9th
9th Ma9th March DYNAMOS “OH SO CLOSE” AT DARLINGTON
It doesn’t seem like a year since Jarrow Under 12 Dynamos last played in the County Cup. But a year it was this weekend. Their last foray was cruelly cut short by injury to one of their leading players, full back Elliot Appleby. Fortunately Elliot made a full recovery and was eager to get back onto the park this weekend with his equally enthusiastic team mates.
Jarrow have spent most of this season playing teams from the Northumberland league. This meant that they were particularly unaware of the other teams’ form in their group. They were to play Hosts Darlington, then Blaydon, Guisborough and Horden, in that order.
The Jarrovians first game against Darlington was a real nail biter. The Hosts had everything to play for, and it showed. Right from the Darlington kick off both teams went into attack mode at a rate of 110%. In a thrilling spectacle of rugby, possession and territory frequently passed from side to side. Each side’s determined attacking phases constantly being met by an equally determined opposition’s defence. The pace was positively frenetic with both sets of forwards playing superbly in order to secure possession for their side. The Jarrow front row of Liam Becke, Paul Almond and Jordy Cooper were having their game of the season. They hit ruck after ruck with controlled aggression. With the help of locks Chris Convery and James Scott and number 8 Jason Waugh they started to gain ascendancy in the scrums allowing Dan Taylor to feed out to the Dynamo three quarters. Unfortunately first score went to Darlington who kicked a penalty superbly from within their own 22 to give themselves a line out 5 metres from the Jarrow try line. They won their line out and were able to crash through to score. The second half saw the Dynamo pack continue to perform though. Their diligence and determination paid off. They drove a maul from the Darlington 22 to within 3 metres of the try line where they fed out to waiting centre Zach Clark who put down the 5 points. Dan Taylor’s conversion evened the score to finish the game 7-7.
This game really did seem to set the pace for the tournament. It was amazing to see how much the Durham league clubs had improved from last season. The Dynamos quickly learned that this was not going to be an easy run with the opposition in such fine form.
The next game against Blaydon was even more nail biting than the first. Dynamos kicked off with a high ball which they were able to get under putting Blaydon immediately under pressure. They were cool though and showed both opposition and spectators how they got their place in the final of the Gosforth Festival last week. They immediately came back at Jarrow with a superb run down the wing which was cut short by a great tackle from winger Dan Dixon. Once again it was the forwards who took control of the game. They played at a pace which saw them gain more and more possession at the breakdowns. It was another superb driving maul which saw the Dynamo pack make 10 metres before the ball popped out the back. Fortunately James Scott was on hand to scoop up and make another of his trademark runs to the corner for a well deserved 5 points. Great ball handling from the Jarrow backs perfectly complemented the forwards efforts. Centre Sam gaff and winger Lewis Morgan showing that they could move the ball around deftly. It was only great defensive play from Blaydon which stopped them braking through. A good clearance from within their 22 saw Blaydon capitalise bringing the score to 7-7 at the break. The second half saw no let up in the pace. But it was the Dynamos who maintained the edge. Centre Clark was able to make a super run down the left wing and after flirting with the touch line went over for the try. Final score 14-7 to the Dynamos.
Game 3 against last year’s winners Guisborough was something of a different story. Their large and well drilled pack were able to put the Dynamo forwards under a level of pressure which they had not previously encountered. All of a sudden it was the opposition who were gaining at the line outs and breakdowns. The Jarrovians were on form though and continued to make Guisborough fight for every metre of turf. It was stand off Kallum Taylor who actually put the first try down, but in the frenzy of his superb drive through a mountain of Guisborough players, the ref judged the ball to have been held up despite the linesman’s indication of try scored. The Jarrow players continued to slug it out with Guisborough, but the opposition’s dominance in the forwards was beginning to tell. They muscled their way over the try line in a superb rolling maul to drop on the ball for their first try. It was a line out 5 metres from the Jarrow try line which enabled them to score again giving a final score of 14-0 to Guisborough.
