NOVOS 20 - 23 TECH
TECH GET OFF TO WINNING START IN LEAGUE
After last season's disappointments TECH got their new campaign off to an encouraging start with a hard fought 20 - 23 victory over Novo's at Sutherland Park on Saturday. The match was played in weather conditions more suitable for cricket than rugby, perfect for the spectators but very hot and sticky for the players despite the relatively strong breeze.
TECH started the campaign under the captaincy of number 8 Anthony CAMERON, who was intent on leading from the front as the side looked to bounce back after last seasons relegation. With the loss of Andrew DIXON and Stephen JONES over the summer TECH included new signings Morgan HAMILTON at hooker and Ian PINCHEN in the back row.
The visitors started the game brightly and an early drive from Alex BEST took play to the hosts and when the ball came back Dave CHESHIRE kicked into home territory. TECH then put together a good attack but the home side won a line out and cleared up field. After 11 minutes TECH took the lead when they were awarded a penalty, winger Jon COLE converting.
The home side tried to hit back immediately but TECH held firm. After 15 minutes TECH 2nd row Phil JUKES sustained an injury to his head at a ruck but fortunately he was able to resume after treatment. The game was ebbing and flowing with both sides intent on attacking. On 20 minutes the visitors were reduced to 14 when JUKES received a yellow card for handling at a ruck in his own 22. This was to be crucial as just a minute later the home side took the lead. A scrum deep in TECH's 22 saw their number 8 pick up and drive over for an unconverted try.
Undismayed the Hartlepool side continued to push on and after 5 minutes a good break through the centre saw the ball moved to FOSTER who showed pace and power to break through for a good try. The conversion attempt drifted narrowly wide leaving TECH ahead by a single point. After 12 minutes TECH stretched their lead. Alex BEST made a surging run at the home defence who were forced to infringe. The visitors opted for the scrum and having won the ball a good pass from CHESHIRE put FOSTER in for his second try. COLE added the extra points from the conversion.
The home side continued to try and attack but the TECH players continued to tackle resolutely. Particularly to the fore was prop Andrew THOMPSON who was making his presence felt all over the field.
After 22 minutes another home attack saw them again close the gap. Keeping the ball in amongst their big pack they set up a rolling maul that took play to within 5 metres of TECH's line. From the resultant scrum another pick up saw them score another unconverted try taking the score to 15-18. From the restart a fine tackle by THOMPSON saw TECH regain possession, play resuming after the tackled player received treatment. After 29 minutes TECH themselves suffered a blood injury with FOSTER having to be temporarily replaced by Mixie PARKER.
On 34 minutes TECH were again reduced to 14. A late late tackle on FOSTER by a home flanker was unseen by referee Mr. Wrightson. When the flanker continued to hold down the TECH centre prop Adam HOWARD tried to separate the players only for the official yellow card him for getting involved. This obviously gave the home side a big lift and two minutes later they took the lead when their pack again used their size to win a ruck deep in the visitors 22 before driving over for the try. They again failed with the conversion attempt.
TECH were determined not to let the opportunity for a victory escape them and they again pushed forward. It looked as if their luck was to be out as firstly David CHESHIRE miscued a drop goal opportunity and then Jon COLE missed with another penalty. They were not to be denied though and when the forwards won more good ball it was taken on by STOCKDALE before being passed to Alex BEST who went over for the score. The conversion went wide leaving the score standing at 20-23.
Despite a nail biting last few minutes TECH held on to record a satisfying victory. The spirit in the side was good throughout and plenty of promise was shown in all aspects of play. Despite this there is still plenty to work on but if all the players continue to show their commitment at training as well as in games hopefully a better season lies ahead.