U16s Dominate Blaydon

Sunderland were without some of the usual starters today leaving an opportunity for others to show what they could do, Blaydon too were short of backs and loaned from there strong U15 side to ensure the game took place.
Both teams started competitively and the early nerves were evident with some of the passes going astray. Sunderland dominated territory in the 1st ten mins, pinning Blaydon in their 22 for long periods. Michael O'Hara showed the 1st glimpse of scoring with a great break but a great pick up by Will Nicholson on the right wing saw him cut back through the Blaydon defence to score under the posts from 30 metres out, conversion by Harry Connell.(7-0) Blaydon picked themselves up and applied pressure on Sunderland, forcing them back to their line but Sunderland managed to absorb this and a lose ball was collected by Harry Connell who dummied one player and outpaced the chasing defence to score a 60 metre try which he also converted. (14-0).
The second half began similar to the 1st with both teams making breaks into each others half but a simple through the hands move saw Dan Lawson score for Sunderland in the corner. (19-0) The next try by Sunderland was pure genius (and a bit of luck). Harry Connell picked up from the base of the scum, skinned the scrum half, deftly kicked the ball passed the left wing, collected his chip, chipped on past the covering fullback, again collected his kick and dived over to score. (24-0) The phases of play continued and Sunderland showed some spells of great play but also some areas to work on, nevertheless they persisted and some great mauling saw Harry 'Birthday Boy' Gills rip the ball, feed a pass to Marc Edmundson who dummied and jinked his way, linking a pass to Harry Connell who fed Will Nicholson on the wing. A great cover tackle just stopped him short this time.
Sunderland were totally dominating play and territory and wearing Blaydon down. A short range run from Cam Grimwood, on one of his trademark running lines seen him score under the posts, conversion by Harry Connell. (31-0). Blaydon managed a consolation score in the corner in the last play of the game to see the final score 31-5.

Report by Rob Lloyd
Thanks to Nick Jones from St Aidan's who performed a fine job as referee!