Harlequins v Algerinos 03-04-10
Whitby Harlequins once again found a late change to their planned opponents when scarborough instead of sending their 4ths sent their 2nd team a team who play about the same standard of rugby as whitbys firsts.Luckily the harlequins had a strong side 0f 22 available and relished the challenge of takeing on their old foes the Algerinos.The pitch looked more like a refugee camp than a sports field as all around the perimeter of both pitches the grass was covered with scooter enthusiasts who were camping for the weekend scooter rally, a couple of them even brought their boots for a game with the Whitby teams and many off them joined in the after match fun in the bar.Scarborough started the game very strongly and their winger A Baird was nearly over to score in the first five minuets just stopped short by centre craig hall.Whitby were pinned in their own 22 for the first quarter and stand off Pete Stentiford fearing hitting a tent or scooter if he kicked into touch tried repeatedly to run the ball out from defence.Despite good takeling from Mike Thorton and Barry Heyes Scarborough scored when their backs ran a good move to score a converted try.This seemed to wake up Whitby who then attacked the scarborough line comeing close several time but were just unable to breach the visitors defence.Whitby were forced into making some changes at half time and scarborough started to run the ball this soon paid them divedends as the scored two quick tries Whitbys forwards were easily matching the visitors pack but the referee seemed to miss a few professional fouls made by Scarborough back row.Scrum half Ian Slieghtholme was haveing a great game and with the powerhouses Darrin Wright,Dusty Hare and Kevin Purvis on top form Whitby were outmustleing the scarborough pack.This unsettled the visitors and the usual derby fisticuffs soon followed with both sets of forwards tradeing blows.With Scarborough realising they were struggling in the tight play they decided to run the ball at every opportunity and scored two more tries Despite great defence from Anthony Craig and George Heward Whitby battled all afternoon but scarborough deserved the win.It was impossible to pick a man off the match as everyone played their hearts out especially whitbys young forwards Mario Spagnolio,Dan Caerns and Dave Mahaffey Who impressed vetran Billy Broll so much he treated them to an Indian Takeaway.The Harlequins have a game on Sunday when they entertain touring side old jarrovians ko 2.30 Please let Neil Purves or Alan Knaggs know if you are available.
