Sat 30 Oct 2021
1st XV won 26 – 19 at home to South Shields Westoe. Match report thanks to Alan Belford:
Northern came out 7 point winners after an extremely bruising encounter against a powerful South Shields Westoe. With the game reflecting their respective league positions of second and third this was always going to be a close game.
In bright clear conditions on a somewhat tacky pitch, Northern started well when after two minutes good play lead to a break by John Tuck who offloaded to the supporting Harvey Guthrie who crossed for the opening score. Chris Parker converted with a fine strike. Westoe then tested the Northern defence when their big pack sustained the pressure for long periods and after a series of penalties against the home side, Cooper Vuna (on debut) was yellow carded. Chris Parker then had to be replaced soon after by Gareth Little after taking a bang to the head making a tackle on the giant Westoe lock.
The Westoe pressure eventually told and their lively no. 7 crossed under the posts after a series of forward drives. Their full back converted to level the scores. Westoe were then reduced to 14 themselves when their lock was yellow carded and it was Northern's turn to press. The Northern's fast defence paid dividends when Ben Bishop intercepted and ran in for a good try. This was even more remarkable as he hobbled the last 25 metres having pulled his hamstring! Gareth Little, now on kicking duties, improved whilst Ben Bishop was replaced by Logan Ritchie and the versatile Ali Gray moved to centre. Half time 14-7.
Westoe started the second half keeping the ball tight and again Northern were on the defence for long periods. There were some moments of quality when the Northern backs threatened to break away and Will Atkin was unlucky not to score when just failing to beat the defender to the ball after a jinking run, kick and chase. Westoe were not to be denied and after electing to take a penalty scrum deep in Northern's 22 their full back went over out wide for their 2nd try. His conversion attempt was wide and Northern retained their slender lead.
Northern then lost prop Rob Liley who was replaced by another debutant Kyle Blackmore, Liam Mullick moving to prop. Northern then produced two plays of quality firstly when the ball was moved wide to Chalky White who made a penetrating run and gave a slick pass to John Tuck for a fine try then almost from the restart, John Tuck made a break coming into the line on his opposite wing and good hands and a great pick up and pass by Logan Ritchie put Nathan Whitworth away for the bonus point try. Gareth Little was successful with the first conversion to give Northern a two score lead. Westoe threw everything at Northern in response with Northern's makeshift front row holding up under immense pressure. Westoe did cross for a try at the death when their replacement prop went over from a short range tapped penalty that their full back converted to close the gap and secure a losing bonus point however, Northern were able to see the game out from the restart to win 26-19.
A good crowd of supporters from both teams turned up to watch the match and they were not disappointed, enjoying a whole hearted encounter. Our next game is in two weeks when we are away to Stockton for another tough game.
