Durham & Northumberland Div 3

Whitby Maroons 10
Bishop Auckland 14

Whitby opened their season at home with a second defeat in a row against promotion favourites Bishop Auckland. Captain Quinn, vice captain Straker and key men Ollie Roberts and Prop Shane Young all away, the maroons had to bring in second teamers Kev Purvis, Alan Knaggs and Jim Fountain as cover.

Stand in Captain Russell won the toss and elected to play uphill, the away side started well and early pressure from the big pack pushed the maroons back in every scrum in the first half. But the pressure began to pay off as Phil Stentifords clearance kick was charged down as the flanker dived on the ball to score. The conversion was good.

Later on Bishops crossed the line again as Whitby never managed to defend well and a close range try from the heavy forwards increased the lead to 14-0. Towards the closing stages of the half, the maroons surged up field as quick hands and good backing up made easy work as the visitors struggled with any sort of pace. Steve Allen landed a penalty on the stroke of half time. 3-14

The second half was all Whitby but the last ditch attempts by the away side and slowing the ball down frustrated the home side and as cool heads were needed gave away needless penalties which were cleared. Leader Matt Russell got the home side back into the game with a short range try. Allen added the extras.

The scrums were more solid as Harrison and Parkin were making in-roads from set piece plays. Harry Pindar and Tim Richardson did well in the mid field but their opposition put in lots of hard tackles. Purvis and Harrison continued to cause problems with Lonsdale at the break downs. Phill Stentiford combined well with Steve Allen to control the game.

The home side blew a great chance with 10mins to go with a penalty opportunity but decided to run the ball, Matt Russell nearly scored but was just short. As time ticked on both sides were reduced as abit of in discipline form the home prop and the away flanker were sent to the bin. The game finished with the score 10-14, with the home side feeling a missed opportunity to get the first win of the season had gone.

Matt Russell, Kev Purvis, and Phill Stentiford had great games

Whitby Gazette Man of the Match - Steve Allen.
Match Sponsor – The Hart Inn