Acklam Under 12/13/14/15 and 16's all competed in the Darlington Festival this weekend. Acklam Under 14's won the prestigious Darlington Festival Cup from amongst a field of 10 clubs competing on the day. In the final they comfortably beat Darlington to take the coveted trophy which drew an end to their magnificent season. The Under 14's have set the standard for all our teams to aim for in the future.
On the day the Under 16's were too slow off the mark, the Under 15's were involved in close encounters, Under 13's competed but found it hard and the Under 12's play to-day. The Under 11's were unable to attend.

ACKLAM U14s FESTIVAL WINNERS!

 Match 1

Acklam  24   v   0  Mowden Park

Acklam took control from the whistle and did not allow Mowden Park to get out of the starting blocks. Chris Nicholson scored two tries, with Adam Gill and Nico McCutcheon adding to the total. Tom Clarke managed to convert two.

A good confident start to the day.

 Match 2

Ponteland  0  v  14  Acklam

A very strong Ponteland team began well and tackled hard throughout the match. However, it was not quite enough to stop a determined Acklam side. Chris Nicholson and Rory Smith scoring the tries with Tom Clarke converting both.

Match 3

Acklam  7  v  8  Morpeth

Morpeth took the lead with an unconverted try early in the match, but Acklam were able to reply with Tom Clarke converting Chris Nicholson’s try. Acklam thought they had done enough but then Morpeth were awarded a penalty kick just before the final whistle which enabled them to snatch a lucky victory.

Acklam finished top of their group and secured themselves a place in the final.

 Final

Acklam  10  v  0  Darlington

Emotions ran high as the final kicked off, both teams obviously hungry for the honour of winning the festival. It was clear from the onset that the Acklam boys were a force to be reckoned with and this manifested itself with a try from Chris Nicholson just before half time. After a motivational talk from their coaches, Acklam came back out determined not to let the lead slip away from them. The boys worked incredibly hard showing grit and courage which was rewarded with another try from Chris just before the final whistle. A mighty cheer went up as the final whistle blew, and the Acklam boys began their celebrations!

This season has been a tremendous one for the Acklam U14s. Not only were they undefeated in any friendly match they competed in, they were quarter finalists in the Yorkshire Cup, tournament winners at West Hartlepool and festival winners at Darlington. It is a big achievement for any junior side to win some silverware, but to bring home two cups is an outstanding feat! Coaches Gavin Munkley and Paul Green have worked extremely hard with the boys, enhancing their skills, fitness and discipline both on and off the pitch. Their commitment and dedication has resulted in the team becoming the most successful Acklam junior side of recent years.

Congratulations to Gav, Greeny and all the lads!!     

 Match 2

 Match 3

 THE FINAL

A very solid performance in the first half set up Acklam for a good win
The first try came from a well executed training ground move which saw James Allison (outside centre) run a try in from just outside Seatons' twenty two (Ben Sanderson Converted)
Acklam maintained the pressure and Andy Willowby (captain) got a well deserved try from a forwards move. The next try came from a No8 pick up at the base of the scrum scored by Tom Francis, just before half time Captain Andy Willowby scored his second try of the game following a rolling maul which he orchestrated. In the second half Seaton came back into the game but there efforts where soon quashed when a kick through was picked up by Ben Sanderson who ran the whole length of the pitch to score a magnificent try.  Acklam then finished it of with a powerful run from outside centre Rhys Robinson to finish a good win.

 Acklam travelled to Guisborough this morning, the hosts won 49-28 Guisborough were up for this game and scored immediately from the kick off due to some dithering in Acklam’s defence although Acklam played well in parts Guisborough defence was solid and they managed to turn over possession far to easily and within 10 minutes had increased their lead to 28 nil. It took a try from Bradley Gatter to get Acklam fired up and the game became more even both sides playing some good rugby. Alfie Cox lead the way with some cracking runs and when Shane Hammond picked the ball up on the half way line he jinked his way passed three players to score in the corner. Tom Dawson's surging runs enabled a platform for the best try of the day as he off-loaded to Alfie Cox who fed Bradley Gatter for his second of the day. Man of the match Zak Perrera wasn't going to be out shined today and his determination was enough to get Acklam’s fourth try. Well done to both teams

