1st Team News

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Blaydon 44, Wilmslow 20

Blaydon secure maximum points and move ahead of Harrogate who beat leaders Hull and with Billingham taking maximum points at Vale of Lune, the playoff spot is still a 3 horse race with Blaydon needing to secure maximum points from their last 3 games to ensure they finish in that spot.

Blaydon  44   Wilmslow  20
A 4th successive win keeps Blaydon on target for a second place finish and into a play-off for promotion, and was achieved comfortably enough by a margin of 8 tries to 3. Whilst the scoreboard rattled along and the result was never in doubt the visitors at times were allowed an abundance of possession and belied their lowly position with a lively showing.
Rob MacCallum the Wilmslow fly-half opened the scoring with a simple penalty on 5 minutes and his side did well to defend 3 line-out drives in quick succession. Eventually prop-forward Calum Eastwood dived over from close range however and the Blaydon onslaught had begun.
Try No2 came from another line-out, this time from a ball to the front from which hooker Cameron Bell was driven over with Ryan Foreman adding the conversion. In Wilmslow’s first real attack their centre Gus Fiennes finished off a raid down the right but Blaydon were immediately back on the offensive with 2 more tries.
Alex Clark was involved with both efforts, firstly driving into the 22 to set up the attack from which Jack Appleton went over and then securing a loose ball to repeat the move and then being on hand to take a neat pass from James Cooney to score the bonus point try near the posts, Foreman again on target.
Wilmslow then showed that they too were dangerous from a line-out drive,
scoring their second through Ayrey Jordan but by the interval Blaydon scrum-half Dan Taylor completed a slick handling move to make it 29-13 at the break. 
The result was effectively settled shortly into the second when winger Frazer Wilson ran in a brace of tries in typical fashion. The first was a solo effort from just inside the Wilmslow half when he outstripped the visitors defence in fine style and was put clear for the second by Nathan Horsfall who had only just come on as a replacement.
Wilmslow then spent some considerable time in the home 22 and were eventually rewarded with a 3rd try, a smart effort from front-rower Rob Taylor, but all the good work was undone when Appleton grabbed his second Blaydon’s 8th near the end.
John Brennan      
 
 

 

From the Director’s chair – Blaydon V Wilmslow


How a fortnight can change everything. We recently travelled to Ilkley on what looked to be a horrible wet and windy day, but in true Yorkshire style it turned out to be a lovely day to play rugby at an even better setting. Ilkleys new club house and pitch was one of the best I have visited and we were warmly welcomed.
The game was a hard fought affair. Blaydon got off to a tremendous start with Frazer Wilson finishing off a well executed 3v2. After such a positive start we stuttered struggling to keep possession for any threatening period of time.
Defending immensely well kept us in the lead and the one time we put phases together Jack Appleton scores a wonderful team try. We eventually came out winners, Ilkley denying us the bonus point win. A hard fought four points but they game had its casualties with Nathan Bailey breaking his hand and needing an operation on it which will keep him out for the season. All the best for your recovery.

We had a week off last week but others around us did not. Billingham travelling to Kirby on a horrible day saw them complain how the game was allowed to go ahead and saw them defeated 17-5. When we travelled there on an equally horrible Blaydon players rallied around and won 36-0. The first time they had been beaten at home for a very long time. That was Blaydon’s best performance of the season and our mindset was superb that day.

This weekend we welcome Wilmslow who are finding this season difficult in the lower half of the league. We must though come with a mindset that match Kirby Lonsdale away game to get the better of them today. They recently put 47 points on A very good Wirral team showing they are a dangerous outfit that can beat anyone on their day.
I hope to see lots of faces cheering us on today then hopefully in the bar to watch Falcons take on Sale at St James in a huge match. Let’s hope they can get one step closer to a great escape.

One game at a time for Blaydon though.

