TECH 43 – 19 BARNARD CASTLE
TECH once again started quite slowly allowing the visiting forwards to build up an early head of steam. The TECH defence held firm though as the side started to gain a foothold in the game. After 18 minutes good driving play from the pack saw them take play into the visitors’ territory where clean possession saw the ball moved swiftly through the backs to Peter CONSIDINE whose powerful run took him beyond the defence before running 30 metres to score. Scrum half LAWRENCE added the extra points.
Just 2 minutes later TECH added to their score. A clever kick into the Castle 22 by PARKER was chased by Marcus LLOYD who showed deft footwork to kick ahead twice only for a defender to tackle him as he was chasing the ball. The winger though was not to be stopped and he quickly regained his footing before diving on the ball to score. LAWRENCE once again converted. TECH were now playing with confidence and almost immediately they scored again as their stand off Ben finished off a good move.
The visitors hit back on the half hour when from a scrum their openside picked up and drove for the line. As he drew the cover to him he slipped his pass to the winger who crossed for the try. The conversion took the score to 21-7.
TECH were next to threaten when good passing saw the ball moved wide to LLOYD who broke clear of the cover only to be brought back as referee Hilditch called the final pass forward. The winger was not denied for long as in the 35th minute a good kick from PARKER took play into the Castle 22. TECH won the battle for possession before the ball was switched to LLOYD who crossed. The attempted conversion was off target leaving the score at 26-7.
As the game approached half time Castle knocked on as the tried to build some pressure. TECH quickly took advantage as Michael PARKER gained possession before throwing a dummy which took him through the cover to score an unconverted try.
The visitors started the second half with renewed vigour and when they were awarded a penalty they took it quickly to breach the defence and score an unconverted try. After 15 minutes another mistake by TECH saw the visitors seize on the loose ball before breaking through to score. The conversion took the score to 31-19
After these lapses it was important that the home side scored next and they did when PARKER scored after once again dummying his way through the cover. The successful kick saw the gap open to 38-19.
Mid way through the half TECH got their final score as a good drive by Wayne WILD saw TECH push for the line. The ball was quickly recycled to Peter HUNTER who crossed for a deserved try.
TECH continued to attack but couldn’t add to their total leaving the score at full time standing at 43-19.
This was a far better performance from the full TECH squad who all got some game time in a contest that was played in good spirit throughout by both teams.