The Foresters entertained Billingham 2s at the Avenue on a glorious autumnal day.
A number of the Greens 2nd XV would have been relishing the opportunity to play and put in performances, in an attempt to catch the eye of the management team and subsequent potential first team selection.
Billingham from the outset looked as though they were not here to make up the numbers. It was clear that they meant business, having the Lions share of possession and territory in the opening stanza. This early examination of Dale’s defensive qualities however, resulted in no points for the visitors. We gradually saw the Foresters forwards get on the front foot, particularly in the set piece allowing the exciting backline to cut loose.
Dale’s first try, in the 9th minute, was typical of the nine tries they were to score. Nearly all of their scores came from good set piece possession, lineout or scrum, with the backline finishing off.
From a penalty the Greens elected to kick to touch on to the opposition’s 22 metre line. From the quick ball secured, the half backs took the ball left to right, with the ball going through the hands. Fullback Ryan Hodgson joined the line between outside centre and wing and put wing Alex Mounsey away for the first score, 5-0.
Seven minutes later from a line out, the Forester’s forwards drove deep into Billingham’s 22. With the momentum, number 8 Max Mountain, broke off the back of the maul and made further yards. The valiant defenders just holding him out. However, the quick ball that was produced saw the backs finish off again, with the fullback Ryan Hodgson scoring. Score 12-0.
The next try from Dale was from a scrum, in the middle of the field around halfway. The clean ball went out to fly half, Omari Kaup-Samuels, who made a 30 metre break before the scrambling defence made a tackle. At the ruck the quickly recycled ball was shipped on to wing Owen Bullock who scored his first of three for the day. Score 17-0 after 27 minutes.
Billingham were constantly seeking to attack and made good metres from phase play. However, they were being stopped or turned over by the young Foresters team when ever they got close to their try line.
Two quick tries in the closing four minutes from outside centre Issac Light (score 22-0) and a stunning fifty metre run in from the restart by openside flanker Ollie Bullock put the Greens ahead 27-0 at halftime.
Coach Shuttlewoth rang the changes at the interval to personnel.
Not more than a minute or two into the new half and Dale lost two forwards to injury. The home side reorganised again and went through a period of giving a number of penalties away to the opposition.
The visitors took advantage of this. From a scrum in Dale’s half and after several phases Billingham’s hooker took a crash ball that opened up the Greens defence and scored under the posts. Score 27-7 after 45 minutes.
Stung into action, Dale scored through Owen Bullock to put them ahead by 32-7 some four minutes later.
Three further tries from Ryan Hodgson, Omari and Tom Darwin on the 55th 59th and 62nd minutes took Dale out to 44-7 (replacement stand off Max Bell converting Omari’s try).
With the Greens down to 14 players the visitors scored two tries in succession, both of which were converted.
The score 44-21 after 74 minutes.
In the last phase of play, before referee Colin Tovey blew for full time, Owen Bullock scored a try (converted) to take the score at full time to 51-21.
Next week the Foresters entertain Hull Ionians 2nd XV at the Avenue.
Team: –
Starters: –
1, R. Baker 2, S. Holden 3, J. Huck 4. W. Beecroft 5. J Beecroft 6, J. Burton (Capt) 7, Ollie Bullock 8. Max Mountain 9, F. Walker 10, O. Kaup-Samuels 11, A. Mounsey 12, T. Darwin 13. Isaac Light 14, Owen Bullock 15, R. Hodgson.
Finishers: –
16, B. Blackwell, 17, M. Bell, 18, N. Clayton.