The final game against Horden was something of a scrappy affair. The Jarrovians continued to play their hard but fair game of rugby. The opposition however allowed their concentration to wander, sometimes being more interested in playing off the ball. It was simply the intensity of the Jarrow players which seemed to unsettle the Horden team. The Jarrow pack continued to do their job, securing ball for the waiting three quarters. It was scrum half Dan Taylor who seized the opportunity and ran clean through the Horden defence to put Dynamos into the lead. Horden had no intention of giving up however. They would have scored down the right wing had it not been for the defensive work of winger Thomas Dutton who stopped the charging Horden lock forward in his tracks. Once again this caused Horden to vent their frustration openly earning them a caution from the referee. Totally unperturbed by Horden’s antics the Jarrow three quarters continued to show their prowess, giving the spectators a demonstration of switches and loops. It was though another spilt ball which once again saw lock James Scott “do his thing”, namely scoop up and take off for the corner for a well deserved 5 points. Final score, 14-0 to Jarrow.
On any other day, 9 points from a maximum of 12 would probably have seen Jarrow go through to the final. It was however indicative of the quality of the tournament and the closeness of the teams which meant that Jarrow missed the final by just one point. In the event it was Guisborough who won the group with Jarrow positively snapping at their heals for the runners up slot. Another superb performance from the boys in gold and black with many personal best performances of the season
2nd March DYNAMOS REACH SEMI’S AT GOSFORTH FESTIVAL
The Jarrow Under 12 Dynamos readily accepted their special invite to the Gosforth Festival this week. Their mission was twofold. One was to chase silverware. The second was to use the Festival as a warm up to the County Championships next week. Whilst the silverware remained illusive, the Dynamos were in fine form and enjoying the day.
They were drawn in the more difficult of two groups and had to face Percy Park, Gosforth and the polished Northern sides.
First up against Percy Park saw the Dynamos shake off their worrying slow start reputation and go straight onto the offensive. Percy Park were put immediately under pressure with Jarrow making most of the territory and possession. The first half was played predominantly in the Percy 22. Great defence saw Percy hold up a Kallum Taylor try after 3 minutes. However the continuous Dynamo onslaught forced Percy to make errors, giving away scrums and a penalty. It was fantastic teamwork which saw several phases of play from a successful Dynamo scrum. Both backs and forwards working in harmony which culminated in second row player James Scott crashing through for a try. Danny Taylor’s conversion made it 7-0 at half time. This was also to be the full time score after a great level of rugby was played trough the second half with both teams playing a determined game.
The second game was against Hosts Gosforth. Once again, Dynamos showed that they could play hard rugby from the off. A superb phase of rugby saw a beautiful pick up and go from scrum half Dan Taylor who off loaded to stand off Kallum Taylor who sprinted over the line for an early try. Unfortunately, the ref deemed the ball to be held up again and disallowed it. Despite Jarrow maintaining the upper hand through the first half, it remained 0-0 at half time. The second half saw Gosforth looking more determined than ever. A long kick over the heads of the Dynamos saw their super fast centre chase through for a well deserved try. In retaliation, winger Chris Convery chased a similarly long kick from Zach Clark, to dive over the try line for 5 points. Final score was 7-5 to the Dynamos. The deciding 2 points coming from the conversion of Dan Taylor.
