4^th Sept 2005

Billingham 34 Blaydon 12

A good start to the season for the Under 16’s at Greenwood Road. Blaydon are a good strong side and we knew it would be a tough game. We beat them away last season, the home tie called off due to frozen pitches, then were narrowly defeated at Blaydon in the County Cup Semi Final, so we wanted revenge. We started well and after just two minutes got our first try. Matty Stringer picked up from a ruck 10 metres out and charged through to be stopped just short of the line, supported well by Andy Sidney who picked up and dived over. Converted by Peter Evans. We dominated possession for most of the half, and got our second try from a maul 5 metres out driving across the line for Ben Barnaby playing prop, to score his first try for Billingham on his debut. Half time and we were leading 12 to nil.

From the kick off we put Blaydon under pressure again, and from a line-out 20 metres out got the ball to Anth Hyndman in the centre who broke through and was unstoppable to touch down near the corner. Our next try came from a crossfield kick chased by Anth Kelsey on the wing who dived on the ball over the try line before a Blaydon player could react. Billingham were then put under some pressure from Blaydon who’s strong pack drove a maul over the line to score. This was converted. Anth Hyndman got his second try minutes after the restart in another strong run through Blaydon’s defence after receiving the ball from a ruck, and placing the ball between the posts. Converted easily by Peter Evans. Another spell of Blaydon pressure seen a clearance kick from behind the try line charged down and a Blaydon player was first to get there. The final try of the game started from a good run from scrum half David Beecroft making his Billingham debut, he made good yards into the Blaydon half, before passing the ball to Simon Bence who was stopped 5 metres out and popped the ball up to James Watson in support who powered over the line.

Billingham dominated throughout, we won line-outs and scrums against a strong well organised Blaydon pack. With 21 players used, the team was never weakened showing our strength in all areas. The backs defended excellently, tackling well when needed and making good runs when given the chance, from a forwards dominated game. We were too strong for Blaydon today and deservedly won 34 points to 12.

Man of the match was Danny Dixon for another strong performance.

11^th Sept 2005

West Hartlepool 10   Billingham 52

We travelled to West expecting a tough game, and that’s what we got. For the first 10 minutes we never got out of our half, their forwards being bigger than ours we were getting pushed all over. Then we got the break we needed, a ball passed out to Nathan Renwick on the wing who made a good run supported by James Watson, stopped 10 metres out, the ball was picked up from the ruck by Anth Hyndman who ran through to score. Converted by Peter Evans. Billingham were more fired up now and the forwards started working together better. We won a scrum on halfway, a series of passes got the ball to Danny Dixon who broke the line with Nathan Renwick in support. Nathan passed the ball out to Anth Hyndman who crossed in the corner. West who had most of the possession in the first half, then scored a well worked try to get them back into the game. The next Billingham try came from a good backs move, with the ball being shipped along the line to Full Back Ben Laing who scored in the corner. Half time and Billingham lead 17 points to 5.

After the break Billingham took total control. Billingham pressure brought us a scrum 10 metres out. This was the chance for James Watson to pick up and go from No8 to burst through and score. This was converted expertly, from an angle by Peter Evans.

18^th Sept 2005

Ashton-on-Mersey 12   Billingham 36

We set off early from Greenwood Road to make the trek across to Ashton. It would have been earlier but Dixon had slept in, there’s always one!! We got a nice friendly reception and an hour to warm up before kick off. We had played Ashton when we were on tour in Holland, we narrowly beat them over 20 minutes so looked forward to a tough game.

From the kick off we dominated possession and after just 4 minutes we got our first try of the day. We won our lineout 30 metres out and passed the ball well along the backs to be stopped on the 5 metre line, James Watson picked the ball up from the base of the ruck and drove over. The next try came shortly after, we won a scrum in our own half, after a couple of rucks we got the ball out to Anth Hyndman who ran through the defence and placed the ball between the posts. Peter Evans converted. We kept the pressure on and peter Evans kicked the ball cross field for Phil McCarthy to chase on the wing. An Ashton player beat Phil to it and Danny Dixon in close support of Phil stole the ball off him and ran between the posts to score. Converted easily by Peter Evans. The last try of the half came from a great run from No 10 Peter Evans who received the ball from the scrum deliberately missed out both centres and ran through the defence to be stopped just short of the line. From the ruck scrum half Dave Beecroft picked up and crossed the line himself for his first try for Billingham.

