Bishop Auckland Rugby Club

Bishop’s draws home game

 

Bishop Auckland Under 18’s drew their home league match against Gateshead 5 -5. In wet and heavy conditions, it was the home side that took the initiative and had the best of the early exchanges.

 

Bishops’ winger Andrew Cassidy had the first attack and it was the same player who chased a kick ahead resulting in the Gateshead winger to fumble the ball. Flanker Kieran Hutchinson kicked the loose ball forward and scored the opening try by touching down in the corner. Bishop were able to stop any Gateshead attacks with strong tackling from Centre Tom Burn and Full back Glen Goddard and forwards Simon Callan and Daniel Larn. The home side were also dominating the lineouts with Stefan Lawson and Paul Maughan in good form. Bishops’ remained on top with centre James Greathead and winger Tony Rutter both making strong runs into Gateshead territory, ably supported by Andrew Riley and scrum half Stephen Middlemas. The game remained tight in the second half, with the weather making handling difficult. Again the home side remained on top, but excellent commitment and tackling from Gateshead kept them in the game. Further try scoring opportunities from Elliott Taylor, Captain Simon Callan and Hutchinson were thwarted by the visitors’ brave defensive line. From a Bishops’ error, Gateshead gained possession and were finally able to score a well deserved try. With the conversion missed, the game remained tied at one try apiece. Only a last ditch tackle in the corner by the Bishops’ defence prevented Gateshead stealing the victory. In the end, this was a hard fought game which ended in a fair result.