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Billingham vs Hull - Match Report - David Munns style
Mike Brown19 Jan - 19:02
Ain’t no mountain high enough – Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell 1967
In a week where various leaders of the free world look to fiddle with other sovereign states (as defined by the United Nations in true quiz question style) whilst their own country burns I look forward to getting back into the rhythm of life with some National 2 action at Greenwood road. During this time where fixtures are being called off it was good to see the Loins bag a good win last week and looking at the line up another indication of the depth the Green and Whites are developing. My December attendances were curtailed by illness, festive arrangements and general bad luck so hopefully January will be better.
On Thursday it was along overdue appearance at the mid-life gym session with the legends and it was a top turn out, a couple more and one of us would have had to run shuttles on the AGP. As usual it was a tonic for mind and body, the usual suspects on great form and as a new boy was made to feel totally welcome. Forgetting the little gains method I went a bit headless chicken at one point which resulted in not being able to lift a coffee cup or accurately move the mouse next day (soft office boy!).
Happy New Year was exchanged several times even though it was the 18th of January as I jogged around the pitch up to the mount followed by Hull RUFC as they jogged onto the AGP. You will be very glad to know not much pre-amble due to this, looking at Hull backs from the mount its a mainly black shirt with red top, out trot the Green and Whites with a pink top for the man in charge complimented by line officials in layers of red. Warm in the sun but the wind is cuttingly cold forcing many to huddle in the shadow of the club house. The visitors play towards the club house to set things off. Looking at the current table its L for leaders as Leeds and Lymm look for promotion, Billingham look up at everyone but given the points on offer it can change quickly and Alex Fergusson is not pointing at his watch any time soon.
Hull kick off, Billingham collect and 2nd breakdown the man in the middle’s arm is up to allow the home team to exit to touch. This match was played at a very high tempo, both squads chomping at the bit especially Billingham who were primed for action last week but curtailed by the Yorkshire snowball. Taken off the top at the line out then a couple of phases before a nudge through to set the chasers away as the defence is not allowing much gain, but it’s a few bounces then into touch. The Hull pack are units and have a tall second row who collects many of the line outs cleanly, Hull set the strong running forwards up looking to punch a gap but the ball gets knocked out in the tackle as Billingham look to retrieve the decision is tackler not releasing so Hull pop the ball into the far corner stand side. Catch and drive from the line out which creeps in field, lateral not forward progress, the Hull backs switch to the stand side as the ball becomes available. Despite the numbers Billingham hold firm stand side and Hull retain to move across the pitch, it’s a nudge through over the try line which Billingham look to have collected but fumble into a Hull hand for the first try. As the kicker makes a right pickle of the conversion the visitors banish the doughnut early for 0 – 5.
Billingham kick off towards the mount, it’s a high one allowing the runners to chase, Hull secure and look to exit quickly under pressure finding touch but still in the Hull half. Ed Graham pin pointing the jumpers as Billingham look to gain a bit of uncle mo, as Ben Walton feeds an ever green on rushing Dan Burns who burns through a couple of tackles. The Billingham support is there to clean out and this allows quick ball along the line. The man in the middle signals advantage as the flyers see a bit of daylight but a forward pass brings it back. It’s into touch we go but the throw is long at the line out allowing Hull to clean up at the back but then knock on. It’s the first scrum of the match and looking at the pack sizes I believe Billingham will have their hands full, Hull do get a good nudge so it’s out quickly as the backs maintain the ball, the forwards then come into play, a string charge from James Watson well over the gain line backed up by Walton on the shoulder. Its Billingham looking to get on the scoreboard as Hull are warned at the next breakdown as a series of infringements are adjudged then get caught offside again and the man in the middle flashes yellow. Hull down by one in the scrum still hold firm as Billingham have several tries at the line, all short despite the late extending arms but Billingham retain and recycle as Peter Evans finally grabs the opener. In previous seasons the post protectors would have allowed the try earlier but it’s under the posts as Peter converts for 7 – 5.