Half time 0 – 24

In the second half we changed things round a bit in the forwards using all 4 replacements. Ashton had been working better together towards the end of the first half, and started strongly in the second but gave away a penalty in their own half. From the penalty we got in a maul and drove their pack back towards their line, when the ball came out slick passing got the ball to Phil McCarthy on the wing and he scored in the corner. Ashton put us under more pressure and scored a converted try of their own. Towards the end of the match Danny Westall made an excellent run, and when stopped popped the ball up to James Watson in support who ran on to score between the posts. Peter Evans does not miss these, and he coolly kicked the con. Ashton scored again before the end but it too late for a revival. Billingham dominated in all aspects of the game and for long spells did not give Ashton the chance to play. Ashton showed organisation and individual skill at times, but seemed rusty and I’m sure they will improve as the season progresses. We look forward to the return fixture next year. Man of the match was Captain Anth Hyndman.  

25^th Sept 2005

Durham 5   Billingham 46

We did not play Durham last season, and as they had made it to the final of the County Cup, I imagined they had improved since our last meeting when we won 58 to nil. We expected a tough game. Billingham dominated from the start and won a lineout in the Durham half. From the lineout the ball was passed out along the line and Ben Laing supporting from Full Back received it to score in the corner. We won a scrum on the half way line, got the ball to Anth Hyndman who burst through the defence to score. From a Durham scrum the ball went loose and Peter Evans reacted to grubber the ball through and chase, he picked the ball up and when stopped, popped the ball to Mathew Stringer who scored in the corner. The first spell of Durham pressure came towards the end of the half, they passed the ball out to where they had an overlap on the wing to score in the corner. A defensive kick from Durham after the restart was picked up on halfway by Dave Beecroft playing wing, who sprinted into the corner to score. Half time, Durham 5 points to Billingham 20.

The second half started with Durham on the defence again. Danny Dixon made a strong run, he passed the ball to Dave Beecroft and received the ball back in support to be stopped just short of the line where Danny Sayers picked up the loose ball and dived over the line. It was Danny Sayers again who got the next try after receiving the ball from a scrum, running from our own half to touch down between the posts. This one converted by Peter Evans. James Watson was next to get on the score sheet picking the ball up 30 metres out and powering through to score between the posts. This was converted by Peter Evans. The final try of the game was Danny Sayers third, another strong run and try between the posts. The final kick was a Peter Evans conversion, getting used to his new boots, but he does not miss from there. A decent game, but a bit scrappy at times. This was Durham’s first outing of the season so they lacked a bit of match practice. I’m sure they will get stronger as the season goes on and give us a harder game at home. A well-prepared and organised Billingham squad was too much for them today. The Durham Coaches selected our Man of the Match today. For a great performance at Full back it was Ben Laing. 

2nd Oct 2005

Guisborough 5   Billingham 46

Today we met a mixed U16 and U17 Guisborough side. This was a quickly arranged fixture because of Redcar cancelling us. We played at Laurence Jackson School because the rugby club was very busy. We opted to play uphill first half, and started well with a try after 5 minutes. We won a scrum on halfway and got the ball out to Dave Beecroft on the wing, who scored in the corner. Billingham dominated possession and passed the ball well through the backs to the wing, then back inside to Anth Hyndman who made a good run before passing it to James Charville to get the try. The next try came from a lineout in our half, which we won, after several phases and some more excellent passing from the backs James Charville received the ball and charged through the defence to score his second. This was converted by Peter Evans. Just before the break Anth Hyndman scored a superb individual try, picking the ball up in our own half and weaving through the Guisborough line.

The second half continued with Billingham dominating play. James Watson picked up a loose ball 30 metres out and broke through to score. Phil McCarthy got the next points, we won a scrum on halfway and got the ball out to Phil on the wing, his pace taking him to the corner. Expert conversion from Peter Evans. From the restart we made a great driving maul pushing Guisborough back across the half way line, the ball was passed out to Danny Sayers who broke the line and they could not catch him.

