Durham U20's v Northumberland U20's Match Report

DURHAM U20’s v NORTUMBERLAND U20’s

26/2/2023 @ Hartlepool RFC

The Under 20’s started their Jason Leonard County Championship campaign against old rivals Northumberland at Mayfield Park, the home of Hartlepool RFC. Having twice suffered defeats at the hands of Northumberland in last season’s competition the home side, under the captaincy of Mitchell Lacey-Babalola were looking to try and reverse those disappointing results.

The game was a well contested affair throughout but the dominance of the home pack ensured that for long periods Durham were on the front foot. Despite the forward dominance the visitors looked dangerous as they looked to run the limited ball they had.

Playing down the bank in the first half the home side scored three tries through props Alex Radcliffe, Kieron Hope and scrum half Dan Ormond. Full back Magnus Broadley was successful with 2 conversions. The visitors responded with an unconverted try leaving the score at half time standing at 19-5.

The second half continued in similar vein with the visitors again running the ball at every opportunity but the well organised Durham side showed excellent defensive qualities when under any sort of pressure before again dominating the forward exchanges. Their dominance led to them recording a further 3 tries through second row Ben Glanville (2) and a second try for Alex Radcliffe. Magnus Broadley was successful with all 3 conversions. In between the first two home scores the visitors responded with a converted try of their own. The final whistle was sounded by Cumbrian referee Andy Shaw, with the score standing at 40-12.

The Durham side’s next game is away to Yorkshire on 19th March 2023. The game is to be played at Sheffield RFC. Yorkshire travelled to play their first game against Cheshire at Sandbach RFC. with the visitors winning by a score of 10-32.

SCORING SEQUENCE

First half

Alex Radcliffe 7-0

Dan Ormond 12-0

Kiran Hope 19-0

2 out of 3 tries converted by Magnus Broadley

with reply from Northumberland 19-5 at half time

Second half

Ben Glanville 26-5

Reply by Northumberland 26-12

Alex Radcliffe 33-12

Ben Glanville 40-12

Magnus Broadley converted 3 out of 3 second half