Cold trip up North reaps some rewards

Thank you to Ryton for hosting our game today, fortunately it was bright and clear up north, if just a little cold! Well done to all the parents who remembered to wrap themselves like Christmas presents to keep warm!

It was great to see all of those who swapped shirts to play for the opposition in the spirit of rugby - well done Ben, Freddie, Hazza, Jamie, Dale & Mustard - top sportsmanship to make a competitive game and giving everyone the opportunity to play rugby today. And it was great to see some of the lads try out a new position, it's important to experience the game from different points of view - just remember that where you think you play now could be very different in the next two years - highlight of the day was one of our second rows picking up a pass from round his ankles and starting a move in the midfield!

The first third of the game was a good contest with Mowden taking the lead with some of their usual determined play securing ball from pressure, turn overs and hard tackles, leading to the ball moving through hands, great off loads as well as the odd solo run leading to Ryton finding them selves slightly unlucky to be 5 tries down.

In the middle third Mowden looked like they might have eaten too much Christmas lunch, missed tackles, more scrappy play, a decrease in intensity and support of their own players led to Ryton coming right back in to the game to within one score.

Mowden managed to wake up in the last third, getting up of the sofa up after their post lunch Christmas lunch nap to effect some turnovers and line breaking runs, in addition some good use of the ball in space by the backs led to Mowden running out 10-5 winners on the day!

Thanks also to Max for making the trip to support his team from the sidelines - looking forward to seeing you back on the pitch in the New Year! A very merry Christmas to all!

Thanks as always to our team Sponsors Simply Thank You and SG Petch and Lindsey Asher for this weeks match report