Injuries brought the sides down to 13 each team and uncontested scrums. Guis had not given up and kept on trying to break down the Billingham defence. Unfortunately for them Phil McCarthy intercepted a pass out to the wing and sprinted 40 meters to place the ball between the posts. Peter Evans converted. Gutsy Guis still did not give up and scored a try of their own just on full time. Billingham giving away several penalties in their own half and Guis taking full advantage of them. Another good result from a solid team performance. Guis had the size advantage but the skill and pace of our backs, and the strength and ability of our forwards was too much.

Final score Guis 5 Bill 46.

9th Oct 2005

Billingham 17 Selby 3

Today we faced Selby, a Yorkshire side we have never met before. We had predicted that this would be our hardest fixture of the season so far, and we weren’t wrong. Selby are very well organised and disciplined and proved very hard to break down. After 10 minutes Selby were first to get points on the board. They opted to kick a penalty from 25 meters, and expertly slotted it between the uprights. Selby had most of the early possession but Billingham defended well. We gave away another penalty 30 meters out and Selby opted to kick it again, but this time failed to score. Billingham piled on the pressure towards the break and a defensive kick was caught by Danny Sayers, who ran it back into the Selby half. When he was tackled he had Anthony Hyndman behind him who took the pass and ran through to score. Half time and Billingham led 5 points to 3.

Billingham came out fired up after the break and were unlucky not to increase their lead after James Watson crossed only to be judged to have been held up. Danny Westall took the ball well in a lineout on the Selby 22 and the resulting maul was driven on well, then passed out to the backs, Anth Hyndman powering through the Selby defence to get his second try. Most of the second half we had Selby defending and from a Billingham scrum 30 meters out scrum half Matty Stringer got a good ball out to Anth Hyndman who broke the defence again to be stopped 10 metres out. Nathan Renwick just back from injury, was in support and took the pass from Anth and ran through to place the ball between the posts. This was converted easily by Peter Evans and was the last points of the game. Selby were strong opponents this week, a big side and well organised. Billingham forwards took a while to get themselves organised and working together, but when they did they were too strong for Selby. The backs made too many simple handling errors and should have been further ahead in the first half. Lots to work on in training on Wednesday, back to basics. A good hard game and I look forward to the return fixture. Final score Billingham 17 Selby 3.

16th Oct 2005

Sandal 17 Billingham 32

Today we travelled down the M1 into Yorkshire to play Sandal. After a tough game against Selby last week we knew it would be hard against another top Yorkshire team.

We were two regular players short because of Durham County U15 trials, so travelled with just one replacement. With Sandal not being able to provide a referee, Coach Dave Sidney bravely volunteered. With just five minutes played, Sandal won a penalty 20 metres out in front of the posts and took the kick and the lead. Billingham replied with a try, a loose ball from a Billingham lineout in the Sandal half went to James Watson who ran through to score on the line. Sandal then got a try of their own chasing a long kick through to pick up and place between the posts. This was converted. A Billingham scrum 20 metres out gave James Watson chance to pick and go from No8, he passed out to Matty Stringer in support then took the return to drive over the try line. Excellent Billingham defending kept Sandal out till just before the break. A sandal lineout seen the ball passed well along the backs to break through and score between the posts. This was again converted. Half time and Sandal lead by 17 points to 10. An unfamiliar position for the lads being behind by 7 points, the half time talk had to be inspiring. Without having done anything bad, we had to improve against a good Sandal side, which looked like being the first team to beat us this season.

From the start Billingham forwards dominated play. A line out and excellent rolling maul set up nicely the ball out to the backs to Fly Half Anth Hyndman and out to Anth Kelsey to score in the corner. Another line out this time on half way, saw the ball out to Anth Hyndman who chased his own kick over the top to pick up and score. The next score came from another awesome Billingham driving maul, pushing Sandal back over their try line for Danny Dixon to score. The final try of the game and the best to watch was James Watson with a N08 pick up on half way and a great interchange of passes with Matty Stringer. Running and supporting each other the ball changing hands six times, before Matty Stringer got to the line. This time converted by James Charville. Sandal won the first half, but we won the second and the match 17 points to 32.

6^th November 2005

Billingham 52 Wetherby 5

After a couple of weeks without a game, the Under 16s returned to action against Wetherby at Greenwood Road.

