Match Reports
15/10/2011 Durham Tigers u14s vs Cramlington Rockets
u14s
Play Off Final
The
last match of the season for the u14s, and it was billed “The clash of the
Titans” the two top teams in the league and this was their fourth meeting this
season. Tigers drew the first match and won the next two, but not without a
fight. Today both teams fielded full squads and with the sun shining and Mr
Simon Flynn officiating the match started at 11:20 with Cramlington kicking
off.
Tigers
received and were hounded down by Rockets, with Tigers making no headway on the
first set. Rockets took the handover and proceeded to push for the line but were
held by a very strong Tigers defence. The third set saw a lot more movement of
the ball along the line as Tigers made some headway then Kane Young found a gap
and ran the ball down for the first try after five minutes of play. The
conversion by Tyler Claydon hit the post and bounced wide. At the restart Tigers
received the ball and again were held at their ten yard line by a strong Rockets
attack. Like the start of the match Tigers could make no headway, then a
breakaway by Ben Hoggart and some great passing gave Claydon his chance for the
try but he unfortunately missed the conversion. Again the restart saw Tigers
fighting to make ground against a formidable Rocket attack and were again held
at the ten yard line until the handover when the Rockets kicked up a gear and
charged the Tigers defence for an excellent try to put their mark on the game.
With fifteen minutes to play in the first half Tigers had two more attempts at
crossing the line but in each case were pushed out before they could get the
ball down. Rockets had their chances for more points but were held back by an
equally determined Tigers defence. Then with five minutes to go Joe Duffy made a
one man attempt to get through the Rocket defence when he took on twelve of the
thirteen players only to get stopped five yards short, with the next play of the
ball the ball was passed out to Alex Duke who pushed forward to within two yards
then off loaded to Duffy who managed to score the try which was converted by
Claydon. This brought an end to the first half with the score at 14 – 4 to
Tigers.
The
second half started with Tigers kicking off and Cramlington charging the ball
back at them but after only a couple of minutes the ball turned over and Michael
Walton stormed through for the try which Claydon successfully converted. At the
restart Rockets kicked the ball long and the catch was knocked on giving Rockets
the put in at the scrum, they took advantage and pushed forward to within a yard
of the line , but the Tigers defence were not going to give in and saw the
turnover and made their own push back at the Rockets. After another five minutes
McCauley Barker sprinted down the wing to get a well deserved try, which Claydon
converted. After more hard fought rugby by both sides it was Young for Tigers
who cut a swathe through Rockets defence for another try, again converted by
Claydon. Again at the restart
Rockets kicked long and again the ball was knocked forward giving the chance for
Rockets to come back, and come back they did, with the ball out of the scrum
some clean passing gave their no 7 his chance for the try, unfortunately his
conversion hit the post. With ten minutes left to play Tigers made another
charge for the line and some fast passing gave the ball to Young who once again
charged the line for his final try of the game which was unsuccessfully
converted. Cramlington then made a
courageous effort to make a comeback but with two tries and one conversion in
the last three minutes they had left it too late. At the final whistle the score was 36 –
18 to Tigers.
Both
teams played some brilliant attacking Rugby but it was the Tigers defence on the
day that was just that bit tighter, otherwise the outcome may have been very
different. Well played to both teams for an excellent display of Rugby skills.
All were a credit to your clubs.
Tigers Squad:- Aiden Mounsey, Connor Witton, Ryan
Cooper, Kane Young, McCauley Barker, Alex Bielby, Tyler Claydon, Ben Hoggart,
Luke Miller, Tom Clarke. Michael Dunn, Alex Duke, Michael Walton, Jacob Morgan,
Josh Love, Ashley Ward, Zak Hutchinson, Sandy Rea, Joe Duffy, Jake
Egglestone.
24/
9/2011 Tigers u14s vs. Gateshead Storm u14s Home Play offs semi
final
All squads were at home and the under 10s had just defeated a combined squad from Gateshead Storm and Winlaton Warriors 12 tries to 2, the u12s beat Gateshead in a friendly 34-0 and now it was the turn of the u14s to play Storm in the Semi Finals of the playoffs.
With Karl Stephenson refereeing Tigers kicked off at eleven o’clock straight into the arms of Storm who pushed straight back to the Tigers ten yard line. Tigers had to defend hard as the Storm attack was unflinching. The play centred in the Tigers half for twenty minutes before Storm found the chink in Tigers defence they had been looking for. First blood to Storm but unfortunately the conversion was unsuccessful. Tigers had only one chance of scoring in the first half when Ryan Cooper made a break through Storm defence but was stopped at the twenty yard line, he managed to get the ball away to Jacob Morgan but he was tackled and only managed to ground the ball six inches from the line.The rest of the first half was dominated by the Storm forwards and the halftime score of 0 -4 to Storm did not reflect on the game at all, as Storm had played some really brilliant rugby but were thwarted by some inspirational defence by Tigers.
Storm kicked off the second half, and if the first half was anything to go by, Tigers were going to have their work cut out. But after only three minutes Tyler Claydon found a gap in Storms defence and charged through, bringing the score level. Matty Lovegreen had an easy kick for the conversion. The restart gave Tigers possession and some quick passing along the line gave Tigers the advantage to make ground into the Storm half then with a long pass out to Claydon on the overlap it was a second try for Tigers, again an easy kick for Lovegreen for the conversion. Tigers now had the bit between their teeth and for some reason the Storm players were in disarray, no way like the Storm of the first half. Again the restart gave Tigers possession and a brilliant run up the wing by Cooper left the Storm defence a little perplexed leaving them standing wondering what could be done about the speed of runs like that. Tigers were now in the driving seat and with the next play it was the turn of the winger Kane Young to put his mark on the game with a charging run through the defence to try behind the posts to give Lovegreen another easy shot. Cooper then had another two tries to his tally, the first after a beautiful kick forward by Lovegreen into the corner, unfortunately neither were converted. And finally with only three minutes left, Young put another one down behind the posts for another easy kick for Lovegreen. The final whistle went with the score at 36 - 4 to Tigers.
This was definitely a game of two halves, the first being dominated by Storm who played some excellent attacking rugby and the second being dominated by Tigers, the only difference being Tigers had the stronger defence on the day.
Tigers Squad: Aiden Mounsey, Connor Witton, Ryan Cooper, Josh Love, Alex Bielby, Matty Lovegreen, Tyler Claydon, Michael Dunn, Ben Hoggart, Michael Walton, Luke Miller, Daniel Gerrard, Ashley Ward, Kane Young, Tom Clarke, Alex Duke, Zak Hutchinson, Jake Egglestone, Jacob Morgan .
Cramlington Rockets v Durham Tigers 17 September 2011
Final Score 12 - 36
The final league game of the season saw Rockets and
Tigers face each other for the 2nd consecutive Saturday. With the
League Title already won Tigers changed from the defensive line up from the
1st game and adopted an open attacking game plan. It paid off in the
first few minutes with fine bursting runs through the Rockets defence leading to
tries for Adam Bielby (2) and Ben Walton. Conversions were successfully kicked
by Dan Coates (2) and Jamie Lovegreen to move Tigers into an 18-0 lead. Rockets
hit back with tries from their number 14 and 10 with a double conversion from
their number 3, but the first half scoring was completed by Dan Coates to make
it 12 – 22 at half time.
The second half was dominated by Tigers with further
tries from Ben Walton, after a fine offload from Dan Coates, Adam Bielby with
another bursting run, converted by Dan Coates and Haydn Williamson with a fine
opportunist try in the corner.
Final Score – Rockets 12 – Tigers 36.
After last week’s containing game plan it was nice to be
able to let the players enjoy the game with nothing at stake and to a man the
gave it 100%. Every player contributed with fine tackling from the Centres
containing the Rockets attack while our Pack forced Rockets backwards opening
the gaps for the try scorers and support players. Of particular note was Jamie
Lovegreen’s opportunism when, realising the Rockets play the ball was loose,
repeatedly dived under from front marker and retrieved the ball for a
turnround.
Excellent work throughout the team – well done lads.
Man of the Match:
The Man of the Match goes to Jamie Lovegreen who worked
hard in the middle and whose quick thinking won us the ball on several
occasions. Well done Jamie
STOP PRESS (always wanted to say that!!) – We will be playing Rockets at 1030 on Sat 1 October at Home in the first round of the Championship play-offs. Winners go forward to the final on 8 October against Pumas or Eagles who also play on Saturday
10/09/2011 Durham Tigers u14s vs Cramlington Rockets u14s
The weather was ovecast with the prospect of rain when Cramlington arrived early with a full squad and began warming up, as did Tigers, who had a squad of twenty. The match started after the under 12s had finished their game with a defeat over Cramlington.
With Mr Nic Beaty officiating, Tigers won the toss and kicked off at 11-45, One minute later, after some dazzling moves by the forwards, McCauley Barker was storming over the line in the right hand corner to stamp his mark on the game. The conversion was unsuccessful, due to a cross wind that was very deceptive. After the restart, Rockets managed one set but at the handover Tigers again charged back down the pitch to give Michael Walton his chance for a well won try in the other corner, which was easily converted by Matty Lovegreen. The rest of the first half saw Tigers in full flow, with some brilliant passing and running by the forwards and some bone crunching tackles against the Rockets. Tigers defensive line managed to hold off a couple of charges by Rockets, with some real determination giving Barker, Aiden Mounsey, Ryan Cooper, Alex Duke and Ben Hoggart the opportunity to score a try each before the whistle, with Lovegreen successfully converting two out of the five. Michael Walton was ruled out of play after a great kick forward and catch up to touch down but his feet were just out, a good decision by the referee.
The second half started with Alex Duke scoring in the first minute and Lovegreen converting. Could this be a repeat of the first half? The answer to that was “No”, Rockets had turned themselves round and were playing with more determination. The Tigers defence had their work cut out and it was tit for tat for the next fifteen minutes. Tigers couldn’t make any ground then Rockets broke through their defences and managed a try in the fifty third minute, unfortunately the conversion was unsuccessful. The restart offered Duke his chance and he collected the ball and stormed down the pitch, being chased by half the Rockets, for a hard won try, the conversion was missed. With fifteen minutes to go the game was getting a bit sluggish, and it was again a game of tit for tat, then with seven minutes left, Walton ran the length of the pitch with several players in support, and on crossing the touch line passed the ball to Lovegreen to try, which he also converted. The teams had two more sets each without any further score before the final whistle.
If Rockets had played in the first half as well as they did in the second, then the outcome may have been much different. Well played both teams.
Tigers Squad:- Aiden Mounsey, Josh Love, Tyler Claydon, Ryan Cooper, McCauley barker, Alex Bielby, Matty Lovegreen, Tom Clarke, Luke Miller, Joe Duffy, Ben Hoggart, Alex Duke, Michael Dunn, Michael Walton, Jake Egglestone, Ashley Ward, Zak Hutchinson, Gerrard, Jacob Morgan, Connor Witton.
Durham
Tigers v Cramlington Rockets 10 September 2011
Final
Score 24 - 8
The second half continued to be fiercely
contested but the Tigers defence contained the Rockets attack throughout the
half with some excellent tackling in the Centre, while continuing to test the
Rockets line. Mid way through the
half Tigers worked a rehearsed move from close range to allow Tristan Johnson to
power over for a try, converted by Daniel Coates, 18-8. As the 2nd
half progressed Tigers remained strong in the tackle while Rockets began to tire
and further scoring was always likely. 2 minutes before the end Ryan Allan
forced his way through the line to score his 2nd under the posts and
Daniel Coates duly converted. Final score 24-8 and the League title belonged to
Tigers.
2 new lads were introduced in the game, Col
MacInnes and Jack Page-Carrick who performed well on the day and are valuable
additions to the team.
Next game on Saturday, again v Rockets, I promise
a more open game plan which should provide a more entertaining sight. I hope
it’s appreciated why we did what we did on
Saturday.
Gateshead
Storm Festival 13 Aug 2011 – U 12’s
The Gateshead Storm Festival was well attended across all age
ranges and thoroughly enjoyed by all I spoke
to.
No man of the
match for this one but all players gave 100% and came up to the mark in every
way. Well done lads.
Durham Whitley Bay
6 August 2011
The Man of the Match was awarded by the Team to Daniel Coates for his non-stop running and contribution across the board.
Tigers under 16s lose the game but win the
glory
When holidays and other commitments reduced the limited
Tigers to just 11 players for the game against Cramlington and the opposition
arrived with 16 the result of the game appeared to be a foregone conclusion.
So when Cramlington chose to field a full 13 against our
11 - which they are fully entitled to do under the rules of the completion
- it looked as though we were all in for a long morning. So when Cramlington
scored on their first set of six and rapidly scored two more tries events
appeared to be unfolding as everyone expected.
However when Rob Metson crossed in the corner to bring the
score to 4 - 14 the Tigers tails went up and showed that the side could
make an impact on the game.
Normality seemed to be restored when Cramlington scored
another converted try but this was followed by an amazing Tigers fight back when
first Shane Porter and then Ryan Weldon scored superb tries. Unfortunately both
conversions were missed but at half time Cramlington only led by 20 points to 12
and Tigers fans began to dream of an unlikely victory.
However this was not to be. In the second half the extra
Cramlington players enabled them to bring on substitutes and the Tigers 11 was
running out of steam. Cramlington ran in a further four against just one
additional score from the Tigers enabled the visitors to win easily in the end
by 38 points to 16.
