Billingham U11s test them against Blaydon

Today Billingham under 11s took the long trip up the A1 for an early kick off at Blaydon for what we knew would be a good test of our ever improving squad. Blaydon had a large squad and enough to share players to have two games at the same time.

All Billingham players played all three games as a result. The first games Billingham drew first blood with strong defence and blistering pace in attack and kept the Blaydon side at bay, scoring a number of tries without reply. On the other pitch the mixed Billingham/Blaydon team was not faring as well and were well beaten.

Both teams then regrouped and Billingham took to the pitch with 4 changes on each pitch. The 4 Billingham players in the mixed team ran the show and won the game comfortably. The other pitch saw Blaydon enjoying more of the ball and strong rucking gave them a foundation to attack. Billingham struggled to retain the intensity with a number of changes. Although both teams scored several tries it was Blaydon that ran out winners.

The final games both teams were determined to leave with victories. The mixed team worked hard and gained the upper hand through powerful running and offloading before the breakdown. As the game wore on the Billingham mixed side were too strong for Blaydon. On the other pitch both teams were fighting it out for supremacy. Both teams looking to move the ball at every opportunity. Defences were strong and gaps were hard to come by early on. Tries were exchanged before Billingham twice broke the first tackle and ran in unapposed twice to win a close match.

We need to give thanks to our excellent hosts Blaydon who allowed all players to play throughout by making up the numbers in the second team. Some superb rugby played in good conditions. An excellent morning from the under 11s. Special mention to Joe Browell our first man of the match for his hard running, strong tackling and excellent breakdown play. Our second man of the match Adey Barnes for his physicality in attack and defence and what was dubbed his best game all season. Our third man of the match chosen by Blaydon Joe Syson, only played 8 weeks of rugby but looking like he has played all his life. With pace to burn and a love of a big hit he has made a real difference to the squad.

Well done to all players today they are really making the man of the match awards incredibly difficult at the moment.