Blyth come through tough first fixture to secure bonus point victory

Saturday 2nd September 2023 Durham & Northumberland Division 3

Blyth welcomed Newton Aycliffe to Plessey Road for the first league fixture of the 23/24 season.
This game marked Newton Aycliffe's return to league competition and they travelled with a strong squad .
Blyth started the game on the front foot playing some open rugby and were rewarded with an early try from James 'Yak' Golding who crashed over the line to open the scoring out wide. The try went unconverted and Newton Aycliffe soon responded taking the lead with a converted try after 10 minutes.
The visitors then took grip of the game for the next 20 minutes dominating possession for long periods using their heavier pack and strong running centres to good effect. Blyth's defence was excellent and weeks of pre-season fitness work was clearly paying off as the home side thwarted the visitors and restricted them to single penalty as reward for their efforts. Blyth back row debutant Corey Hart was particularly impressive in defence.
Just before half time Blyth scored an excellent team try, backs and forwards combining with some excellent handling skills to allow Omar Laidler to score a try converted by Vice Captain Josh Ramsay. Half time score 12-10 to the home side.
The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with the visitors having the upper hand against Blyth's youthful pack in the line outs however Blyth having the upper hand in the scrummage where the front row combo of Sean Beattie, Coby Allen & James Golding were having an outstanding game.
Blyth extended their lead on 46 minutes when Jonny Grey crossed the try line converted again by Ramsay.
The second half was an entertaining affair as both sides went for the first win of the season. Blyths scrum half Lewis Bowman posed a constant threat to the visitors and his expansive play allowed Blyth to stretch the game away from the strong visitors pack. Both sides regularly threatened but it was the home side who eventually won the battle as the game became more open. Lewis Bowman, Ethan Hall and Vegas Liddell scoring three second half tries for Blyth all converted by Ramsay.
The home crowd were delighted by the efforts of both sides.Blyth Captain Scott Bates and Player/Coach Karl Rose will be encouraged by the resilience shown by a young and relatively inexperienced Blyth XV. This was a hard fought for but well deserved bonus point win to start the new season.

This Saturday 9th September Blyth First XV welcome Winlaton Vulcans to Plessey Road 3pm KO whilst the Second XV start their 'Aln' league campaign with a visit to North Shields.