It is well to remember that Cramlington are a very good
side and that they could have been expected to win by a huge margin. As coach
Rob Aspden remarked after the game the fact that they did not do so reflects the
fact that this season the Tigers have played with great skill and determination.
The Tigers under 16 side is, when at full strength, as good as any in the
league. The players now have a confidence which they did not previously enjoy.
However in the end even the most determined of teams cannot overcome a situation
in which the opposition, especially when it is as good as Cramlington, has a two
player advantage throughout.
So congratulations to Cramlington on a deserved win. However the Tigers will now be looking to pull off a real surprise in the play-offs when, we hope, we will be back to full strength.
Peterlee Pumas v Durham Tigers U12s Saturday
30 July
A greatly depleted Tigers were only able to field 9 players due to a combination of holidays and injuries. Pumas were actually able to name 15 players and chose to field the maximum allowed 11, plus rolling substitutions, against a basic 9 man Tigers.
Coach’s Comments:
This was far and away the Tigers' best complete team performance of the season. I explained to the players exactly what was needed and moved several players around to plug gaps and provide some offensive capability. It was imperative that we built an early lead while we were fresh and we did just enough to hold on at the end. Every player rose to the challenge and gave 100%. That was really what determined the result, I don’t think a single player considered losing was an option. Even when the game became more physical, and I’m not going to get drawn into the semantics of what is and isn’t fair play in rugby league, the sight of players like Adam Bielby getting to his feet and carrying on as his cheek bruised merely brought out our undisputed team spirit.
My initial feeling was to give it to the team, but on reflection I feel that Ben Walton shaded the award simply by his running, selfless play and the captain’s example he set. Well done Ben but well done every other single player.
30/07/2011 Peterlee Pumas u14s vs Durham Tigers
u14s
Well, Peterlee gave us great weather for rugby for the second week running, there’s a miracle for you. So after watching the u12s, who only had nine men, beat Pumas, who had eleven men, by only two points, the u14s felt that that was a hard act to follow. With Mr. Peter Warton in charge the whistle blew at eleven thirty sharp with Tigers kicking off. Pumas drove forward but lost control and Alex Bielby making a strong run from the forty yard line with Kane young backing up to place it between the posts after only two minutes for first blood. Sandy Rae kicked the conversion. The next tem minutes was a flurry of action from Tigers with Bielby kicking forward to be caught by the safe hands of Young fifteen yards out, backed up by Michael Walton, powered through for a try. Two Minutes later after the restart Young powered through for his second try, only one of the two conversions was successful. Pumas kicked off again and Tigers,with some great passing ended up with Bielby tracking from the left wing to centre pitch, where he offloaded to unmarked Luke Miller who tried between the posts, conversion was successful. Shortly after, another set ended with Alex Duke surging down the left wing to put the ball down to make his mark on the game. Rae failed on this conversion making it three out of five kicks successful. The rest of the first half pumas dug in and it was nip and tuck for both sides until with about a minute to go Josh Maslen put over a drop goal from twenty yards out. First half finished with the score at 26 – 1.
The second half started with Pumas kicking to Tigers and they took instant advantage with clean passing and strong running to give Tyler Claydon the chance he was waiting for to put his name on the score sheet, unfortunately he didn’t manage to convert. Eight minutes later Young put another one on the sheet and this time Claydon didn’t miss the conversion. At this point Pumas lifted their game with two great tries from Maslen within five minutes but failed on the conversions. With five minutes to go McCauley Barker made one of his trademark runs to try and Claydon converted. Pumas tried one more valiant set but at the handover Tigers fought to give Walton a try right on the whistle, again Claydon converted and the score ended at 48 – 9. But the Refs report read 42 -9 so we don’t know which one he missed, could have been the last as it was right on the whistle but it was still a definitive win for the Tigers.
The Pumas put up a brave fight but they carried a few small lads (with big hearts) and some new bigger lads that were new to the game but with hard work they will do well.
Man of the match for Tigers – Kane Young
Tigers Squad:- Aiden Mounsey, Josh Love, Kane Young, McCauley Barker, Alex Duke, Alex Bielby, Ryan Cooper, Tom Clarke, Luke Miller, Jake Egglestone, Sandy Rae, Ashley Ward, Michael Walton, Daniel Gerrard, Tyler Claydon, Jacob Morgan.
Pumas Squad:- Niall Sydney, Corey Ramplin, Alex Stevenson, Joseph Thubron, Ben Curry, Matthew Nadin, Shawn Spencer, Josh Maslen, Connor Wilkinson, Daniel Dunster, Ryan Smith, Anthony Davies, Anthony Milsom, Oliver Roxby, Matthew Stout.
23/07/2011 Cup
Final
Durham Tigers
u14s vs Cramlington Rockets
On a morning that was unusual for Peterlee, in that
the weather was fine, both teams arrived early to do their warm ups. After
watching Wallsend u12s beat our under strength u12 squad the U14s felt that they
had the honour of the club to uphold. Both teams looked strong and up for it and
with their last meeting dragging out a draw, it looked like a tough match was on
the cards.
With Mr Derrick Hubbard as referee the match started
at 11:15. Cramlington kicked off and gave possession to Tigers, who took
immediate control, and attacked the Rockets defence. With some slick passing,
Alex Duke made the first attack at the Rockets line but was stopped about five
yards out then the ball was passed out to Ryan Cooper on the left wing and he
was the first to break through the Rockets defence after a minute and a half of
play when he put the ball down in the corner, the conversion was not successful.
For the next twenty minutes it was a case of attack and defence by both sides
and it looked like it was going to turn into a low scoring game. But then came a
brilliant series of passing and running that gave the Rockets the chance they
had been working for with a try between the posts giving an easy conversion to
put them in the lead. Tigers then got the bit between their teeth when three
minutes later McCauley Barker received the ball and raced down the right wing
scored in the corner and again the conversion was missed. Two minutes later came a repeat
of the first try after good runs by Kane Young and Luke Miller, with Duke taking
the ball within a couple of yards of the line before being stopped then the ball
being passed out to Cooper who again put the ball down in the corner followed
again by an unsuccessful conversion. Rockets made one last attack before being
stopped short of the line with the half time whistle.
Going in to the second half Rockets came out
fighting and
within two minutes had broken though the Tigers defence with a superb play
to claw one back, the conversion was successful and brought them back on level
terms with Tigers. But from thereon in Cramlington had to fight to keep Tigers
at bay, unfortunately they didn’t manage very successfully as after another couple of
minutes Alex Bielby started a sequence that ended with Barker jinking through
the Rockets defence to put one down over the line. Again the conversion was
unsuccessful. Rockets restarted, but Tigers received and ran it through to
another try again Matty Lovegreen missed the conversion after the ball bounced
off the left hand post. Over the next fifteen minutes Tigers managed five more
tries by Barker. Ben Hoggart, Cooper, Duke and Young with three conversions
missed, and one each successfully converted by Lovegreen and Bielby. For the
remainder of the game it was back to attack and defence by both sides with
Rockets making one last ditch effort only to lose the ball on the line. This was
the last move of the game as the final whistle went with the score at 44 – 12 to Tigers
proving once more they are the best u14 team in the North East.
Man of the Match was Michael Walton for his superb
effort in mid field.
Tigers Squad: - Josh Love, Michael
Walton, Alex Duke, Ryan Cooper, Matty Lovegreen, Alex Bielby Ben Hoggart, Kane
Young, Jake Egglestone, Ashley Ward, Tom Clarke, Michael Dunn, Aiden Mounsey,
Luke Miller, McCauley Barker, Daniel Gerrard, Sandy Rae, Joe Duffy, Jacob
Morgan
Tigers under 16s demolish Whitley Bay
The 11 try win over Whitley Bay demonstrated the progress
that the Tigers under 16 side has made this season. Previously the Tigers had
gone down in the Cup to Whitley by 14 points to 28 and had secured a narrow 32
points to 30 win in the previous league game.
The start of the game suggested that another close contest
was to be expected when a clever kick into the corner gave Whitley a four point
lead. However that was as good as it was going to get for the visitors.
A try from Joe Richardson which he converted established a
narrow lead for the Tigers. Jonny Hall then scored a characteristic try which
Joe Richardson converted to give the Tigers a 12 point to 4. Then Josh Hoggart
intercepted a Whitley pass 10 metres from the Tigers try line and went the
entire length of the field to score under the post. Tom Robinson converted to
put the Tigers in front by 18 points to 4
From then on the Tigers dominated the game completely ties
from Shane Porter, Ryan Allinson and Ryan Weldon were all converted to give the
Tigers a 36 points to 4 lead at half time.
After the break Whitley regained composure and defended
well for 10 minutes. However when Jonny Hall crossed for the second of his four
tries normal service was resumed. Tom Robinson flat footed the Whitley defence
to score a try to add to the five goals he kicked in the game.
Further Tigers tries from Jonny hall and Andy Daglish with
two more goals from Joe Richardson completed the proceedings for the Tigers. In
the last five minutes Whitley scored a consolation try but the Tigers ended with
a 66 points to 10 win.
After recent losses to Cramlington and Peterlee the win showed that the
form the Tigers win over Wallsend three weeks ago was no flash in the pan. The
Tigers under 16s is a very good side with talent throughout the team. On this
form the Tigers have a really good chance of springing a surprise in the play
offs and going the whole way. However much depends upon player
availability.
The Tigers have a small squad and so far have avoided the injuries which
plagued the side all last season. Much depends upon the side remaining injury
free.
16/07/2011 Durham Tigers u14s vs Northallerton
Broncos
On a morning that was wet, windy and cool the teams turned out for their warm-up sessions while the u12s played their match. Tigers were looking forward, as ever, to the match against a relatively new Bronco squad. With a team deprived of a few of their more seasoned players, Tigers were told to take it easy, but by nature of the beast Tigers don’t do “Take it easy” and so, at the start, the Tigers were up for it.
Due to a delay with the u12s match kick off was at 11:30 but
this did not deter any of the players and with Broncos kicking with the wind the
match began. Tigers received and were run down well by Broncos, but after three
tackles and managing to get back into the Bronco half, Matty Lovegreen broke
through the defence to put first score for Tigers on the score sheet, and with a
kick just in front of the posts put the first of his ten successful conversions
through the posts. At the restart Tigers took possession but again Broncos
ran them down and after another couple of tackles forced the changeover, Broncos
were now forcing Tigers onto the back foot but a mistake by Broncos gave Ryan
Cooper an opportunity to make a strong run down the left wing and dive between
the posts to give another try to the home team. Two minutes later saw Michael
Walton charge through the Bronco defence to put another try on the sheet. The
rest of the first half was dominated by the Tigers but the Broncos put up a
fight but were unable to stop the big man, Kane Young, from charging through
their ranks to score two excellent tries. These were both converted by Walton
and Lovegreen.
McCauley Barker was the next Tiger to put his mark on the game with a scorching
run down the left wing that left the broncos defence standing, the conversion by
Tyler Clayton was unsuccessful. The final minutes of the first half saw a brave
attempt by Alex Duke but although reaching the Broncos twenty yard line with
defence on his heels he tried changing hands and the wet ball slipped from his
grip.
The half time score settled at 34 – 0
The second half of the match was virtually a repeat
of the first, with Walton scoring after a couple of minutes leaving the defence
standing. This was followed by another strong run by Cooper down the wing for
his second. After a couple of sets Barker broke through the defences and went
over the line but gave the ball to Luke Miller, who was backing up, to allow him
on the score sheet. The last ten minutes saw some good rugby by both sides but
the Broncos just could not break the Tigers defence, and it gave Barker, Cooper
and Young the opportunity to put a try each on the board by the end of the match
all tries were converted by Lovegreen.
With credit to the Broncos, they never let their
heads go down and they fought well against some exceptional passing and running
by the Tigers. They played the game with a passion and respect that we come to
expect from the young rugby players of today. They did their club, coaches and
parents proud.
Weather and controversy
dominate under 16s defeat to Cramlington
On a day in which it never stopped raining the Tigers recent run of good performances came to an end at Cramlington.
The pattern for the game was set early in the first half
when the ref awarded a penalty to Cramlington for offside some 20 metres from
the Tigers try line. The Rockets shipped the ball out wide to go over in the
corner to establish a 4 point lead after just 2 minutes. The Cramlington side
continued in dominant form handling the wet and windy conditions extremely well.
The Rockets were able to keep the ball alive with a series of off loads and
their passing out wide belied the weather. The Rockets ran in three further
unanswered tries, two of which were converted to establish 20 points to nil
lead.
The Tigers did get on the scorecard towards the end of the
first half when Jonny Hall ran at the defence and barged through to score a
characteristic try.
The Rockets however showed resolution in defence and
despite consistent Tigers pressure aided by a series of penalties against
Cramlington for off side they keep the Tigers out.
The Tigers were not able to use slick passing moves in the
conditions and failed to stretch the Cramlington defence. In the end it was
superb defence, a series of sin binning against the Tigers and the speed of
hands of the Rockets that gave them a deserved win.
In the second half the Rockets continued to dominate
scoring two more converted tries to establish a 32 to 4 points lead. The game
then became focused on referring decisions many of which were controversial.
Tempers began to fray and a game which had been played in good spirit between
the sides began to get niggly. The proceedings looked as though they might boil
over with the potential for a brawl to develop. Under the circumstances I think
that the ref made the right decision to abandon the game with 8 minutes of the
second half remaining.
