Tynedale Panthers finished the season off in real style on Sunday at The North East 7s competition at Darlington when they carried off both cups at under 17 and under 14 level.
This is the first year the under 14s 7s has been held and Tynedale's young guns left no doubt in any ones mind that they meant business by steam rolling past the home side Darlington, Morpeth and Bridlington to get to the final where it was Morpeth determined to get there own back who waited.
From the whistle Tynedale dominated, led from the front by Erin Irvin who scorched over for the 1st try inside of two minutes, nerves where now settled and Nichole Lamb who topped the tackle count stopped the Morpeth attack allowing Rachel Robson to strip the ball away and release the backs with Ffion Owen scoring in the corner.Susanna Barber was in the thick of the action to regain the ball for the next try which Hattie Steel ran in from the half way line. Amelia Bryson put in some good tackles and Jess Howard playing only her second tournament was very impressive, winning lots of possession in the line out.
The Under 14 age band is a development age in girls rugby with most of the games played as friendlies, but is still hotly contested.Tynedale won every game throughout the season and entering two teams in the North East Cup they finished 1'st and 2'nd making it two cups from two competitions.
Tynedale Panthers U17s have had a long hard but very rewarding season having won the league, the cup and not losing any game. The sevens were not a formality and injuries to some experienced players meant Tynedale travelled with probably the youngest squad at the tournament.
First up was Westoe who had no answer to the electric pace of Janie Eccles, 39-0. Then Percy Park who gave Tynedale the first test of the day but with Emily Cessford making a couple of good breaks up the pitch, Naomi Todd tackling and supporting, Grace Towler linking everything together. Juliet Short powering over for a brace of tries it ended 24-0. Cockermouth were next, strength is there forte` but Megan Robinson whacked it up the pitch time and again taking two or three Cockermouth players to stop her and Catherine Dixon proving to be as good a player as any at the tournament got on the score sheet again 36-0.
The home side Darlington Mowden Park were all that stood between Tynedale and the final and the Panthers were starting to play Heather Hardy playing in a variety of positions during the day, making some great tackles during the game with Emily, Naomi and Megan stopping most Mowden attacks and Juliet rebuffing the rest. Tynedale finished at 12-0.
Morpeth were waiting in the final Charlotte Telfer led her team out to avenge last years injury time defeat. Fly Half Sarah Graham kicked off deep into Morpeths 22 the panthers defensive line were up forcing mistakes, Sarah probed, Janie and Naomi battled and Charlotte barged but just could not quite make the break, but when Grace who was first to every loose ball fed Charlotte on the 22 metre line she went through 2 players and dragged a 3rd over the line to score just before half time.
In the second half it was Tynedales turn to defend. Sarah kept it tight until Megan found room to break 30 metres up field and feed Catherine who was through but for the referees whistle. From the scrum Morpeth went blind only to find heather who snuffed out that attack. In the last minute Morpeth's England International managed to squeeze through and the break was on until she hit the brick wall defence that is Juliet the game ended 5-0 and Tynedale had not conceded a single point in the competition with only Charlotte and Sarah too old next year the opposition had better be wary.
In a truncated competition Tynedale swept the board once again. Panthers were too powerful for the other teams in the competition which was sadly cut short due to injuries to other players. In the first game Tynedale lined up against Percy Park in a 10 minute the side format. Playing tennis side the speed of the Tynedale team created havoc as Juliet short playing wide burst and sprinted three quarters of the length of the field for the first try followed quite rapidly by a try for Grace Towler. Janie Eccles got in on the act as she shrugged off two tackles to sprint away for a converted try , Heather Hardy converting. After the break Juliet Short once again scored from long range as the Tynedale backs through the ball around. A powerful break from Catherine Dixon saw over the line for Heather Hardy to convert to make the final score Tynedale 31 Percy Park nil
The second game was played between a Carlisle side reinforced by Morpeth and Percy Park players and Tynedale side boosted by the return from injury of Sarah Graham. It was not long before Sarah Graham burst from almost a standing start to give Tynedale possession near to the Carlisle line. From 10 m a powerful drive from Megan Robinson saw her over the line for the first score which was converted by Heather Hardy. Then a well worked try involving a ship over advancing Carlisle players forward by Catherine Dixon saw her gather the ball invader tackle and go all the line which was converted by Sarah Graham. Young flanker Naomi Todd surged through to feed Sarah Graham who passed on to Juliet short for the next score which was converted by Sarah Graham. The final try from long distance appropriately went to Juliet short who finished a very successful tournament as highest scorer this was converted by Sarah Graham.
