TECH 22 - 17 Northallerton

" It was a pleasure to be at Grayfields" is not a phrase commonly heard but it was true for TECH players and supporters on Saturday when after their recent difficulties they were able to stage a game of rugby when a Northallerton XV provided the opposition. With a number of players still unavailable it was still not plain sailing but thanks to their faithful nucleus of players and the attendance of several from Billingham  who did not have a game themselves the contest was able to take place. TECH had contacted the majority of other Hartlepool clubs prior to the game to see if they had any spare players but all stated they too were short of players so it was a major boost when the Billingham players themselves contacted the Grayfields club to volunteer to help out.

Although the TECH line up may not have shown much resemblance to their sides of the last season or so at least positionally, the players  of both sides showed a willingness to play an open expansive game with the ball regularly switching between forwards and backs. With referee Phil Ross handling the game in a way that encouraged the players to continue in the same vein throughout a highly entertaining contest resulted with TECH eventually running out winners 22-17. In the process they scored four tries to Northallerton's three, both sides converting one. TECH's first try came when youngster Sam Wells received the ball wide out on the wing before showing great determination to score in the corner. This was his first try for the club and was just reward for the hard work he has put in during training. TECH's third try scorer was Michael Foster who again looked positive every time he was in possession with the others being scored by players guesting from Billingham. Although they were in front throughout TECH were never able to relax as Northallerton continued to press and their late try was just reward for their efforts throughout.

As well as being grateful to their own regulars such as Anthony Cameron ( a revelation at scrum - half or was it a revolution), Morgan Hamilton, Andrew Campbell and Mark Sawyer and David Cass TECH were obviously very grateful to the Billingham contingent who after confirming that the true spirit of rugby remains alive by turning up to play then went on to each give good performances. Hopefully this will be the first small step by TECH as they strive to regain  their league membership in the near future.