Third up was Northern. The last time Dynamos and Northern met was in the final of the Tynedale 7’s last season. Both teams had reached the final undefeated, but it was Northern who eventually took the honours. With everything to prove, the mighty Jarrow Dynamos raised their game to a higher level to try and even the score. In what was the hardest game of the day so far, the Dynamos were superb. They successfully made themselves more than a match for the Northern team. This is especially pertinent when you consider that Jarrow have a 17 man squad to choose from. The huge Northern Club have a squad of 30 to 40 to choose from. Jarrow were the only team so far to have played right in the faces of the Northern lads. Both teams were continually trying to attack but effective and determined defence from both sides saw possession passing frequently between the two. With such staunch defence from both sides, offensive moves were continually being thwarted with both teams unable to string more than two phases of play together. It was Northern though who eventually broke the deadlock and took themselves into the break 7-0 up. The second half saw more and more quality rugby coming to the fore. Both sides were playing at 100%. Despite this tremendous pressure both teams conducted them selves superbly and within the laws of the game. This gave the spectators a most enthralling and action packed game to watch. The intensity of play was simply mesmerising. The Dynamos equalised with a Zach Clark try and it looked like more would follow. Jarrow were really piling on the pressure now with their pack playing their best game on record. They were cooking on gas! Number 8 Matty Symonds was simply scintillating, using his immense strength to force the game to be played in the Northern 22. It was however a clearance kick from the opponents which saw the ball bounce favourably for their speeding winger who went over for the try with a brace of Dynamos snapping at his heels. Final score a somewhat fortuitous 7-14 to Northern.
Dynamos had made the semi final and were to face Carlisle. Their team were well drilled, very fit and very big. Their pack had a clear weight and height advantage over the Dynamos. Undeterred, Jarrow gave them a hard match. It was through a penalty from the Jarrow pack which saw Carlisle put the first score down. This seemed to buoy up the Cumbrians who played hard and furiously, which unfortunately was not always within the spirit of the game, with several unnecessary incidents happening off the ball. Their backs were very fast indeed and always looked dangerous in possession. Jarrow however kept coming back at the Cumbrians, It seemed overall that Jarrow were just the dominant side in the first half, but Carlisle capitalised on a couple of small Dynamo mistakes to take them into the break 21-0 up. The second half saw Carlisle just managing to keep the upper hand. Their large squad enabling them to make best advantage of the rolling substitution rule. Unfortunately, through injury, Jarrow were unable to make any substitutions and legs were beginning to look tired. Carlisle seemed to pick up on this and continually tried to crash through the Jarrow defence forcing them to make energy sapping tackle after tackle. It was Carlisle who triumphed and went through to the final.
Another great day for the Dynamos who once again showed the larger clubs that they are a force to be reckoned with. And remember, if you are year 5, 6 or 7 come along To Jarrow Rugby Club at Luke’s Lane and join in the fun! It keeps you fit and it’s a great way to impress the girls and your parents!!
24/02/08 DYNAMOS RELIGHT THEIR FIRE
Jarrow Under 12 Dynamos were away to Sunderland RFC this week for a tri fixture against the Hosts and co visitors, Billingham. After their lacklustre performance and subsequent defeat against Gosforth a fortnight ago, coaches, parents and supporting entourage were on tenterhooks wondering what to expect from the Jarrow team.
In the event, the supporting crowds need not have worried. Jarrow faced hosts Sunderland for their first match. Sunderland kicked off and immediately went into attack mode, charging hard into Jarrow as they waited to catch the ball. However, the Dynamos quickly showed that they were back on form with a clean catch from prop and Captain Liam Becke. He promptly fed out to waiting scrum half Dan Taylor who deftly offloaded a split second before sucking in Sunderland’s rush defence. The ball then passed through the hands of every Dynamo three quarter at pace, making ground all the way, before being forced out for a Sunderland line out inside their 22. This set the scene for a tremendous battle between the two packs. Both sets of forwards appeared to be evenly matched. Sunderland once again demonstrating how they have been crowned “Most improved team”. It was however, the Dynamos’ superior link up with their three quarters which started to pay dividends. Through numbers 8, 9 and 10 lynch pins Jason Waugh, Dan Taylor and Kallum Taylor, the backs were allowed to strut their stuff with outside centre Sam “The Gaffer” Gaff scoring the first try. A real spectacle followed with both sets of forwards working furiously to secure possession at the breakdowns. Despite great teamwork from the Dynamos, Sunderland’s tenacity gained them 7 points to even the score before the break.
