Alnwick 7, Blaydon 0

🔴⚫️ Match Report 🔴⚫️

Saturday 11th January 2020

ALNWICK 7 – 0 BLAYDON

Producing probably their worst display of the season, Blaydon failed to trouble the scoreboard and after facing a gale force wind in the first half and finishing level, they failed to capitalize on their advantage in the second period. It must be said that the wind died down considerably and added to the home side’s intensity particularly after their early second half try which saw Blaydon struggling to gain any territorial advantage.

The game began with Blaydon as usual moving the ball around but being used to the wide expansive spaces of Crow Trees, they found themselves constantly thwarted by the resolute home defence. It was Alnwick who had the first chance to open the scoring midway through the half when flyhalf Callum Burn optimistically trying with a 42 metre penalty and although with wind advantage, his effort failed. Towards the break, Blaydon began to put a number of attacks together and were well on top but despite being near the line on occasions nothing materialised and the scoreline remained blank in a game littered with errors and wrong options.

Immediately after the break it was the home side who looked the more enterprising winning ample possession at breakdowns and keeping the game tight. It came as no surprise when Alnwick scored following a 5 metre scrum, pushing Blaydon back for number 8 Ben Gothorp to be presented with an easy touchdown, Callum Burn making no mistake with the extras and all of a sudden Alnwick realised the game was within their grasp. Blaydon had possession within their own half but unfortunately failed to capitalise and it took 28 minutes to get over the halfway line and enter the home 22. At this stage Blaydon introduced Jack Inglis a product of their youth section in his 1st team debut – no doubt it will be a game he will remember but not for the right reasons.

However, Alnwick continued to defend resolutely and in the end ran out worthy winners on the day recording their first victory over Blaydon in 22 years although to be fair for most of that time we have both been in different leagues.

Next week we are at home to Wirral and with leaders Billingham again being defeated, all is not lost but an immediate improvement is required.

Jim Huxley