Under 13 rugby county cup final

The Under 13 boys added to the previous week’s sevens trophy by winning the Under 13 county 15-a-side cup. The final, held at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park Stadium took place in front of a healthy crowd against Three Rivers School, Morpeth. The match started well with both sides playing with intensity and determination.

Both teams had early chances, NSB edging the play with their ball movement but Morpeth showing excellent physicality. Ollie F settled the nerves with the first try after some good work down the left by James H, Max M and William V. Flanker, William H, who was outstanding throughout, scored the second try after breaking several tackles. George R and Phil D were moving the ball very well and Josh Leslie rounded off an excellent move to make it 19-0. Lewis R showed lightning speed to score the next before Oliver M read the play superbly to intercept and score from 40 metres out. Half time: 33-0.

A resurgent Morpeth team broke after half time and, but for the quick feet and thinking of James H, they may have scored. However, a turnover created by Victor S led to NSB moving the ball quickly to the outside where Lewis R was on hand again to score. Winger Cole C replaced speedster Tristan S and soon found himself in a one-on-one situation as he crashed through the tackle to score. Quick thinking full back Sam P, benefitted from a penalty won by the front row of Dan H, Jagraj H and Harjap T by tapping quickly and darting over. The final score was an excellent finish by Alex R after replacement prop Kelvin L had drawn five tacklers. Morpeth showed outstanding resilience to score the final try and make it 53-7 to NSB.

Current Falcon Ruaridh Dawson was on hand to award the trophy to victorious captain Max Metcalfe. Well done to the whole squad on winning this cup for the first time in NSB history.