Hull’s turn to restart this time, long kick that Billingham collect then look to go wide and make the extra man count, a kick pass is the option but the Hull outside centre reads is clearly into the air in space to gather. Its Hull on the front foot again as they switch to the dugout side with multiple phases as the Billingham defence looks to contain, the man in the middle signals infringement and Hull pop it into the corner. Hull secure from the line out and look to muscle across the line, when this is held they switch out but as it gets to the winger its fumbled into touch, a combination of surprise at actually getting the ball and cold hands I expect. Line out goes loose but Nathan Myers tidies up as Billingham pop the ball up field, Hull collect and send it back. Its over on the stand side for some mixed exchanges of views and ball retention, it’s a bit of a frantic stop start affair as passes go astray for each team. Hull send up a very high one which Billingham collect under pressure and then start to make gains up the field until a high tackle gives a penalty. Billingham opt to go up field and collecting the line out Anthony Jackson gains a brake with a spinning run. The support is there to secure quickly, the ball is moved out along the line with the outside wheels ready it’s an inside ball to Ben Walton to wander in and allow Peter Evans a central kick to move the home team to 14 – 5. The man in the middle also flashes another yellow for Hull to go to 13 for the next while.
So its visitors 13 to kick off, Billingham collect deep dugout side and look to stretch with a re-run of kick pass with the same result, the Hull outside centre collects and is tackled before feet on the ground. Hull kick for the corner and organise the on field players, no messing it’s a take at the front and a maul towards the line. It never really gets the legs but Hull retain, not willing to risk a interception and potential foot race its round the corner and short passes to the forwards. This is especially useful when the odd offload is thrown in as they go close but more importantly make Billingham make the tackles and soak up time. When the phases break down the Hull 8 is back on and it’s a chat to Billingham from the man in the middle. It’s Billingham with their backs to the club house plus a warning as the Hull scum looks to drive it over the line. Much has been said of the dark arts of the scrum but the forces at play are massive and Billingham look to disrupt as the resets become common but the hand doesn’t go up at any point. Billingham do infringe at the breakdown and Hull tap quickly, the man in the middle is very busy and a flash of yellow as Nathan Myers wanders down the touchline, a buildup of various infringements apparently. It’s now 14 all as Hull set up and scrum the ball over the line, a push forward then drop on the ball. Conversion is in the air this time but just past the post, 14 -10 to the home side.
Billingham restart, Hull 9 catches and pops to the refreshed 8 to take it up the field, then its aboot up field, Louis Groak with the collection. The exchanges develop around the halfway line both teams looking across the pitch for breaks. Both teams employ a variety kicks to gain some advantage but the cover is good so it generally comes back. Luke Wilson looks to get an interception but its knocked on and another mixed scrum is taken. Billingham steal the ball and its Ben Walton with a break up the stand side, the support at the breakdown again allows a pass to Dan Dixon who commits several to slow him down, this soaks up the defence to allow quick hands to post Louis Groak into the clear and over the whitewash. Unconverted it gives the home team a 19 -10 cushion at half time and a positive point for the half time chat.
The usual suspects disperse from the mount, some for refreshment, some for relief and some to catch up with the great and good scattered around the ground. I try and get some feeling back in my legs so engage in a gentle stroll anticlockwise, stand side, club house end, dugout side to end up by the container and near the masked marauders. Not the day for a blue blazer, more a big coat, hat and gloves. Most hope that the action is at the club house end so the far end is quite quiet apart from the odd player trying to warm up, as we all are. Interesting to eavesdrop and hear that the man in the middle seems to be favoring the opposition dependant on who you play for, he must be doing a good job.
It’s Billingham towards the club house now swelling with its increased population suitability emptied and ready for another round. Breeze has picked up a little as the sun starts to dip and a orange glow rises over the stand. Billingham start the second half and Hull knock on to allow Billingham to regain the ball, lively Jackson puts in another challenging run and it’s a penalty at the breakdown. Billingham tap quickly and look to test both the stand side and then dugout side, ball knocked on as they go over the line. The first scrum of the half is solid but Hull pick and go to make space for the exit. Line out is about halfway and its Burns collection as Luke Wilson breaks up the middle. Hull cover stealing the ball but it’s a penalty so Billingham go for the corner. Burns one handed plucks the ball and the forwards set away round the corner from the flag towards the posts, ending up with Anth Jackson under the posts. Converted the home team strike first in the second to bookend tries either side of the break for 26 – 10.
Hull kick off and the low sun on the stand side highlights my choice of standpoint may be flawed as they regain the kick send the ball through hands but knock on. Billingham opt to punt from the scrum, Hull bring it back with a lose pass Billingham regain but knock on. Again it’s a tussle for each team with no clear breaks as both sides probe for the next brake or opt to hand over posetion with kicking. As this develops Billingham gain the ball from a Hull stand side kick, Peter Evans bobs and weaves in midfield, it’s all a bit stationary as a low kick is attempted. This rebounds off a Hull hand/back/head and falls to Adam Brown who is first to react and who sprints in to space. A quick pass to Elliott Husband see’s Billingham knocking on the door again but Hull cover the middle, Nathan Myers scoops up the ball and sends a wanger out wide where Martin Hopley finshies. Right in the corner the conversion is tricky and slides across the posts but it the tonic for the club house, 31 -10.
