Mowden U13s outclass Durham U13s

Not sure who was praying to the rugby gods on Saturday night but it worked! With a host of games called off due to the terrible weather it was a minor miracle that our game against Durham was ON. There was definitely a feeling of relief as a number of rugby parents dodged the “Christmas Chores” planned by their better halves.

Less fortune favoured our counterparts who were due to play Billingham, a huge thanks to the lads who made the trip over to support the team playing Durham.

The game started brightly enough against a very strong and well drilled Durham team. Both teams playing some good rugby ~ a theme echoed by supporters from both teams, who said it was a great game to watch. There was not much between the two teams, with Durham edging the breakdown with some wonderful jackal techniques over the ball causing Mowden to turn over ball or concede a penalty for holding on; whilst Mowden had the edge in the backs and in the wide channels.

Mowden drew first blood with Josh exploiting the space and using his speed on the outside channel. Durham then struck back with a converted try of their own. The first half continued to ebb and flow and Mowden struck with another try through Aiden, which was converted by Ollie. Durham not to be outdone also scored again making the score 12 a piece at the interval.

It was great to see the players identify their own weaknesses and what they needed to work on. What was also impressive was to see the players change the way they were playing mid game in order to get the result they wanted. It was obvious the tackling needed to improve and become more dominant. Players also realised they needed to simplify their roles and do the basics well. So with that sorted at half time the players set about the second half meaning business.

Defence is said to win you matches………it certainly helped. The Mowden tackling became more dominant and with fewer missed tackles Durham were struggling to get out of their own half. It was the consistent pressure being applied through the tackling that allowed Mowden to secure more turnover ball. The forwards simplified their roles and the breakdown area became more efficient and the tight five were getting the nudge on in the scrum. In all, Mowden started to crank up the pressure and put their core skills to good practice. With the whole team doing their roles it enabled our wingers Josh and Will F to cross the white wash to finish off some great team tries.

Mowden ran in four tries in the second half, two converted by Ollie, as the team upped their game. Durham pulled back a score via a converted penalty try after a rush of blood by Josh caused him to think he was still on a football pitch!

It was a great game, played in great spirit and hosted by a great club ~ thank you Durham RFC.

Man of the match as chosen by Durham was Alex H, who made his Dad even prouder by winning the cracker eating competition.

Great team performance, well done to all the players. Thanks to all the parents for the continued support.

Plenty to work on at training in preparation for next weeks fixture against Wetherby RFC.

Final Score:

Durham RFC 19 vs. Mowden RFC 36

Tries: Josh x4, Will F, Aiden.

Convs: Ollie x3