The events at the end of the game largely overshadowed the
game itself in the eyes of both the players and the spectators. However what
cannot be denied is the Rockets played very well and look to be a very well
coached and organised outfit. The Tigers played well below their best and will
be looking for better things next Saturday when we play Whitley Bay at home. The
following week the return fixture against Cramlington takes place when the
Tigers will be looking for a much improved performance.
Combination
Friendly at Sunnydale –16 July 201
Final Score: 34 : 16
Great game and great atmosphere in under 16s clash with Peterlee
Two sides have dominated junior Rugby League in the North East for the last two seasons. One is the Tigers under 14s and the other is the outstandingly successful Peterlee under 16s. Peterlee came into this game on the back of 6 consecutive league wins and I think they have not lost a league game for more than two years. The Peterlee side have scored 284 points this season and conceded just 76.
The consequence was that Peterlee came to Sunnydale expecting a ?walk in the park? and were shocked to find that they struggled to win a game which they thought would provide a run out for their talented side.
However the Tigers side is now a different proposition from the one which fared badly last season. We now have no significant injuries, we have welcomed several talented and committed new players via the regional development squad and our other players have gained confidence and composure and are now playing at the standard we always knew they were capable of but had seldom been able to show it.
The deciding factor in this thrilling game was the simple fact that Peterlee had 6 substitutes available whereas the Tigers had just the bare 13 players. Consequently it was inevitable that the Tigers would ultimately tire and that Peterlee would come through.
However up to half time the game was on an even keel. The Tigers through Rashid Hitchins opened the scoring and with Tom Robinson converting the Tigers took an early lead. Normality looked to be restored however when fluent attacking play and excellent organisation saw Peterlee score twice and with one try being converted go into a 4 point lead.
However Jonny Hall in characteristic style scored next and when Joe Richardson converted the Tigers were back in the lead. Peterlee then took the lead again when they scored a converted try but in this fascinating contest an Andy Dagliesh try and a Joe Richardson goal gave the Tigers a 2 point lead.
Peterlee then mounted a sustained attack on the Tigers try line and with Peterlee camped on the Tigers try line it was a great relief to the Tigers fans to hear the refs whistle go for half time
After the break Peterlee came out fired up and determined to dominate the game. This seemed to be the way it would turn out when two excellent pieces of handing enabled Peterlee to cross in the corner for two more tries and with one of them being converted take a 26 points to 18 lead.
However the Tigers were not done with yet. Robert Bialek scored a great try to narrow the gap to 4 points but then a tiring Tigers defence conceded two more tries to great Peterlee attacking play which gave the Pumas control of the game with a 14 point lead. The Tigers gained some consolation when Ryan Allinson in great form outpaced the Pumas defence to go over in the corner.
Peterlee went out deserved winners but the Tigers showed that the vast improvement over the last three games was no flash in the pan. In a game when everyone played with style and flair Robbie
Metson took the man of the match honours with a fabulous and faultless display at full back. Robbie was the last line of defence on many occasions putting in a series of superb try saving tackles.
The Tigers next challenge is away to Cramlington in two weeks time. This is a ?must win? game if the Tigers are to get a good position in the play offs. However everyone is now eagerly awaiting the return game with Peterlee when, hopefully, both sides will be at full strength
25/06/2011 Wallsend Eagles u14s vs
Durham Tigers u14s
The weather was fine with a slight breeze when the squad arrived at the Eagles ground. They started their warm-up while the parents watched the under twelve squad put on a fine show to come in with a result of 36 – 12.
Tigers kicked off into wind and the Eagles responded with a push to within the ten yard line but after the first set with the turnover the Tigers had a couple of charges by Michael Walton and Tyler Claydon to put Aiden Mounsey in range for first blood, unfortunately Matty Lovegreen failed to convert. The restart by Eagles gave Tigers the possession with Walton having another great run only to be stopped short of the line, but again within range and McCauley Barker took the opportunity to score, this time Lovegreen hit the cross bar for the ball to bounce over for the conversion. At the restart Tigers pushed to the Eagles ten yard line giving Mounsey his chance for his second try of the day, the conversion was missed. The Eagles restarted and forced the handover well inside the Tigers half and some excellent play took them to the Tigers ten but strong defence forced the handover and with some hard running and precise passing by Alex Bielby and Ben Hoggart the ball was passed to Kane Young who blazed through the Eagles defence to put his mark on the sheet, again the conversion was missed. Again the restart gave Tigers possession but at the end of the set had not managed to gain any real ground, the handover gave Eagles their first chance for scoring and they pushed Tigers defence back to within inches of touch, but the Tigers held firm and forced the turnover and again the forwards showed their metal with some excellent passing and running to push the Eagles back to give Bielby the chance he had been waiting for to evade the Eagles defence for his share of the scoreboard, this time Lovegreen slotted it right between the posts to bring the halftime score to 24 – 0.
The kick off for the second half by Tigers gave the Eagles possession and it looked like the half time pep talk by Robin Peers had worked because it saw them play like everyone knows how they can play, passing along the line, moving forward with strong attack but again were held up at the touch line by the Tigers defence. Tigers took repossession and a thunderous charge by Young brought down short of the touch line gave Hoggart the opportunity for a try, the conversion was missed. Eagles again kicked off but managed a quick turnover and attacked Tigers defence but were once again beaten back, some smart passing gave Bielby the ball, who passed the ball to Barker using Hoggart as a dummy. Barker then ran the wing with no opposition to touch the ball down behind the posts to give Lovegreen an easy conversion. For the next ten minutes it was nip and tuck and neither team was making any headway until Alex Duke broke away from the pack to put another try down for Tigers which Lovegreen converted. The Eagles players were now starting to look a little bit down and the Tigers took the advantage with Walton scoring after another string of passes but again the conversion failed. The last five minutes saw some strong attacking by Eagles but again held back by Tigers defence and with only a minute left on the clock Barker managed to get the last try of the match, these were the last points on the scoreboard and the Final score was 48 – 0.
Tigers Squad:- Aiden Mounsey, McCauley Barker, Michael Walton, Kane Young, Connor Witton, Alex Bielby, Mathew Lovegreen, Jake Egglestone, Tyler Claydon, Michael Dunn, Tom Clarke, Ben Hoggart, Alex Duke, Matty Borrowdale, Josh Love, Sandy Rae, Jacob Morgan, Ashley Ward.
Eagles Squad:- Ben Jones, Kieran Drape, Mitchell Mullen, Sean Forbes, James Charlton, Andy Brownhill, Alex Taylor, Kory Bradley, Craig Banks, Lee McPherson, Connor Francis, Bryn De Ivey, Max Wilcock, Jacob McDonald, Max Gallagher, Will Doyle.
Wallsend Eagles u12 v Durham Tigers u12 ? 25 June 2011
Tigers continued their unbeaten run in the League with a well deserved win over a determined and well organised Eagles Team. The Eagles Coach is to be commended for his sporting attitude. Tigers only had 12 players available to travel and Eagles agreed not only to reduce their team numbers but to reduce to 11 a side to allow Tigers to substitute as needed.
As usual with all Wallsend games the first 10 minutes were keenly and evenly contested with both defences holding firm and both teams moving the ball around to search for openings, but Tigers broke the deadlock with a fine passing move involving half of the team to create an opportunity for Adam Bielby bursting the line to go over for the first try of the game with Jamie Lovegreen converting. Tigers came back from the kick off with safe handling and running ending with a try from Ryan Allan and conversion from Daniel Coates to make the score 12-0. Again from the kick off Tigers pinned Wallsend back with powerful running from the forwards pushing the Eagles middle back and creating space by moving the ball around to set up another try for Adam Bielby, converted by Daniel Coates to make the score 18-0. The score should not suggest a one-sided game as Eagles matched in possession without being able to score until just before half time due, mainly to the strong tackling and effective covering from the Tigers Centres and wing men. Eagles No 6 finally broke the line and went over from close range to open the Eagles scoring, converting his own kick. 18-6 at half time in a fiercely and fairly contested game.
The second half saw Tigers receive from the kick off and immediately move the ball forward. Excellent ball movement ended with Haydn Williamson making a diagonal run to go over in the corner for what is becoming a trade mark try, 22-6. Again a period of strong centre play from both sides lasted for several minutes before Ryan Allan burst through the line with a 20 yard run to touch down in the corner, 26-6. Following 1 of the few fumbles of the game by Tigers, Eagles pushed the defence backwards and forced over for their second close range try by their number 2 with number 6 again converting,
26-12. The game still wasn?t over and both sides had minor injuries and substitutions before Tigers completed another flowing move through a set of 6 to create space for Daniel Coates to score his first try of the game and complete his hat trick of conversions, 32- 6. The game was contested right to the end with Adam Bielby scoring a late try and completing his hat trick to make it 36-12. It was a reflection of the game that the final move involved Eagles still coming forward and Tigers defence forcing the ball carrier over the side-line to end the game.
Final Score ? Eagles 12, Tigers 36.
Coach?s Comments:
This was our best team performance of the season with the entire team contributing to the win. However Eagles contributed to a really well contested game and the hand shakes and pats on the back all round by both sides testified to the mutual respect the players had for each other. Their coach?s decision contributed significantly to making a game of it and he is to be commended.
There were several sets of 6 played out by both sides in each half (unusual at this level) and our kicking on 5th tackle caused Eagles problems. This is the type of play we?ve worked on in training and it was good to see it work on the pitch with the forwards carrying well then play opening up on the last 3 tackles. One move in the 2nd half involved 9 players moving the ball around through hands. Our tackling was strong and powerful and our only area of any weakness was a lack of concentration at close range which we will work on.
Every area contributed and again Ben Walton played the perfect Captain?s role which he has matured into significantly over the last few weeks. The engine room worked hard up the centre and in defence, the wingers tackled and ran their socks off and the Centres ran, tackled and supported all game. A superb all round team performance.
Man of the Match:
Jason and I agreed that the only fair award we could make was to the entire team. Every individual played their part in an impressive team victory and fully dererved the award
Tigers under 16s record superb win against Wallsend
Following on from last week?s narrow win against Whitley Bay the Tigers approached this game with much more confidence than in previous encounters with Wallsend. The visitors cause was not help by them being a man down from the start but none the less the game was finely balance for much of the first half with defences on both sides showing organisation and resilience. However well into the first half the deadlock was eventually ended when Robert Metson crossed in the corner and Joe Richardson converted to give the Tigers a narrow six point lead at half time
The Tigers established a more dominant position in the game early in the second half when Robert Bailek scored the second try of the morning. From this point onwards the Tigers dominated the game and Wallsend appeared to run out of steam. Again with a man down and with players carrying injuries the Wallsend lads had a lot to contend with. Mattie Dockwray then scored the Tigers third try which was converted by Tom Robinson to now give the Tigers a commanding lead of 16 points to nil.
The game was finally secured when Ryan Addison with great support play gathered an off load well in the Tigers half and Ryan again showed tremendous pace to leave the Wallsend defenders in his wake. When Tom Robinson kicked his second goal of the afternoon and the Wallsend side had a player sent off for dissent the game was well and truly over and the Tigers secured a well deserved victory.
The most impressive aspect of the Tigers display was the huge effort to prevent Wallsend from scoring. Wallsend are a high quality side with talented individuals and great ball handling skills. However the organisation and determination of the Tigers snuffed out their flair in attack.
The Tigers now face Peterlee on Saturday at home. This now has all the makings of a great game. Peterlee have been the dominant side at this age group for the last two seasons and will provide a stern challenge. However on the basis of the performance this week a major upset could be on the cards
Peterlee
Pumas vDurham 18 June
2011
Both coaches were busy in the interval and the second half was as fiercely contested as the first. Pumas opened the second half scoring with a try and conversion to make the score 16-12. Tigers though now stepped up to the mark and upped their game with some solid tackling and driving play and finally broke through with a try from Ben Walton with a powerful run, converted by Jamie Lovegreen, 22-12. Pumas though were far from down and a breakaway following try down the left followed by a conversion brought the score to 22-18 with just over 5 minutes to play. A strong team drive created a chance for Ben Walton who went over for his hat trick with Haydn scoring the conversion.
In the final 3 minutes Tigers defended resolutely and neither side created further opportunities. Tigers were fully worth the hard earned victory.
Ben Walton played the Captains game to the letter and inspired the team by his encouragement and his leading by example. The forwards and backs gave all they had and it was impossible to tell that we were a man down throughout the game (2 men down for 15 minutes until a head count revealed Pumas had 14 players on the field!!!!!!). I asked them to up their game for me in the last 10 minutes when Pumas were pinning us back and to a man they stepped up and did the job. You are a great team lads.
2 special mentions – Ryan Allan gave everything he had on the pitch and ran the Pumas defence ragged while his tackling was solid and powerful. Our supporters, parents family and friends are brilliant. At 1 point I was on the opposite side of the pitch and all I could hear was your encouragement. That does make a huge difference, thank you.
Man of the Match:
Ryan Allan for his all round team performance, well played Ryan.