Billingham look to keep their foot on the gas from the kick off as Burns collects and they move the ball from stand side to dugout side with the backs eager for more space and ball. Hull defence slides across and the ball is knocked out in the tackle. It’s a solid scrum from Hull, as they move the ball with a forward pass out wide its back for an earlier offside, they opt for the scrum and despite a couple of resets retain the ball which is then dropped so Billingham can clear. Hull reset and get the ball to the outside centre, given time to get into his stride he breaks a few tackles and has an easy canter in under the posts, converted Hull jog back ready to receive and look to do the same again, time for the comeback? 31 – 17.
Billingham kick off deep and pin Hull back inside their 22, Billingham look to keep them in and its holding on at the first breakdown as Billingham get hands over the ball. The sticks are indicated and Peter Evans sends the ball into the car park for 34 – 17.
There’s still a chunk of time to play as Billingham look to rotate the players and bring on the finishers, Hull look for a quick score to get within reach, credit to the squads it’s still played at a rapid pace. Hull are using the backs move now to stretch the line and Billingham work hard to limit gain right across the pitch. When Hull do get an overlap the cover defence plus the loose forwards tracking and tackling minimise chances. There are a few breathers but its leave it all out there as Billingham disrupt and frustrate the Hull advances leading to a few frank exchanges as the game runs down. It all ends with a Hull line out that’s not straight and the whistle sounds.
Yet another cracker at Greenwood road as the green and whites collect a full house with a big performance in a very competitive match. Lots of talking points and action across the pitch with the effort from both squads right to end very impressive. For the Green and Whites the work rate to contain the Hull runners and then the support around the pitch was very impressive. If that doesn’t heat your toddy up then I’m not sure what will.
No time in this report for glad it’s not my round, have you seen the club house extension, he’s peaked too early, start saving so you can pay for next year’s rugby fest, no new year honour again, chicky nugs, Mae West, called off due to best players missing, 90+ minutes of blandness, a game of swings and stress, got your towel? and Make Windmills Great Again (M.W.G.A)
“It’s not the result that is important, it’s who you become in the process of achieving the result.”
An innocent bystander.
On Thursday it was along overdue appearance at the mid-life gym session with the legends and it was a top turn out, a couple more and one of us would have had to run shuttles on the AGP. As usual it was a tonic for mind and body, the usual suspects on great form and as a new boy was made to feel totally welcome. Forgetting the little gains method I went a bit headless chicken at one point which resulted in not being able to lift a coffee cup or accurately move the mouse next day (soft office boy!).
Happy New Year was exchanged several times even though it was the 18th of January as I jogged around the pitch up to the mount followed by Hull RUFC as they jogged onto the AGP. You will be very glad to know not much pre-amble due to this, looking at Hull backs from the mount its a mainly black shirt with red top, out trot the Green and Whites with a pink top for the man in charge complimented by line officials in layers of red. Warm in the sun but the wind is cuttingly cold forcing many to huddle in the shadow of the club house. The visitors play towards the club house to set things off. Looking at the current table its L for leaders as Leeds and Lymm look for promotion, Billingham look up at everyone but given the points on offer it can change quickly and Alex Fergusson is not pointing at his watch any time soon.
Hull kick off, Billingham collect and 2nd breakdown the man in the middle’s arm is up to allow the home team to exit to touch. This match was played at a very high tempo, both squads chomping at the bit especially Billingham who were primed for action last week but curtailed by the Yorkshire snowball. Taken off the top at the line out then a couple of phases before a nudge through to set the chasers away as the defence is not allowing much gain, but it’s a few bounces then into touch. The Hull pack are units and have a tall second row who collects many of the line outs cleanly, Hull set the strong running forwards up looking to punch a gap but the ball gets knocked out in the tackle as Billingham look to retrieve the decision is tackler not releasing so Hull pop the ball into the far corner stand side. Catch and drive from the line out which creeps in field, lateral not forward progress, the Hull backs switch to the stand side as the ball becomes available. Despite the numbers Billingham hold firm stand side and Hull retain to move across the pitch, it’s a nudge through over the try line which Billingham look to have collected but fumble into a Hull hand for the first try. As the kicker makes a right pickle of the conversion the visitors banish the doughnut early for 0 – 5.
