With some experienced U16’s playing down to help bolster their numbers Middlesbrough started strongly, with lots of possession, keeping us pinned into our own half. Middlesbrough took advantage of their sustained pressure and took first blood scoring from some great interplay in the backs. Some solid rucking on display saw Bishop come back into the fray, they rallied and put the ball over the top to release some pressure, however this was only punished by a 2nd try with some great evading from Middlesbroughs number 12. A 2nd conversion saw Middlesbrough move 14 points clear with nothing to show for Bishop.

Bishops huddle was loud and clear for all to hear, they were hungry for blood, they went chasing the kick off and were successful pinning Middlesbrough in their 22 for the last 10minutes of the half. A great cross field kick allowed some space to run into and score a try just before the half, which setup an interesting 2nd half.

Seven changes at half time allowed for some battered and bruised bodies to rest and some fresh legs to come on. With Middlesbrough only replacing 2 meant that they Bishop had the fresher legs. From the kick off it was clear that Bishop were ready to battle, rucking and mauling securing the ball, hard fought tackles and some expansive running meant that they added to the score quite quickly. After some hard training sessions working on backs and forwards moves it was clear that the boys had learned and taken on board what the coaches had shown them. Time after time the line was broken by Bishop and Middlesbrough were unable to answer, just as they had done to us in the 1st half, Bishop pinned them in their 22, not giving them room to move. With 36 unanswered points in the 2nd half it proved that coming together as a squad, being strong as a team and trusting each other when things aren’t going their way is what the boys are capable of.

A fantastic performance by all the boys today, some great attacking defence, interplay with the ball, and kicking from hand gave the boys different avenues into the game.

Thanks to all the parents, grandparents and supporters for all their support and well wishes today.