Northern A vs Blaydon A friendly squad session. Match report thanks to Alan Belford:
This was a squad session at Blaydon’s Crow Trees ground on the artificial pitch under the adapted laws (i.e. no scrums or mauls etc.). The session would consist of four 20 minute blocks with teams changing ends after each block. Both squads had a mix of playing standards with the Northern squad a mix of 1st team, Wanderers and Panthers players.
The first session was an even contest with both squads fielding their strongest 15s. Northern broke the deadlock when centre Nathan Whitworth powered through for a try, full back Gareth Little unluckily hitting the post with his conversion attempt leaving the visitors ahead 5-0 at the break.
Northern dominated the second period running in three trys with fly half Robbie Griffin, centre Zac Appleby-Rutter and wing Joe Young all crossing and Robbie Griffin being successful with two of the conversions. Against a strong Blaydon 15 Northern’s defence was again outstanding and the home team were denied with the score 24-0 to Northern.
Both teams made changes for the third quarter and Blaydon scored first with a bullocking run by their no. 8. With the conversion missed their next score was a long range penalty kick however Northern weren’t to be denied and Ali Gray broke free to score under the posts, Ryan Moore adding the extras to leave the score 31 – 8 to Northern.
Northern made wholesale changes for the last quarter and with Blaydon fielding a strong 15 it was no surprise to see Blaydon score 4 trys without reply to leave the final score 34-31 to Blaydon.
A good afternoon was had by all with honours even (5 trys being scored by both teams) and only a penalty kick separating the squads.