Billingham kick off towards the mount, it’s a high one allowing the runners to chase, Hull secure and look to exit quickly under pressure finding touch but still in the Hull half. Ed Graham pin pointing the jumpers as Billingham look to gain a bit of uncle mo, as Ben Walton feeds an ever green on rushing Dan Burns who burns through a couple of tackles. The Billingham support is there to clean out and this allows quick ball along the line. The man in the middle signals advantage as the flyers see a bit of daylight but a forward pass brings it back. It’s into touch we go but the throw is long at the line out allowing Hull to clean up at the back but then knock on. It’s the first scrum of the match and looking at the pack sizes I believe Billingham will have their hands full, Hull do get a good nudge so it’s out quickly as the backs maintain the ball, the forwards then come into play, a string charge from James Watson well over the gain line backed up by Walton on the shoulder. Its Billingham looking to get on the scoreboard as Hull are warned at the next breakdown as a series of infringements are adjudged then get caught offside again and the man in the middle flashes yellow. Hull down by one in the scrum still hold firm as Billingham have several tries at the line, all short despite the late extending arms but Billingham retain and recycle as Peter Evans finally grabs the opener. In previous seasons the post protectors would have allowed the try earlier but it’s under the posts as Peter converts for 7 – 5.
Hull’s turn to restart this time, long kick that Billingham collect then look to go wide and make the extra man count, a kick pass is the option but the Hull outside centre reads is clearly into the air in space to gather. Its Hull on the front foot again as they switch to the dugout side with multiple phases as the Billingham defence looks to contain, the man in the middle signals infringement and Hull pop it into the corner. Hull secure from the line out and look to muscle across the line, when this is held they switch out but as it gets to the winger its fumbled into touch, a combination of surprise at actually getting the ball and cold hands I expect. Line out goes loose but Nathan Myers tidies up as Billingham pop the ball up field, Hull collect and send it back. Its over on the stand side for some mixed exchanges of views and ball retention, it’s a bit of a frantic stop start affair as passes go astray for each team. Hull send up a very high one which Billingham collect under pressure and then start to make gains up the field until a high tackle gives a penalty. Billingham opt to go up field and collecting the line out Anthony Jackson gains a brake with a spinning run. The support is there to secure quickly, the ball is moved out along the line with the outside wheels ready it’s an inside ball to Ben Walton to wander in and allow Peter Evans a central kick to move the home team to 14 – 5. The man in the middle also flashes another yellow for Hull to go to 13 for the next while.
So its visitors 13 to kick off, Billingham collect deep dugout side and look to stretch with a re-run of kick pass with the same result, the Hull outside centre collects and is tackled before feet on the ground. Hull kick for the corner and organise the on field players, no messing it’s a take at the front and a maul towards the line. It never really gets the legs but Hull retain, not willing to risk a interception and potential foot race its round the corner and short passes to the forwards. This is especially useful when the odd offload is thrown in as they go close but more importantly make Billingham make the tackles and soak up time. When the phases break down the Hull 8 is back on and it’s a chat to Billingham from the man in the middle. It’s Billingham with their backs to the club house plus a warning as the Hull scum looks to drive it over the line. Much has been said of the dark arts of the scrum but the forces at play are massive and Billingham look to disrupt as the resets become common but the hand doesn’t go up at any point. Billingham do infringe at the breakdown and Hull tap quickly, the man in the middle is very busy and a flash of yellow as Nathan Myers wanders down the touchline, a buildup of various infringements apparently. It’s now 14 all as Hull set up and scrum the ball over the line, a push forward then drop on the ball. Conversion is in the air this time but just past the post, 14 -10 to the home side.
Billingham restart, Hull 9 catches and pops to the refreshed 8 to take it up the field, then its aboot up field, Louis Groak with the collection. The exchanges develop around the halfway line both teams looking across the pitch for breaks. Both teams employ a variety kicks to gain some advantage but the cover is good so it generally comes back. Luke Wilson looks to get an interception but its knocked on and another mixed scrum is taken. Billingham steal the ball and its Ben Walton with a break up the stand side, the support at the breakdown again allows a pass to Dan Dixon who commits several to slow him down, this soaks up the defence to allow quick hands to post Louis Groak into the clear and over the whitewash. Unconverted it gives the home team a 19 -10 cushion at half time and a positive point for the half time chat.