After a Danny Westall try was judged to have been held up we scored from the resulting 5m scrum. Peter Evans at Fly Half missing out the centres to give the ball to Dave Beecroft on the wing who scored in the corner. The second try came from a lineout on the Billingham 5m line. A clearance kick out and chase, regaining possession and James Watson receiving and scoring in the corner. Constant Billingham pressure and excellent forward play seen a driving maul push Wetherby back 10 metres and the ball out to scrum half Matty Stringer who burst out off the maul the last 5 metres to the line and under the posts. A scrum on halfway seen Anth Hyndman receive at pace. The result was inevitable, Hyndman unstoppable. The final try of the half came from more fantastic Billingham forwards work, finished off by James Watson scoring in the corner. Half time score 31 points to 0.

The second half started with Billingham dominating again. A great movement of the ball across the field and back again, Danny Westall powering through the Wetherby defence to score between the posts. Wetherby did not give up and from a spell of pressure, got a try of their own from a penalty move on the 5 metre line. From the restart the ball was caught and driven forward, then out to Phil McCarthy on the wing who used his lightning pace to run through and score in the corner. The final try came from a Wetherby defensive kick which Full Back Ben Laing took superbly. He ran 50 metres then passed the ball out to Phil McCarthy supporting his run, to score under the posts. Special mention for Peter Evans today who’s kicking was superb, converting six out of eight conversions.

Man of the match today for a great all round display was Hooker Rob McCabe.

4th Dec 2005

Billingham 52 Mowden Park 0

After a long period without any matches and 4 players missing at county Billingham were up for this game.

Billingham started well and showed there intentions from the off. After some good forward play Danny Dixon picked up and drove over for the first try with a good conversion from Peter Evans.

From the resulting kick off after more fantastic forward play Peter Evans received the ball and in true Evans style made a darting deceiving run evading many Mowden players to score and then converting his own try score now 12-0.

Yet again after more good forward play Billingham were awarded a penalty with quick thinking by Matty Westall with good ball carrying and driving went over to score yet again Evans converted.

Half time score 28-0.

Mowden Park even  though getting well beat did not give up and gave a very good performance but could not match Billingham’s strength and ability. At this point the game took a turn for deliberate punch resulting in Mowden park being reduced to 14 men. This in fact fired Billingham up even more with trys then coming from Danny Dixon (third try of the game) James Screen, Danny Sayers and Ben Laing.

Final score 52-0.

Special mention should be made to all 8 forwards for their hard work and determination. Johny Hill also put in a good performance well done.

On the overall performance, and considering we had 4 players missing, Billingham looked as though they had been playing week in week out, a fantastic performance by all, resulting in a good result.

Man of the match – Backs: Matty Westall

                                Forwards : Jamzey

Even though all 16 players deserved man of the match.

11th December 2005

Gosforth 31 Billingham 21

Billingham Under 16s side had to travel to Gosforth with just 14 players. The team decimated through injuries, and one player at North of England trials. After a scrappy start Gosforth scored first which was not converted. James Watson replied for Billingham with a No8 pick up and go from a scrum 15 meters out. Peter Evans kicking the conversion well. Gosforth got a second unconverted try to make it 10 points to 7 to the home team at half time.

After the break Gosforth scored again this time converting. Billingham had long spells in the Gosforth half without any success, until the ball was passed out to Anth Hyndman on the wing. He chipped the ball over the top and ran on to catch it and score under the posts. Another easy conversion by Peter Evans. Billingham battled on, and Anth Hyndman scored his second try of the day, Peter slotting home the conversion with ease. In the last 5 minutes Gosforth scored 2 breakaway trys, both converted, and there was no coming back. In a scrappy game Gosforth made the most of their chances and ended Billingham’s unbeaten season. Our first defeat since our semi final cup exit at Blaydon in February and only our second defeat in a year. Final score Gosforth 31 Billingham 21.

8th Jan 2006

Billingham 20 Gosforth 7

Gosforth were the visitors to Greenwood Road today for our first game of the year. It was our opportunity for revenge after defeat in our last game at Bullocks Head. Gosforth had the upper hand for the first ten minutes and despite some good defensive work, took the lead with a try in the corner. This was converted well from the difficult angle. The remainder of the half was a pretty even contest, both sides battling hard on a heavy pitch. Both sets of forwards were tiring, but gradually Billingham started to get the better of Gosforth. With just minutes of the half remaining Billingham won a scrum on the Gosforth 22. James Watson at No 8 took the opportunity to pick and go, he ran past the fly half to score between the posts. Unfortunately the easy conversion was missed. Half time and we were behind 7 points to 5.