Today saw Acklam U14s give one of their most impressive displays of rugby all season. The match started quickly and strongly with Mowden Park scoring a quick seven points after a lucky chip and chase. Acklam snatched back a quick five points with Chris Nicholson managing to touch the ball down. The remaining time of the half saw Acklam holding Mowden and preventing them getting into the Acklam half (apart from a few kicks over the top which did not amount to anything). Jake Lambert managed to battle his way from the full back position to enable Acklam to take the lead 10-7 just before half time. At the restart, Acklam once again began to dominate with most of the possession. Adam Gill got his first try of the day after a good display of fast hands and spinning passes from the Acklam backs. Chris Nicholson then powered through most of the Mowden team before scoring his second of the day which was converted by Tom Clarke. It was then Rory Smith’s turn to demonstrate his superb stepping skills, managing to weave his way through the Mowden defence to score a good individual try. Adam Gill then scored his second of the day before Grant Honzik finished off the day’s display with two tries that required strength and determination (one of which was converted by Clarke.) Acklam truly deserved this scoreline and although a few Mowden boys began to show their frustration, a mention must go to the majority of the Mowden team who battled until the very end despite realising they were being outplayed. Well done Acklam!  

Acklam under 11s travelled to take on local side Billingham this week. The conditions where good for open rugby and both sides did not disappoint with a good standard of rugby on show. It was Acklam that made the early breakthrough after some excellent forward play the ball was spun out to the backs and fly half Tom Dawson broke the home defence and touch down for the try. Although Billingham battled hard and made some impressive tackles it was Acklam’s forwards again that did the hard work with Patrick McCann going over the line for the second try. The second half saw more of the same with Acklam’s forwards winning good possession and Billingham defending well. The third Acklam try was scored by Zak Perrera showing good ball retention when tackled short of the line he managed to get back to his feet pick up and score. Billingham responded well and scored a good try after their inside centre made a midfield break but it was Acklam’s Tom Dawson that rounded off a great performance with another storming break down the blind side flank to touch down in the corner. Final score Acklam 22, Billingham 7.

Acklam Under 16's hosted Mowden Park this morning and won in a convincing fashion by scoring 5 tries, thus reversing a narrow defeat from the beginning of the season. 
Acklam started in a lively fashion but Mowden Park scored first against the run of play to go 0-7 up. Acklam hit back with a penalty and then scored a good try to take the lead 10-7, shortly afterwards Acklam took a strangle hold on the game, when they played a tight game with the forwards making good ground with their pick up and drive tactics. This allowed the Acklam backs to be released into good space which they took advantage of by scoring two further tries; half-time Acklam led 20-7.
In the second half Acklam played with more width which allowed Mowden some opportunities which they took but Acklam continued to be dangerous and went into a 32-12 lead, before Mowden scored the last try to make the final score 32-19.
Dan Burns (Conyers) at prop was an effective player as he scored the last try, which a centre would have been proud of, showing good strength and pace. Ben Forbes showed great pace when he scored his try from deep. Ross Morgan (Nunthorpe) had an outstanding game throughout the field, but he also dominated the lineout all game. Andy Thompson (Eston Park) and Dan Kernie (Conyers) both second row players had effective games. In the second half Jack Docherty returned after injury to play scrum half and he was very lively, always looking for the darting run. Michael Walker (Kings Academy) at prop was dynamic in his runs, making good in roads into Mowden's defence.
Excellent performance with the team playing with a good structure to their play which Shaun Bennett (Nunthorpe) at fly-half orchestrated. 

Northern 14 v 27 Acklam  

After the torrential rain last week, the Acklam boys proved they were capable of playing in very different weather conditions – this week facing a blizzard! After a delayed kick off, the Acklam boys were slow to warm up and start playing; allowing Northern to get two quick converted tries. This was the wake up call Acklam needed and Tom Clarke managed to pull one try back just before half time. After a rousing talk at half time, a team with a different attitude emerged to take control of the game. Acklam decided what they wanted and stepped up a gear to completely turn around the play. Chris Nicholson broke through the Northern defence three times to score three tries in succession and then Grant Honzig Finished off the scoring with the final try of the game. This was a game all about attitude and teamwork and Acklam proved, yet again, that they have what it takes to turn games around when the odds look stacked against them.    

