Carlisle U16s travelled away to Middlesbrough last Sunday and in a close fought encounter lost 19 – 5.

The previous match at the start of the season, saw Middlesbrough take the win, so the Cumbrians were determined to make amends this time. It started well with Carlisle Winger James Callaghan scoring a try out to the right after a determined drive by prop Colin Greener and swift passing through the backs. The conversion was just wide.

The game then settled down into a battle of the packs, with both forwards working hard, with even performance at the scrum and Carlisle perhaps edging it at the line outs. The visitor’s pack in particular used the maul to good effect throughout the game, but were unable to capitalise on the territory gained, when it came to keeping the ball in hand in the backs.

After 19 minutes the home side’s speed saw an overlap develop which they exploited down their right and they ran in their first try, which did not get converted. 5 points each.

The game was very even and in the 25 min, Carlisle nearly score their second out on the right but the ball was dropped just before it was grounded. 4 mins later, Carlisle had to defend for their lives on the try line and in the mêlée an intercepted pass was judged to be a deliberate knock on. The resultant, quickly taken penalty surprised the visitors and the home side touched down for their second, which was converted.

12 – 5 at half time.

Early in the second half Middlesbrough once again piled on the pressure and more determined tackling from the Carlisle defence held up a Middlesbrough forward to prevent another home try. Several clearance kick from the Cumbrians found touch and for a good part of the second half Carlisle gained possession from the subsequent line outs, however despite having territorial advantage in the second half they were unable to make the most of their possession and their opportunities were wasted.

With 3 minutes to go Middlesbrough broke through the Carlisle defence to run in their 3rd try of the afternoon beneath the posts and duly converted it.

Final score 19 – 5 to the home side.

Good game with plenty to take back to the training field on Wednesday night.

Carlisle Rugby Club

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