In the under 14 competition the two Tynedale teams came first and second.
Tynedale under 17 is were awarded the cup .
Tynedale Panthers cruised to victory in this game against a spirited and brave Cockermouth side. After only three minutes of the first half captain Charlotte Telfer burst through from 20 m shrugged off a tackle and went over the line for the opening try. Shortly afterwards Juliet Short evaded two tacklers to cross for the second try. A hectic period of play characterised by hard work by forwards Annie Laffan and Naomi Todd came next. Gradually Tynedale moved back to the Cockermouth wine fly half Heather Hardy obviously decided it was her turn to score and she took three Cockermouth players over the line for the third try. In quick succession two tries followed. Juliet Short again gathered the ball from a Cockermouth kick 10 m from her own line and sprinted the length of the field to score her second try which was converted by Heather Hardy. Then Tynedale backs worked together as Lottie Gilhespy created a narrow overlap for Emily Cessford to score the next try once again converted by Heather Hardy. Probably the score of the match was by forward Rosy Dickinson who with a classical dummy and side step burst through the Cockermouth tackling and sprinted 50 m to score under the posts again converted by Heather Hardy. Winger Janie Eccles had been threatening to score several times in the first half and a loose ball and gave her the opportunity and saw her over near the posts . A smart inside pass from scrum-half Grace Towler gave Rosy Dickinson her second try again converted. The half-time whistle provided a relief for Cockermouth. Even though they had been on the wrong end of the scoring Cockermouth obviously were not there to give up. In front of the enthusiastic home crowd they took the field once again. Their big forwards were quite capable of causing trouble to unfortunately Tynedale if they kept the ball tight however unfortunate for them the occasional error only gave Tynedale a chance to score again. Once again winger Janie Eccles used her speed to burst past stranded defenders and cross the line . A promising break by Megan Robinson broke down with a knock on but Tynedale quickly regained the ball. Charlotte Telfer once again showed her strength and speed as she forced her way past two defenders again to score near the post giving Heather Hardy another easy conversion . Juliet Short then scored three tries in rapid succession two of them being converted by Heather Hardy to end the scoring. The last 10 minutes of the game were characterised by grit and determination from a well-beaten Cockermouth side. They were determined not to give in and managed to regain a lot of self-respect and the crowds appreciation as they battled heroically to prevent Tynedale scoring again. This has been a wonderful season for Tynedale Panthers who have remained unbeaten. They have won the league competition, two weeks ago they won the Northumberland cup at both under 17 and under 14 level. They have provided many players for Northumberland and the Northeastern regional side and several Tynedale players have been called to England development training. Coach Peter Telfer has done a magnificent job this season and the results show the benefit of his hard work.
Tynedale Panthers travelled to Darlington Mowden Park for their fixture on Sunday. The Tynedale team were missing several regular players having only 14 fit players to take the game. It was decided to combine the Percy Park and Darlington Mowden Park teams to face the Tynedale team and Darlington Mowden Park very kindly lent one player to play for the Panthers.
On a very heavy pitch the first half was a torrid affair. The slope on the pitch meant that Tynedale were having to defend against a mobile and large pack who were prepared to work very hard to test the Tynedale girls. However, over the half the Panthers , well led by Charlotte Telfer, began to play most of the game within the opposition half. This was a remarkable feat as the opposition had most of the possession.
Both wingers were severely tested and Janie Eccles and centre Grace Towler withstood heavy pressure. In the middle of the pitch Megan Robinson, Lottie Gillespie and the two lock forwards Rosy Dickinson and new player Sophie Tomacyk did well to withstand some fierce pressure. When Tynedale did get the ball heavy tackling , and the disadvantage of the slope , coupled with a heavy pitch made progress very difficult indeed. Inch by inch a wonderful team effort began to turn the tide.
The opening minutes of the second half were lit up by a superb long range try from the Panthers which was an individual effort by the loan player from Darlington. She rested the ball from an attacking player and sprinted down the centre of the pitch to score under the posts.