Acklam u15's hosted Billingham today with both sides fired up and ready for some good rugby. The first half saw Billingham playing with the wind which they made good use of,  putting Acklam under a lot of pressure. However Acklam’s defence was resolute and stood firm only allowing Billingham a penalty from 10m out which they kicked for 3 points. Acklam attacked in flourishes but handling errors meant there was no further score to end the half Acklam 0 Billingham 3.
The second half began with Acklam playing with the wind, and good ball through the backs saw Scott Tyreman score(con Ben Dickinson) 7-3. But Billingham hit back when Acklam were caught cold from a penalty allowing Billingham in to score(no con), so back to 7-8. This fired Acklam up and Gordon Brudenell charged through the Billingham team only to be tackled 5m out before popping a pass to Scott Tyreman for his second(con Ben Dickinson)14-8.  Next came a lovely move with Acklam’s backs taking the ball in and popping passes and interchanging at will,  letting Ben Dickinson  sprint for the line (no con)19-8.  Both sets of forwards were awesome today neither wanting to or giving an inch and with some big lads from both sides it was a joy to watch.  Acklam forwards charged up the field and were rewarded with a penalty 8m out which Liam McIvor took quickly darting for the line low and hard to score (con Ben Dickinson)26-8. This wasn’t the last of the tries and it was Billingham who went up field and scored(no con)26-13.  This ended the game and what a game it was both sides showing strength, passion and determination but it was Acklam who came out victorious 26-13

Acklam U14s Match Report

 Billingham 0 v   24   Acklam

Acklam Under 12's played their first 15 a side game on a full size pitch this morning. Ripon were the visitors and both teams held a joint training session before the actual game.
Ripon scored immediately from the kick off but Acklam came back and scored a 70m try through Rob Carbine, Olly converted making the score 7-5. Acklam had a good phase of play, showing good hands before Mark Smith scored his try, Joe Lilly converted. Ripon had two strong running centres who added further scores. Rob Carbine and Lewis Boyse scored further tries. The final score was 24 - 25 in favour of Ripon.

Sunday 16th March

Acklam under 11,s hosted Houghton this morning in an evenly contested game the away team came out victors but only just. Houghton with permission played 3 over aged players the scrum half was one of these and his vision & maturity was the difference between the two teams. Zak Pierra was on fine form this morning scoring 3 tries, Shane Hammond the smallest lad on the pitch tackled his heart out and scored a fine try by sidestepping 4 Houghton players which makes the coaches job of getting up on a Sunday morning worthwhile. Patrick McCann made good ground with some surging runs and got on the score sheet. Bradley Gater didn't have his best day today but still managed to cause their defence all sorts of problems and helped himself to a try. Daniel Daley also scored a try it would have to go to the toss of a coin between Tom Dawson & Tom Pemberton to pick the man of the match today for there unselfish work and I have no coin. Acklam 45 Houghton 52 considering the 3 over aged players both teams were evenly match well done.

 Under 8's Tag

Acklam entertained Yarm and Houghton today. They ran out winners in both games. A half time score of 6-1 against Yarm was a sign of the strength of the core of the team. Acklam rang the changes at half time to blood the newcomers. A final score of 8-3 was an indicator of some latent potential and solid support play. Tries a plenty from Jay and Cai Ellis. Special mention for Molly and Lucy Tunn, Raine, Rielly and Rimini Crockett and Mathew Walker (1 Try). Well Done to the whole Squad.

Sunday 9th March

Acklam Under 16's visited Tollesby Road on Sunday and they just failed to get what would have been a well deserved win. The half-time score saw Acklam leading 7-12 through tries from their strong running centre Rhys Robinson. Acklam dominated most phases of the game, but Middlesbrough were always a threat through their danger men at stand-off and at fullback; both these players got break away tries. Acklam's third try came from their flying winger Daniel Murray, with Shaun Bennett converting two of the three tries. One conversion was the difference in the score line, so it was hats off to both teams for providing a good quality game played in the right spirit. 

