On a very rainy Saturday, the Boro faithful travelled to challenge a strong and resurgent Heath. The home side rumbled over to take a 5-0 lead after 10 minutes. Heath controlled the game well and extended their lead just five minutes later with another forwards dominated try to take the score to 12-0.
After half an hour of intense pressure, Boro lost young Jeffers to the Bin. Jack fell foul of new law trial “Protecting the 9,” that prohibits opponents from laying hands on the scrum-half if they are within one metre of a ruck, maul, or tackle. A man down and conceding a series of penalties, Boro’s resilience gave again. It was very unlucky for Middlesbrough: the officials missed the Heath winger’s knock-on. Heath rallied 60 yards down the pitch and their big flanker broke several tackles to score 15 yards from the posts. 19 – 0.
Brendan Hill put some points on the board following a penalty close to half time to make it 19-3. Unfortunately, second row Veno picked up a yellow card on the stroke of half time making the start of the second half more challenging.
Despite having two extra men on the pitch, Heath took a while to resume their scoring. A charge down and a series of penalties allowed Heath to use that advantage to take the score to 26-3 with another close drive by the forwards over the line.
The second half was a touch and bruising battle for territory, dominated by Heath forward pressure and penalties conceded by Boro. Game management by the home side was impressive with their ex-Sale fly half Chris Johnson showing his premiership experience. This pressure resulted in two more Heath tries taking the final score to 38-3.
We have to add a big thank you to the travelling supporters who not only endured terrible driving conditions, but also stood pitch side and cheer all game in the diluvian deluge.
Boro hosted Novocastrians in a tightly contested game, eventually running out 29–12 winners.
Boro opened the scoring through Harry Thompson, before Novos struck back to level. Archie Brent then crossed the line, but the visitors edged into half-time with a narrow 12–10 lead.
The second half saw Boro move the ball with pace and width, testing the Novos defence. Desmond Ogbeide powered through, breaking multiple tackles to score a superb try, converted by Jack Smith. With Novos threatening to come back into the game, captain Lewis Boyes showed his class with a brilliant solo run from halfway to touch down.
As the final whistle approached, Jack Smith intercepted a pass to seal the win, adding the conversion himself.
A great day of rugby in sunny autumnal conditions, with both teams playing their part in a competitive and entertaining match.
? Player of the Match: Austin Elliott – presented by sponsor Joe Thompson
? Unsung Hero: Desmond Ogbeide.
