Sunday 7 Oct

Our first match of the season a three way tie with Darlington and Durham City a fantastic turn out enough Mowden players to field 2 teams Blues and Whites.

Glorious autumnal weather the Blues were up first against Durham’s creme de la creme big lads well drilled who held their line and kept their team shape. The first half, a baptism of fire, we didn’t make the half way line. When we had the ball they were on us fast and we gave ground and made handling errors being pushed back. When they had the ball we tackled well but bunched giving them space to score. In the second half, although our heads dropped a little at first, a spark of self belief started JJ (Jacob) running straight in attack and putting some huge tackles in. Jamie Reeves making some testing runs finding space and tackling repeatedly. Tom McCue making space on the wing in attack and on their ball forcing their attack into touch, Ben Lear there in support making forward runs and passing the ball to find space. Eoghann, Oscar and Mathew supporting and moving the ball in attack and holding their lines in defence. This determination was rewarded with a try when JJ made a persistent run to score. The Blues second game against a Darlington 6 was a much closer contest although played “off the belt” from Durham we scored tries held our shape and I saw we had learnt from the first game. One of our many tries came after we formed an attacking angled line and passed the ball confidently from one touch line to score on the other side of the pitch. Well done Blues.

The Whites first game against another Durham side started well and although both sides were a little raggy we seemed the stronger. Dylan made some strong runs and put some very good tackles in. Jack’s work rate making tries and try saving tackles was inspirational. Ethan found space on the wing defending his channel well and making some good runs. George made strong tackles and was there to take the ball on. Nicholas hungry for the ball made some surging runs and kept our attacking play alive. Jonny supported well and got some good tackles in and Sophie had some confident straight runs and kept the ball safe in the tackle. Their second game against Durham’s best was brave and gritty. They held their line consistently pushing a defensive wave against a strong side. Our determination and metal kept Durham on the back foot. Well done Whites.