Under 15's

Middlesbrough 0 - 38  Acklam

Acklam went to local rivals Middlesbrough today and the game was tight until Acklam had a scrum on Boro's 5m line and Gordon Brudenel (no 8) powered over to score (con Ben Dickinson). Both sides battled hard but it was Acklam who scored again when Ben Dickinson pounced on a loose ball on Boro’s 10m line and scored (no con), to end the half Middlesbrough 0 Acklam 12
The second half saw Acklam pushing forward and this lead to Liam Cochran jinxing his way over from Boro’s 22 (con Ben Dickinson).  Acklam’s forwards were rucking and mauling with great effect and this resulted in Liam McIvor picking up from a ruck on Boro’s 5m and darting through a gap on the blind side to score (con Ben Dickinson). From the kick off Liam McIvor caught the ball and charged up field into Boro territory drawing players to him before popping the ball to Ben Dickinson who burst through to score (con Ben Dickinson). As full time approached it was Gordon Brudenell who had started the scoring  also ended the scoring with a storming run from Boro’s 22 (no con). The final score Boro 0 Acklam 38. A good game with Acklam’s forwards rucking and mauling well, though the backs need to rely more on their abilities and pass the ball more often, but having said that they look good for their semi final in the Yorkshire plate competition.

Acklam hosted Middlesbrough Under 13's this morning and in a very close game they lost 12-17. Against the run of play Acklam's centre Josh Cook made an excellent break to open the scoring with a fine try. Middlesbrough hit back soon afterwards and scored under the posts, this made the half-time score 5-7 in Middlesbrough's favour. In the second half against the strong wind, Acklam defended well but eventually conceded two tries. Acklam's heads never went down which is a hallmark of the team, and they were rewarded with the best try of the game when Josh Cook made an electric run showing his tenacity to score under the posts. This made the final score 12-17, but right on the final whistle Peter Martin the captain, fell and broke his arm which is terribly  back luck considering his twin brother has been out injured since early December.    

Under 16's

Houghton le Spring 0 -  39  Acklam

 After a long and mysterious trip up the A19 the lads arrived at Houghton.  They seemed determined to take this game as their own and they did.  With the wind in their faces for the first half they pushed forward with grit and determination to get some points on the board. Acklam went forward gaining their first try by an out of position lock forward, Andrew Thompson playing on the wing (con) Ben Sanderson.  This gave the lads a confidence boost and they produced some excellent rugby.  They tackled well with some excellent passing.  Alex Readman got the second try (uncon).  Acklam never gave Houghton anything but the home team made Acklam work hard for their points.  Andrew Willoughby got the third try from a short ball from a ruck. (uncon).

Acklam hosted Gateshead on a windy Sunday morning.  Acklam kicking into the wind started off well,  using good ball through their hands allowing Liam Cochran to cross the line for the first try.  Next it was Lloyd Wilson to score in the corner after good work from Liam Cochran and a mazy run.  Gateshead hit back through their forwards but Acklam continued using the ball well.  Ben Dickinson running across field releasing Gordon Brudenell to charge through Gateshead’s defence from half way and score.  Gateshead did not give up hope but kept plugging away and were rewarded with a try before half time,  after Acklam’s backs missed crucial tackles.  The first half ended Acklam 15 Gateshead 5, their were no conversions as Acklam’s were all into a strong head wind and Gateshead’s from the touch line.
In the second half Acklam were playing with the wind and it was Liam Cochran who charged through from the 22 for his second try. Acklam were looking better with the wind and Liam McIvor picked up the ball from a ruck and charged along the touch line and to score under the posts. Then Liam McIvor made a try for Ben Dickinson by drawing the Gateshead defence to him and Ben sprinted onto the pop pass to score.  Acklam were looking good but Gateshead never let their heads drop; then Acklam had good lineout ball and Liam Cochran ran over for his hat-trick. But it wasn’t over yet and it was Acklam’s forwards this time who were caught ball watching letting Gateshead over for a try.  Ben Dickinson converted all Acklam’s second half tries the last was a cracker from the touch line and bent in with the wind . The final score Acklam 43 Gateshead 10; a good performance with excellent discipline from all 22 players. A credit to Acklam after this excellent game of rugby.

Acklam Under 13's hosted Ryton this morning and Acklam had a squad of 22 players, this is not counting 3 other players who are injured. Acklam played into the wind in the first half and they had the better of the game, Josh Cook (St. David's) scored the only try of the half but he went close to scoring on three other attempts. Ricky Scott could not play so the versatile Josh Sayer played at fly-half and he had a good game. Sam Holtby (Stokesley) had his first game for several weeks and he did well at full back, dealing well with the high kicks from Ryton.
Half-time all subs were played and James Bircham (Newlands) had his debut game in the backrow. Ryton had a good 10 minutes when they scored which made it 5-7 final score, but Acklam finished strong but were unable to turn their pressure into points. This was a good contest throughout the game with all the Acklam players showing good attitude and determination.

