NATIONAL CUP COMPETITION
Sunday 6th March 2016
Netherhall RUFC V Huddersfield RUFC Junior Colts
Huddersfield RUFC Junior Colts played their first game in the regional qualifying round of the National Competition away at Netherhall RUFC which is situated on the Cumbrian coast near Maryport.
The squad and parents assembled at 9:00am for the long coach journey to what must be one of the furthest away clubs in the “regional” round of this National competition, Three and a half hours later we arrived at our destination, the long journey compensated by the beautiful spring sunshine and the magnificent snow- capped mountains of the Lake District, (Wordsworth).
To allow the Huddersfield players a stretch and warm up the game kicked off at 2:00pm and within five minutes the visitors had registered their first try through a pick and drive from Will Robertshaw. 0 – 5
This was quickly followed their second try when Harry Newman ripped the ball from the Netherhall centre to race away to score and convert. 0 – 12
Throughout the game the Huddersfield lineout was dominant securing excellent ball for the backs and from an early lineout the ball was won and swiftly moved out to Sam Bourouh to score out wide. 0 – 17
A lapse in concentration allowed Netherhall to score from a quickly taken penalty which they converted. 7 – 17
The Huddersfield forwards were beginning to dominate the scrums and this provided good ball for scrum half James Addy to use, resulting in a second try for Newman. 7 – 22
With so much possession the Huddersfield players started to use the ball well and forwards and backs showed great skill and good hands to send Bourouh in for his second try. 7 – 27
Just before half time a break by Tom Sweeten and an outrageous dummy allowed him to score a fine individual try to finish the first half. 7 – 32
A combination of lost concentration, again, and poor tackling allowed Netherhall to score soon after the restart. 14 – 32
Huddersfield then took advantage from a quickly taken free kick by Robertshaw who was able to stretch out for the line to score his second try, converted by Newman. 14 – 39
As the second half progressed Huddersfield dominated the game but still the home team had some opportunities through their quick backs but the cover defence prevented them scoring.
With territorial advantage and plenty of possession the Huddersfield backs could show their full repertoire of moves, including a blind side chip kick from Addy for Bourouh to run onto to score his third try. 14 – 44
The final score for the visitors appeared to have been scored by Cahal English who had taken a good running line but it was not given, however the ball was recycled out to Bourouh who completed his man of the match performance with his forth try, converted by Newman. 14 – 51
Netherhall were generous in their hospitality, appreciative of the fact that Huddersfield had travelled so far for the game. As always the long journey back is a lot more enjoyable after a convincing win and approximately 12 hours after setting off the coach returned to Lockwood Park.