 

From the touchline – Blaydon V Wilmslow

Welcome back to Blaydon today after what seems a long late season break of a month since we last played at home. Following our fine win against Rossendale on 15th February we had a good win at Wirral and followed that up with a much tighter win at Ilkley where our defence was outstanding. Ilkley were excellent hosts and are well supported by sponsors even though many of them never actually watched the game but enjoyed their social occasion. I was delighted that Brian and Ozzy who tirelessly attend our gate were able to join us and enjoy their lunch and the Bus trip.
Today we welcome Wilmslow, who travel up from wealthy south Cheshire. We enjoyed their hospitality in November and whilst they have had a disappointing season lying bottom of the league, they surprised perhaps themselves and the league in general in their last game against Wirral achieving their 2nd victory of the season, winning 47-34. We must make sure their winning ways are not continued today if we are to achieve our aim of finishing second in this league and giving ourselves a chance of promotion against the eventual runners up in the Midlands Premier League at the end of the season.
Congratulations go to Hull Rugby Club who are now unable to be caught and are thus promoted as Champions to National 2 North. It will be interesting to see if Hull Ionians achieve promotion from that league at the end of the season, otherwise there will no doubt be a fiery derby there next season .
Last week’s other surprise result was Kirkby Lonsdale’s win against Billingham in the wet edge of the Lake District. If ever we needed inspiration that was it, and the result of todays Harrogate versus Hull game is equally important to us.
Today sees the Newcastle Falcons aim to continue their recent winning ways, this time at St James Park against Sale (Kick off 17.30). We wish them well and no doubt a number of our regular supporters will be going there, either missing this game or rushing off after our match finishes. The game will however be on TV in the Clubhouse for those not able or wishing to attend.
Our final League home game is in two weeks time against Kirkby Lonsdale and it would be nice to see a good gathering for lunch before this vital match. Please let Sharon know if you wish to attend and perhaps bring a friend or neighbour so they can enjoy the experience.
Lets hope for another entertaining game today and that results go our way

Bill Locke

Ilkley 15, Blaydon 21

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Ilkley  15   Blaydon  21
Blaydon racked up another win on the road which despite the closeness of the final score was a comfortable enough victory in which they led by 3 tries to nil until the final minutes.
In difficult conditions on a sodden pitch at Stacks Field Blaydon were much the more decisive and although the home side huffed and puffed with plenty of possession they could make little progress against an excellent defence.
Winger Jack Appleton applied the final touch to a smart handling move to get the ball rolling and Jamie Guy was on target with the conversion. Ilkley fly-half Charles Ramsay pulled back 3 points for his side with a simple penalty in front of the posts but by the interval some intense pressure from the Blaydon forwards involving much re-cycling resulted in a try for skipper Keith Laughlin with Guy again adding the extras.
Leading 3-14 at the break Blaydon continued to press and were rewarded with a 3rd score when Matt Jenkinson went over after umpteen phases of possession. Guy landed his 3rd conversion but that was to be the end of Blaydon’s scoring, with  possession being lost too easily there-after and a number of opportunities wasted.
And as Blaydon sat back with a comfortable lead the home side were allowed to come more into it in the final quarter and grabbed a try through their winger Rick Talatio. Their deficit was now 8-21 and in the final play of the game another 7 points were secured when lock-forward Ben Waddington crossed in the corner and Ramsay put over the conversion.
 
John Brennan

 

Wirral 20, Blaydon 55

 

 

 