Acklam under 11s were pleased this week to be given the opportunity by Guisborough to play three games against the hosts, Richmondshire and Darlington after their original game against Middlesbrough was cancelled.

The first game against the hosts was tight and both sides showed how much improvement they have made throughout the season. Congratulations must go to both squads and their coaches in a display of open entertaining rugby in difficult windy conditions. It was Acklam that edged the match 21, 14 but the game could have gone to either team. Bradley Gator scored all three Acklam tries, but this was a team performance with the forwards working hard to produce quality balls for the backs.

The second game was against a newly formed Richmondshire side and the host team Guisborough signaled the whole spirit of the day by providing five players to the opposition to ensure that everyone got an opportunity to play. If Acklam thought this was to be an easy task they were soon to find out differently and the Richmondshire side showed good ability. Acklam did win the game with tries coming from Tom Dawson, Patrick McCann and Bradley Gator but Richmondshire showed that when they can increase the numbers in their squad they will be force in the local rugby scene. Final score 21-12 to Acklam.

As time ran out Acklam had a short match with Darlington to finish off the day, but it seemed a game too far and concentration levels dropped with the Darlington team running in three tries before Acklam could get any momentum going. They did manage to score after some strong work by the forwards and a darting run from Bradley Gator earned a consolation try. The squad goes from strength to strength and the improvement of players such as Daniel Daley, Andrew Donovan and Tom Pemberton is very encouraging to see with the whole squad playing their part in producing some good performances

Sunday 24th February

An under strength (4 players!) Acklam Team traveled to Hartlepool Rovers yesterday. It was agreed to play 3 Games (5 a side). Match 3 was a mixed team of Rovers/ Acklam. With the result of 5-4 win to the Acklam Hybrid Team. It’s difficult to praise the stalwarts of the Tag team too highly. Week in, Week out the same 4 players arrive rain or shine. What they need are Team Mates! I will leave it to a quote from a Rovers Coach who stated with amazement that’… I saw passing and lines of running by your kids that our first team struggle to do!’The team of 4 are Jay Ellis (8 Try’s),  Cai Ellis (8 Try’s),Theo Ellis (3 Try’s) Matthew Walker (Cai’s Best MATE).   (3 Try’s) 

Acklam travelled to West Hartlepool in a triangular game against the hosts and Durham and failed to score a single point all morning. In the first game against Durham, Acklam showed great ability in defending for long periods followed by an inability to secure ball in the ruck situation, leading to Durham running in try's against little defence. Acklam have come along way in their short rugby careers and must learn from these small errors if they are to progress.

In the second game Acklam were much improved but failed to win a single scrum or line out meaning that we were always playing on the back foot. Bradley Gater, Shane Hammond & Tom Dawson tried to ignite some fire into our play but lacked support at crucial times

Under 12's

Redcar 5-15 Acklam

Hartlepool 15-5 Acklam

The first game saw a depleted Acklam side (12 players) play Redcar, however they started strongly keeping their shape thruough Danny Macarthur and Alex Smith. Acklam scored first after a long drive from Rob Carbine the try was converted by Olly Hatton. The next was out of the blue Jonathan Sapio running and scoring a great try. Very big hard tackles and drives won Acklam the game Dray Waddington played out of his skin and was involved in everything. Rob exchanged passes with Jack scoring another long running try. Redcar came back at the end with a token try. Joe Lilley shone out with some fine tackles.

Acklam against Hartlepool started with Acklam looking tired after a hard game; but the 12 men led by Jack and Liam Cook we dug in. Hartlepool got a lucky break though from a long kick scoring and then converting. Hartlepool scored again from the kick off and again shortly afterwards scoring again leaving Acklam  3 tries down. The team still looked very tired; however a good strong drive saw Joseph Lilley breaking clear and scoring what looked like a try only to have it disallowed. Then Rob Carbine got the ball from the following scrum and scored a hard worked try.

The 2 games tired Acklam, however as a unit they battled well with every player giving his all, we won every line out and scrum,  even drive passing wasn’t bad and we could have gone on to win the game but bad luck and no subs ruled us out.

