Rugby match report

Billingham arrived at Blaydon for their first match of the year and first game with U14 rules. They had no subs and Blaydon turned up with a full 23 man squad so it was going to be a tough game.

Blaydon came out strong dominating the rucks and capitalising on Billingham’s slow start. Blaydon came wave after wave however Billingham’s defence held up and a counter attack had Will Cooper sprinting down the wing and placing the ball in the corner for the first try of the the game. That was followed up by an incredible conversion from Joe Syson getting the first ever conversion for the team. With boosted confidence Billingham started moving the ball better, allowing Freddie Gardner to open up and out pace the opposition down the wing scoring two great tries; Lewin Tubuna converting the first in style.
Billingham kept the pressure on and although Blaydon had good possession they struggled to get the ball out of their own half until a break through got them onto the scoresheet, ending the first half 19-7.

The second half saw a great catch by Charlie Evans, from kick off to give Billingham an early break as he used his power and speed to drive his way the length of the pitch and over the line; tripping over his own feet to get the grounding. The momentum truly with Billingham they advanced up the pitch quickly from the reset and Max Piercy powered and dodged his way through the line before getting the sprint finish. Blaydon gained possession and applied the pressure getting a break on the wing but a great tackle by Riley Ward caused the player to drop the ball and Lewin Tubuna launched the ball back upfield. The relief did not last long as an offside call took the ball back and Blaydon got it over the line. Both sides battled in Blaydon’s half until a penalty against Billingham makes possession change hands. Despite this Billingham stayed strong and kept Blaydon from gaining points. Adey Barnes took a great steal ripping the ball back and progressing again for Charlie Evans to force his way through.

A powerful scrum following a knock on gives Blaydon the space to burst their way through and score their fourth try. Billingham didn’t let their heads drop and straight from the kick are in Blaydon’s face and have Freddie Gardner weaving his way to the try line for his third. Keeping the attack going Will Cooper comes inches away from the line with support from Joe Syson with a quick and powerful pick and go Billingham got their eighth. Billingham finished strong on the last play of the game with Riley Ward using his strength to knock defenders out the way and ground it for a well earned last try.

The game was well fought for by both teams with Billingham claiming victory with the final score being 59-26

Thanks Blaydon for the great game and well done to Max Piercy and Charlie Evans for getting Man of the Match.

#OSIOS