 |
| Youngsters Shaded By Borders |
 |
| 8 February 2010, 1:03 pm |
|
| Newcastle Falcons were edged out by just a single point by a competitive Borders outfit on Sunday at Druid Park, losing out 8-7 despite a late rally almost stealing the show. |
The borders started very strongly and registered the first score with a penalty inside the first 5 minutes, and before long both sides showed ambition in trying to play expansive rugby in damp conditions.
Strong bullocking runs by the Borders blindside flanker and ferocious tackling by Falcons no. 8 James Merton were the highlights of the half but despite the endeavour there were no more scores in the opening stanza with the breakdown and set piece proving to be very competitive.
Into the second half the game opened up a little bit as both sides started to produce quicker ruck ball, and before long the Borders were deservedly 8 - 0 up with a score down the right flank.
The Falcons soon worked their way back into the game with some jinky runs from replacement fly half Hodgson opening up holes for Ireland U18 centre Grant Connon. But it was winger McMahon who intercepted a kick on the right touchline before scampering home to bring the score to within a point after Hodgson added the touchline conversion.
Then the moment of controversy when a penalty kick by England U18 international Hodgson which appeared to have bisected the posts was not awarded. Despite the confusion, play resumed and soon the Falcons were back inside the Borders 22 with the final pass being the only thing stopping a score. As the game drew to a close the young Falcons outfit were unable to add to their points tally and the Borders edged the game 8-7.
Falcons Academy Manager Mark Laycock said afterwards: "We are not at all disheartened by the result because, on another day, it could have been very different.
"Our main aim for this playing programme is to give the players an opportunity to play outside of their comfort zone and for us to see who performs well under pressure, which several of the guys did today.
"As young men they always play to win and for them the frustrating thing will be when they realise how many good attacking opportunities were wasted by basic handling errors. The good news is that they have an opportunity to rectify that next week against Edinburgh."
Squad v Borders
1 Wright
2 Rigby
3 Telfer
4 Smith
5 Worthington
6 Kitson
7 Ridley
8 Merton
9 Williams
10 Harrison
11 Kill (c)
12 Connon
13 Mitchell
14 McCartney
15 Mercer
16 Maguigan
17 Riley
18 Balmain
19 Campbell
20 Harrison
21 Mellish
22 Hodgson
23 McMahon
24 Bramwell
The young Falcons will now face Edinburgh on Sunday (14th Feb) in the second part of their three-fixture programme.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