 Under 13's

Ripon 14-26 Acklam

Acklam visited Ripon this morning and lost 26-14, this being their first defeat of 2008. Ripon have lost only one game this season but they had to fight all the way to secure the win. The difference in the two teams was Ripon's centre who scored their four tries, all from long way out, as each time he was given space he was very difficult to stop.
Acklam played most of the rugby in the Ripon's half, but found themselves 14-0 down at half time. In the second half Acklam put Ripon under pressure and after some good aggressive play fought back to 14-14 with Ricky Scott scoring all the points. Acklam seemed to tire in the fourth quarter and our opposition centre obliged by scoring two more tries.Dominic Breeze was always in the middle of the action throughout the game.
 

A well deserved win for Acklam today.  The lads started well, with neither side dominating with most of play being in the middle of the field.  Acklam produced some good passes thus enabling them to move up the field but Seaton Carew had other ideas and defended well keeping the play in the middle of the field.  Acklam fought hard and solid pushing forward more and more. Ben Pearson making a good break through and gained the lead with the first try of the day (con) Ben Sanderson. Seaton Carew kept their heads up and fought back but Acklam defended and attacked solidly not giving anything major away.

7 - 0 halftime.

At the beginning of the second half the lads did not give anything to Seaton Carew and made them fight for every ball.  New player Joss, got Acklam’s second try not long into the second half (uncon).  A few changes were made in the Acklam side but this did not weaken the team but the fresh legs helped gain more points on the board.  Ben Pearson looked like he was in for his second try of the day, when he was tackled to the ground, he released the ball to Andrew Thompson who made the final push to the line and gained another try for Acklam (uncon). Pearson did get another try to his name before the end of the game (uncon) making the end result 22 – 0.

Sunday 17th February

Acklam went to Selby for the North Yorkshire Cup final with a depleted side due to injuries and unavailability due to it being half term.  The first match of the day was Acklam versus the hosts Selby.  The game was a hard fought encounter, with both sides well matched in all positions.  It was Selby who scored first, with a try in the corner (no conversion), following quick ball from a ruck.  Acklam responded and camped out in Selby's half for a lot of the remainder of the match and eventually the pressure paid off with Gordon Brudnell bursting through the defence  and running in for the try - pressure was now firmly on Ben Dickinson to convert, which he did with the last kick of the match - Acklam win 7 - 5.

 Guisborough played Selby in the next match and won so it was down to Acklam v Guisborough to decide the cup.  Once again both sides were well matched, until Guisborough burst through the defence from 10m and scored under the posts (converted).  That was the only score of the game.  Acklam played very well with all players playing there part, on another day the result could have gone to Acklam.

After last weeks disappointing defeats, Acklam’s under 11s got back to winning ways when they visited Whitby. In an excellent all round performance from the whole team with both the backs and forwards making valuable contributions Acklam won the game comfortably.

 Tries where scored by Zak Perera on his return from injury, Bradley Gater, Tom Dawson, Patrick McCann and Shane Hammond as well as a first try in Acklam colours for the improving Alfie Cox.

 It was not only the attacking options that had improved from previous weeks as defensively the whole team ensured the home sides attacks where broken down before any momentum could be gathered. A very good performance by the whole team

Sunday 10th February

  Acklam v Horden

Acklam under 11s faced tough opposition this week with the visit of teams from Horden and Westoe. In the first game against Westoe the Acklam players started slowly and before they knew it they were two tries down after good work by the visiting scrum half. Acklam did rally and produced some good rugby of their own in what remained a tight game for the rest of the first half. The second half again started badly for Acklam , after being close to crossing the line themselves after a good run from Patrick McCann, Westoe broke down the blindside to score once again to make the game safe. The second game against Horden proved to be as frustrating with Acklam playing some good rugby but missed tackles in defence costing dearly. Patrick McCann continued to impress and was rewarded with a try when taking the ball on from a maul but it was the visitors that went on to win the game. Despite the two defeats Acklam kept on going and showed good team spirit and on another day may have got something from these games. They need to learn from the defeats and ensure that they improve their defensive first line tackling for future games.

