Billingham started the game well as the two packs locked horns and drove deep into West territory. Only a powerful tackle from Shane Jeffery saved a try as the visitors stormed forward. However, West secured the line out close to their own line and passed the ball along the line quickly, sending CJ Beales away down the left.
After the winger was tackled the ball was taken on by George Wall who fed James Baxter on half way. Baxter surged forward and linked up again with the irrepressible Wall who fed CJ Beales for a stunning length of the field try, leaving the visitors rocked. Billingham came right back into the contest with talented centre Jackson Wardell looking dangerous, yet West threatened again when the ever reliable Ben Foley was unlucky to latch on to Baxter’s difficult pass when he had a clear run in to the line. With Alex Hester and Callum Montgomery setting up a great platform and securing the ball at the breakdown, West scored again when Baxter and Wall linked up again to send Beales through for his second score. Will Hilditch converting again for a 14-0 lead. West stepped up a gear and after another powerful drive by Danny Ashton the ball was then taken up by Callum Montgomery.
The prop risked expulsion from the front row union as he sold an impressive dummy and then dived for the line before Baxter secured the touch down for a 21-0 lead. It was a golden period for the home side and shortly afterwards some good close passing between forwards and backs saw Callum Johnston glide home for a 26-0 lead. With half-time beckoning, West piled on the pressure and Will Hilditch raced over and converted his own try for a 33-0 half time lead.
To their credit Billingham came right back at their hosts and refused to give up. West were playing with confidence and a stiff breeze and it was no surprise when a kick from defence only found David Wells who weaved his way through a crowd of defenders to feed Danny Ashton who capped a fine all round game with a well deserved try. The most celebrated try of the game came when Baden Knibbs, sporting a brave new haircut, collected the ball from a scrum on the opposition 22m line and jinked his way to the posts, clearly enjoying scoring against his former club. Billingham were finding it tough to live with the home pack and James Piper and Charles Tilly showed tireless commitment as they drove forward time and time again. Danny Fox was also full of energy and his battling run led to the ball being shipped wide for Michael Hainsworth to canter in from the opponents’ 22. Fox was at the heart of the action soon after when his drive set the ball up for Knibbs to complete the scoring.
Coach Andy Boagey was full of praise for his team. ‘I thought we picked up where we left off last week. The full squad played some brilliant rugby. There were some excellent handling and offloads and we secured the ball well at the breakdown.’ He was also full of praise for the Billingham side. ‘They never let their heads drop and were a real handful in the first half and I am sure they will improve as the season goes on.’
West Hartlepool would like to thank Mr. Mark Wise of the Durham Society who refereed the game and then went on to officiate the Under 17s an hour later.
West Hartlepool U16 Rhinos 59 – 0 Billingham U16
WEST: David Wells, Ben Foley (Michael Hainsworth), Callum Johnston, William Hilditch, CJ Beales (Nicky Rathbone), Ben Reed, Baden Knibbs, Callum Montgomery, James Baxter, Alex Hester (Adam Lennard), Danny Ashton (Danny Fox), Shane Jeffery (Charles Tilly), Isaac Robinson, George Wall (capt.), Jack Mason (James Piper
WEST: David Wells, Ben Foley (Michael Hainsworth), Callum Johnston, William Hilditch, CJ Beales (Nicky Rathbone), Ben Reed, Baden Knibbs, Callum Montgomery, James Baxter, Alex Hester (Adam Lennard), Danny Ashton (Danny Fox), Shane Jeffery (Charles Tilly), Isaac Robinson, George Wall (capt.), Jack Mason (James Piper