Northern won their second pre-season warm up game at home to Morpeth 34-7. Match summary thanks to Alan Belford.
A driech, wet night under lights on the McCracken Park Wanderers pitch did not dampen the players' spirits and a good work out was enjoyed by both teams.
In the first period, Northern drew first blood when Jonny Dowell broke out of his 22 and Nyle Godsmark took the ball into the visitors half, setting Ali Gray away to score an unconverted try out wide.
Morpeth replied with a converted try of their own when their centre ran through the home midfield from first phase lineout ball and dotted down under the posts.
Despite being without their regular half backs and missing two of their outside backs Northern's defence was solid after this and Morpeth failed to register any further scores.
Northern scored two more tries, the first from a good run by new wing Ben Riley and the second after good forward pressure by Jordan Webster. Both tries were converted by Jonny Dowell and the period finished 19-7 to Northern.
The second period was a more even affair and there was only one more score, a fine individual effort by Jonny Dowell, darting through a gap to run in and then convert his own try. 7-0 to Northern.
The 3rd and final period saw both teams rotating players but it was once again Northern who had the edge. Rob Lenderyou powered over from short range for an unconverted try then ex-colt James Irving sped in at the corner after some crisp handling put him clear. 10-0 to Northern.
With a cumulative final score of 34-7 and several new combinations tested, this was a pleasing result and workout as we continue to prepare for the coming league season. Our next warm up game is away to West Hartlepool on the 5th September.