18/6/2011 Durham Tigers u14s vs Gateshead Storm u14s
Home
Cup Semi-Final
The weather for the match was not looking too good, light rain with a slight wind blowing west to east along the pitch. Both teams had full squads and the match started at ten thirty five with Tigers kicking into the wind. Storm took control and made ground to within the Tigers twenty yard line whereupon the Tigers took the turnover and attacked, and with some great passing gave Tyler Claydon the chance to put Tigers on the scoreboard, unfortunately Matty Lovegreen failed with the conversion. After the restart Storm managed try but were unlucky with the conversion. Next came some hard attack by Tigers but some equally strong defence by Storm, until Alex Bielby kicked forward from the twenty yard line and with a very quick sprint managed to collect the ball and try. Lovegreen scored the conversion after the ball hit the upright and deflected through the posts. At the restart Tigers received the ball and with some very fast passing gave Aiden Mounsey the ball to put another try over the line. Again Lovegreen just missed the target to leave the score at half time at 14 – 4 in favour of Tigers.
The second half started with some strong attack and defence by both sides but the Tigers came out on top with a superb run by Kane Young from his own 40 yard line down the left wing for an easy try which Lovegreen converted with ease. Gateshead then kicked off and gave control to the Tigers but excellent defence by Storm forced the turnover from which a strong attack earned them a well deserved try by their no six James Cooney unfortunately this was not converted. Tigers had a couple more chances when Bielby kicked forward and were recovered by Tiger players but they were both deemed offside. Undeterred they carried on. By now, with ten minutes to go tension was building on both sides and it looked like things could get out of control but the referee clamped down and got it sorted. Storm had possession but tigers forced the turnover and after two tackles Ryan Cooper had a fine run from the thirty yard line for a sliding try, again the conversion was missed. Time was now running out for both teams and with Tigers receiving the ball some great passing gave Mounsey his second try of the match, again the conversion was unsuccessful. At the final whistle the score came in at 28 – 8 showing the strong fight put up by both squads, both teams should have had more on the score sheet but by the fight put up by everyone on the pitch proved too strong for all concerned.
Man of the Match Durham Tigers - Alex Duke Gateshead Storm - Sam Price who won the Schooner Race
Storm Squad:- Jack Mills, Callum Davidson, Charlie Lease, Liam O’Halloran, Joseph Gray, James Cooney, Steven Vietch, Wagas Khalil, Sam Price, Matty Whitfield, Jake Richardson, Matty Andrew, Joshua Jones, Liam Marshall, Blayne, Kane Fairless.
Tigers edge out gallant Whitley Bay in under 16s thriller
In a game in which neither side ever achieved domination and in which the lead changed hands several times it was a delighted Tigers who eventually came out on top to win by 32 points to 30 Some of us like to refer to Rugby League as “the greatest game of all” and those who took part in or witnessed this game now know why.
The days when Whitley Bay was an easy side to beat have long gone. They could have scored two tries in the first few minutes were it not for last ditch tackles by full back Robbie Metson.
As it was it was the Tigers who scored first against the run of play when Ryan Weldon crossed in the corner Three minutes later the Barbarians took the lead scoring a converted try after a great off load had split the Tigers defence. However the lead did not last long when Jonny Hall score and converted. Things began to look good for the Tigers when Jonny again barged over to give the Tigers a lead of 14 points to 6. However two converted tries before half time saw the Barbarians go in with a narrow 14 points to 18 lead.
After half time Jonny Hall again barged over from 10 metres out to score his third try of the morning to bring the scores level. When Jonny kicked the goal the Tigers were back in front. Ryan Addison then looked to have sealed the win for the Tigers when, having colle3cted the ball from the kick off deep in the Tigers half he showed amazing speed to go the entire length of the field to touch down in the corner.
However the Tigers joy was short lived. The Barbarians refused to lie down and in a superb period of play scored two more tries, another being a length of the field effort, to take 24 points to 30 points lead with six minutes to go.
The scene was set for the Tigers to fade away but the side now shows much more self belief than in the past and fought back. Mattie Dockwray shrugged of the Whitley defence to narrow the gap to two points and when, in the dying seconds of the game, Shane Porter score the 7th Tigers try of the afternoon it was all ov3er for the Barbarians.
For the Tigers this was a much needed win from a side in which everyone played extremely well For Whitley it was so disappointing having come so close with a spirited and talented display. Whitley Bay now play Wallsend in the Cup having defeated the Tigers in the opening round. Normally an easy victory for Wallsend would be predicted but nobody can now be sure.
Match report by John Simpson
28/ 5/2011 Tigers u14s vs. Gateshead Storm u14s Home
The morning looked like it could turn out wet and windy when the team turned up for their warm-up session but as kick off time approached the sun tried to poke it head though the clouds.
Tigers kicked off and Storm took it straight back at them, with some excellent passing they managed to beat the Tigers defence to put first blood on the score sheet within the second minute, the conversion was slotted right between the posts. At the restart Storm again rushed the Tigers defence but Tigers managed to force the changeover and it was their turn for the attack, and attack they did with Michael Walton scoring in only the fourth minute and Tyler Claydon successfully converting. Tigers again made a push after the restart which culminated in a try in the sixth minute by Ryan Cooper with one of his spectacular runs that left the opposition standing, again a successful conversion by Claydon. For the next ten minutes it was a game of attack and defence by both teams until Tigers managed a break through Storms defence for Alex Bielby to put one down over the touch line, converted again by Claydon. Tigers made another breakaway through a strong Storm defence when McCauley Barker surged down the wing to within yards of the touchline before being stopped but the following plays resulted in another try by Cooper, Matty Lovegreen failed with the conversion. Storm managed one more try before half time but failed to convert. The score going into the second half was 22 – 10 to Tigers.
The second half was a hard fought game of swings and roundabouts with Tigers scoring then Storm scoring, all through the half. Tigers scoring three tries Barker x 1, Kane Young x 1 and Cooper his third of the day and Storm scoring another two with only one being converted out of all those in the second half. The final whistle had the score at 34 – 20 to Tigers which was a lot closer than the first encounter with Storm at the beginning of the season. Congratulations to Storm on a brave and hard fought game and well done Tigers on a good result
The Man of the Match for Tigers was Ryan Cooper and the Man of the Match for Storm was James Cooney with Storm winning the schooner race by a half pint
Tigers Squad: Aiden Mounsey, Connor Witton, McCauley Barker, Ryan Cooper, Josh Love, Alex Bielby, Matty Lovegreen, Joe Duffy, Tyler Claydon, Michael Dunn, Matty Borrowdale, Ben Hoggart, Michael Walton, Luke Miller, Daniel Gerrard, Ashley Ward, Jonathan Timmiss, Kane Young .
Match report by John Simpson
07/05/2011 Cramlington Rockets u14s vs Durham Tigers u14s
With a nice relaxing ride up to Cramlington on the coach, the team were looking forward to the match. The Rockets being a much changed team from last season with some big strong lads, it looked like the Tigers could have a fight on.
From the kick off it was attack and defence for both teams until after three handovers and five minutes of play it was Cramlington who managed to break though the Tigers defence to make their mark on the score sheet. After the restart Cramlington again attacked, but Tigers defended well for the handover, after which some fine passing by the forward gave Ryan Cooper his chance, and with a storming run down the left wing managed to outpace the Rockets defence to put the ball behind the posts giving Tyler Claydon an easy conversion. Soon after, Cramlington again broke through the Tigers defence to score yet another try, but this time the conversion was unsuccessful. Tigers took the restart and the Rockets started their push but a very strong defence forced the handover and after a passing sequence that ended with Tyler Claydon giving the ball to James Pirie who put in a fine effort to level the score, unfortunately Claydon was unsuccessful with the conversion. Tigers had two more attempts at scoring, the first my Michael Walton which was successful, but the conversion was missed, and the second by Pirie who was unlucky to be pushed out a yard before touch. This took Tigers into the second half with a four point lead.
The second half started much the same as the first in that Rockets scored first, and with the conversion took a two point lead, they then scored another try plus conversion giving an eight point lead. It looked as though the Rockets were going to do the unthinkable but Alex Bielby put a stop to that idea with a brilliant run to score, the conversion hit the post and bounced back. McCauley Barker then had a spectacular run but was clipped on his heals that sent him sprawling and knocking the ball forward a couple of feet from the touch line, if he could have only managed to pass left he would have found Claydon who was in support but unfortunately it was not to be. Alex Bielby then had a second attempt but was deemed by the referee to be out of play. Time was ticking away, and with minutes to go Cooper made another of his powerful runs to score, again the conversion was missed. Although the score ended 22-22, the game was dominated by the Tigers with five tries to their four and three of ours failing on the touch line. In all it was another good game and both sides giving their all.
Man of the Match: - Tigers - McCauley Barker Rockets - Dan Marshall
The Squad:- Ryan Cooper, Aiden Mounsey, Michael Walton, Ben Hoggart, Connor Witton, Alex Bielby, Tyler Claydon, Tom Clarke, McCauley Barker, Michael Dunn, Joe Duffy, Josh Love, Alex Duke, James Pirie, Zak Hutchinson, Jonathon Timmiss, Ashley Ward
Match Report by John Simpson
30/04/2011 Durham Tigers u14s vs Queensbury u14s Friendly
Today saw Tigers welcoming Queensbury ARLFC from Bradford to the Shildon stadium; the weather was sunny with a cool breeze. Both teams went through their warm-up routines and took to the pitch. Queensbury looked confident and Tigers felt a little apprehensive as this was an unknown quantity. Tigers lost the toss and received.
Queensbury put up a strong defence and forced the turnover, and then Tigers returned the compliment and with some excellent passing across the pitch gave Ryan Cooper the opportunity to put in a strong run to give Tigers first blood. Tyler Claydon then proceeded making his first conversion of the day. Queensbury then came back to score two tries in quick succession by their no 12 Oliver Bartle, both of which were converted by their no 13 Jordan Moore. For next five or six minutes it was defence and attack by both squads, with James Pirie being pushed out of touch right on the line stopping the chance to pull level, but at the restart with about two minutes to half time, Lloyd Purser managed to break through a strong defensive line for the second Tigers try, Claydon again putting the ball between the posts to bring the game all square. With only a minute left in the first half Queensbury received the restart ball and Bartle ran the ball straight through to score, unfortunately Moore failed to convert. This gave Queensbury a four point lead going into half time.
The second half started and Tigers came out aggressively with McCauley Barker having a breakaway run only to have the ball knocked from his hands, as he was about to go over the line, by Queensbury’s Jordan Brown. Then came some fine passing by Aiden Mounsey and Ben Hoggart out to Michael Walton who ran the ball home, again Claydon converted. Next it was the turn of Alex Bielby to score an excellent try from the half way line into the corner, giving Claydon his hardest kick of the game thus far, but worry not he did the biz, straight between the posts. The Tigers were on a roll, some really good teamwork by Sonny Mann, Mounsey, Ben Hoggart and Walton gave Cooper his second try of the match, and Claydon keeping his 100% conversion rate for the match. The score was now 30 – 16 and it looked good for the Tigers, but that was without the two main men from the first half for Queensbury, Moore and Bartle, one try each with Moore converting both.
At the final whistle the score read 30 – 28 in favour of the Tigers, a brilliant game played by both teams, both proving that they are a credit to their respective clubs. It was also a first for both teams in the fact that neither team had had that many tries put past them, which proves what a good game this really was.
Alex Bielby was also well pleased with himself when he beat Jordan Brown in the “Man of the Match” Schooner Race
Durham Tigers under 12s vs Peterlee Pumas under 12s – 16/4/11
Durham Tigers continued their unbeaten start to the season with an emphatic 50 to 10 victory over Peterlee Pumas. Tigers only had 11 fit players due to illness and injury and Peterlee sportingly agreed to field only 11 players and play their 12th player as substitute.
Tigers were straight out of the blocks from the kick off and a flowing set ended with Haydn Williamson scoring the opening try.
First half tries followed from Ben Walton (2), Adam Bielby (3) and Bradley Hogwood with his first try on his debut. Pumas were unable to take advantage of any sparse spell of possession and were pressured by Tigers into a series of mistakes which cost them dearly.
Conversions from Adam Bielby and Jamie Lovegreen (2) saw Tigers go in at the interval with a 30 – 0 lead which was fully deserved.
Peterlee rallied a little at the beginning of the 2nd half and scored 2 tries and a conversion to pull back to 30-10. Tigers soon regained their composure and piled on the pressure in a continuation of the first half. Tries from Ben Walton, Adam Bielby, Bradley Hogwood, Jamie Lovegreen and an excellent opportunist try worked between Haydn Williamson and Leon Ebdon plus conversions from Adam Bielby and Jamie Lovegreen ended the game at 50-10.
A well deserved win.
Coach’s Comments:
This was a fully deserved win for a team that played well through every position. The pack forced gaps in the Pumas defence which were then exploited by the Centre players. Adam Bielby and Ben Walton had excellent games taking full advantage of the gaps created by Adam Summerbell, Adam Hewitt, Andrew Dawson and Nat Kitching. The creativity of Jamie Lovegreen and Haydn Williamson created excellent chances and the wingers Leon Ebdon, Bradley Hopgood and Louis Bloomfield combined with the Centres to complete the whole picture. The handlind was particularly safe with few errors and we fully capitalised on the errors our chasing play forced Pumas into conceding. Just an excellent all round team performance.
Man of the Match:
It has to go to the entire Team for quite simply an awesome performance all round.
Match report by John Simpson
16/04/2011 Durham Tigers u14s vs Peterlee Pumas u14s
Today both teams turned out full squads with Tigers with six reserves and Pumas with four. The Pumas fielding bigger players than last season, and it looked like today’s match could be a battle.
