bishop crest

Bishop Auckland Rugby Club

Convincing win for Bishops Colts


Bishop Auckland Under 18's Colts won convincingly, scoring 5 tries to one, at home on Sunday against Ryton. In blustery conditions, the home side opened the scoring early in the first half when their captain and No8 Simon Callan powered over for his first try. Scrum half Stephen Middlemas was successful with the conversion. With the wind behind them, Bishops' kept the pressure on their visitors and centre Tom Burn forced the Ryton backs to fumble the ball. Bishops' winger Andrew Cassisdy pounced on the loose ball to score a well deserved try.


The home side were unable to extend their lead despite dominating possession and territory. It was the home forwards who were on top of their game, with Props Daniel Larn and Mark Moore making decisive runs, ably supported by Stefan Lawson, Chris Morrell and Elliott Jayne.


At the half time break, the 12 -0 lead to the home side did not appear to be substantial enough as they now faced the strong wind. However, Bishops' immediately took control through their forwards, driving through Rytons' defence. From an attacking scrum, Callan picked up and drove over for his second try. Middlemas extended the lead with the conversion. Ryton then used the strong wind to pin Bishop back into their own half. However some courageous tackling from Full back Glen Goddard and Fly half Adam Laws stopped the visitors in their tracks.


Bishops' further extended their lead when Prop Daniel Larn drove over for his first try after excellent field position was set up by centre James Greathead and flanker Kieran Hutchinson. Middlemas was again successful with his conversion kick. Ryton replied with a well deserved try from their scrum half. However, the home side were to have the last say of the match when Larn again powered over from short range to score his second try. Middlemas capped an excellent game with another successful conversion. Bishops' hooker Andrew Riley had an excellent all-round game driving at the Rytons forwards and securing quality ball in the linout and scrums.


©Mark McNair 3rd March 2008