TECH 10 - 35 REDCAR

After the frustrations of the last few weeks TECH got their season underway on Saturday when they played host to Redcar in Durham/Northumberland Division2. Despite the fact that they ultimately went down to a 10-35 defeat there were plenty of smiles on the faces of the TECH supporters as their side showed plenty of team spirit, determination and at times no little skill against a side who travelled to Hartlepool having recorded three victories from their three league  starts thus far.

The game started with the visitors looking to rely heavily on their large pack of forwards but  the home eight showed they were not prepared to be bullied and faced up from the outset. The early exchanges saw both sides having their fair share of possession without either creating any real openings. After 11 minutes the visitors took the lead after some strong forward play. This led to a drive over the line which seemed to have been held up by second row Clayton but referee Dave Swainson ruled that 'Car player had just managed to ground the ball. The visitors then added the extra points to open up a 7 point lead.

Despite this reversal TECH came back strongly and immediately took play to the visitors. On 14 minutes TECH were awarded a penalty which the opted to kick to touch deep in the visitors territory. Unfortunately the pressure was relieved when having won the ball they were penalised and Redcar cleared upfield. The home side kept challenging at every opportunity and caused the visitors a number of problems but it was Redcar who scored next when after 25 minutes they moved the ball wide to their right winger. He opted to kick ahead speculatively from the half way line and it seemed  that the move was going nowhere. Unfortunately as Kevin Cook looked to hack the ball into touch it took an awful bounce and fell invitingly for the chasing visiting player. As he went to collect the ball he was impeded and the referee awarded a penalty try which after the conversion made the score 0-14. The visitors added to their score on the half hour when they made the most of an attacking line out. As they went to gather the ball there was a clear knock on but with Mr. Swainson unsighted they made the most of their good fortune and the ball was switched to their inside centre who picked an excellent line to cut through the defence and score another converted try.

TECH were still showing plenty of spirit and on 33 minutes their determination was rewarded. A good kick by Corrigan was chased by youngster Sam Wells out on the left wing. His presence caused the Redcar full back to slice his clearance kick into touch and from the resultant line out TECH forwards won the ball. It was moved to Thompson who showed good strength to drive over for a good try. Prop Paul Dove took the conversion attempt but was disappointed to see it bounce back off the upright.  Just before half time the visitors stretched their lead when they were awarded a penalty which opted to kick, this left the half time score at 5-24.

The second half followed a similar pattern with the visitors trying to make their extra experience count especially up front, but as before TECH battled well. So much so were TECH's efforts in defence frustrating the visitors that they opted to kick two penalties on 13 and 20 minutes to extend their lead to 5-30. TECH then added to their total when another good kick deep into Redcar territory saw the home side disrupt at the line out. From the ensuing scrum TECH won the ball and a good forward drive saw Thompson again gain possession before being driven over for an unconverted try.

TECH's forward effort was then disrupted as prop Sean Cooper suffered a back injury which saw him have to leave the field for treatment. Despite the disruption TECH continued to cause the visitors problems but it was 'Car who were to have the final say when in the last few minutes a determined drive from the pack saw them take the ball over the home line  for an unconverted try.

Despite this loss the small TECH squad can all take a number of positives from the game. Although everyone played their full part in a gritty display mention should be given of second row Stephen Clayton who was prominent throughout, the whole front row for their continued efforts against a big visiting unit and also backs Mark Sawyer and youngster Sam Wells who gave their all throughout.

Although this game was only a small step back towards having a settled unit once again the spirit shown by TECH squad deserves great credit as does their level of fitness which is thanks in no small measure to the training sessions put together by Howie Murray. Hopefully this game will  result in continued improvements in numbers available and if it does that elusive first win of the year should not be too far away.