The Foresters’ hosts for this match have been battling on two fronts this season. Playing in the Yorkshire & NE merit league and the Northumberland County, Division 1, Candy league. The latter of which they are currently sitting in second place with a game in hand behind leaders Tynedale Raiders.
Despite the warm weather, storm Kathleen ensured that the game would be played in a strong gusting wind.
From the kick off Dale set out their stall with the intention of playing with ball in hand. They soon established a dominance at the scrum and line out, giving them a platform to attack.
After 10 minutes Dale were down to 14 men after a yellow card. This did not slow down their momentum. The Lions however, defended well in their scramble defence.
Shortly after the yellow card the Foresters lost their captain Simon Borrill to the first team bench. To facilitate this loss a change round in personnel was required and we saw substitute Finn Walker replace Ollie Bullock at scrum half and Ollie moving into the back-row.
Despite The Greens dominance they were unable to score. The Lions went to uncontested scrums (at 23 minutes) and began to put some pressure on Dale’s line. It was now the turn of the Foresters to demonstrate excellent defence and discipline.
With the game returning to contestable scrums, Dale applied pressure. They able were to score wide left in the corner after several phases of play through centre Tom Darwin (which his mum missed), at 32 minutes. The score 0-5.
Dale continued to play attacking rugby but were unable to score before halftime.
The new half saw both teams trying to attack. Dale now had a breeze that appeared to be in their favour.
At 48 minutes, Dale were awarded an attacking scrum on the opposition’s 22, to the right of the posts. From the base of the scrum, number eight, Max Mountain, went right and was stopped 5 metres from the line. The Greens’ pack took control and after several drives, flanker Edgar Sumner, finished, driving over the line to score from a couple of metres out. The try was converted by Max Bell. Score 0-12.
The Lions bounced back and after testing Dale’s defence repeatedly, they deservedly scored in the left corner. This took the score to 5-12 after 56 minutes.
The Lions resurgence was quickly extinguished after their score. Dale now attacking through both their backs and forwards produced quick ruck ball. The Greens’ three quarters took charge and a fine dummy in midfield saw the struggling drifting defence taking the bait, to allow Tom Darwin to run in for his second try under the posts.
Score at 60 minutes 5-19.
The game in its closing quarter saw both teams attempting to attack. The Foresters displayed good defensive discipline and accuracy in the tackle.
They were able to make their way into the Lions 22 in the closing minutes. Not to be outdone by the backs the forwards repeatedly drove to the opposition’s try line, where at 76 minutes, Max Mountain finished off the pack’s efforts, scoring just left of the posts.
Score at full time 5-26.
Team
- Altham
- Holden
- Meehan
- Borrill (c)
- Burton
- Heys
- Sumner
- Mountain
- Bullock
- Bell
- Canny D
- Darwin
- Kaups-Samuels
- Viner
- Howorth
Replacements
- Whitehead
- Bennett
- Walker