The second half saw the Dynamos positively firing on all cylinders. Despite a most determined Sunderland pack, they simply could not secure possession of the ball. The Jarrow forwards were fizzing. With Captain Becke leading the way, front row Dan Gray and Paul Almond, second row Chris Convery and James Scott and replacement number 8 Matty Symonds, were clinically working in unison to lock the Sunderland pack out of the game. With the Dynamo forwards dominating possession all that was left to do was for the Dynamo backs to launch their assault on the score line. It started with centre Zach Clark tidying up a loose ball from a lost Sunderland scrum to sprint over the try line for 5 points. Then scrum half Dan Taylor spectacularly dived through a startled Sunderland defence, caught flat footed on their own try line, with Danny Dixon and Mark Bonner on either shoulder in close support. The Jarrow forwards continued their onslaught, continually recycling the ball phase after phase in a manner which you would expect from a much more senior team. Twice more the three quarters capitalised with winger Thomas Dutton and full back Elliot Appleby both skilfully off loading to Clark for two more tries. Final score 35-7 to Jarrow.
The second game was against an extremely well organised Billingham. If the first game was entertaining, then this one promised to be an absolute nail biter. Billingham are something of a “Utility” side with a squad of very athletic looking players. Their forwards, whilst not being particularly large, are well disciplined, fast and very skilful. Once again it proved to be a great forwards game. Billingham were very fast getting to the breakdowns and were winning ball from the rucks and line outs. Fortunately though, the Dynamos new found form not only continued, but stepped up a notch. In a sometimes heated encounter, it was Jarrow who continued with their ascendancy. Jarrow started to once again dominate at the breakdowns with a Zach Clark try coming from a successful Jarrow line out. Billingham were looking slightly shaken and became a little frustrated giving away a penalty which Dan Taylor took quickly for 5 points adding insult to the Billingham misery. What could be considered the most deserved try of the day though came from prop Liam Becke who broke away from a ruck and drove through the opposing pack from 5 metres for a sensational 5 points. Billingham only managed 7 points in the first half to give a 21-7 half time score. The second half saw the Dynamo forwards continue to excel. As if to make their point, it was they who put down all the second half tries. The first one coming from lock forward James Scott who broke through a 5 metre line out with winger Lewis Morgan off his right shoulder, to touch down for five. The second try came from a superb pick up and go 10 metres out. Number 8 Matty Symonds took the initiative after securing the ball from the back of a Jarrow ruck. He barged his way through the defence with Chris Convery also barging his way through in support. Final score 35-14 to the Dynamos. All in all it was a most entertaining day with some super rugby being played. The Jarrow Dynamos were well and truly back! The Jarrow fire was well and truly relit!
17/02/08 JARROW UNDER 11’S FIGHT HARD AT PERCY PARK
The young Jarrovians were away at Percy Park this week, following in the steps of their Clubmates, the Dynamos last week. Both players and coach knew to expect a hard contest at what is after all a massively respected North Tyneside venue. Sure enough, The Park did not disappoint. Jarrow faced a superbly well drilled Percy Park side which in the event did prove to be too strong for the visitors.
Percy Park kicked off and immediately demonstrated their strength in attack. With their forwards instantly securing possession and deftly feeding to their three quarters who put down two quick scores against the slightly stunned Jarrovians. As usual though, the Jarrovians showed their metal hitting back hard and fast. Quick work from backs O’Doherty, Winn-Davison and Roberts saw them reply with a superb wide try right under the corner flag. Percy Park fought hard to neutralise the Jarrovians score but the visitors’ determination paid dividends with the Jarrow forwards dominating possession throughout the second quarter. They were really unlucky to have not scored two more tries before the break, but excellent defensive work from Park saw two possible tries from Thomas and Campbell being held up over the line.
