Match Report for North Midlands Senior Men V Durham – Bill Beaumont Semi Finals and photos

Having already had 2 away trips, the semi-final of the Bill Beaumont County Championship Division 2 was to be against Durham at Durham.   With it being a Bank Holiday weekend a number of players were not available, added to the fact that all coach firms were supplying vehicles to go to London with Coventry FC made life organising the trip very difficult.

Arrive, we did, and within 30 seconds of the kick off we were 3 points up thanks to a Elliot Murphy (Bridgnorth) penalty.   Things looked good at this point however we spent enough time in Durham’s 22 to have been out of sight but sloppy mistakes and good defence stopped us from increasing our lead.

This strong defence by Durham encouraged their backs and midway through the half space was given for their winger to open their score and taking the lead 5 – 3.  Now buoyant they took the upper hand and quickly 2 more tries both of which were converted, showing a lead of 19 -3 at half time.  Whilst North Mids did not give-up the fight it was last pass mistakes or poor kicks which stopped them from scoring.

The second half started as the first however it was Durham who kicked a penalty extending their lead.  At the midway point of the half North Midlands found their pace and ability, which we all know they have.    It became a relentless barrage of attack on the home defence.

North Mids were awarded a penalty try after a deliberate knock-on stopped Geoge Lloyd-Jones (Kidderminster Carolians) from scoring in the corner.  The pressure was maintained but Durham’s defense held until a line break and support saw skipper Connor Nicholls (Bridgnorth) score under the posts and Jack Morris ( Bromsgrove) quickly drop-goaling the conversion.   However the Referee called a halt to the processings and the relief of the home side who had taken the match 22 – 17.    They will now go on to play Dorset & Wiltshire next weekend at Ealing Trailfinders.