Tigers started the match, and began attacking from the start. After only a couple of minutes they took control of the ball and with a surge by Tyler Claydon the ball was passed to Ben Hoggart, who put the ball down between the posts to put first score on the board for Tigers, the conversion by Claydon was successful. At the restart Peterlee kicked off and there was some strong attack and defence by both sides for about five minutes until a strong push resulted in Hoggart gaining his second try, with Matty Lovegreen converting. The rest of the first half was a bit one sided in the favour of the Tigers with tries by Michael Walton, Lovegreen and McCauley Barker with all being converted by Claydon. Half time score 30 – 0.
The second half started very much the same as the first with a storming push with excellent passing along the line and a spurt by Hoggart who offloaded to Aiden Mounsey for a try which was converted by Claydon. With Pumas feeling a little frustrated at not being able to break through the Tigers defence or to contain their sustained attacks, Claydon kicked forward with a favourable bounce for Tigers which was to drop into the capable hands of Barker, who had ch arged forward, just between the posts for an easy try. Claydon converting from just in front of the posts. A long run by Walton followed the restart, passed to Barker, who handed to Claydon in the “In Goal” area for the try, which he then converted. Lovegreen then received the ball from the restart and ran the ball all the way to score a brilliant try, Claydon converted. After the restart the Pumas held the Tigers to the five tackles, but another superb kick forward by Claydon and was chased down by Lovegreen resulting in the final try, Claydon converting for a clean sheet. The final whistle went with a 60 – 0 result for Tigers, the result seems a little one sided but the Pumas did put up a fight but were unable to break Tigers defence or put a stop to some excellent attack with ball movement across the field and powerful runs by the forwards. In all an excellent result and well played to all concerned.
The Squad: Zach Hutchinson, McCauley Barker. Michael Walton, Matty Borrowdale, Conner Witton, Matty Lovegreen, Tyler Claydon, Jake Eggleston, Luke Miller, Michael Dunn, Josh Love, Aiden Mounsey, Ben Hoggart, Lloyd Purser, Dan Gerard, Bailey Thomlinson, Jonny Timmiss, Sonny Mann, Ashley Ward.
Jo Drapier's comments on the Under 10s Sunnydale Festival
SHILDON A SUCCESS
Seven teams from North East Rugby League took part in second U10's festival of 2011.
Building on from the success of the recent Wallsend Eagles festival, Durham Tigers were host for the today’s festival.
The festival saw two teams from Durham Tigers and teams from Warriors RL, Wallsend Eagles, Whitley Bay Barbarians, Peterlee Pumas and Cramlington Rockets take on each other in great festival. There were great skills on show from all teams involved.
Jo Drapier, RFL North East Regional Manager was at the event and stated, "It’s great to see so many U10's players here, the standard of Rugby League on show was great, and hopefully the success of the first two festivals, will mean we can attract more and more players to our community clubs"
For photo's of the event, please go to the North East Rugby League Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/North-East-Rugby-League/195847082945
Next U10's festival will take place on Saturday 7th May @ Warriors RL, for more information please contact Jade Mackie on jade.mackie@rfl.uk.com
Match Report by John Simpson
26/03/2011 Durham Tigers u14s vs Wallsend Eagles u14s
Everyone was looking forward to the clash of the titans, the two top teams from the 2010 season. The Eagles came to Shildon undefeated after their first two games while the Tigers beat Gateshead Storm on their first match of the season. Both teams looked strong with full squads and were looking forward to a very competitive match.
Wallsend kicked off and the Tigers had to fight very hard for their first try by Tyler Claydon (left) after about four minutes of the match, Tyler took the conversion but unfortunately hit the post. After the restart it was fifteen minutes of very hard attack and defence for both sides with the breakthrough from Tigers with a storming run by McCauley Barker after some superb passing along the line, the conversion by Tyler Clayton now putting pressure on the Eagles. The remainder of the first half was dominated by the Tigers with tries from Matty Lovegreen, Ryan Cooper and Alex Bielby and all were converted by Claydon (1) and Lovegreen (2) to finish the first half with the score at 28 – 0.
The second half started with Wallsend pushing strongly toward the Tigers posts, but a brilliant turnover by Michael Dunn and some serious work by Ben Hoggart and Michael Walton resulted with a try by James Pirie to start the ball rolling, the conversion just missing the posts. The restart saw Wallsend come back with a forceful attack at the Tigers defence, and though the Tigers put up a brave fight it was Eagles No 6 Liam Cosgrove who managed to get the try, he also got the conversion straight between the posts. The Eagles heads came up and it looked like there could be a battle coming but after a charge by Michael Walton, who after a run nearly three quarters of the pitch was denied a try when he lost the ball. Wallsend had one last real attempt at scoring but the Tigers defence was too strong. With the Tigers back in command it was a bit one sided with the Tigers scoring off every Eagles start. Five tries followed, one each by Ben Hoggart, Matty Lovegreen, Ryan Cooper, Tyler Clayton and James Pirie (right), with four of the five conversions successfully kicked by Matty Lovegreen.
The final result 60 – 6 did no justice to Wallsend who we all know can produce some excellent rugby, it was unfortunate that they met the Tigers with their claws sharpened and out for the kill. The season is in its early stages and like the weather can always change.
Tigers Squad:- Ryan Cooper, Aiden Mounsey, James Pirie, Michael Walton, McCauley Barker, Alex Bielby, Tyler Claydon, Ashley Ward, Luke Miller, Tom Clarke, Alex Juke, Michael Dunn, Lloyd Purser, Jake Eggleston, Matty Lovegreen, Ben Hoggart, Zack Hutchinson, Josh Love, Connor Witton.
26/3/11 Under 16s suffer shock defeat against much improved Whitley Bay
The Tigers with a much weakened side were still confident of maintaining their winning record against Whitley Bay on another cold and miserable morning at the High School. When, after a mistake strewn first 10 minutes Ryan Weldon dummied and stepped past a slack Whitley Bay defence and immediately after Mattie Dockwray scored the second Tigers try it looked as though the Tigers confidence was well founded. Jonny Hall converted both tries to give the Tigers a 12 nil lead.
However Whitley Bay are a much more organised and committed side than in previous years and credit must go to their coach Philip Walton who has stuck with the Barbarians throughout and who is now getting the reward. The Barbarians showed spirit and skill in running in two converted tries before half time leaving the game, at that stage level pegging
After half time the Barbarians gaining confidence from their performance soon ran in two more tries giving the home side what was now a commanding lead. However some hope still remained for the Tigers when Ryan Addison barged through to get the third Tigers try of the game.
However the Barbarians retained their composure and ended the game effectively when they picked up their fifth try and established a 28 point to 16 lead.
By this time the touch line was littered with injured players from both sides and with an ambulance called to take Carl Griffith to hospital to fix his injured knee it was agreed that it was wise to call it a day.
12/3/2011 Gateshead Storm u14s vs. Durham Tigers u14s
The match everyone has been waiting for, the opening match of the 2011 season. Tigers arrived at Gateshead with a strong squad of nineteen players who were all hyped up and looking very strong. The game started with Tigers kicking off on a very wet pitch with only one set of posts, the other set having blown down in the high winds on Thursday so conversions had to be taken on the only set of posts.
After the kickoff Gateshead took control but a very determined Tigers gave no quarter and held them in their own half. With turn over a strong run by Michael Walton gave the first try between the posts, this was converted by Lloyd Purser. After the restart a powerful team attack gave Ryan Cooper a try which was not converted.
Gateshead then made a concerted effort with some excellent running managing to beat the Tigers defence for their first try of the game and some bad luck saw the conversion hit the post. Lloyd Purser scored the next try with his usual jinking style and the conversion was slotted though the posts by Matty Lovegreen. The first half was finished with a powerful run by James Pirie who was held up a yard from touch but he drew away the defence to give a nice pass to Adrian Mounsey who finished off with a try in the corner, the conversion was missed.
The second half was a virtual repeat of the first half with Tigers dominating. Tries by Pirie and Cooper were both converted by Lovegreen. Gateshead then lifted their heads and charged into the Tigers defence and were held back for what seemed an age by a strong defensive play, but ultimately the pressure paid dividends and they managed to score a try and converted. James Pirie managed to add another two tries and Michael Walton another with one conversion before the end of the match.
The final score of 46 – 10 to the Tigers did not reflect on the game as Gateshead put in an enormous amount of effort but were defeated by a stronger Tigers team who had the bit between their teeth.
Well played to the whole squad, you did the Club, yourselves and your parents proud, keep up the good work.
The Squad: - McCauley Barker, Tyler Claydon, Ryan Cooper, James Pirie, Aiden Mounsey, Michael Walton, Lloyd Purser, Tom Clarke, Luke Miller, Jake Eggleston, Josh Love, Michael Dunn, Ben Hoggart, Jon Timmiss, Ashley Ward, Connor Witton, Matty Borrowdale, Matty Lovegreen, Zak Hutchinson.
The new 2011 season starts on Saturday 12th March. Match reports will be posted here on a regular basis.
The match reports below are for last season's games. We include them to give an indication of the kind of games we have played and an indication of what we have to look forward to soon. Remember that the under 13 games refer to games played last season by what is now our under 14s. Similarly the under 15s match reports refer to games played by our current under 16s. Our current under 12 side did not play league fixtures last year but took part in "festivals"
Tigers under 18s grab quick lead but fail to maintain pressure against West Leeds
Amazing scenes at Sunny dale saw the Tigers under 18s establish an early 16 points to nil lead against what appeared to be a woeful West Leeds side.
Returning to the Tigers after a break of several weeks Anthony Spark showed just how much he has been missed by scoring the first Tigers try after five minutes weaving through a flat footed Leeds defence to score from 20 yards out
However that was only the start of a three minute period which saw the Tigers score two more amazing tries. The first came from winger Kieran Whigham who picked the ball up from the Leeds kick off and ran the entire length of the pitch to score a brilliant try. Immediately after from the kick off forward Connor Smith caught the ball on the full and again ran 60 yards to score.
However that was as good as it got for the Tigers. To their credit Leeds regrouped in defence and started to show some real spirit. With more possession Leeds looked threatening for a while and it became only a matter of time before they would be able to get on the score sheet. Two tries before half time for Leeds saw the Tigers go in at half time with 18 points to 10 lead.
In one of those situations where it was clear that the next try would be vital to the outcome of the game it was Leeds who took the initiative just four minutes into the second half. This brought Leeds within two points of the Tigers and the now dominate Leeds side quickly scored again to give them a 2 point lead.
From this point onwards the Tigers failed to convert possession into points squandering several good opportunities by giving away the ball in promising situations. In a game in which tempers began to become a bit frayed the Leeds side eventually closed the game down with just 10 minutes to go when another converted try saw them establish an 8 point lead. The Tigers would now have to score twice to win and on a heavy pitch a tiring team was not going to do that.
For the Tigers perhaps the factor which turned the game was fitness and a lack of match practice in the last three weeks. On the positive side yet again the Tigers showed that they have what it takes to win against anyone.
Next week the Tigers travel to Hull in the hope they can complete the double against Sutton Trust.
Under 12s go close at Peterlee Nines
In an entertaining and committed game against Peterlee the Tigers under 11/12 side went down by one try in the final of the North East nines. In a four side contest featuring Cramlington, Wallsend, Peterlee and the Tigers, the Tigers reached the final by beating Wallsend and Cramlington in highly competitive games. In the opening game however the Tigers also lost by one try to Peterlee.
The good news is that the level of skill and understanding of the game displayed by all taking part showed just how much progress this age group is making. It is also very clear that it is now time to move on from the nines format and start playing 13 a side games. This will happen in March when the new season starts.
The Tigers are well placed to do well next year. We have a good set of players who have the talent and approach to go far. We have volunteers coming forward to coach and administer the side and we have a group of parents and carers who give outstanding support. We are well positioned to create the kind of structure which will enable the under 12s to emulate the fortunes of our unbeaten under 13s/14s.
With Karl now getting the funding to coach in Shildon and Newton Aycliffe we are well placed to recruit more players. The Champion Schools competition has introduced a new group of players to the game who we will encourage to join us.
For the Tigers it is now vital to recruit more players at under 10 age group. Again Karl will be going into local schools to do just this.
Unfortunately Gabby will no longer be allowed to play in a mixed gender side. This is because the side is now classified as under 12. This again means that the Tigers need to investigate how and when we will introduce girls Rugby.
Training for the side continues throughout the winter at 10am on Saturday mornings. Newcomers are very welcome. Friendly games will be organised at intervals throughout the winter.
Good day to forget at Hull Dockers
After the enthusiasm and excitement of the first win of the season last week it was back to earth with a bump for the Tigers under 18s at Hull Dockers
The side arrived just 10 minutes before the kick off following a horrendous journey with an hour long delay in the centre of Hull caused by the closure of the main road through the city.
The referee was clearly keen to get back home early and insisted that the game should start before any proper warm up could take place. Moreover the first two minutes of the game saw three penalties awarded against the Tigers which gave the Dockers the platform to open the scoring.
In a one sided encounter the Dockers ran out very easy winners by 60 points to nil leaving the visitors no option but to accept that whilst they may have had some concerns about the penalty count and some decisions by the ref the overall conclusion was that the Tigers were soundly beaten by a superior side.