It took a superb series of three phases of play at the start of the second half before Jarrow were able to add to their try tally. After Connor Brown was stopped inches from the try line, the ball was skilfully worked back by George Smith who offloaded to his support, Ryan Erskine who sped over the line for the try. The third quarter saw a massive forwards battle with the Park gaining the upper hand again with three tries coming in quick succession. Once again though the young Jarrovians demonstrated how they never give up whilst they are on a rugby pitch. The game finished with a driving run by Jack Gallagher which set up a final Jarrow attack. However, the final huge forward push from McGow and Traill saw Percy Park stand firm in defence giving a final score of 35-14 to the hosts.
And remember Guys. If you think you are cut out for this type of action. If you think you might have what it takes to be a rugby player. If you are in years 5, 6 and 7, get yourself down to the Jarrow clubhouse at Lukes Lane on a Sunday morning. You do not need to be an experienced player. All you need is enthusiasm. The Jarrow coaches and supporters will help you with the rest!
DYNAMOS GRACIOUS IN DEFEAT
Jarrow under 12 Dynamos were hosting Morpeth at home on Sunday. A very foggy and dismal morning was unwittingly to set the tone for the match. Despite the conditions, both Dynamos and visitors Morpeth were to have a large turn out for what was expected to be a closely fought game. Historically, there has been little difference in the sides which has guaranteed great competition and entertainment for the teams’ supporters. In the event, this tradition was about to be upset with the Dynamos suffering their worst defeat of the season.
Jarrow won the toss and decided to kick off. They made a good start putting themselves straight into the faces of the opposition. This instant Dynamo pressure won them a line out in the opponents half. Morpeth though, quickly regrouped and showed that they were not going to be a pushover. The next ten minutes saw both sides battling hard to secure possession. Both sets of forwards were hitting ruck after ruck, with possession passing about fifty fifty between the two. It did seem though that Jarrow had the initial upper hand with most of the first quarter being played in the visitors half. However it was Morpeth who made the first scoring break with the ball passing through every three quarters hands with their winger skilfully going over for five points. This seemed to spur on their forwards who started to dominate at the breakdowns. Twice more they fed the ball to their speedy backs who side stepped their way through the Jarrow defence to score twice more making it 15-0 going into the break.
A slightly stunned Dynamo team came back onto the park determined to even the score. Sure enough, scrum half Dan Taylor quickly lifted the ball from the back of the scrum before placing a beautiful chip over the Morpeth heads right into the corner to touch it down himself for 5 points. However, this was to become the only score for the Jarrow Dynamos. True to form they never gave up and battled on relentlessly. It was though, the speed of the visitor’s side which ensured that the Dynamos were not going to dominate. The Morpeth pack were outstanding. Always first into every breakdown making the Dynamos look unusually pedestrian. It was a similar story in the backs. The Morpeth three quarters were simply superb, regularly passing the ball the full length of the line whilst side stepping their way through the Jarrow defence. It wasn’t that the Dynamos played particularly badly, it was just that Morpeth were on peak form and playing a much faster game which left the Dynamos looking flat footed. Final score was a deserved 32-5 to Morpeth, with the young Jarrovians gracious in defeat complementing the visitors on their performance.
2/12/07 DYNAMO DOMINATION IN NORTHUMBERLAND
The increasingly acclaimed Jarrow Dynamos were invited to the Club of the Mighty Morpeth RUFC on Sunday. Now recognised as the benchmark Tyneside Under 12 Rugby team they were asked to play against the hosts, Morpeth and additional visitors Seghill and the highly respected Novocastrians. Once again, though severely depleted by injuries, the Dynamos were only too pleased to accept.
The first game was against Seghill who are known to be a somewhat rough and ready side who like to dominate the field. Seghill kicked off and immediately charged at the Jarrovians. Fortunately, the Dynamos were fired up from the off. Both sides then had to fight for every metre of territory. In an entertaining first half, possession was evenly split between the warring sides. Eventually however, it was the Dynamos who secured the first seven points just before the half time whistle with centre Zach Clark crashing through after recovering a loose ball close to the try line. The second half saw the battle continue. However the quicker forwards and the superior ball handling skills of the Jarrovians saw them put two more tries down to end the game 21-0 in their favour.
