Redcar U17s vs Westoe

By DW - November 16 2004
In a re-arranged fixture, Redcar Under 17s took on a strong Westoe Under 17s at home on Sunday. Some poor tackling by Redcar allowed the Westoe No.10 too much room to run and his wife and 2 children where mighty proud of his 5 tries. Report by Paul Brown.
Redcar U17s v Westoe U17s 14th.Nov.2004
Following a free weekend Redcar turned in an under par display against a strong, physical Westoe team.
Playing in to the wind, Redcar started brightly, and put their opponents under pressure in the early stages of the game. They were awarded several penalties in the Westoe 22, but some resolute defending, and a lack of invention in the Redcar team, meant they were unable to take advantage, and when Westoe attacked and won a scrum in the Redcar 22, it was no surprise to see them open the scoring after 10 minutes play.
Despite this set back Redcar continued to press the visitors, but 5 minutes later a superb kick by the Westoe No.10 from his own 22 led to a line out on the Redcar 10m.line.Unfortunately it was the first line out Redcar lost, and Westoe broke through to double their lead with a well taken try,which was converted.
Shortly after this try Lee Ditchburn had to leave the field and was replaced by Dave Windsor.
Westoe scored one more unconverted try before half time, and Adam Jennings replied with a penalty kick to make the half time score Redcar 3 Westoe 19.
On the stroke of half time Anthony Wright suffered an ankle injury, and was replaced by Liam Rogers for the second period.
Westoe scored two converted tries in the first 5 minutes of the second half, and when Dave Hockney had to retire with a back injury the game was virtually over as a contest, as Redcar had no more replacements.
Westoe scored one more unconverted try before Redcar Man of the Match, Mark Ellis, was rewarded for his hard work by a try following another quickly taken penalty after 60minutes play.
This was not enough to inspire his team mates, and Westoe scored three more tries without reply to run out victors by 57 points to 8.
Too many of the Redcar team had an off day to present a challenge to the strength and fitness of the Westoe team, with too many missed, or half hearted tackles, and the fifty fifty ball invariably being won by the opposition. Issues which must be remedied in training before the next match.