The Hull side had the kind of day that coaches and players dream of. Their attacking play was awesome with the ball being moved out wide with incredible speed and a fit and athletic Dockers side creating overlaps all the time leaving Tigers defenders exposed and isolated. However the Hull side also showed excellent resolve in defence with a performance which dominated the Tigers forwards. The Tigers seldom looked like scoring and the attacking flair which was a feature of last week was absent. As the Hull coach admitted after the game the Hull side played better than they had done all season on a day when everything they tried came off. In general it was one of those games which are common in the sport when one side hit a purple part and can seem to do no wrong.
For the Tigers it was a game to forget and to put behind us. We showed just what we are capable of doing against Cottingham and next week at home against Heweth will be the time to bounce back.
Tigers under 18s secure first win of the season against Cottingham
Following on from a much improved performance against Sutton the Tigers under 18s finally got back to winning ways against Hull side Cottingham Tigers.
The Durham Tigers took an early lead thanks to a try and goal from Jamie Love who has in recent weeks demonstrated why he has been chosen for the Northern Counties. However two Cottingham tries enabled them to go into half time with a narrow 6 point to 10 lead and at the point the game was finely balance.
Early tries in the second half from man of the match Louis Johnson and Mark Sowerby plus the second of three goals from Jamie Love gave the Tigers an advantage which was consolidated when Ed Henty added his name to the score sheet.
Nevertheless the Cottingham side proved resilient and dangerous and could easily have got back into the game had not a Cottingham player confused and old pitch marking with the try line and hence grounded the ball short.
Following that let off the game was in the bag for the home side. Cottingham did narrow the gap with ten minutes to go to make the score 22 point to 14 but the Tigers Durham version hit back with a second try from Jamie Love and the first of the season from Leon Clarke.
This was the best performance from the Tigers under 18s for a goodly time and showed signs that they are regaining self belief and enjoying the game again.
On a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon which capped an outstanding weekend for the Club the only downside was an injury to Tigers stalwart Kieran Whigham who broke his thumb. We wish him a rapid recovery
The challenge for the Tigers is to take the newly rediscovered self belief into next week’s encounter against Hull Dockers
Tigers overwhelm brave Eagles to win by 50 points to 12 in the under 13s League Play offs Final
Durham
Tigers ran in 11 tries to defeat Wallsend Eagles to win the League title on
Saturday at Monkton Stadium
The result
of the game was never really in doubt when after just one minute James Pirie
crossed for the Tigers and Mattie Lovegreen converted to start the procession.
The Tigers had scored six tries and had taken a 28 points lead before
Wallsend eventually scored their first try..
In a game
which followed the same pattern of the Cup Final two weeks earlier the Eagles
enjoyed a brief revival mid way through the game but never looked
like seriously threatening the Tigers grip on the game.
However
despite being outplayed in all aspects of the game the Eagles stuck to their
task and played with commitment and spirit throughout. Nothing can however deny
the fact that at under 13 level the Tigers have been totally dominant this
season.
The Tigers
remain undefeated throughout the year and have won all competitions by a wide
margin.
For the
Tigers Alex Bielby and Lloyd Purser both picked up three tries each. James Pirie
scored 2 and other tries came from Mattie Lovegree, Mattie Borrowdale and
Michael Walton. Mattie Lovegreen kicked three goals to complete the Tigers
scoring.
Tiger James Pirie won the Man of the Match award.
Tigers Go close against Sutton under 18s
Jamie Love
scored all 20 of the Tigers points in this fascinating game against Sutton
Trust. He scored four tries and kicked 2 goals but in the end Sutton had too
many players against an injury hit Tigers and when tiredness set in the Hull
side swept ahead.
On a day when
the Tigers, unusually, scored first the home side enjoyed a lead during most of
the first half. The Tigers played with style and determination giving the home
supporters hope of an unlikely victory. The Tigers defence remained robust
against a well disciplined and organised Sutton side.
With Jamie
scoring two tries with apparent ease the Sutton defence lacked shape and was
easily broken down.
However in the
second half the Tigers suffered a series of minor injuries and facing a side
with plenty of substitutes the extra numbers and indeed fitness of the visitors
saw them run in a series of tries. This gave them a 30 points to 12 lead and
ensure that the Tigers hopes were dashed.
Two more tries
for both sides concluded the proceedings leaving the Tigers to contemplate what
might have been.
On the positive
side in this game it was clear that the Tigers have the ability and the
determination to win games against good opposition at this
level.
This week the Tigers do not have a game which will give them chance to regroup and move on. Training this week is on Wednesday.
Tigers under 13s
eventually run out easy winners after a second half scare in the North East
Rugby League Cup Final
Lloyd Purser opened the scoring for Durham Tigers in their
Cup Final game against old rivals Wallsend Eagles as winter came early to a
windswept Benfield School
This set the pattern in a one sided first half which saw
the Tigers establish an impressive first half lead going in at half time leading
30 points to nil.
When James Pirie crossed for the seventh Tigers try early
in the second half, followed soon after by yet another effort this time by
Mattie Lovegreen it looked as if the game was going to continue in the same
fashion.
However a determined and resolute Wallsend showed
considerable resilience to shock the Tigers and expose weaknesses in their
defence by scoring twice in rapid succession which, with a Wallsend
conversion, gave the Eagles some real hope of mounting a genuine challenge. The
Tigers appeared for a moment to have lost composure and Wallsend were for a
while on top.
However when Josh Love crossed to score soon after the
Tigers were back on top. The try was converted by Mattie Lovegreen, who kicked 5
goals in all. With nine minutes to go and with the Tigers now with a 46 points
to 10 lead the game was in effect over.
However the Eagles again demonstrated their fighting spirit
by scoring their third try. With minutes left however the Tigers rounded of an
excellent performance when Alex Bielby scored his third try of the morning.
Other Tigers tries came from James Pirie, Michael Walton and newcomer from
Shildon Tyler Claydon, who on the evidence of the day can look forward to a fine
future in Rugby League.
The Man of the Match award went to the Tigers Michael
Walton.
With this win the Tigers added the North East Rugby League
Cup to their trophy haul this season having already finished top of the league.
The Tigers will hope to make it a clean sweep in the Play Off finals on the
9th October. The Eagles on the other hand will
be looking for revenge.
Wallsend Eagles defeat
Durham Tigers to win North East Rugby League under 15s Cup
In the second cup final game of the morning Wallsend Eagles
ran out convincing winners by 40 points to 4.
The Wallsend side put together a series of outstanding
handling moves to run in eight tries altogether.
However the score does not truly reflect the real nature of
the game. For long periods the Tigers had possession and repeatedly threatened
the Eagles line. The fact that the Eagles kept a clean sheet right until deep in
the second half, when Shane Porter got the only score of the afternoon for the
Tigers, is a tribute to their defensive organisation, concentration and
commitment.
Whilst the Eagles were clearly the better side the Tigers
showed some of the improved performance which had enabled them to defeat Whitley
Bay in the semi final two weeks previously.
For the Tigers the season is now over and it is time to
reflect upon what might have been.
Coach Rob Aspden was in upbeat mood after the game. He felt
that the lads had done well against powerful opposition having gone into the
game with only 14 players. It is now time to recruit more players based upon
activity in local schools surrounding the Champion Schools Competition. “We are
only three or four players short of establishing a side that can beat any other
side in the North East” he added.
Tigers under 18s fail to take their chances against West Leeds
The Tigers travelled to Leeds in the hope of recording their first win of the season only to return disappointed after getting into a potential winning position only to capitulate late in the game.
West Leeds set up a 16 point to nil lead after 35 minutes of the game having bamboozled a flat footed Tigers defence to step through gaps to score from long range.
However Scott Shield pegged back the lead just before half time so that the Tigers went into the break trailing by 12 points.
The Tigers produced their best play in the period immediately after half time and when Connor Smith barged in to score just 10 minutes into the second half and Jamie Love converted the home side began to look rocky.
However when the Leeds side regained possession from a short kick off following the Tigers second try and went on to score in the set the Tigers moment of hope was over.
The Leeds team regained composure when the conversion gave West Leeds a 22 point to 10 lead which enabled them to run in 3 more tries against a now tiring Tigers side.
After the game coach Stu Robson commented upon what he described as a “poor” Tigers show. “We established a potentially winning position only to lose concentration and let them of the hook” he said.
This weekend the Tigers are at home to Sutton Trust in a game which will be vital to getting some momentum into the season. Preparation for this game will not be helped by the fact that no less than seven Tigers players are involved in a trip to Whitehaven the previous day representing the North East.
The Tigers are always on the lookout for new players who can use the Club as a stepping stone into professional Rugby League via the Tigers links with Gateshead Thunder. Players wishing to get involved should contact the Club secretary on 0191 3849809
Under 15s find form against Whitley Bay in Cup Semi finals
The Tigers under 15 side recovered form with a bang to easily see off Whitley Bay in the Cup.
Two outstanding tries in the first five minutes by Ryan Ellison set the ball rolling and from that point onwards the game was never in doubt.
It is hard to understand, when the Tigers play as they did today, why the league season has gone so badly. Suffice to say it was good to have a full side once again and good to see the lads enjoy their victory.
From the start the Tigers decided to play attacking Rugby and to both keep the ball alive and to get it out wide. On other occasions the side has relied very much on key players taking the ball forward in the hope of establishing good field position for the last tackle. On a good day the new approach certainly paid off with the Tigers running in a series of spectacular tries which brought joy to their long suffering fans.
Not only did the side put together a fine attacking display but a defence which has leaked tries all season kept the Whitley Bay side penned in their own half for most of the game so much that Whitley never came near to scoring. Defensively the Tigers were organised, disciplined and determined with nobody missing a tackle.
In addition to Ryans two early tries Shane Porter and Mattie Dockwray both scored twice and in addition tries came from Tom Robinson and Ryan Allison. Jonny Hall and Tom Robinson kicked a goal each to complete the scoring.
After the game coach Rob Aspden pointed out that this was the kind of result he knew that the side could produce if it pulled together. "We are now in a strong position to compete with anyone in the final and to put in a good display in the League play-offs" he added.
Under 13s pushed hard at Gateshead
The Tigers undefeated under 13s had their severist test so far this season when they came across a vastly improved Gateshead Storm in the cup semi finals.
The early part of the game was much as usual with the Tigers dominating play to establish an early 20 points to four lead. However a Gateshead try just before half time brought the Storm back into the game with the score standing at 24 points to 10 at half time.
Early play in the second half was dominated by Gateshead who put the Tigers defense under severe pressure and looked like bringing Gateshead back into the game and perhaps establishing a winning position. However Tigers nerves were settled when MaCauley Barker picked up the ball which was loose near the Tigers try line and went the lentire length of the pitch to score. From that point on, despite the Gatehead side dominating the last ten minutes in terms of posession the result was not in doubt.
In addition to MaCauley's long range effort Jamies Pirie and Alex Bielby picked up two tries each and Tyler Claydon and Micheal Walton also scored. Matty Lovegreen kicked 4 goals to complete the scoring.
The Gateshead side awarded Tyler the Man of the Match award which is a great achievement by him having only joined the Club a few weeks ago.
Under 13s inflict heavy defeat on Cramlington
Ater winning the Gateshead nines competition in August the Tigers undefeated under 13s side returned to the League competition this week. However the summer break has not made much difference with the Tigers inflicting another heavy defeat on Cramlington.
In all the Tigers ran in 13 tries. Three tries each from Lloyd Puser, Micheal Walton and Alex Bielby lead the charge whilst James Pirie scored 2 and Macauley Barker and Tyler Claydon also got their names on the scoresheet. Michal Lovegreen kicked 9 goals to complete the Tigers scoring.
Yet again the Tigers turned on a fantastic display of attacking Rugby League leaving the result of the game beyond doubt after 10 minutes of the first half.
Whilst it is relevent to point out the superb attacking flair of the side the most impressive aspect of the game from a coaching viewpoint was yet another superb defensive display in which all players played their part to great effect. The defensive organisation was outstanding with players showing great discipline in maintaining the shape and position of the line. It is relevant to point out that the Cramlington side contains several quality players who have represented the North East. These players were simply neutralised by the excellent defence which to my knowledge did not miss a tackle throughout the game.
Next week the side travels to Gateshead Stadium to take on the Storm in the Cup.
No three in a row for nder 15s
Five players from the side which easily beat Whitley Bay the previous week were unavailable for the under 15s trip to Cramlington. As a result the side had no substitutes which, on a warm norning, was always going to create problems as the game progressed.
Cramlington opened the scoring after a tense and error strewn first few minutes but the Tigers went into the lead shortly afterwards when Shane Porter sold an outrageous dummy to the Cramlington defence to go three quarters of the length of the pitch to score a superb solo try.
That was as good as it got. The game remained very even throughout the first half however with both sides showing resilience in defence. The game was still within the Tigers grasp at half tine when they finished up trailing by 16 points to 6.
The end of the Tigers hopes came when Shane Porter sustained a head injury early in the second half which gave Cramlington an extra player on the field as well as substitutes. Nevertheless the Tigers stuck to the task and always kept a degree of control over the situation. In fact when Jonny Hall scored the second Tigers try the side could still have produced a shock win. From that point onwards however fatigue played a big part in the final outcome. The Tigers defence lost shape and players started to drop off tackles.
Coach Rob Aspden however refused to be downbeat. "Given the circumstances a win was never likely. However we competed well throughout the game". Rob added that man for man the Tigers were equally as good as the opposition. "We have come a long way in recent weeks and, when we eventually field our strongest team, we will produce some good results".