The usual suspects disperse from the mount, some for refreshment, some for relief and some to catch up with the great and good scattered around the ground. I try and get some feeling back in my legs so engage in a gentle stroll anticlockwise, stand side, club house end, dugout side to end up by the container and near the masked marauders. Not the day for a blue blazer, more a big coat, hat and gloves. Most hope that the action is at the club house end so the far end is quite quiet apart from the odd player trying to warm up, as we all are. Interesting to eavesdrop and hear that the man in the middle seems to be favoring the opposition dependant on who you play for, he must be doing a good job.
It’s Billingham towards the club house now swelling with its increased population suitability emptied and ready for another round. Breeze has picked up a little as the sun starts to dip and a orange glow rises over the stand. Billingham start the second half and Hull knock on to allow Billingham to regain the ball, lively Jackson puts in another challenging run and it’s a penalty at the breakdown. Billingham tap quickly and look to test both the stand side and then dugout side, ball knocked on as they go over the line. The first scrum of the half is solid but Hull pick and go to make space for the exit. Line out is about halfway and its Burns collection as Luke Wilson breaks up the middle. Hull cover stealing the ball but it’s a penalty so Billingham go for the corner. Burns one handed plucks the ball and the forwards set away round the corner from the flag towards the posts, ending up with Anth Jackson under the posts. Converted the home team strike first in the second to bookend tries either side of the break for 26 – 10.
Hull kick off and the low sun on the stand side highlights my choice of standpoint may be flawed as they regain the kick send the ball through hands but knock on. Billingham opt to punt from the scrum, Hull bring it back with a lose pass Billingham regain but knock on. Again it’s a tussle for each team with no clear breaks as both sides probe for the next brake or opt to hand over posetion with kicking. As this develops Billingham gain the ball from a Hull stand side kick, Peter Evans bobs and weaves in midfield, it’s all a bit stationary as a low kick is attempted. This rebounds off a Hull hand/back/head and falls to Adam Brown who is first to react and who sprints in to space. A quick pass to Elliott Husband see’s Billingham knocking on the door again but Hull cover the middle, Nathan Myers scoops up the ball and sends a wanger out wide where Martin Hopley finshies. Right in the corner the conversion is tricky and slides across the posts but it the tonic for the club house, 31 -10.
Billingham look to keep their foot on the gas from the kick off as Burns collects and they move the ball from stand side to dugout side with the backs eager for more space and ball. Hull defence slides across and the ball is knocked out in the tackle. It’s a solid scrum from Hull, as they move the ball with a forward pass out wide its back for an earlier offside, they opt for the scrum and despite a couple of resets retain the ball which is then dropped so Billingham can clear. Hull reset and get the ball to the outside centre, given time to get into his stride he breaks a few tackles and has an easy canter in under the posts, converted Hull jog back ready to receive and look to do the same again, time for the comeback? 31 – 17.
Billingham kick off deep and pin Hull back inside their 22, Billingham look to keep them in and its holding on at the first breakdown as Billingham get hands over the ball. The sticks are indicated and Peter Evans sends the ball into the car park for 34 – 17.
There’s still a chunk of time to play as Billingham look to rotate the players and bring on the finishers, Hull look for a quick score to get within reach, credit to the squads it’s still played at a rapid pace. Hull are using the backs move now to stretch the line and Billingham work hard to limit gain right across the pitch. When Hull do get an overlap the cover defence plus the loose forwards tracking and tackling minimise chances. There are a few breathers but its leave it all out there as Billingham disrupt and frustrate the Hull advances leading to a few frank exchanges as the game runs down. It all ends with a Hull line out that’s not straight and the whistle sounds.
Yet another cracker at Greenwood road as the green and whites collect a full house with a big performance in a very competitive match. Lots of talking points and action across the pitch with the effort from both squads right to end very impressive. For the Green and Whites the work rate to contain the Hull runners and then the support around the pitch was very impressive. If that doesn’t heat your toddy up then I’m not sure what will.
No time in this report for glad it’s not my round, have you seen the club house extension, he’s peaked too early, start saving so you can pay for next year’s rugby fest, no new year honour again, chicky nugs, Mae West, called off due to best players missing, 90+ minutes of blandness, a game of swings and stress, got your towel? and Make Windmills Great Again (M.W.G.A)
“It’s not the result that is important, it’s who you become in the process of achieving the result.”
An innocent bystander.
Further reading