The second half began well for Billingham and we kept Gosforth under pressure. From winning a lineout we mauled the ball forward, it came out to Danny Dixon who powered through to score in the corner. After taking the lead we grew in strength and confidence, and started to dominate the game. Danny Dixon got his second try after we won a scrum in the Gosforth half, No8 pick up was stopped, 2^nd phase from the ruck saw the ball out to Danny who ran through to score. Billingham were now in total control of the game. Gosforth could not get the ball and were forced to defend their own 22 for the rest of the match. The final try came from a Gosforth defensive clearance kick, this was picked up by Phil McCarthy on the wing, he ran 20 metres before he was stopped, then he popped the ball up to Anth Kelsey who was supporting, to score in the corner.

An even but fairly scrappy contest in the first half, but Billingham took control in the second to get back into winning ways. A great team effort this week, everyone worked really hard with no replacements available. Man of the match was flanker Dave Golden, never stopped running and working hard all game. Well done.

22nd Jan 2006

A fine bright morning at Billingham, and today Durham were the visitors to Greenwood Road. We had beaten Durham at the start of the season and expected a tougher game today after they had had more match practice. From the kick off we had Durham under pressure, and kept them in there own half. After ten minutes we scored the first try, Danny Dixon picked up from the back of a ruck to power over from 10 metres out. The wet, muddy conditions made it difficult for both teams to pass the heavy ball around. Billingham kept on the offensive and Durham defended well until, from a scrum on halfway, the ball was passed out to Anth Hyndman who ran through to score in the corner.

In the second half Billingham brought Andrew Sidney into fly half, Anth Kelsey making way for Anth Hyndman to move back into the centre. James Watson came on for Danny Dixon. This gave Billingham the fresh legs to put Sayers in for a try under the posts. Billingham kept the pressure on, and Durham were kept in their own half defending for long spells. Danny Dixon returned to the field for Jono Hill. Watson took the ball up from a penalty on the half way line to put Dixon over for Billingham’s fourth. Jimmy Moutrey played his first game of rugby on the wing, and he would have got a try if he had put the ball down after crossing the try line. A good game, with Durham playing their part in making it entertaining.

Man of the match today was picked by the Durham Coach, and was our Captain Anth Hyndman.

5^th February 2006

Rossington Hornets 0 Billingham 15

We had a long trip to Doncaster today, after picking up a last minute fixture in the Yorkshire pool. We arrived twenty minutes before kick off so quickly got ready and warmed up. The Hornets were totally unknown to us, we did not know what kind of game to expect. We started well and had them constantly under pressure for the first five minutes, winning a scrum 10 metres out Matty Stringer picked up at scrum half, and carried into contact. From the ruck the ball was passed out to Peter Evans, who through fancy footwork made it easy for James Watson to cross the line.

A clearance kick from Hornets, was caught by Ben Laing on their 10 metre line, but he was also tackled in the air. Ben’s quick thinking brought a piece of genius, he took the quick penalty and sprinted down the touch line to score in the corner.

Injuries to Ben Laing and Anth Hyndman forced changes at half time. Andy Sidney went to inside center, Jonno Hill into second row for Danny Dixon, who filled in at full back. In the second half Hornets picked their game up and put some pressure onto Billingham. We defended well and despite the added pressure Hornets never looked like they would score. A Billingham scrum on half way seen Watson pick and go, he made the hard yards and gave a long pass out to Phil McCarthy on the wing who finished it in the corner. Another good team display against a well organised Hornets side, who had obviously worked hard on set pieces in training.

Today’s man of the match selected by the Hornets coaches, for his all round hard work, was No8 James Watson.