Next week the Tigers travel to old rivals Wallsend who are enjoying a good season. They will be accompanied by the under 13s who will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten record. If the side wins at Wallsend they are guarantteed to enter the play offs in top position.
Good win over Whitley Bay for under 15s
Following on from last weeks morale boosting win over Hartlepools in the Cup competion te Tigers welcomed Whitley Bay to Shildon hoping to gain their first league victory this season.
Ryan Ellison soon got the Tigers in front only to see a Whitley Bay side which appeared to be full of confidence run in two quick tries to establish a 10 points to 4 lead. For Tigers supporters it looked as though last week result was another false dawn for the side.
However the Tigers regained composure in defence and conceeded no further tries whilst establishing complete dominance in attack. The Tigers eventually went on to win by 36 points to 8 and achieve much needed league points.
Whitley Bay were handicapped by a contraversial refereeeing decision which saw one of their players sin binned for a deliberate knock on. This opened holes in the Whitley defence which some outstanding attacking play by the Tigers enabled them to exploit.
Of the Tigers seven tries three came from Shane Porter who was back to his best form. In addition to the early try from Ryan other tries came from Josh Hoggart, Mattie Dockwray and Ryan Weldon. Jonny Hall kicked 4 goals to complete te scoring from the Tigers
The Tigers after the initial wobble again showed the organisation and commitent in defence which was so effective last week. However what was most impressive was the flair and creativity of scrum half Tom Robinsin which resulted in him gaining the man of the match award. Tom set up the plays throughout the game and showed the willingness and skill to take on the opposition himself.
In the forwards again the side saw a vast improvement with responsibility for taking the ball up shared between all of them. The Tigers forwards are beginning to gain confidence in themselves and realise they can knock holes in the opposition pack.
Within the League itself it is clear that the Peterlee Pumas are setting the pace. However it now looks as though we might be in a position to take them on later in the season if the present improvement continues. Tigers supporter will remember the game at Peterlee last season when the Tigers came close to an amazing victory after dominating the second half. This showed that Peterlee have weaknesses if any side can put them under sustained pressure.
Too easy for under 13s against Peterlee
The timing of the latest confrontation between the two sides could not have been worse for Peterlee who had been heavily defeated in last weeks game. The depeted Peterlee side was helped out by the Tigers and it was a Tigers player, Ben Hoggart, who scored both Peterlee tries. In the end the Tigers cruised to an easy voctory by 52 points to 8 in a game which did neither side any good. "It does nobody any good to win by such a wide margin" said Tigers coach Steve Middlemas. Steve went on to praise the courage and resiliance of a Peterlee side which never gave up despite conceding 120 points to the Tigers in two games.
For the Tigers Lloyd Purser and Matthew Lovegreen both picked up two tries and Alex Bielby, Adain Mounsey, James Pirie, Michael Walton and Luke Miller also scored. Mattie Lovegreen kicked 8 goals and Lloyd Purser one.
The Tigers remain undefeated this season and on this form look a good bet to win both the league and cup competitions.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this one sided game was the debut of three lads from the local Shildon Comprehensive who were playing their first ever game of Rugby League and who all showed great promise and who can be really proud of their effort and approach. It is not easy to fit in with such a quality and established side and great credit goes to them
What a difference a week makes for the under 15s
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The first 10 minutes of this interesting cup tie against League newcomer Hartlepool promised to go the same dismal way as all recent Tigers games. Hartlepool are, in fact, Hartlepool Rovers Rugby Union side trying out the League code. Hartlepool are a well respected Union club and looked well placed to inflict a humiliating defeat on the Tigers.
Hartlepool scored twice and established a 10 point to nil lead before the Tigers even got going.
However when Bradley Pennock barged through from 10 metres out to score the Tigers first try confidence, self belief and performance returned. The Tigers eventually won by 40 points to 16 in a game which will, hopefully, kick start the season for them.
Jonny Hall lead the try scoring with three, Ryan Weldon, happily returning to form after a series of injuries picked up 2 and additional tries came from Shane Porter and Mattie Dockwray.
Commenting after the game coach Rob Aspden refused to name a man of the match for the Tigers insisting that everyone deserved the honour for an outstanding display.
"In this game all the work which goes on in training gave us a really positive result" said Rob. "The side has suffered from a lack of confidence all season but now that the lads have shown just what they can do things should now improve" he added.
Rob also was keen to praise the efforts of the Hartlepool side. "They will without a doubt be a highly effective side once they gain more experience of the game" said Rob. "We very much are looking forward to our next game against them".
Pictures of this game are now in the photos section of the website
Under 11s cover themselves in glory to win the North East Rugby League festival at Gateshead stadium
In the first ever event where the Tigers under 11s played entirely on their own as a team the newly formed under 11s went on to score a thrilling win by 3 tries to 2 in the final of the festival against Wallsend. A game which was intended to last just 5 minutes ended up drawn at two tries each after 5 minutes. With the game being decided by the next try to be scored it eventually lasted over 15 minutes in which both sided defended with great style before Adam Bielby eventually ran in the winning try to secure a brilliant Tigers win.
In all Adam picked uo 7 tries and Andrew Dawson won the "player of the competition" award.
However in the end the most important factor about the day was that everyone had an excellent time and that the standard of play was much higher than in previous events.
For the Tigers the hope is that we can maintain the momentum established at Gateshead to attract new players and to go on to dominate the age group in the same way as the under 13s dominate theirs.
Peterlee inflict heavy defeat on Tigers under 15s
The Tigers under 15s travelled to Peterlee searching for a victory against what most people regard as the strongest team in the competition.
More realistically the Tigers and their supporters were looking for an improvement upon the previous weeks performance.
However right from the start the Tigers ran into problems. With only 13 players to start with against a Peterlee side with 5 substitutes life was going to be difficult but when a Tigers player was sin binned for dissent very early in the game the Peterlee side took control. Further misfortune faced the Tigers with two key players sustaining injury which meant that for most of the game the Tigers were down to only 11 players agianst the 13 plus 5 substitues fielded by Peterlee.
This put the ultimate result in context because the Tigers eventually went down to a major defeat by 76 points to 6.
The Tigers 6 points came from a try from Ryan Ellison converted by Jonny Hall.
However dispite the apparently overwhelming defeat the Tigers did in fact come away with the objective of a much improved performance achieved. The side showed some flair in attak and for significant periods of the game defended well. Most of the Peterlee tries were long range efforts which exploited te big holes in the Tigers defence left by the mismatch in numbers and the fatigue the players felt as the game progressed.
This takes nothing away from yet another outstanding Peterlee performance. The Peterlee side lacks nothing. They have fast strong runners, they display exceptional skills in keeping the ball alive and they support each other with enthusiasm. Defensively the Peterlee side are outstanding.
So where does this leave the Tigers under 15 side. The first thing we need is far more players. We cannot compete in the game of Rugby League playing 11 against 18. Players are on the field for the entire game and players continue to play despite carrying injuries.
We also need to get all players down to training to work on defence and organise attacks.
However we all need to recognise that we still have some very talented players who can go far in the game. All sides go through difficult times and it is a test of character to come through. Karl is now going into local schools on a recruitment drive and we hope to suppliment the squad very soon. In the meantime next week we play new side Hartlepool in the Cup at home. This should be a very interesting fixture and it offers a chance to regroup, gain some confidence and move forward.
Under 13s cruise to yet another easy victory
The Tigers turned on a devastating performance right from the start this week with Lloyd Purser scoring the first try within a minute of the start of the game.
From that moment onwards it was one way traffic in a game which saw the Tigers run in a total of 13 tries and end up victors by 68 points to nil. James Pirie picked up 4 tries, Lloyd Purser ended up with 3, Matthew Lovegreen and Ben Hoggert got 2 tries each and Michael Walton and Matthew Borrowdale also scored tries. Matthew Lovegreen kicked 8 goals.
As with the previous game the Tigers defence was outstanding. The side set the goal of conceeding no points and the Peterlee side never looked like scoring. Yet again it is worthwhile remembering that defence is always the key to victory and all players in the side contribute. The Tigers tackling is awesome and we are showing the ability to think and improvise defensively.
It is easy to think that the Tigers win was because of the weakness of the Peterlee side but this does no justice to a Peterlee side that contains some outstanding individuals who in the past have dominated games. Essentially the Peterlee side was played out of the game by a Tigers side which is full of talent and which is playing with supreme confidence.
Next week Peterlee come to us in the reverse fixture. It is easy to say that this should result in an easy Tigers win. However life in Rugby League is never so predictable. Peterlee will have learned from today and we should expect a much stronger challenge
Tigers under 15s struggle to contain lively Cramlington outfit
The Tigers playing only their second game of the season found life tough against a determined, fast and very organised Cramlington side. The Tigers eventually were soundly defeated by 14 points to 60.
The Tigers were also hampered by a shortfall in players which meant that an 11 a side game took place but one in which the Tigers had no substitutes. The consequence was that the Tigers held their own in the early stages of each half only to run out of steam later.
Credit goes to Cramlington and their coach who put on a fine display of attacking rugby. The Cramlington players made very few errors dispite adopting an open and attractive style of play which resulted in a series of superb tries especially when the Tigers struggled later on.
For the Tigers things have proved difficult recently however as coach Rob Aspden remarked after the game "The gap between the sides was by no means as great as the score suggests."
Rob aslso referred to the difficulty is paying 11 a side Rugby on a big pitch with no substitues. "Conditions on the day favoured the lighter more mobile Cramlington side. Our big forwards who normally have a huge impact on the game were always going to struggle on a day like today"
The Tigers now have a run of games as they make up for fixtures postponed from earlier in the season. The individual skills and the individual determination is not lacking in the side but confidence is at a low ebb and the Tigers need to get some improved results quickly if the season is not to turn out a disappointment.
Under 13s continue on their winning run against Cramlington
On a day when the Tigers under 15 side had problems with Cramlington the under 13s took apart a resilient Cramlington side to run out convincing winners by 50 points to 4.
The early stages of the game did not suggest that the Tigers would have things all their own way. A series of errors gave the Cramlington side lots of early possession and eventually they scored first after sustaining prolonged pressure on the Tigers defence. A this stage a confident Cramlington looked as though they could pull off a shock win and end the Tigers undefeated run.
However two characteristic long range tries from Lloyd Purser restored matters to normality and from that point it was one way traffic. James Pirie again was in magestic form running in 4 tries aand demonstarting great power, strength and determination. The ever threatening Lloyd Purser added another try to his two early in the game and Alex Bielby completely fooled the Cramlington defence to score a superb try in the second half. A late and very welcome try from Ben Hoggett, happily returned to the side after a serious injury, plus 5 goals from Matthew Lovegreen completed the scoring.
However the most impressive part of the Tigers performance was the great defensive effort which restricted a good quality Cramlington to just one try and that in the opening part of the game. Quality defence can onl result from a full team effort and everyone played their part here.
With this win the Tigers move to second place in the table with two games in hand.
Full details of all North East Rugby League results and tables can be found on the North East League website.
Tigers under 11s show great spirit in Shildon Mini Festival
In only their third run out the Tigers under 11s showed how quickly they are maing progress and how they are gaining ground on much more experienced sides.
In the two games played the Tigers were denied victory in the first game against Peterlee by a last minute Peterlee try. In the end the scores were level at 5 tries each.
In the second game again the Tigers ran Wallsend close but ultimately went down by 4 tries to 6
In all Adam Bielby dominated the try scoring for the Tigers running in 5 in all. Daniel Howe in only his third ever game of League picked up two and would have had more had he not sustained a hand injury which prevented him playing for most of the Wallend game.
However the day was judged a great success by the Tigers coach Tom Dawson who pointed out that some players had not met each other before today and for one, Matthew Hannar, it was his first ever game.
The under 11s now look to have established a basis to go forward but it remains important to them to recruit more players. The side does not have a game next week but training takes place at the Leisure Centre on Saturday morning at 10am. Anyone who would like to start to play Rugby League is most welcome.
What is of the greatest significance at this stage is that the lads had a great time and everyone did themselves proud. The pace at which the lads are learning the game is very impressive and gives us great optimism for the future
Tigers under 13s have fun in the sun at Gateshead
On the 22nd May the Tigers travelled to Gateshead Stadium to take on league newcomers Gateshead Storm
Once agan the Tigers dominated the game to remain undefeated so far this season.
In all the Tigers ran in eleven tries to emerge winners by 54 points to 16. James Pirie, Michael Walton and Lloyd Purser all score hat tricks whilsit tries from Alex Bielby and Luke Miller plus four goals from Matthew Lovegreen completed the scoring.
This week however the Tigers normally sound defence showed some vulnerability in conceeding three tries to the Storm. Two tries in as many minutes at the start of the second half gave a strong and determined Gateshead side some hope and the Tigers looked to have problems. However a fine long range try from James Pirie settled nerves and from that point onwards the result of the game was never in doubt.
Credit goes once more to the entire side and to coach Steve Middlemas who playewd again as a unit with everyone carrying out their alloted role. Credit also must go to the Storm who played with spirt and energy on a very hot day and never gave up. The Storm are a side with several very talented individuals. However they have only been together for a short time and have played very few games. Gateshead will be formidable opponents once they have had time ti gell as a side and learn to play as a team.