  Whitby 0-22 Acklam 

  Leodensians 10-26 Acklam 

Acklam u15's visited Leodensians in the quarter final of the Yorkshire plate competition. There was a nip in the air but the ground was perfect for rugby. The game started with neither side wanting to give anything away and it was a tight 20 minutes both sides attacking soundly and defending with vigour. Then the ball found its way to Ben Dickinson 15m from the Leos line and he weaved his way through fending off the Leos full- back to score under the posts then converting for 0-7. Back came Leos trying to get level but Acklam stood proud; then a kick over the top from Acklam saw Leos backs struggling to get the ball away and Liam Cochran kicked on and with determination managed to drop on the ball before it went dead to score (con Ben Dickinson) to end the half 0-14
In the second half Leos came out with grit but it was Acklam who scored with good hands through their back line allowing Liam Cochran to run in from the 22m for his second(con Ben Dickinson) 0-21. This fired Leos up and they charged down the pitch and from a ruck on Acklams 2m line Leos went blind side to score in the corner (no con)5-21.  Leos were on the up now but Acklam stood firm then the ball found its way to Johnny Hoole (a flanker, but playing on the wing) and he charged down the line fending off challenges to score in the corner (no con) 5-26. Leos never gave up and were rewarded with a try when Acklam gave away a penalty on their 5m line which was taken quickly by Leos second row and over he went for 10-26.  Not much time left and both sides still battling away till the final whistle which ended the game Leos 10-26 Acklam.
A good game of rugby by both sides forwards strong and game for anything backs running and defending well all looking forward to our next game spirit strong well done lads

Acklam v Guisborough

Acklam v Middlesbrough

Acklam started the mini tournament against Whitby,  we were threw straight on the pitch and the first half finished with Acklam 1 try to nil down.  then the game finished? shame as we were getting on top, missed instructions about us only playing one half.
Second game was against Guisborough .The last time Acklam played them they beat us 11 tries to 1. this game showed me how far we have come they beat us 1 try to nil and we were very unlucky during this game.  I saw the best tackle I have ever seen when Lewis Boyse hit there left back lifting him and knocking him into next week. After this game hats of to Guisborough coaches and staff they all commended us on our vast improvement.
The next game Middlesbrough was as above last time played they got a hat full we got beat 1 nil again. The 2 Jo Lilleys got some very important and hard tackles in other I would like to thank all the lads they never went down and done themselves and the club proud.

  Acklam 19 v 19 Guisborough

Middlesbrough hosted Acklam and Guisborough in a three way tournament.

In the first game Acklam v Guisborough. Acklam were first out the blocks with a well worked try from Bradley Gater. Shane Hammond playing scrum half caused Guisborough defence problems with his darting runs. When he made it to the 5 meter line Jack Wellard crossed over to score Acklam’s second. Guisborough bounced back with a well worked try of there own. Only for Bradley Gater to score his second of the day after some good work by Patrick Mcann and Alexander Bell. Half time Acklam 19-7 Guisborough. Second half Guisborough threw everything at Acklam’s defence and Tom Dawson and Sebi Conners were up for the task. Guisborough dominated the scrum and found a weakness in Acklam’s armor on the blind side to steal a try with only seconds remaining and the last play of the game Acklam’s defence rushed up to soon to give away a penalty and when Acklam’s defence turned their back Guisborough scrum half noticed a gap and scored the final try of the match. Final score 19-19 a good display from both teams with lots of positives.

  Whitby 0-22 Acklam 

Acklam travelled to Whitby and did the club proud.  An excellent display of ruby and two good, well disciplined games.
 
The lads produce some excellent passing, attacking and were organised throughout. This showed in the amount of tries scored and that four different players scored them.
The scorers were Ben Sanderson, Paul Whisson, Ben Pearson and Daniel Burns.  Only one converted.
 

This the second game of the day provided entertainment and produced some well executed rugby from our lads.  Scarborough had a handful of Whitby players helping them today but they were no match for our lads who by now were up for anything.
The enjoyment reflected in the game as they decided that due to them having no kicker (injury), the player who scored the try would go for the conversion! However when Alex Readman crashed over the kick was handed to Michael Walker who stepped up and thumped the ball over through the sticks, a feat only matched by the belly showing celebrations which followed!
The other scorers were; Ben Sanderson (conv.), Ben Pearson (missed), Alex Readman (you already know what happened there!), Paul Whisson (conv.) and Rhys Robinson (missed). 
The lads appeared to enjoy today’s games and this showed in confidence and conviction on the field.
 
The last game of the day