The second game was against the well disciplined Novos. They kicked off and Jarrow were able to get themselves a scrum at midway. Scrum half Dan Taylor capitalising, gaining 10 metres before offloading to lock James Scott for the try. Jarrow continued to attack but were held at bay by a fierce Novo defence. Their players committing themselves to crunching tackle after tackle. A maul 5 metres from the Novo try line saw Clark drive and dive for another score before the break.
The second half saw Jarrow begin to dominate both possession and territory. Novos however continued to give 110% demonstrating a level of defensive tackling never before seen at this level. Their lack of possession could only have one outcome though. Novos made an excellent clearance kick under pressure from within their 22 giving Jarrow a line out in their own half. With hooker Dan Gray in fine throwing form, Jarrow won the line out and scrum half Dan Taylor side stepped his way through their defence for the touch down. Another superbly placed Dan Gray throw in from a 5 metre line out saw number 8 Jason Waugh catch beautifully and crash through the opposing forwards for the most entertaining of tries. Final score 28-0 to the Dynamos.
The final game against Morpeth was most certainly THE encounter of the day, with spectators from all the visiting clubs watching in anticipation. Both teams were undefeated at this point. The hosts kicked off and went straight into a charge. Cool headed full back, Elliot Appleby immediately making ground in return before chipping over the Morpeth heads. This pretty much set the tone for the first half with both territory and possession evenly split. The first try was to Jarrow after the ball was deftly passed from one touch line to the other and back again. With a smattering of Clark, Kallum Taylor, Danny Taylor switches thrown in for good measure the defenders didn’t know which way to turn. This was junior rugby at its best! It culminated in a Zach Clark try and Dan Taylor conversion to put Dynamos into the lead. The Jarrow forwards were determined not to be left out of the show. A massively deserved try coming from lock James Scott after a superb Jarrow pack attack secured them possession. This however did not deter or depress Morpeth in any way shape or form. They retaliated in an instant levelling the score to give a half time score of 14 each.
The second half was more of the same but cranked up two levels. The game was absolutely tit for tat with both sides battling equally for possession. The game had everything, attacking, defending, passing, kicking, you name it. The young Rugby players had the spectators absolutely spellbound. It was a try from number 10 Kallum Taylor which broke the deadlock after breaking Morpeths lines with close support from Sam Gaff and Thomas Dutton. Once again though,
25/11/07 DEPLETED DYNAMOS SHINE ON
With a squad severely depleted by injuries, the Jarrow Under 12 Dynamos played hosts to Sunderland RUFC on Sunday. Sunderland have consistently shown improvement since the latter part of last season. Their team developing from almost certain losers against the Dynamos, into a force to be reckoned with. They were certain to give cause for concern against the Jarrovians who were forced to field a somewhat makeshift pack and three quarter line. The teams played two games with the Dynamos picking up further injuries along the way. This resulted in all of Jarrow’s substitutions having been made by half time of the second game.
Right from the first Jarrow kick off, Sunderland were on the attack, forcing the somewhat slow starting Dynamos to make errors. Sunderland were awarded a penalty 7 metres from the Dynamo try line within the opening minutes. However, quick thinking from the Dynamo three quarters saw the ball cleared with the pack chasing hard. This was to set the tone of the first half with possession and territory split evenly between the two battling sides. Sunderland’s intensive Summer training programme was certainly paying dividends, enabling them to hold back the more experienced Jarrow side. It wasn’t until 1 minute before the half time whistle that Kallum Taylor, playing inside centre, was able to pin his ears back in a powerful run down the centre which left Sunderland reeling to score 5 points. With the conversion the half time score was 7-0
The second half saw the Dynamos settle down somewhat, with their players settling into unfamiliar positions. The Jarrow pack were starting to gel, winning rucks and scrums which Sunderland had previously dominated. This new found forward dominance twice allowed scrum half Sam Gaff to pick up from the back of the scrum to drive over the line for two beautiful tries. The Dynamo three quarters were also able to come into their own. A scintillating run down the right wing from within the Jarrow 22 by centre Adam Proctor with Mark Bonner in close support resulting in another classy try. With two more Dan Taylor conversions, final score was a 26-0 Jarrow victory.
