Wright Hat-Trick secures Blaydon 1st XV win

Blaydon 33 Newcastle University 14

Liam Wright – Blaydon’s open-side flanker, sealed his hat trick on 57mins on a hot afternoon to secure the win. These were to be the final points of the game. All Wright’s three tries came from tireless pick-and-go work from a supportive Blaydon pack.

Blaydon managed a total shut-out in the second half, as their defence remained dominant after the break.

It was the 15 men from Newcastle University – well let’s say ‘15’ loosely as they brought a team of 35, who opened the scoring after 11mins. Max Carr went over from a few metres out for the visitors which Tom Quinlan duly converted.

Both teams in the first half looked as though their line-out needed a little more work before the serious business starts next week.

It was from a turnover at a Newcastle line out which led to Wright getting the first of his tries [25mins], which John Clarkson [scrum-half] converted. Clarkson had his kicking boots on, making 4 of his 5 attempts, some from tight angles with ease.

A lovely dummy sold by Nathan Bailey saw Blaydon take the lead on 27mins, only to see that cancelled out 6mins later when George Waterhouse [33mins] went over the Blaydon try line, in a mirror pick-and-go attack to their first try; driving over again from close range.

When Chris Bell for the University converted to make it 14 across the board it appeared Blaydon had a game on their hands.

However, the constant rolling subs for Newcastle rather than help energy levels hindered continuity. Tries on either side of the break by Wright [39 mins] and Charlie Smith [41 mins]-both converted by Clarkson, sealed the opposition’s fate.

The next match-up will be an entirely different test when Blaydon face Hull Ionians at home, Saturday September 3rd at home [15:00 kick-off]. Bring it on.

Many thanks to Nic Eatch for the Match Report and Iain Clyne for the fabulous match photos.