Newcastle vs. Burton

The Cobras and Barbarians faced a well organised squad of (large) Newcastle players. Newcastle had enough players to enable four short games against the Cobras and Barbarians.

It was clear from the outset that Burton had benefited from the previous Sunday's training session as they were much more competitive in the ruck and as a result won a lot more ball at the break down. More 'good' ball allowed Burton to play more on their terms which resulted in them playing a better passing game. Newcastle were a strong side but Burton were able to put pressure on their opposition at times.

Newcastle 30 vs Cobras 25

This was a close encounter with the Cobras drawing one game winning one and losing two. The Cobras scored five tries, in the first game their only try came from Jacob Baker who took the ball from a free pass at the half way line. In the second game Lewis Deighton and Matthew Holmes scored - well done to Mattie a newcomer this year and I think his first try. Sam Wagstaffe, in the third game, ripped the ball from the opposition near his own try line and ran the length of the pitch. In the last game Burton were being driven back towards their own line but got the ball out to Jack Ward who ran the length of the pitch to touch down.
Others had great games. Bailey Hardy narrowly missed scoring and he and Joe Brittain grafted throughout, as usual the Cobras' tackling kept the opposition's score down.

Try scorers: Jacob Baker, Lewis Deighton, Matthew Holmes, Sam Wagstaffe, Jack Ward.

Newcastle 80 vs Barbarians 5

The only try for the Barbarians came in the third game when Sam Stride picked up the ball from the half way line before powering to the line in typical Stride fashion.
Some great play here from the Barbarians with some promising runs from Owen Raw, great team work at times from all the Barbarians, effective tackling including a memorable 'piggy back' tackle from Abby Roulstone.

Try scorers; Sam Stride