Last weekend’s matches for Bishop Auckland Rugby Under 9s was a three way tie with Sunderland and Gateshead.
Following some confusion over the rules and who would referee, the first game got under way when Bishop took on Sunderland who won the toss.
Bishop stepped back seven meters, the ball was in play but Bishop didn’t seem to be.
Sunderland started with a fast and furious pace with their forwards breaking down Bishops sleeping defence.
With four tries against them heads went down, morale seemed to be low and getting lower every minute.
A good positive team talk at half-time from the coach Peter Gallone lifted their spirits.
In the second half the team played a different game, they put in the tackles and pushed Sunderland back to their try line.
A little pop-up pass from James to Luke allowed Luke to reach the corner and pull one back. The travelling crowds cheered and the squad were smiling as they continued to fight back.
The next try came from James who ran three quarters of the pitch to put the ball down. The final score ended a disappointing 40 v 15 (8 v 3) in Sunderland’s favour.
After a short break and just time to get their breath back Bishop were ready to take on Gateshead.
Bishop were like little tornados and spared no mercy.
Jack made good ground and would not give in, changing tactics, passing the ball along the line out wide allowed Daniel to score.
Anyone watching would think this was a new team with heads high and tackles in the tries kept on coming. Gateshead didn’t give in and it was certainly no easy win.
The fact was Bishop had stepped up a gear. The final score 35 v 5 (7 v 1). A club spokesperson was very pleased with the outcome, saying, “Our first away game of the season and what a pleasing turn out of players it was. A full squad travelled and showed their commitment to the club and what they were made of.”
Training takes place at Bishop Auckland Rugby Club from 10.30am on Sunday mornings.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
