufficient players to the loose play and drive over in the ruck will cost the team a lot of points.

Finally just before half time in a rehearsed move that must have made Ian Wilson proud, Jonny Teague ran a great line to confound the defence for another score. With Tamer converting all the kicks the half time score was Mowden Park 35 Guisborough 0.

As the second half started the front three of Alfie, James and Simon Shepherd continued their domination of the set scrum allowing James to win several against the head. In the second row Sam Lorimer had a great game with powerful tackling and running well supported by the loose forwards of Joe, Tom and Ryan Hall, all of whom caused problems for their opposite numbers.

Again, after a period of pressure from the forwards, a switch move involving all of the backs Mattie Warr was set free to show his pace and ran in Mowden’s first try of the second half. Straight from the kick off Joe embarked on a strong run through several tackles, waiting till the last moment to release the ball to Callum who drove over the line for another try.

Guisborough then started to exert some pressure with good kicking and rucking put pressure on the Mowden line for several minutes. However, an enterprising back move from in front of Mowden’s own posts gave Mattie an opening and he ran in the eighth try from inside his own half.

The restart kick went straight to Tamer who ran the ball back and only good tackling prevented another score. That seemed to give heart to Guisborough who embarked on their best period of the match and honours were even for a good period in a quieter period of the second half. Eventually Mowden broke away and Tamer, deciding to test his kicking ability put the ball down in the corner for Mowden’s ninth try. Unfortunately, into the wind this was a kick too far and he finished with eight out of nine.

The referee, deciding enough was enough, blew his whistle for time with several minutes still on the clock.

Final score Mowden 61 Guisborough 0

Another excellent performance and a fine send off for Ian. As a parting gift Ian was given a card and a photo of the team signed by all of the players with several crates of beer that should see him through his first week at University. Mike Whinn was also thanked and given a present of beer to last to next Sunday! As Ian said in his farewell, this squad has the potential to be a great team. A rest next week, then a tough match away to Horden.