Bishop Auckland Rugby Club

Moore outstanding in Bishops' home win

Sunday 13th April 2008

Bishop 23 points to Workington's 10

A man of the match performance by hooker Mark Moore helped Bishop Auckland Under 18's to an excellent home league win against Workington, 23 points to 10.

The home side were made to work hard throughout the game, but in the end it was their ability to take their try scoring opportunities that sealed the victory.

A strong tackle by centre Tom Burn on his opposite number in the opening minute set the tone for the rest of the match, with both sides tackling and defending in numbers.

It was the visitors Workington, who took an early lead with a penalty, but Bishops' levelled the score with a penalty of their own from scrum half Stephen Middlemas.

Workington kept the pressure on the home side, but tackles from Burn, fellow centre James Greathead and forwards Chris Morrell and Captain Simon Callan thwarted their attacks.

Bishops' took the lead when from an attacking ruck, Greathead collected the loose ball and forced his way over the line for a try. Bishops' full back Glen Goddard was in excellent form under the high kicks, enabling his side to keep the visitors under pressure. In the second half, Bishops' continued to make forward progress with Callan, prop Daniel Larn and Moore carrying the ball at their opponents. Bishops' then extended their lead when after a kick ahead, Andrew Cassidy gathered the loose ball and passed inside to winger Elliott Taylor who then released the ball to the supporting Greathead to score a try under the posts. Burn was successful with the conversion.

Again Bishops drove forward at Workington, led by Moore, setting good attacking position for the home side. Bishops' scored their third try when Cassidy, Stephen Roe and Greathead combined to get the ball to winger Steven Peka. Peka then outpaced his opposite number and full back to score his try in the corner.

A further penalty by Burn put the game out of reach for the visitors, who did respond with a late converted try from their fly half. However it was the home side that held out for an excellent and well deserved in their first full season. At present Bishops' are lying in 4th position in their league with only one week to go until the end of the season. Bishop Auckland Rugby Club would like to thank Kirkstone Dental Studio, Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland who have supplied professional mouth guards to the whole of the Under 18 squad.

Next week Bishop Auckland Under 18's are at home to Hartlepool Rovers in a friendly, kick off at 11am

© Mark MacNair 13th April 2008