Stockton 15 Boro 7
A local derby in the Papa Johns Cup saw Middlesbrough finish their season with a narrow loss to our closest rivals
In blustery conditions, both teams tried their very best to play open running rugby
Boro started strongly and attacked against the wind spending most of the opening quarter in the Stockton half, forwards and backs combing well but unable to convert the pressure into points
As often happens at our level Stockton absorb this pressure and open the scoring with 2 tries one converted and we reach HT Stockton 12 Boro 0
The second half starts much as the first finished off good attacking from both sides neutralised by stout defence Boro’s Will Deeks Brendan Hill Nathan Booth Sam Pearey-Gill, Matthew Marsay and Shay Barritt tackling anything that moved ably abetted by forwards Henry Nyinguru, Alistair Lang Myles Colvin and Scrum half Chris Lord playing like an extra back rower.
Boro have been in control of the scrummage all game with the powerhouse of James Walker and Joseph McNeill aiding the various front row combinations of Matthew Helm, Joe Sawdon Billy Campbell Martin Quinn and Josh Lynas what strength in depth we have. Boro were rewarded by the dominant pack pushing Stockton over the line for Adam Marron to touchdown,, Hill slotted the extras 12-7 Here we go…
Stockton are next to score thru a penalty making it 15-7
Try as they might Boro could not score again even the introduction of the Costa Blanca 3 Jack MacPhillips, Rohan Brown and Lyno the Rhino could not help us score. Stockton closed out the game and were worthy of the win.
Special mention to Charlie Bourne returning to first XV duties after coming back to the Boro
Yours in Rugby for the final time in the 2023/24 season

Jabba