Saturday, 25th November 2006, Grayfields

A welcome victory for Tech after the disappointment of the last fortnight but, at the same time, one hopes that out of all the victories Tech record this season, this will be the scratchiest.

Whilst the conditions at Grayfields were not conducive to vintage rugby both teams put in poor performances with Tech doing enough to secure their workmanlike victory. A second half try and penalty, by Nigel Bulmer and Ian Wilson respectively, being enough to see off a dogged Houghton team.

But, despite the dubious performance, the most important thing for Tech was to collect two more league points. Other league results mean that Tech remain in fourth position but the pressure on the league’s leading clubs has been restored. Furthermore, whilst Tech frustrated their followers in terms of attacking play, their defence was sound in recording their second shutout of the season. Indeed, there were precious few moments during the afternoon that Houghton ever looked like scoring.

Whilst both team’s shortcomings contributed the large periods of stalemate on the pitch, the performance of referee Keith Muir did not help either. His whistle happy antics ruining any chance the game had of developing rhythm. Petty rulings not only created confusion on the pitch but on the touchlines too. This led to a couple of unnerving scenes which nearly culminated in spectators being ejected from the ground.

The RFU’s policy on referee abuse, brought in a few years ago, was a highly commendable move and the game can do without the scenes it saw yesterday. But, at the same time, if people are determined to pass off honest criticism and comment as abuse then, sadly, problems like this will never go away.

The first half ended scoreless with little in the way of action. Adam Howard’s sin binning on 20 minutes for a retaliatory punch the only real talking point. Both teams had their chances to build a lead. Tech had started with some promise but a litter of mistakes close to the line hindered their attempts to breach the Houghton defence. Houghton also had their moments. Inside centre Jenkins showed occasional promise with some lovely breaks but a lack of support caused his attacks to break down.

The visitor’s powerful pack caused problems for their hosts all day and nearly created a try in first half stoppage time. A good driving maul from a line out was held up and from the resultant attacking scrum it took some brave Tech defence to stop the black shirts from scoring. Even then it looked like Houghton had scored but the referee decided otherwise.

Playing into the wind in the second half Tech began to resemble the team that had recorded big wins earlier in the season. With the forwards, who improved immeasurably when Tech veteran Kevin Cook came to the party, providing good support at the breakdown and with quick ball being provided, Tech were able to mount sustained pressure on the Houghton defence.

The pressure finally reaped its rewards on 58 minutes. A good forward drive saw play taken to the Houghton 22. The ball was fed to Ian Wilson, whose superb pass cut out two Houghton players, and the ball eventually found Nigel Bulmer who crossed for his first league try of the season.

Wilson missed the conversion but made no mistake on 66 minutes with a penalty attempt taking his team eight points clear and effectively sealing the match.

Tech 8 (0)

Try: Bulmer (58)

Pen: Wilson (66)

Houghton 0 (0)

Scoring sequence (Tech listed first):

0-0 HT 5-0 (T), 8-0 (P) FT

Tech

Cole, Bulmer, Donnelly, Cheshire, Brown, Wilson, Williamson; Palmer, Hamilton, Thompson, Jukes, Wray, Howard, Best, Stockdale. Subs: Pinchen, Dove, Cook (all used)

Sin Bin: Howard (20)

Scrums 12, Attacking scrums 0, Scrums won on own put in 10, Scrums lost on own put in 2 (0 against head), Pens awarded 12, Kicked at goal 3 (2 misses), Kicked for touch 6, Ran 3, Lines won on own throw 7, Lines lost on own throw 8, Free Kicks 3

Houghton

Witte, Cameron, Turton, Jenkins, Hughes, Nichol, Rutter; Whitmore, Ward, Siddell, Hebron, Dutton, McGougle, Uncle, Cahill. Sub used: Emms

Sin Bin: Emms (73)

Scrums 11, Attacking scrums 3, Scrums won on own put in 10, Scrums lost on own put in 1 (0 against head), Pens awarded 10, Kicked at goal 1 (1 miss), Kicked for touch 8, Ran 1, Lines won on own throw 11, Lines lost on own throw 4, Free Kicks 0

Referee: Keith Muir (Durham)