Barnard Castle 2nd XV Match Report
Barnard Castle 2nd XV Match Report
Bishop Auckland 2nds 29 Barnard Castle 2nds 29
Saturday, 16 October 2010
On a day when the first team were enjoying a well-earned rest, it was the 2nds that were centre-stage as they tackled Bishop on their own turf. On a lovely day for open rugby and with a highly partisan crowd albeit sprinkled with a very vocal element of Barnie’s away fraternity, it was Castle that were quickest out of the traps, early ball along the line allowing room for young winger John Lumsdon to finish off beautifully in the corner (a debut try I believe ?).
After the early promise, the game tilted Bishop’s way as their heavier forwards dominated all the set scrums and helped them power their way down the pitch. Lax tackling didn’t help Castle’s cause and they were soon overhauled as Bishop scored three unanswered tries in response. For all the home side’s forward possession, Castle always had the cutting edge in the backs and as half-time approached both Andrew Stubbs from inside centre and prop John McGrath crossed the Bishop line to leave the scoreline nicely balanced at the interval.
In the second half it was more of the same and while the Bishop forwards were still refreshed from the break, they worked their way up the pitch to extend their narrow lead. Castle’s fitness though meant that they were always in the hunt and as the final plays of the game approached, Andrew Eggs Clement crashed over in the centres and then as Castle at last won their first scrum, the ball was shipped out to Richard Hughes returning from injury who scampered over out wide to tie the scores at the death. Castle elated, Bishop deflated.
Castle 2nds are coming together nicely after a difficult season last year. Some new faces are starting to impress. Will Ford and Ross Lindsey are creating a steady, industrious and athletic back row pairing and Charlie Butlin looks more assured with every game. The side also benefitted from the arrival after a long lay-off of Carl Rycroft while utility back Lee Ainsley has lost none of his guile and touch as he comes back after a long injury break.
Next week sees the seconds looking for a pool fixture while the first team travel away to league leaders Guisborough with competition for places again hotting up as players return from injuries.