12^th February 2006

Billingham 36 v Guisborough 0

Today we faced Guisborough at Home. This was a mixed U16 & U17s side with mainly U17s, and they were big lads. Unfortunately Guis travelled with just 13 players, so we had volunteers to make up the numbers. Phil McCarthy and James Charville volunteered for first half. After just a few minutes we won a scrum 30 metres out, excellent passing got the ball out to Danny Sayers to run through and score between the posts. Peter Evans converted. Billingham dominated at breakdowns despite the size of Guis, and flanker Dave Golden was having a great game, in at every ruck and maul. An injury to a Guisborough player gave Naz Renwick the chance to come on to play for them. On half way Simon Bence came away from a maul with the ball, went into contact and James Watson leached on and they drove 20 metres into the Guis half. When the ball came out it was passed expertly along to full back Ben Laing who was driven over to score in the corner. Peter Evans converting expertly. The final try of the half came from Danny Sayers who ran through to score between the posts after another fine passing move. This again converted by peter. At half time Jimmy Moutrey, Danny Westall and Anth Kelsey volunteered to play for Guis.

At the start of the second half Matty Stringer got the next try, picking up at scrum half and driving over from 5 metres. Naz Renwick on the wing got the next, the ball passed down the line at pace, for him to score in the corner. An injury to Rob McCabe forced some changes, with Ben Barnaby going hooker and James Watson moving into tighthead. The final try came from Danny Dixon who was unselfishly put in by Matty Stringer after another great move.

A great team display today, everyone worked hard and played for each other. The forwards were outstanding against a much larger Guisborough pack. The backs handled expertly in difficult conditions. Though Guis failed to score they played their part well in a tough game, forcing us to defend hard at times. Well done to all of our  lads who played for Guisborough, they tried their best, and got thanks from their coaches. Man of the match today was Danny Dixon.

6^th March 2006 

Today we had Guisborough at Home again. This was a mixed U16 & U17s side with mainly U17s, and they were big lads. The first 15 minutes was a close game with no score. Danny Watson was an early casualty with a twisted knee, replaced at loose head by Simon Bence with James Charville going into second row. Billingham were giving away too many penalties, luckily we were in their half. Danny Westall was next on the injury list with a badly bruised elbow, James Charville then moved into blindside flanker and Jono Hill going into second row. The breakthrough came with Simon Bence fired up and charging through to score. Scrum half Matty Stringer kicking the conversion. Having found the line Simon got his second from a driving maul following a lineout 10 metres out. Just a few minutes later we won a 5 metre scrum James Watson picking at No8 and shipping it out to Matty Stringer to run through the defence to score.  Billingham dominated at breakdowns despite the size of Guis, and flanker Dave Golden had another great game. The final try of the half came from a lineout on the Guis 22. The ball was taken cleanly and passed out to Naz Renwick on the wing, who made a great run, Danny Sayers looped round in support and collected to run through and score. Half time 22 to 0.

The second half continued with Billingham pressure with Guisborough looking tired but not having given up hope. After being camped on the Guis 5 metre line Danny Dixon finally got the score driving over after receiving the ball from another good passing sequence. Full back Ben Laing got the next. Supporting the line, the ball coming out from a ruck and passed to Ben charging through to place between the posts. This time Matty Stringer converted easily. The final try came from an Anth Hyndman kick over the top. This was chased by Naz Renwick who grubbered it on, to score in the corner.

Another good team display today, everyone worked hard and played for each other. Though Guis failed to score they played well in a tough game, which threatened at times to boil over but on the whole both sides kept their discipline.

Man of the match today was James Charville.

 19^th March 2006

Wetherby 12 v Billingham 48

Today we made the trip down the A1 to Wetherby. The weather was bright and dry, excellent conditions for rugby. We started slowly, making a few basic errors but soon got into the game. After a good passing move we drove a maul over the line Anth Hyndman getting the score. Wetherby defended well under pressure and it was 15 minutes before we scored again. This try came from a 5 metre lineout after Peter Evans had kicked a penalty into the corner. The line out was caught and driven over, this time it was Matty Stringer who scored.  From the restart James Watson caught the ball and ran 40 metres before offloading to Anth Hyndman, who passed it to Ben Laing in support sprinting through to score between the posts. Peter Evans converting.

The second half brought more Billingham pressure and after winning a penalty, Danny Dixon powered through to score in the corner. This was expertly converted by Peter Evans. The next two trys came from Danny Sayers, the first from a Wetherby defensive kick which caught and ran in to the corner. The second came from a great series of passing after the restart to touch down under the posts, that Peter converted.