The second game saw both teams continue to give it their all. Twenty six players on the field playing passionately and providing the watching crowds with a fantastic display of rugby finesse. The first try quickly went to the Dynamos. Danny Taylor caught cleanly from the kick off. He scorched down the field with full back Elliot Appleby in hot pursuit to score the try. Sunderland appeared to be unperturbed however. Their full back later chipping the ball cleanly over the Jarrow heads. His subsequent high speed run enabled him to catch his own kick to score a very professional looking try before the half time whistle. With a half time score of 7 each there was everything to play for in the final period.
Needless to say, the Dynamos did not disappoint. With personal best performances of the season coming from several players, namely pack members Jason Waugh, James Scott, Paul Almond and Chris Convery. This allowed Captain and prop Liam Becke to ensure that his pack dominated possession. Despite a heavy Sunderland assault on the smaller Jarrow forwards, Becke was able to rip the ball from a maul 2 metres from the Sunderland try line and drive over for the try. Sunderland were to spend a high percentage of the final period under such pressure in their own 22. Lock, Chris Convery tried to capitalise and broke through the Sunderland defence for a try which was subsequently disallowed for an infringement. The final try was to come from Danny Taylor after Dynamo hooker Danny Gray, took the ball into another rolling maul inside the Sunderland 22. The ball was neatly popped out the back into the waiting hands of Taylor who crashed through for the try. Final score, a hard won 21-7 to Jarrow.
JARROW’S DOMINANCE CONTINUES
Jarrow Under 11’s also played Sunderland at home. They too were to show that their continuing improvement in form was to pay dividends. With their three man scrum working well and gaining possession, it was the Jarrow three quarters who were able to come to the fore. The Jarrow pack were dominant for most of the first half. They continually fed ball to their three quarters who were able to lay down three tries before the half time whistle. Backs Jordan Campbell, Charlie Winn Davison and Ryan Erskine all demonstrating their prowess in converting their own tries to give a half time score of 21-0
Sunderland were never out of the game though. They posed a constant threat to Jarrow and nearly scored early on in the period. It was a staunch and very determined defence from Aidan O’Doherty and Ben Winthrop who were mainly responsible for holding them back. It was Sunderland’s turn to dominate possession in the second half. Their forwards worked hard to gain ball. Their persistence and determination eventually paid off. With time running out, they were able to break through Jarrow’s defence which brought them two well deserved tries which they converted to give a final score of 21-14 to Jarrow
Gateshead 20 Jarrow 10
A real game of two halves played on a cold and wind swept pitch saw Jarrow narrowly failing to complete a remarkable come back.
After leaking 4 first half trys the travelling Jarrow support finally had something to cheer about when Aidan O'Doherty linked well with Ryan Erskine who in turn set Jordan Campbell away. The fly half powered through the home sides defence to register Jarrow's first points of the day.
Suddenly the Jarrow pack gained confidence and started to assert themselves. Led by Daniel Thomas and George Smith they took the game right to the Gateshead defence with Carl Maloney and Adam McGow in rampaging form Jarrow had a lot more ball possession.
Ben Winthrop, Connor Brown and Mark Traill all came close but it was Jordan Campbell who claimed a second try when he was driven over the line by Charlie Winn-Davison.
Despite another spell of pressure Gateshead held out, but both sides left the pitch with their heads high. Final score Gateshead 20 Jarrow 10.
