TECH PHOENIX 28 – 8 THIRSK

A new phase in the history of WHTDSOB RUFC began on Saturday when Tech Phoenix welcomed Thirsk to John Howard Park for their first ever Tees Valley league game. Though there have been a number of games played at the Club in the 5 years since TECH last contested a league game Saturday’s encounter was a major step in affirming their return to regular competitive action.

Thirsk kicked off the game attacking the club end and made a bright start as they dominated the opening phases. With just 3 minutes on the clock a good attack from the visitors looked as if it would lead to the opening score only for Marcus LLOYD to pull off a try saving score just short of the TECH line.

As TECH started to find their feet good defence kept the visitors out before a good break following a quickly taken tap penalty saw them take play to the Thirsk 22. 

After 16 minutes TECH took the lead. A storming run by 2nd row Martyn HOWARD took play into the visitors half. When he was halted TECH recycled the ball quickly moving it through the backs out to winger Kieran SANDERSON who showed good praise to cross for the opening try. Paul MOSS converted with an excellent kick to take the score to 7-0.

With both sides looking to run the ball whenever possible the sizeable crowd were kept well entertained despite there being no more score until the 24th minute when the visitors centre, Adam CORNER kicked a penalty awarded after what was deemed a high tackle. 

From the kick off Thirsk again moved forward with menace. Following some good recycling of the ball they then opted to kick deep into the home 22 where scrum - half LLOYD took the high ball well before relieving the pressure with a jinking run.

On the half hour good pressure by TECH resulted in the award of two penalties both of which they opted to run. The ball was moved well before being passed to Michael FOSTER 5 yards from the line. Unfortunately he could not hold the pass and the chance was lost. TECH were not to be denied for long and just minutes later a decisive break from fly half, Steve TAYLOR saw him breach the defence before delivering a well timed pass to Peter CONSIDINE who galloped over for an excellent score. Paul MOSS once again converted with ease taking the score to 14-3 which is how things remained as the sides reached half time. 

TECH opted to make changes at the break which saw Michael FOSTER and Phil BUTLER join the fray. TECH started brightly and built up pressure on the home line following good work from Mick INGHAM. Thirsk though defended well and following a scrum managed to clear their lines. 

After 10 minutes the visitors closed the gap again with an excellent individual try by centre CORNER. Gaining possession and assisted by some poor tackling he set off on a mazy run, through the home defence before crossing for the try. With the conversion missed the score stood at 14-8. 

This reversal jolted TECH back into action and they quickly responded with another CONSIDINE try. A good drive by Wayne WILD followed by a good ruck saw the ball recycled to CONSIDINE who gleefully crossed for his second try. Once again MOSS made no mistake with his kick taking the score to   21-8.

TECH were again playing with confidence but Thirsk’s determined defence kept them from adding to their total before they themselves put together a good spell of pressure which the home side did well to repulse. In the 23rd minute of the half TECH produced an excellent try. Good ‘off the top’ ball from Jordan REED at a line out was moved at pace through the home three quarters. A well timed pass from fly half TAYLOR then put CONSIDINE through a gap in the cover. It looked as if he must score his third try but as he crossed the line he opted to pass to Paul DOVE who simply had to touch the ball down for the try. Once again MOSS converted confidently.

To their credit both sides continued to run the ball at every opportunity but determined defences ensured there was no further score. It did look as though TECH had managed to break the deadlock as the ball was passed to Andrew TWEDDLE who made for the line only to be pulled back as someone had put a foot on the line in the build up.

This was a game played in excellent spirit throughout and made for an enjoyable afternoons for players, referee Mark WISE and spectators alike.