Penalties cost the game

DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK V BILLINGHAM LIONS

With a few cry offs Billingham took to the field with a couple of changes and the return of Brewis at full back and Oliver after a long lay of through injury. Finney cried off in the warm up so Sayers reverted to nine and Amos made a welcome return to add his defensive qualities at blind side. From the kick of Fernie arrived at the Park second row at the same time as the ball but was unable to rip it clear. The home side moved down field and won a penalty on three minutes. With a strong wind at his back the Mowden nine slotted a long kick. Billingham dragged their way back up field and with a move that would have graced any first team the ball flowed through the backs hands to Hopley who burnt the turf to score his first try in a lion’s shirt. Mowdens larger pack were under pressure as time after time our front row of Robinson and Hammond wheeled their opponents and Cranstons opposite number was forced to pop out time after time but only getting one penalty awarded throughout the game. It seemed like we would get nothing as Kev McCabe set off on a powerful run only to be clothes lined by a Park defender. Billingham the self destructed as they fell victim to five penalties to go in at half time trailing by thirteen points.

HALF TIME DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK 18 BILLINGHAM LIONS 5

The strong wind helping Mowden in the first half disappeared at the turn around as they scored two unanswered tries. What to do? Mike Brown brought on Rob McCabe and a couple of third team volunteers Guz and Shea who turned up after their game was called off at half past one. Despite being hampered with flu Ker rallied the backs as Grey and Fernie dominated the lineouts again. Another superb move saw the ball spin out wide again and Oliver joining the line went over with Hopley outside him wondering why he did not get his second. Then it was the forwards turn as a great rolling maul saw Guz drive over. Then another backs try with quick hands, Brewis joining the line again and Keenan going in under the posts for the bonus point try and Armtrong also returning from injury slotting the conversion. Gray was carded for an alleged collar tackle although it looked from the line like a grab at the upper arm and Mowden scored an unconverted try as they used the advantage. Cheeseman came on to add his pace out wide with minutes to go. Mowden fly half broke clear from the back of a ruck and a ferocious tackle from Woodhouse at outside centre stopped him in his tracks. Unfortunately he needed medical attention and an ambulance had to be called as a precaution we were told. The game was blown up early as the players waited for the medical assistance. In a clean game it was an unfortunate end and we all wish him well. I have asked Mowden to update us on the situation.

FULL TIME DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK 35 BILLINGHAM LIONS 22
(No I did not play or score a try it was Paul Oliver but he is waiting to be added to web site so if you anyone is not registered I will take the credit)