Under Tens Triumph!

Glorious sunshine at Yarm on Sunday made for good conditions; however, a hard well-packed pitch was a challenge for the players.

Sunderland were up against a developing Redcar side first who were missing a few players and asked the Sunderland squad for volunteers to make up their numbers. Starting confidently, a good pass from Sunderland’s Dean Edmundson allowed Ben Hutchinson through for a great try. Another good pass from Michael Holder sent Fletcher Jackson away for a second try. Redcar’s inexperience began to show as the Sunderland players on loan appeared to shine, however, excellent defence from Sunderland kept them at bay. A brilliant pass from Bradley Wall enabled Jackson to use his speed for a third try. Final score 3-0 to Sunderland. A well deserved mention to Matthew Sanderson, Tye Hanlon, Iwan Phillips, and Luke Newby for volunteering to play for Redcar.

In Sunderland’s second game against Horden an early solo try from Fletcher Jackson set Sunderland on their way. Horden responded to no avail as a well worked line out sent Matthew Sanderson away for a great try that left the Horden defence standing. The team played some skilful rugby and next up saw a lovely bit of unselfish play from Aidan Wayman allowing Jackson to fly for another try to make it 3-0. Edmundson then added a lovely individual score which was quickly followed by another for Ben Hutchinson .It was Hutchinson again who made a great run down the line to score his second try of the game. Good strength from Adam Armstrong and Luke Newby added another final try to make the score 7-0 to Sunderland.

The final game was against Yarm and a great move saw Jackson score his fifth try then soon after scored again following a great pass from Sanderson. Within minutes, Tye Hanlon received a decisive pass from Jackson allowing him to surge ahead for another try. Sunderland were enjoying possession for much of the game, continuing to convert pressure into points. Sanderson made a break and despite several Yarm players attempting to tackle he added a fourth point for Sunderland. Shortly after, Dev Koca made another excellent low run for a further point. By now Yarm were run ragged trying to contain the score but Sunderland’s aggression was relentless as Ky Horn managed an excellent offload for Hutchinson to score again. In the final minute it was Jackson who managed to steal the ball to add a seventh try for Sunderland. Final score Yarm 0 Sunderland 7.

A great day’s rugby that rounds off the season nicely. Every player contributed something to the games today and it was great to celebrate after our run of bad luck lately. Thanks to parents for your continued support.

Report by Gary Jackson