Bishop’s 1st XV were away to high flying Guisborough in their most recent match, a team who are 2nd in the League.
Guisborough started brightly and were soon into their stride, with two quick tries in the opening ten minutes following some slick passing and running by their No 8 to put them 12-0 up.
Following an excellent kick and chase, Guisborough were once again in the Bishop 22. With quick hands and a neat dummy they scored their 3rd try, and shortly after scored their fourth to give them a 24-0 lead.
Bishop were missing too many first tackles and looked off the pace. Stern words were needed from coach Colwell at half-time to stop this from turning into a rout.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with Bishop being penalised for hands in the ruck. With a quick tap and the ball played wide to the Guisborough winger, the try was scored making it 31-0.
Finally Bishop started to put together some moves of their own with Centre Lance Oliver unlucky not to score following a fine kick and chase.
Bishop’s try finally came with Guisborough being penalised in the ruck. The resultant penalty put Bishop into their 22 for a lineout. The ball was moved wide then reversed for winger Mike Halliday to break through covering tackles to score and get some points on the board, making it 31-5.
Guisborough were not done yet and their well-drilled team ran in two further quick tries following some missed tackles once again by Bishop, with the Guisborough forwards and backs combining well
together 43-5.
Bishop had the final score of the game following a hard-worked turn over debutante Alec Clarey who scored his first try for the 1st team from close range – which was well converted by Josh Richardson to take the final score to 43-12.
Bishop looked out of sorts from the opening whistle and need to step up their performance level for their next home game to Hartlepool.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
