Billingham v Durham

?31st October 2021- Kick off 11am?

Billingham RUFC welcomed Durham City to Greenwood road, on a very wet, grey Sunday morning.

The rematch clash started with a strong kick from Lewin Tubuna, minutes into the game is was clear to see the ball was wet and slippery making passing and handling of the ball difficult.
It wasn’t long before Joe Browell made a great first hit and working well together Billingham’s wall of defence stayed strong and made it hard for Durham to gain ground.

Durham with possession continued to slowly push forward, this was stopped by Will Cooper who made a great turn over and putting the ball back into the hands of Billingham, it was now Billingham who was making ground.

Durham quick to recover a loose ball gave the opportunity for the ball to be passed to the speedy Durham winger, Billingham gave chase, a loose tackle didn’t stop him, and he made it over the line to give Durham their first try of the game.

It didn’t take long for Billingham to respond making it equal by a rapid run by Freddie Gardener to make the score 1:1

Powerful rucking from the forwards kept Billingham moving forward however the slippery ball caused many knock ons and loose balls, Durham now with ball in hand headed for the try line again, tackles failed to stop Durham from scoring giving Durham a 2:1 advantage.

Despite this Billingham stayed strong on the attack, Riley breaking through with a strong run and Eben also smashing through the Durham defence at pace scoring the next try making it even at 2:2

Equally matched both teams worked hard and showed determination in the scrums and rucks fighting for possession.
Durham broke free but a try saving tackle by Freddie Gardner stopped Durham in their tracks.

Billingham continued to show great defence and team work, but a sneaky back hand offload set up the winning try for Durham which took them into the lead.

Final Whistle
Durham city 3: Billingham 2

Thank you to Durham City for making the journey to Greenwood road and for another great game, many thanks also to Richard Morrison who was today’s match referee.

Man of the Match
Durhams coach-Joe Syson
Billinghams coach-Joe Browell

Both totally well deserved for amazing tackles and great play throughout.

Match report by Jackson Bell