Seniors and Sixth Form
NSB 1st XV v Bede Academy
Played at Northern RFC
Wednesday 16th September 2015
If the Bede Academy number 8 catching the first kick off and racing sixty metres to score gave the NSB coach and spectators some concern, it certainly did not worry the players. What followed was a lesson in creative, flowing rugby from NSB which few teams could have matched. Despite playing against a physically larger team the NSB boys ironed out many of the issues from their previous fixture. In particular, the contact area was a lot more dynamic and precise and the recognition of opportunities and decision making was superb throughout.
Captain Will McF steadied the ship with the first try, capitalising on slick passing to throw a trademark dummy before racing in from fifty metres. Shortly afterwards some nice turnover play from forwards Dan A, Max L and Ian P gave left wing Cameron B space and there was no stopping him from forty metres. The NSB decision making in the backs was bearing fruit and Cameron B again launched an attack down the right where Lachlan D was on hand to throw a ‘Sonny Bill’ style offload to Matteo A who touched down. The half ended with excellent work again from forwards Chris J and Phil P to secure possession. Matteo and CAmeron created space for excellent full back Jonny D who was on hand to pass to hard running centre Zac T who made no mistake. Half time score 22-5.
The tries continued into the second half with NSB building the attacking play on a solid foundation of defence, with once again hard hitting hooker Richie W to the fore. William E set the tone from a kick off by carrying superbly and placing the ball back well. He was followed by Benedict G who carried intelligently all day, using neat footwork to avoid the much bigger opponents. Zac T grabbed his second try when he dummied and spotted a gap before Baker scored arguably the try of the day, a well-rehearsed phase play move involving both forwards and backs. Year 11 boys Luke A and Ben W entered the fray and immediately contributed with some excellent tackling and support play. A piece of creativity by Zac T made the next try as he spotted space for a cross field kick which Lachlan D gathered and raced in to score. Baker notched his hat trick following more good work by Burke and a well straightened line before the final try was reserved for Daniel A who supported the play for several offloads to touch down.
Full time score 57-5 to NSB