Sunday 11th Nov 2007
JARROW DYNAMOS REMEMBERENCE DAY VICTORY
Jarrow Under 12 Dynamos were hosts to Percy Park on Sunday at their Luke’s Lane venue. In the past, Percy Park had proven themselves to be a strong, well disciplined side with the ability to unsettle the Dynamos a little. Sunday’s fixture only served to enforce this fear, though the Dynamos did eventually come out on top. The first half was started by the Visitors, with a neat short and low kick which caught the Dynamos off guard. Percy Park immediately tried to capitalise on Jarrow’s apparent uncertainty with a fierce attacking charge down the left wing. However, their attack was thwarted by great tackling and defensive work from the Dynamo three quarters. In a very hard encounter, both teams played hard trying to gain advantage and territory. Possession frequently changed hands with frequent turnovers. This led to a somewhat uncharacteristically sloppy state of play, particularly from the Jarrow forwards, with Percy Park gaining a slight upper hand towards the end of the period. Their persistence paying dividends in the form of a12 points to nil score at half time.
The second half saw a restructured Jarrow side come onto the pitch with all available substitutions brought into play. The pack was now beefed up with the additions of James Scott and Glenn Waugh in the second row. This enabled Jarrow to dominate possession, as they had last week against Guisborough. Suddenly, the Dynamos were looking like a well oiled machine again. Brilliant teamwork and communication saw the Dynamos break through for try after try. Percy Park were left positively floundering, unable to comprehend what was happening to them in this period. James Scott scored a beauty of a try after ripping the ball from a maul and making a 20 metre dash down the centre. Number 10 Kallum Taylor took a switching delivery from scrum half Danny Taylor before diving over for the next try. Full back Elliott Appleby then kept the visitors at bay after making a superb catch from behind, on the run, with several attackers in hot pursuit. His cool head and great hands enabling him to take the ball from 5 metres, down the right wing back into Percy Parks 22, before offloading to centre Adam Proctor for the next try. The subsequent Percy restart saw centre Zach Clark catch cleanly and take a crash ball through the Percy pack who were left lying in Clark’s wake. Two more tries followed from Kallum Taylor after scrum half Dan Taylor sold the visitors a lovely Dummy on the left wing, and Zach Clark after taking the offload from James Scott who had picked up from his own 22 for another of his trademark arrow straight runs down the middle.
All credit to the young Percy Park players though. Despite this relentless Dynamo onslaught they never gave up. Their pack had worked feverishly forcing the Dynamos to continually fight for possession. Their grit and determination earned them another 5 points before the whistle. Final score 42 – 17 to the Dynamos who once again demonstrated how to play with passion and determination. It was also yet another fine display of rugby from a team of 11 year olds who continue to show much older players how it should be done!
Also playing hosts were the Jarrow Under 11’s. They were also up against a strong and very sporting Percy Park squad. Coach Bob Winn would probably prefer to forget the first 15 minutes of the game. Despite all the diminutive Jarrovians best efforts, Percy Park completely dominated. This opening period belonged completely to the visitors who were able to run in for no less than six tries before half time.
Fortunately, the second half was a much more balanced affair, with Jarrow lifting their game. Strong work from debutant Mark Pude, enabled him to set up a try for Jordan Campbell which he converted. This was to become the awakener for Jarrow who started to come back into the game with a vengeance. After some fine ripping work from George Smith in the maul, the ball sped through the hands of Connor Brown to Jordan Campbell who scored again. Percy Park remained positive however and some great ball handling and runs from their three quarters saw three tries put down in return. This brought the scoreline to 15-44 in their favour with only minutes left to play.
Jarrow’s dogged determination was to shine through though. Their just rewards coming in the shape of two converted tries before the final whistle. Jordan Campbell and scrum half Charlie Winn Davison touching down for the points. However, the first half 30 point deficit proved to be just too much to recover from. Despite Jarrow showing domination through many of the second half phases, the final overall score was 29-66 to Percy Park
On any other day, 9 points from a maximum of 12 would probably have seen Jarrow go through to the final. It was however indicative of the quality of the tournament and the closeness of the teams which meant that Jarrow missed the final by just one point. In the event it was Guisborough who won the group with Jarrow positively snapping at their heals for the runners up slot. Another superb performance from the boys in gold and black with many personal best performances of the season.
