Match Reports – 9th & 10th November 2024

1st TEAM

 SCUNTHORPE 15 – ALNWICK 9

Scunthorpe struggled to produce the form that sees them sit at the top of the Regional 1 NE League Table and Alnwick were stiff opponents belying their lowly league position.

The game reflected the dour weather conditions, Alnwick started brightly and were constantly asking questions of the Scunthorpe defence. After the two opposing kickers played ping pong looking to gain the upper hand, Alnwick knocked on and Scunthorpe had their first chance to attack from a scrum on the 22. Whilst the chance went begging after ten minutes Ethan Taylor slotted over an easy three-point penalty.

Two minutes later Jim Blackett replied likewise for Alnwick. Then another penalty for high tackle saw Blackett put his side ahead 3 points to 6. Neutral observers of the game would not believe that the two sides were at opposite ends of the table as the greens made far too many unforced errors and gave away too many penalties. Alnwick also played their part and pushed Tim Robinson’s men all the way. After 24 minutes Scunthorpe started to put some phases together and from a penalty found themselves camped on the Alnwick five-metre line. The catch and drive worked well but Alnwick pulled down the maul and the referee went straight under the posts to award the penalty try. Scunthorpe 10 Alnwick 6. Just before half time Will Harrison, playing on the flank, scored a forwards try from another catch and drive line out. Half time Scunthorpe 15 Alnwick 6.

James Dyson returned to the squad after a two week break and replaced Will Harrison at wing forward. Just after the restart Alnwick had a simple chance to add three but Blackett shaded the ball to the side of the posts. Alnwick had yet another scoring opportunity with a line out close to the try line, but a great steal nullified that chance. The Greens then gave away three penalties in a short time, the final one resulting in a yellow card for James Dyson.

Alnwick were camped in the home side 22 and whilst the Greens defended well, they could not work an exit strategy. On the hour Alnwick scored the final points of the game with another Blackett penalty and Scunthorpe had to defend for twenty minutes with their opponents within one converted try of what would have been a well-deserved victory. However, it was not to be, even though from a penalty just inside his own half Blackett, optimistically, attempted a 55-metre penalty that faded away. The game petered out to see Scunthorpe collect four points and maintain top position in the league with a 15 points to 9 win.

There is a saying in sport that good teams win even when they are not playing at all well and this was one of those occasions. The league leaders will have to return to their imperious form next week as they visit Selby. The two sides have not met at 1^st team level since they were regular opponents prior to the introduction of league rugby in the 1980s and even though the Yorkshire side are down at the wrong end of the league they will tough opponents on their own ground at Sandhill Lane.

Player of the Match – Cam Christie

Match report written by Steve Williams. Photos below credited to Paul McDonald

Referee expenses for this match have been covered by Red Recruitment 247 (click here for their website) – contact them for all your recruitment needs.