The tackle of the game came from Wetherby, Ben Laing ran through 30 metres and it was a certain try for him but ten metres short of the line the pursuing Wetherby player dived at his feet and tap tackled him. Ben popped the ball up to Matty Stringer who got the score between the posts. Peter could not miss this conversion. Although beaten Wetherby did not give up and from a penalty on the Bill 22 they got the ball out to score in the corner. This gave Wetherby new belief in themselves and they got back into the game with ten minutes remaining. Wetherby scored a second when they intercepted a pass on their own 10 metre line and ran to score under the posts, and convert it. The final try of the game came from a Billingham scrum, James Watson pick at No8, made good yards and passed out to peter Evans to get the score. A good result today, the lads working hard and supporting runs well. Andy Sidney had a great game back in the back row. Man of the match was Matty Stringer, great all round the pitch. 

9^th April 2006

Percy Park 24 v Billingham 12

The last time we played Park we beat them 53 to nil back in Oct 2004, the time before that was Feb 2004 when they beat us 19 to 17. We didn’t really know what to expect, but had been warned that they had some big fast backs. They were right, after just 5 minutes we gave away a penalty near half way. Park shipped the ball out to the wing and scored in the corner. We kept on the pressure, their forwards being no match for us, despite of their size advantage. We pushed them all round the pitch with some good rolling mauls. They defended well and pounced on a loose ball to break away and run through from their own 22 to score in the corner. This was expertly converted. From the restart we dominated play again, and this time the pressure paid off. We won a penalty 5 metres out, got the ball to Danny Dixon who went wide and could not be stopped. Half time and the score was 12 to 5.

We began the second half well but a loose ball was kicked on by Park, who chased through from their own half again, to score in the corner. Hard work from the forwards kept us in contention. Simon Bence ripped the ball out from a maul and charged like a bull to score between the posts, this gave us some belief. Matty Stringer  kicked the conversion with ease and gave us ten minutes to get a converted try to win it. Unfortunately it was not to be.  After a spell of constant attacking we got to ten metres out, a high pass was intercepted and we were caught out. The lad ran through to score under the posts. Easily converted and game over. Credit to Percy Park, the best team on the day, they defended well and took their chances.

Man of the match for putting in lots of hard work, was Andy Sidney.

23rd April 2006

Billingham 39 Sunderland 7

The last game of the season, and it was a fine sunny morning. Today we met Sunderland with a depleted team, the Boro game in Birmingham and a County game in Blackburn taking a few of our players. Thank you to the lads who said they would play for us to make up a team, Scott Thompson, Matty Westall & Simon Todd. We have not played Sunderland in the last few years so they were a bit of an unknown quantity. They were a big team so we expected a hard game. We started brightly for a change and put the pressure on, winning a 5 metre scrum after just a few minutes. James Watson picked at No 8 and crashed over the line. Billingham kept on the offensive, and from another scrum on the Sunderland 10 metre line, scrum half Matty Stringer shipped the ball out along the line to Nathan Renwick on the wing who scored in the corner. Sunderland could not cope with our passing and movement, and from an identical position from the last try the ball was passed along the line again to Nathan, this time popping it up to Danny Sayers in support to score. This was converted by Matty Stringer. The next two Billingham tries came from James Watson, the first was another No8 pick up this time selling a dummy to the Sunderland defence to cross under the posts. The second was from a penalty 10 metres out, James using his strength to drive through to cross, then kicking the conversion himself.

For the second half we had to borrow a player from Sunderland to make a replacement. We started slowly and lacked the enthusiasm of the first half. The game needed some excitement and this came from Anth Hyndman who made a brilliant 50 metre run twisting and turning through the defence before being stopped just short of the line. Anth passed the ball to James Watson who was in close support to score in the corner. Sunderland had not given up and were playing for pride, they were determined to get a score and put pressure on for a long spell. Billingham kept them out well, and then went to sleep when they were awarded a penalty 5 metres out which we failed to defend. Sunderland scored in the corner then converted brilliantly from a difficult angle. The final try of the game came from a Billingham scrum midway in the Sunderland half. Matty Stringer passed to Anth Kelsey who made a strong run with Matty Stringer just behind him to take the pass and score. Final score was 39 points to 7. We took our foot off the gas second half and let Sunderland back into it when we could have scored a lot more. A great first half with good work from the forwards to win the ball, and great movement and passing from the backs. A good team display but my man of the match is James Watson for four tries and a conversion!!