U16 County Cup Quarter Final Quandry

A bright but cold day made good conditions on the First XV pitch.

West started strongly but soon crumbled under the pace and vision of Sunderland’s half backs. Sunderland’s No10 had a great break from halfway, cutting through West’s back line, to be caught 5m out; however, some sturdy support from Elliot Nelson saw him over the line for the first try of the game. Soon after Sunderland’s backs again gave great pace and with quick hands, sent Micheal O’Hara over for his first try of the season on the wing. Two more quick trys by Sunderland’s scrum half Harry Connell added to the score. Sunderland continued to pile on the pressure and West struggled to get out of their own half. Great rucking by Sunderland allowed quick ball – giving the fly half an opportunity to plan his next move which was an inside ball to Chris Little off the flank to cut a great line straight through Hartlepool’s defence for a great try. A well-worked lineout on West’s 22 allowed Marc Edmundson at 10 to be felled by his own loose boot laces, confusing Hartlepool’s players just long enough to jump up and recover by side-stepping two of Hartlepool’s defenders who appeared still bewildered, watching him plant an amazing try between the posts! West did not give up and in the last 15 minutes of the first half created a well-worked try bringing the half-time score to 36-5
Second half saw West keen to continue their good form and with Sunderland’s poor tackling they were able to offload gaining crucial yards. The penalty count then rose as Sunderland failed to retreat – giving West a bigger lift, and they managed another try after ten minutes of pressure in Sunderland’s half. It took Sunderland a further 20 minutes, a few stern words from the Coach and Ref, and 4 further changes before they were back on top. The forwards upped their game allowing determined Jamie Sword to fall over for a try and then the backs superb hands allowed Luka Douglas on the wing to score his first try for the Club! The icing on the cake was a chip over West’s defence by Marc Edmundson who with pace was able to catch his kick and score the final try of the game. Full time score 53-12.
Credit due to West for showing great team spirit and never giving up. Well done lads!