Photos by Stephen Billington

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Wirral  20   Blaydon  55
Facing a Wirral side that had won all but one of their last 9 league games, and that against runaway leaders Hull, Blaydon trailed by 17-7 at the interval having had a lesser share of possession.
What followed next was an astonishing turnaround in which they took complete control in what was undoubtedly their most scintillating performance of the season. The backs simply ran riot, some brilliant handling and running producing 7 more tries including 3 in the final 10 minutes by which time the home side were a spent force.
A Craig Harvey penalty had given Wirral a lead on the half-hour but the Blaydon forwards responded immediately by driving Matt Jenkinson over with Ryan Foreman adding the extras, the first of 6 successful conversions by the fly-half.
By the interval the home side had added 2 more converted tries through Joe Murray and Matt Loon and with a 10 points advantage at the break probably felt in a comfortable position and with no premonition of what was to hit them in the second period.
Blaydon were immediately on the offensive only to lose the ball but quickly won it back with a Hugh Mongan interception on half-way, the winger racing back up-field for a brilliant score. Scrum-half Nathan Horsfall dashed over for a solo effort and then a Foreman penalty made it 17-24 and a 7 points lead.
Into the last 25 minutes and wave after wave of Blaydon attacks had the home side at sixes and sevens and helpless to stop the flow.
Handling of the highest order resulted in Dan Marshall, Frazer Wilson, Keith Laughlin and Guy Graham all crossing the try line, and in the final minute Liam Wright brought the spectacle to an end with his first ever try for the Blaydon senior team.
 
John Brennan

Blaydon 61 Rossendale 10

 

 

Blaydon  61   Rossendale  10
Blaydon put the set-back of the previous week well and truly behind them with a more than comfortable 9 tries to 2 victory over opponents that were on a 5 match losing run. A try bonus point was in the bag before the interval but surprisingly it was the visitors that had the bulk of the first half possession.
Rossendale were quite proficient at breeching the home 22 but not so good at getting over the line, and having flattered to deceive were caught out time and time when the Blaydon backs ran at them.
A tremendous 30 metre break by Harry Borthwick set up the opening score for scrum-half Dan Taylor, and on 20 minutes Dan Marshall jinked his way into the 22 to initiate the move finished off by Jamie Guy. Full-back Nathan Bailey added a 3rd before the visitors finally crossed the line, lock-forward Tom Jones benefiting from a quick tap penalty.
Just before the interval Bailey went clear again to release Frazer Wilson, who was in again within seconds of the re-start.
Having trailed 28-5 at the break the visitors rather lost their way in the second period, their successful rolling maul was a thing of the past, and by the final quarter the Blaydon backs were rampant.
An attacking line-out went astray but having won possession Rossendale foolishly tried to run it from the 22 giving Marshall a simply interception for home try No6, and within a minute Rob Lenderyou was over for a 7th.
Davis Strong the visitors winger was on the end of a flowing move for a Rossendale consolation but a Borthwick effort at the other end brought up the half century for Blaydon.
The one-sided affair was finally brought to an end when prop-forward Alex Dodds with the neatest of off-loads released skipper Keith Laughlin to score in the corner, Guy, after 8 successes, failing with the difficult conversion, and the referee blew for time thereby saving the visitors from any further punishment.
John Brennan
matt thompson

From the Director’s Chair – Blaydon Vs Rossendale

 

So close but we go again. Edge of your seat stuff in our local derby versus Billingham. Again the elements had a huge impact on the game with gale force winds straight down the paddock. Playing on familiar AGP we started well going in at half time 15-5, unfortunately though having to play 5 mins at the end of the 1st half and all of the 2nd half with 14 men due to two nasty injuries to front rowers Darren Fearn and Calum Eastwood making us to go to uncontested scrums and 14 men.
A titanic effort in second half by all players saw us winning the game against the elements with last play to come. Well done to Billingham who found a way past our magnificent defensive effort winning by 2 points.
On a sour note I did think Billingham’s reactions to their victory were not in the spirit of rugby and the crowds reactions reminded me more of an aggressive football crowd than rugby supporters.

Moving on to Rossendale, having lost to them earlier on in the season in a hard, closely contested game I know our boys want to return the favour.
Thanks for all Blaydon supporters who travelled to Billingham to cheer the lads. Hope to see you all in the bar afterwards.

