U14s – MOWDEN DOUBLY VICTORIOUS IN NEW FIXTURES

At the picturesque ground in the middle of the Thirsk race course Mowden played both Thirsk and Richmond in shortened games.

THIRSK vs. MOWDEN

Mowden’s first match was against the home team who were fresh off some good results and hopeful of a close game or even a victory. Mowden had couple of absentees in the forwards giving Simon Shepherd his first chance to start as flanker. With each team playing two matches, the games were shortened to 20 minutes each way.

From the start Mowden made it clear that they were playing an open game and an early move down the line gave Elliot Wanless a chance to show his attacking flair and he made good ground before being tackled on the Thirsk 22. The ball was quickly recycled and moved swiftly down the line. The timing of the passes was excellent and an overlap of two players was created with Joe Craggs unselfishly passing to John Payne for the first score. Tamer Fuat struck the ball well but the conversion went just wide.

Joe’s altruistic play was rewarded a few minutes later when Jonny Teague took a chance to break the Thirsk line gain 15 yards then recycle the ball. Gordon Thompson, enjoying the quick ball being won by the forwards gave Mark Wilson the time to set the line away and this time Joe went over in the left hand corner. Again Tamer was close.

Shortly afterwards in another smart move Mark Harsley nearly scored in the right hand corner but was stopped just short.

The Mowden forwards were being outgunned in the set scrum but were having a great performance in the loose play. Michael Hall and Callum Oakes kept driving Thirsk off the ball in the rucks and the strength of Ryan Hall as hooker and the props Connor Noble and Alfie Wilson gained many yards in driving mauls. The pressure exerted in the loose meant that Thirsk struggled to do much with the ball they won with Simon and Tom Lawson marauding the opposition back line.

Mowden did not have it all their own way and Thirsk progressed to inside the Mowden 22. However good turnover ball won by the forwards gave Jonny the chance to clear with a kick downfield that was well chased by Tamer and Mark H who grabbed the Thirsk retrieving player on the half way line. Ryan and Connor secured the ball for Gordon who saw an opportunity and darted round the side of the scrum to take the ball close to the Thirsk 22. Michael and Alfie drove the maul closer to the line allowing Callum to break free and burst over for Mowden’s third try.

Mowden kept up the pressure and were rewarded with their fourth try just before half time. Thirsk won ball from their own scrum but their backs were hesitant in making use of it allowing Jonny to crunch into his opposite number. Mark W stole the ball from the Thirsk player and again firing the ball down the line to John who broke a couple of tackles to score his second try, successfully converted by Tamer.

Mowden rang a couple of changes for with Dom Gibson on for Callum in the second row and Aidan Smith on for John.

The final score of the half came when another great tackle by Tamer caused the ball to run loose. Aidan picked it up and ran upfield, offloading well to Jonny who made further ground before again offloading to Elliot who ran through several tackles to score.

Half time Thirsk 0 Mowden 27

Whether Mowden took their foot of the gas or Thirsk were more competitive it was hard to say but the second half was more even with much of the play in the centre of the field. Nevertheless, good tackling from Joe, Tom and Simon as well as all the backs meant that Thirsk never really looked like crossing the line.

A dominant feature of the game was the way the Mowden forwards were delivering quick recycle ball that constantly had Thirsk out of position. Dom and Michael performed particularly well as a new second row partnership. Turnover ball was turned into ground as Tamer charged down the right hand side to be caught just short of the line. Another quick recycle close to the line and a forward charge saw a popular try for Alfie.

Jonny retired with an injury to his elbow and the line reshuffled to allow Matty Warr onto the right wing.

The final score came from another good run from Tamer who, with a beautifully timed pass, set Aidan up to score.

Final score Thirsk 0 Mowden 37

A superb display of open running rugby set up by forward domination in the loose and quick recycling to the backs. The only area for improvement was the set scrum where we were bossed by a pack no bigger than ourselves. We must get our heads down and shove!

THIRSK vs. RICHMOND

The previous week Thirsk had beaten Richmond 53-7 at Richmond and so were expecting an easier game than the one they had just finished against Mowden. Richmond had only 13 players and with a couple of injuries during the game were supplemented at various times by John, Michael, Ryan, Alfie, Matty amongst others.

In a much closer game Richmond came out victorious by 25 points to 17, helped by first half tries by Michael and then John.

RICHMOND vs. MOWDEN

With Richmond down to 11 men for this game, they were helped out by two very game Thirsk lads for a 13-a-side game of 15 minutes each way.

Mowden moved players about during the game including Joe starting the second half at fly-half and John at outside centre and giving other players the chance of a full game.

This was always going to be Mowden’s victory but it gave the chance to try some training ground moves in a match environment. The scrum stood up well to a much heavier Richmond pack giving the backs a chance to show their stuff.

In a rather one sided match John opened the scoring. It must be a unique experience to score in all 3 games of a 3 headed fixture! Joe converted.

In a nice move Joe himself scored shortly afterwards but missed the conversion.

Elliot made the score 0-17 before Tom showed the ball then cut inside to score the final try of the half. This time it was Tamer who converted.

Mark H made a great break down the left wing then with the line in sight slowed to a jog and in a clear case of ‘deja vu’ was bundled into touch just short of the line. He should change his name to Mark Cueto – great team performances and so close to so many tries! Let’s hope he follows in his namesake’s footsteps with the try-scoring.

Half time Richmond 0 Mowden 24

John scored the first try of the second half to bring his personal tally to 5 for the day (including the one for Richmond).

Tamer scored next with Joe making the conversion.

Jonny scored the final try with sprint from the 22 and Joe again converted.

Final score Richmond 0 Mowden 43

Next week there is no game and then Billingham away on 6th March