West were missing Tom Dougherty (for the first time this season) and Ben Richardson due to school commitments, and James Evens was unavailable, but Tom Dixon was available for his first game in two months.
Durham started the game strongly, and for the first twenty minutes the game was evenly balanced, with Durham having the majority of possession. However, West’s defence was impressive, and although the Durham backs saw plenty of ball, they never penetrated the West defensive line, and gradually West began to assert themselves. In the final 15 minutes of the half West seemed to step up a gear, and turned in an impressive display of pace and handling. Within that period tries from Aaron Myers, Stephen Short, Luke Austin and Chris Lambert, with a Rob Bellerby conversion, gave West a commanding 22-0 half-time lead.
With prop John Greenwell sinbinned early in the second half, West, a man down, had to withstand a period of Durham pressure, but again they responded positively and defended well, gaining dominance as the half progressed, and extending their lead with tries from Michael Young and Myers, and a conversion from Tom Dixon. In the last play of the game Durham gained a consolation try, but West ended worthy 34-5 winners.
Overall, an impressive victory for West against a skilful Durham side who were, in the end, outclassed, but who never gave up and played their part in a entertaining game played in the right spirit. Best wishes to the Durham prop who had to be driven off to hospital with a neck injury. Please let us know how he got on.
The final game of a tremendous season for the u17s will be next Sunday, at 2.00, when they entertain touring side, and Ulster Cup finalists, Ballymena at brinkburn.
West Under 17's 34 Durham City 5
By Jon Dewhirst - May 4 2005Victorious Skipper
West added another trophy to the clubhouse by beating Durham comfortably, although not easily, at Mowden Park this afternoon. Durham battled hard throughout the game, but never really threatened a disciplined and inventive West side.
West were missing Tom Dougherty (for the first time this season) and Ben Richardson due to school commitments, and James Evens was unavailable, but Tom Dixon was available for his first game in two months.
Durham started the game strongly, and for the first twenty minutes the game was evenly balanced, with Durham having the majority of possession. However, West’s defence was impressive, and although the Durham backs saw plenty of ball, they never penetrated the West defensive line, and gradually West began to assert themselves. In the final 15 minutes of the half West seemed to step up a gear, and turned in an impressive display of pace and handling. Within that period tries from Aaron Myers, Stephen Short, Luke Austin and Chris Lambert, with a Rob Bellerby conversion, gave West a commanding 22-0 half-time lead.
With prop John Greenwell sinbinned early in the second half, West, a man down, had to withstand a period of Durham pressure, but again they responded positively and defended well, gaining dominance as the half progressed, and extending their lead with tries from Michael Young and Myers, and a conversion from Tom Dixon. In the last play of the game Durham gained a consolation try, but West ended worthy 34-5 winners.
Overall, an impressive victory for West against a skilful Durham side who were, in the end, outclassed, but who never gave up and played their part in a entertaining game played in the right spirit. Best wishes to the Durham prop who had to be driven off to hospital with a neck injury. Please let us know how he got on.
The final game of a tremendous season for the u17s will be next Sunday, at 2.00, when they entertain touring side, and Ulster Cup finalists, Ballymena at brinkburn.