NEAB v Westgate Common: Saturday 2nd April -

Billed as the match of the round, this game didn’t quite live up to the hype. After having two influential All Black’s players pulling out on the day of the game, the home side were forced into a last minute reshuffle, bringing in Josh Prenty and Harrison Cottam. Cottam making his first team debut after only starting playing rugby league last season.

After talk of a fast start before the match, the All Black’s mindset seemed to still be in the changing rooms for the first 10 mins, finding themselves 12-0 down after some quick, slick play from Westgate.

Once New Earswick started to settle down, they grew into the game and stopped giving the away side so much respect. The game became much more hard fought as expected, but the All Black’s still couldn’t find their rhythm in attack and set completion rates were very low, much to the frustration of coach Delaney.

12-0 to the visitors at half time with the All Black’s taking positives out of the scoreline after such a bad start.

The second half started well for the home side, defending well and putting Westgate under pressure in their own half, with a try through captain Sean Malarkey after some great build up play.

Unfortunately, the majority of the All Black’s attacking play was much like the first half, with no cohesion, making numerous mistakes, and in turn gifting Westgate two tries from sloppy play.

Things went from bad to worse after losing second row Jack Law, half back Liam Gargan and Jack Carling. The All Black’s kept going and managed to pull a try back through debutant Cottam, with some great footwork at the line, stretching out an arm to get the ball down.

New Earswick started to tire after a lot of defending during the game and conceded a final try towards the end.

There were some stand out performances from man of the match Jack Stearman, with an outstanding showing, winger Joe Harrison, full back Ewan Coverdale and Sean Malarkey.

Time to regroup, train hard and prepare for an away trip to Fryston next week.

Team Line Up.
1. Ewen Coverdale
2. Dean Smith
3. Will Holmes
4. Callum Jukes
5. Joe Harrison
6. Connor Calam
7. Liam Gargan
8. Jack Carling
9. Connor Iddon
10. Jack Stearman
11. Joe Stearman
12. Jack Law
13. Sean Malarkey
14. Josh Prenty 
15. Stephen Clarke
16. Harrison Cottam
17. Luke Prenty