Match Reports – 7th & 8th December 2024

This game was played in horrendous conditions up in the Northeast at Crow Trees, home of Blaydon RFC. The only saving grace was the fact that the game was played on a 4G artificial pitch. With storm Darragh doing its worst both sides should be congratulated on the way that they tried to play the game. Thanks must also go to the many Scunthorpe supporters who took the trouble to drive up the A1 to support their team. The players really appreciate the encouragement of the travelling supporters. With Dylan Martin making his first start of the season at tight head and Will Harrison bagging the scrum half berth the Greens had a strong squad

Blaydon had the advantage of the wind behind their back and used it to full advantage. They converted their possession with a penalty from scrum half Clarkson after a penalty for offside. Scunthorpe scored their first points after 20 minutes with their first visit to the opposition half. Blaydon gave away a penalty and Ethan Taylor kicked it to the corner. From the catch and drive lineout the ball was kept safe enabling Dylan Martin to score the try – the wind prevented what should have been a simple conversion by Ethan Taylor 3-5.

Scunthorpe gave away another silly penalty in the Blaydon half just inside the halfway line, they kicked it into the corner and then spent five minutes on the Scunthorpe line. A series of penalties allowed Blaydon to go back into the lead 5 m out kicked it. From the ensuing kick-off Blaydon fumbled the ball Scunthorpe pounced and Ben Hyde took it on eventually Nick Dyson ended up crashing over Ethan Taylor missed the conversion. So, from their second incursion into the home side half Scunthorpe found themselves 10-6 ahead.

Tim Robinson’s men scored their 3rd try on their 3rd visit this time it was the other Dyson -James. Good play by Laurence Pearce as he broke through the line, galloping along he cut inside and fed his teammate. James Dyson took a ball from Ben Hyde to stroll under the posts, this time Ethan Taylor converted 17 – 6 and Scunthorpe were looking very comfortable as they turned round with the gale force wind behind them.

Things didn’t quite go to plan as some simple kicks just didn’t quite come off. However, Scunthorpe have some class players who can produce moments of magic – one such being an excellent individual try from fullback Josh Lugsden. On 45 minutes Ethan Taylor spannered one such kick and gave a lineout to Blaydon in the Green half. Thankfully they fumbled and the visitors got the ball along the backs, after a couple of rewinds ‘Luggy’ got the ball on his own 10 metre line raced away. The moment of magic came when the fullback shimmied two defenders completely bamboozling them. As he raced away to score under the posts, he left the two opponents in a heap on the floor. Ethan Taylor converted, and the lead now stretched to 24 -6.

Scunthorpe then sealed the game with two well taken tries the first one came from Laurence Pearce. Scunthorpe were given a scrum on the Blaydon 5m line, the ball came out quickly and the big centre took it through the middle their defence brushing off tacklers, Taylor converted. Respect must be given to Blaydon as they tried to run the ball from all parts of the pitch. They were rewarded with a try on the hour from winger Burt. It came from a catalogue of errors caused in the main by the rain sodden ball and blizzard conditions. Clarkson converted and with twenty minutes to go the gap was reduced to 18 points which was comfortable buffer. The Greens sealed the victory with another piece of captivating play this time in the form of an interception try from Marcus Payne who raced 30m straight under the posts. Ethan Taylor converted and the final score of 38-13 was well deserved considering the weather.

Despite the numerous errors the team stuck together and whilst there were flashes of individual brilliance it was the teamwork that made the dream work! Unfortunately, on this occasion Blaydon just weren’t at the races!!

After the defeat against York the previous week this victory warmed the cockles of all the hearts of the players, coaches and supporters. Next week sees the inform Huddersfield visit Heslam Park as the halfway point in the season has arrived. Scunthorpe have now played everyone in the league so will now know what to expect as they try to maintain their position at the top of league.

MOM – Josh Lugston 

Photos shared with permission from Ian Smith Photography – Rugby for the North East Facebook page link here – (2) Facebook