Morpeth Stags 22

Medicals 3rds 5

The Stags made it three on the trot with an emphatic win at home against Medical 3rds, a team that had only lost one league encounter all season. This result went some way towards erasing the memory of the first game at Cochrane Park, where everything that could go wrong did so. Turning up at the wrong ground, short of players, suffering 4 injuries  and a defence as leaky as the condoms sold in a certain South East Northumberland town made it an unpleasant afternoon.

How different Saturday was. The forwards were dynamic in all phases of the game and the backs wanted to handle at every opportunity. Best of all was the fact that even though Medicals were first on the board, the home side kept their composure and belief. They got back onto level terms after Dobson had taken the ball up from a scrum. Quick rucked ball allowed Hewitt to chip over the top of the Medicals onrushing defence. Hewitt and Savage followed the ball and the latter was judged to have got hands to the ball first. Hewitt was not to be denied and scored a real poachers try. A box kick in behind the winger saw Medicals opt for a quick throw in. Unfortunately for them, the full back was not on the same page as the winger and as the ball went loose, Hewitt gathered up to score and added the two for a 12-5 lead at half time.

Both teams made changes for the second period, but those made by the home side were the most seamless. Leightley, Morrison and Oakey both joined the front row and the latter was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet when he was adjudged to have dropped the ball over the line. The forwards took control of the game and bullied their younger opponents out of the contest. Eyres, Thow and Dobson made hard yards with a picking and driving game, whilst every time Medicals tried to get back into the game, they met Hutchinson in fearsome fettle.

The home side deservedly  increased their lead when Burville capped a fine display by smashing his way over the line. The final nail in the Medical coffin was delivered by Cowans, who benefited from good handling and an excellent straight line to blast over in the right corner. Towards the death, Martin made a superb break and was headed for the same corner when a determined cover tackler bundled him into touch.

On a day when the whole squad were to be congratulated for their efforts, certain individuals were worthy of mention. Hutchinson was again in destructive form and along with Burville, racked up the tackle count. Eyres and Thow provided plenty of grunt but it was Dobson who deserves most of the plaudits. He was in rampaging form at No.8 and the Medicals found it almost impossible to contain him. The team would like to dedicate this win to Bear. Hope to have you back before too long Adam.