Northern FC

1st XV won 47 – 19 at home to Tynedale Raiders. Match report thanks to Alan Belford:

A crisp, Spring evening with the temperature falling at McCracken Park was the backdrop to the Senior County Cup final where Northern hosted Tynedale Raiders in their season finale. The bumper crowd were treated to an entertaining game where the home supporters were delighted to see Northern perform to their high standards once again.

First blood went to Tynedale when their back row went over for a converted try as Northern got up to speed after nearly a month without a game. The response was almost immediate when Joe Young and Nyle Godsmark exchanged passes before Ali Gray put Joe Young in at the corner. Robbie Griffin's conversion attempt was just short but Northern were in control and a further score soon followed after a splendid 50/22 kick from Will Atkin produced an attacking lineout. The ball was duly won and driven on before being moved to Robbie Griffin. The fly half made a telling half break and gave a neat offload to the supporting Murray Brown who scored under the posts in style. Robbie Griffin added the extras as Northern looked to pull clear. Tynedale replied in somewhat fortunate fashion when their centre intercepted and ran in their second converted try with Northern having an overlap and looking odds on to add a further try. The remainder of the half belonged to Northern when Robbie Griffin added a penalty before a well-executed lineout and backs move saw Theo Aubrey come into the line off the blindside wing and put Joe Young in at the corner for his second try. The conversion was missed but Northern ended the half leading 20-14.

Northern dominated the second half, adding a try just after the break when, after another lineout drive, the ball was spun to Robbie Griffin who executed a perfect cross field kick for Theo Aubrey to collect and dot down. Robbie Griffin couldn't add the extras but was successful with a penalty minutes later. Liam Mullick was then driven over from a lineout catch and drive for a try that Robbie Griffin improved. Harvey Guthrie came on at scrum half for the evergreen Phil Kay and Ali Gray moved to back row before the restart. Northern further turned the screw with a powerful scrum deep in the visitor's 22 with the ball moved to Robbie Griffin who stepped his man and dived in for Northern's sixth try, adding the conversion for good measure. Joss Cotton made a cameo appearance replacing Aaron "Mario" Moslemi before being yellow carded for a marginal high tackle. Northern continued to empty their bench with Kyle Blackmore, Matty Dockey and Chris Malley replacing Ben Dalton, Theo Aubrey and Joe Young as the game entered the final minutes. Now down to 14 men, Northern seemed to get on the wrong side of the referee and after conceding a series of penalties, Tynedale scored a consolation try when their openside was driven over from a five metre lineout drive. Ross Colesky replaced Ali Gray for the last change before Northern sealed proceedings with a fine try by Harvey Guthrie, who stood up the last defender after being put clear by Rob Lenderyou from another solid no.8 pick up. Final score 47-19.

Winning the County Cup was the icing on the cake for the 1st team after finishing a creditable third in the league after promotion last season. A lot of the rugby on show has been of the highest quality and a pleasure to watch. Here's hoping this continues next season after the players and coaches have enjoyed a well-earned break.