We go again
Kaizen

 

From the Touchline – Blaydon Vs Rossendale

We welcome our visitors today from Rossendale a former mill town centred on the valley of the River Irwell , being immediately south of the more populated town of Burnley, east of Blackburn and north of Bolton, Bury, Manchester and Rochdale, centred 15 miles north of Manchester.
Now you all know where it is, I can confirm that we visited there in October and lost 27-19.a result that seemed to give us a big kick as we then went on to win the next 6 games. They are going through a rough patch and yet to win since 8th December. Lets make sure today is not a turn round in their fortunes. As ever we were welcomed in their shared Clubhouse and it is a pleasure to have all their representatives here today.
Last weekend was as frustrating as it gets for all the Blaydon supporters who travelled to support the team at Billingham. A last minute extra time dubious try saw us lose 24-22 having played much of the match with 14 men. Billingham’s celebrations were on a par with their delight when they won at Crow trees in October and now sets us a more difficult task to regain 2nd place by the end of the Season. Unfortunately our 2nd XV lost as well and when Newcastle United let in a last second goal at Wolves on Monday night I did suggest to my wife that I should give up as a sport supporter and read a book instead on Saturday afternoons, but I am back for more somehow !
In the leagues above Fylde, after a shaky start, have now gone top of National 2 North, and in National 1 Old Elthamians are looking increasingly likely to go into the Championship despite their crowds of less than 300. Clearly money talks. We can all hope that the Falcons aren’t hosting them next Season.
Finally our apologies to Aaron Traill of Gosforth Ventilation Services who did sponsor Nathan Bailey but I was not made aware until after the programme was printed at the beginning of the Season by which time Eric Hall had kindly stepped in.
Lets hope for a good open game today

Bill Lccke

14 man Blaydon unlucky to lose out in the last play of the game, Billingham RUFC 24, Blaydon RFC 22

Blaydon playoff campaign was dealt a big blow yesterday in a game where things just went against us; we lost 2 props so had to play with 14 players, (not being allowed to put on a sub when we went uncontested) a gale was blowing across the pitch so a penalty hit the post, we lost possession too cheaply in opposition 22 and then lost to the last play of the game.

Credit to Billingham their defence was good as Blaydon dominated possession and territory.

The playoff spot is now  3 team race with Harrogate coming into the mix, with Billingham holding the initiative, both Billingham and Harrogate have to play Hull. Blaydon have no remaining fixtures against top 4 teams, so Blaydon are not out of this yet

 

Billingham  24   Blaydon  22
The battle for the play-off spot in the North Premier League goes on after this close encounter that was only decided in the last play of the game. Billingham eventually took the honours with a score by Dan Burns, who appeared to have come from an offside position, and the final whistle was blown immediately after the Pete Evans conversion giving Blaydon no chance to respond.
Not only had it been a dubious winning score but Blaydon were reduced to 14 men for the last 5 minutes of the first half and all of the second because of injuries, prop Darren Fearn having gone off in only the 2nd minute with a serious knee problem.
The visitors made by far the better start and opened their account in the 4th minute after moving it through the forwards before full-back Nathan Bailey came in on the short ball to cross in the corner.
Jamie Guy was off-target with the conversion but put over a penalty on 18 minutes and then added the extras when Bailey went in again with an identical effort to his first.
Blaydon had dominated the first half up to the final minute when Billingham in a rare attack pulled back 5 points through winger Eldon Myers who found a gap at the end of a handling movement.
Trailing 5-15 at the break Billingham were immediately on the offensive and within 60 seconds of the whistle scored a second try when centre Luke Wilson went over, Evans converting, and then took the lead for the first time with a Sean Richardson effort.
Despite now playing against the wind and with a man short Blaydon were still the dominant force and regained the initiative with 8 minutes remaining. Great patience was shown in the build-up and after a long period of possession the ball was moved out to the wing and then quickly back again for second-row Harry Borthwick to touch down near the posts, Guy again on target.
With time running out they were still attacking but a wayward drop goal attempt was caught by the opposition and sent downfield. The home side now attacked and were twice repulsed but a Blaydon knock-on led to a ruck and the last minute try.
Billingham had started the game in 3rd position 1 point behind their rivals whom they have leapfrogged, but Blaydon with a losing bonus point are now 2 points in arrears with everything still to play for.
 
John Brennan

Blaydon Team news for Saturday 9th February

Kick off 2:15

Venue: Greenwood Road, Billingham

#pumpthecrow