Tigers under 13s overwhelm Wallsend to win 46 points to 12
"The best performance ever by an under 13 side in the North East" was how visiting coach Robin Peers desribed an awesome Tigers performance.
The Eagles came into the game undefeated this season and with high hopes of maintaining their record.
However for the Tigers it was a day to remember as everything came together to result in a breathtaking all round performance which was only marred by a serious knee injury to Tom Clark. The Tigers only defeat last season was at the hands of Wallsend who won the North East Cup Final by just two points. This win wipes away the lingering memory of that loss.
In all the Tigers ran in 10 tries including five from man of the match James Pirie, four from Lloyd Purser and one from Michael Walton. The Tigers attck was devastating brushing aside the hitherto effective Eagles defence and running in tries from all parts of the pitch. The Eagles seemed unable to cope with the speed, strength and determination of the Tigers despite valient efforts.
However as all coaches know Rugby League games are won on the back of strong, organised defence and this depends upon all players doing their job effectively.
In their four games so far the Eagles had scored 185 points which works out at more than an average of more than 45 per game. As Robin said at the end "the Eagles are used to slicing through defences. It is the first time they have met such an effective defensive line"
Everyone involved with the game can take pride in a massive effort which was watched by former coach Mark Sowerby who is just starting his professional career at Gateshead Thunder along with Jamie Love. On this showing several Tigers players can look forward to following in their footsteps in the not too distant future.
Under 13s start league title defence with emphatic win at Whitley Bay
At long last the much delayed league season got underway at Whitley Bay.
Three tries each from Lloyd Purser and James Pirie, two from Matthew Lovegreen and tries from Alex Bielby, Edward Stone and Michael Walton plus 8 goals from Matthew Lovegreen saw the Tigers see off a courageous Whitley Bay.
The game opened badly for the Tigers who seemed intent on giving the ball away early in the tackle count and giving good field position to Whitley. It took a side that was dominant last season some time to settle down but when the Tigers started to maintain possession and run at the Whitley Bay defence the superiority of the Tigers in all aspects of the game soon became apparent.
Defensively the Tigers showed commitment and organisation. The Barbarians have several effective attacking players who were largely tackled out of the game. The dominance in defence enabled the Tigers to use superior handling and organisation to eventually overcome Whitley.
However the Tigers did not have it all their own way and the score does less than justice to Whitley who early in the second half appeared to be gaining in confidence and getting back into the game. Two quick Tigers tries however settled the Tigers and broke the Whitley resistance.
In the end it was a superb Tigers overall team effort which gave them victory. This was shown by the fact that Michael Dunn got the man of the match award for a superb alround effort despite not scoring himself.
Tigers under 15s go down to heavy defeat against Peterlee in first ever Rugby League game in Shildon
The first ever game at the Tigers new home ended in a heavy defeat. An understrength Tigers side met a Pumas outfit bouyed by their performance the previous week in the North East nines.
The Pumas scored from their first set of six and it was one way traffic from that point onwards. A difficlt situation was made worse by early injuries to Carl and Josh who took no further part in the game.
This takes away nothing from a superb preformance from Peterlee who ran directly and with confidence and showed great flair in attack.
From early results this year it is obvious that Peterlee are going to be the side to beat. Memories of the winter when the Tigers ran the Pumas close are just memories. However the lads stuck to their task well and when we get our full side back things will be different.
Next week we travel to Whitley Bay in the hope of securing a win. Judging from the Whitley performance in the nines this will not be easy.
Under 13s and under 15s go well in the Peterlee nines
On that great rarity a warm day at Helford Road both our sides did themselves pround.
The under 15s finished as runners up in their competition reaching the final after wins against Whitley Bay and an eight try each draw against Cramlington only to loose heavilly to Peterlee in the last game. The side continues to improve along with all the others. The game against Cramlington was a thriller from start to finish and Whitley Bay are now a well organised and well coached side with a number of high quality and resiliant players.
Peterlee are still out in front at least on this showing. However they had the advantage of a big squad and several substites whilst the Tigers only had a squad of 11. The Tigers also had a long gap before the last game and lacked intensity. It is also worth mentioning that the Tigers had not played at all this season because of postponed games.
At under 13 we came third. The event was won by Yorkshire side Crigglestone who were unbeaten. Wallsend came second only losing to Crigglestone. We lost by one try to Wallsend. Unfortunatly we played Wallsend immediately after playing Cricgglestone which put us at a disadvantage. Nontheless the Tigers side again showed promise especially since they had played for "Durham" against Crigglestone the previous day and they have had no games - again because of postponements - this season.
The really good news is how well all North East sides did against Crigglestone who have been playing at a high level in Yorkshire all winter, It is clear that North East Rugby League is improving rapidly.
The game against Crigglestone the previous day, whichi was mainly played by Tigers players with just three from Peterlee, was fascinating. The lads matched the Yorkshire side in the second half only losing because of a slow start.
On Saturday both sides face Peterlee at Shildon. For the injury hit under 15s this is another big ask but is not an impossibility. For the under 13s it should be an easier occasion. It is to be hoped that Peterlee can bring a full side,.
Tigers show more attacking flair against Hull Dockers but still suffer big defeat
Tries from Connor Smith, Brian Blackett and Oisin Mooney gave the Tigers supporters something to celebrate in the game against Hull Dockers but the side still went down by 16 points to 56.
Again as in recent weeks the score fails to do justice to the Tigers performance. It is said when sides hit a losing run everything goes wrong and this was the case in this game where everything from the bounce of the ball to refing decisions went against us.
The good news is that we scored good tries and showed some style. The defence however is still in need of work. It is hard to see good defensive work for most of the tackle count fall apart on the final tackle.
However now that we have Stu and Andy on board to help with coaching we will see rapid improvements in the late season.
Under 17s go down to Huddersfield by 38 points to nil
Two heavy defeats and no try scored in the last two games suggests that the Tigers under 17 side is strugling to compete this season.
However the score at Huddesfield as with the score the previous week does not do justice to the Tigers and wildy exaggerates the differences between the sides.
Again this week on a player v player level the Tigers were a match for their opponents. However both in defence and in attack the Tigers as a team were lacking.
Yorkshire League defenses are well organised and repeated attempts to barge over the line from 5 yards out will not work. Moreover any lack of cohesion defensively will be punished.
It is quite clear that the poor weather and lack of outdoor training is at the root of the problem. Now that we have Andy on board as a new coach along with Steve we are set to go forward again. The side will now be back to training twice a week outdoors as well as in the gym and this will get us back to being the competitive side we were before the winter came on
Oulton Raiders under 17s inflict a 76 point to 2 defeat of the Tigers under 17s
The undefeated top of the table side from Oulton showed just why they are so successful at St.john's.
The side, which yet again constisted of many players who have signed academy contracts with Super League clubs, produced a stunning display of Rugby League which would have been a pleasure to watch had we not been on the end of it.
Oulton are a superby fit - with one exception - side. They are fast, strong, athletic and exceptionally skillful. I don't think that they dropped one pass in the entire game.
Having said that the score is not a true reflection of the game in that for a long period in the first half the Tigers competing well. The second half showed the difference in fitness between the sides and it was in the second half that Oulton really dominated.
Despite the score the Tigers defensive line was much more impressive. They slowed down the opposition play the ball and organised well in the first half. The lads never gave up or lost heart which was a tribute to their character.
Basically Oulton are a Leeds Rhinos junior side who are far too good for our division. It is no disgrace to loose to such a talented side.
Under 15s go down 34 points to 18 at Wallsend in a proverbial "game of two halves".
The Tigers under 15 side produced a remarkable change in fortune in the second half of the snow affected game at Wallsend.
Arriving with just 13 players agains the Wallsend full contingent it was always going to be a hard day. However poor defence was responsible for Wallsend acheiving total domination in the first half taking a 20 to nil lead at half time.
Wallsend ran with determination a carried out slick passing moves being given loads of space to run around by the Tigers defensive line.
Whatever Rob and Neil said at half time howver must have been highly motivating because in the second half the Tigers dominated the game. This was despite an injury to Ryan Weldon which kept him out of the entire second half. The result was that the Tigers were down to 12 players throughout.
Everything in the second half was different. The big Tigers forwards began to dominate proceedings and Wallsend became visibly rattled. Shane Porter picked up two tries and so did Jonny Hall. Bradley Pennock promoted to goal kicking duties added a conversion.
The second half domination by the Tigers resulted from the application of the basics of the game and promises well for te upcoming league season. The Tigers need to sort out the slow staret problem which resulted in Whitley Bay gaining an initial 12 point lead last week and Wallsend running in 20 points without reply earlier on. Perhaps the lack of outdoor training has been a problem for us.
This was a game in which the Tigers showed true spirit and everyone played their part. Jonny Hall was made man of the match by the Wallsend coach but as Rob and Neil said at te end of the game it could have gone to anyone.
Under 17s go down 36 points to 10 against Hull Wyke.
Three disallwed tries and a lucky interception was the difference on the day between two evenly matched sides
After conceeding our usual early try the Tigers were attacking the Hull line when a long pass was intercepted enabling the Hull side to score a second try against the run of play.
From that point onwards it was an uphill struggle with all the important calls going agaist us.
Nevertheless this remained an excellent Tigers performnce particulary with several players injured and the result being that subs had to play in unaccustom positions. There is no doubt that on an individual basis the Tigers players matched the skills and certainly the commitment of Hull
So where are we going wrong? Basically we are not doing certain simple things as well as we could. Our play the ball remains slow in comparison to our opponents. This means that we do not get the so called "roll on" which our opponents do.
Secondly our forwards are too startic when receiving the ball. They need to "hit" the ball at pace when taking a drive. When "Bokka" scored our second try he showed what can be done. The Hull defence stood off and failed to close him down basically because he was so intimidating.
Finally we are retreating too far when we are defending. Our opponants are inevitable offside most of the time. They look to pinch as much ground as the ref permits. We always retreat a good 10 metres. As aresult we always give our opponents more space to create moves than they give us.
These are simple things to put right and then we will get improved results in line with the basic skills of our players.
More postively it was good to see that team spirit is high and that everyone clearly enjoyed the game
Under 15s secure hard fought win against a spirited and organised Whitley Bay
The days when a trip to Whitley Bay could be regarded as an easy day out are now history. An understrength Whitley Bay shocked the Tigers by securing a 12 point lead within 10 minutes of the start of the game. The Barbarians now have sharp attacking skills showing flair and commitment but in addition their previously disorganised defence is now tight and secure.
All the making of a considerable upset were on the cards and Tigers players and supporters were thinking that it was back to the bad old days.
However once the Tigers gained a little composure and started to get the defencive line moving the side gradually worked their way back into the game. A penalty try started the scoring off and soon the Tigers forwards began to gain momentum. The Tigers are now a talented side and all players again showed high levels of skills and initiative throughout te game.
The game was eventually decided when Tigers man of the match Shane Porter went over in the corner and gave the Tigers a winning 6 point lead. The final score being Whitley Bay 16 Tigers 22.
The game again illustrated the Tigers inability to start well. Why is it that our defence starts each game so badly organised? We inevitably get better as the game goes on. we are always having to work back into the game after conceding an early lead.
On this occasions with such a gap between games and also limited training opportunities there is a good reason.
Especial thanks go to Ryan Adair, James Priestly, Brad Peddock, Jamie Allison and Mattie Dockwray who all turned out on behalf of Whitley Bay at some part in the game.
Under 17s back to winning ways against Kings Cross
At last a win. At the end of an enthralling game in which the lead changed hands many times the Tigers overcame a committed Halifax side to emerge winners by 19 points to 13
An Ed Henty drop goal from the first set of six gave the Tigers an early lead only to see the opposition score immediately afterwards in one of the most fluent moves of the game. For a long time after that the Halifax side held the advantage and only a much improved Tigers defence held them out.
The Tigers regained the lead shortly after half time scoreing a try which left the opposition supporters dumfounded but the lead was soon lost again as Kings Cross scored again.
Penalty goals were swapped and with a few minutes left the Tigers were clinging on ro a one point lead.
All that was to change when a break by Mark Sowerby put Josh Hawkins in to score in the corner and establish a winning seven point lead for the Tigers.
For the Tigers this win brought considerable relief and moved them to fifth position in the table. The defensive performance was massively improved and in attack a degree of fluency was achieved which has been missing recently. The most important thing is that the side seemed to enjoy the game and key players assumed dominating roles.
The next game sees us travel to Hull to take on Hull Wyke who are just above us in the table. A win here will give the Tigers an outside chance of making the play offs
Under 17s go down to gut wrenching defeat at home against Hull Wyke
A devastating first half performance saw the Tigers establish a 10 point lead against a side which was one place above them in the league.
Coming from a 30 points to 20 win over Huddersfield the previous week the fired up Tigers produced by far their best display of the season producing Rugby which defied the conditions. The defence was rock solid and the attach showed far more flair and creativity than at any other time in the season.
But all good things come to an end and the second half saw a reversal of fortunes. A series of unforced errors and poor judgements gave increasing possession to a Hull side growing in confidence.
An early Hull try and goal created the usual doubt in the Tigers minds and gave the Hull side a glimmer of hope. Finally in the last five minutes Hull registered another try and that was it.
Disappointing as the result was it yet again shows that
we can compete and should beat the best. The message is that we must complete
our sets of six and ensure that we do not make unforced errors early in the
tackle count.