When Tynedale returned to the pitch a further blow to their chances of success was the loss of hard-working scrum-half Harriet Chapman. Playing with the slope Tynedale began to take control even though they had done heavy defensive duty the superb fitness of the Panthers enabled them to execute some very promising moves. Finally good work at a breakdown made the ball available to centre Ruth Todd and enabled her to beat three defenders and score another try under the posts.
Both tries were converted by Sarah Graham. High work rate by Annie Laffan and Heather Hardy was starting to neutralise the Park side. It was good to see Emily Cessford playing again and her return after injury could not have come at a more vital time , she did good work and withstood some heavy hits during the game. All this effort led to another try when a superb pass by Heather Hardy released strong running full back Juliet Short who was well rewarded for a great game by an impressive sprint for the line.
The end of the game saw the combined Park side battering the Tynedale line once again great defence from Tynedale, did not allow Park single try and after a superb kick from behind the line the final whistle blew. The game was a great credit to both sides and played in a good spirit. All players on the field gave 100%.
Tynedale 55 Morpeth 5
The Panthers junior squad travelled up to Morpeth to continue their rugby development, making the trip were 5 girls playing for the 1st time but none were just making the numbers up they all played a full part in the afternoon's proceedings.
First up were Morpeth who had looked good when coming out on top against DMP in the first game of the afternoon. But the Morpeth team ran into problems right from the start when they chose to run straight into the Tynedale pack, Teigan Clayburn, Rebecca Chapman and Melissa Cowan's tackled and stole the ball as they were to do all afternoon, Amanda Gray at scrum half fed Erin Irving who blitzed past the defence with a strong powerful run. Erin was back in for her second try within the next 5 minutes and finished the day with top try scorer with 4 trys. Strong tackling from Susanna Barber and Georgina Lamb resulted in a big drive up field resulted in Jo Chompse grabing her chance to get over the try line.
In the second half Morpeth came out with renewed effort but could not match the speed of the Tynedale backs with first Hattie Steel showing her style and pace to run half the length of the pitch before Jennifer Paige almost set the grass alight to glide past practically the whole team to get her name on the score sheet
Tynedale 45 DMP 10
Agaist DMP the Tynedale team soon got back into gear, Nicole Lamb claiming the ball for her team and sending Amilia Bryson on a good run that Erin finished off in style. Tynedale captain Amanda led the team well from scrum half with Jo at outside half they pulled the strings giving Rachel Robson room to show her silky running skills passing 4 defenders before being bunndeld out of play right on the try line. Mellissa had some good strong runs, culminating in a couple of trys, with Rebecca, Teigan and Suzzana also on the score sheet. Over the two games Tynedale scored 20 tries and conceded 3.
Tynedale Panthers 41 v Carlisle 0
The last time these two teams met was the first , competitive game played by Carlisle , in that game Carlisle suffered a very heavy defeat, however it was soon obvious that was not going to happen again, and they took the game to Panthers in the opening minutes.. However,an early break led to the impressive Janie Eccles, finishing off a move involving three pairs of hands and scoring the opening try. Five minutes later, Juliet Short in a very characteristic powerful burst scored the second, which was converted by Sarah Graham. Forward Lottie Gillespie was prominent in hard fought rucks and the forwards valuable work led to Tynedale gaining possession. Combining well the Tynedale side recycled the ball several times and four minutes later, skipper Charlotte Telfer danced through the defence to score the third try converted by Sarah Graham. In between these scores, the game was hard fought with Tynedale exerting good pressure to remain in control .Scrum half Grace Towler was constantly involved as the Panthers probed the Carlisle defence. Winger Harriet Chapman was kept busy on defensive duty and snuffed out several dangerous Carlisle attacks. Tynedale had to wait till near the end of the first half before Rosie Dickinson, received a pass to burst up the wing and score the closing try of the first half. Honours went to Tynedale with lots of hard work was being done by the pack will lead by Charlotte Telfer, ably supported by the front row of Sarah Hogg, Megan Robinson working overtime.
The second half opened in the same manner. Carlisle pushed Panthers, very hard. However, a well-placed pass by Rebekah Holiday put Janie Eccles, away for a powerful 40 m run to score under the posts. Sarah Graham converted Janie Eccles try and was the next over the line herself after she pounced on a loose ball and darted forward to split the Carlisle defence.
In a hard fought period of play lead up to the closing minutes of the game all the Tynedale girls played well. Good work by Annie Laffan and the other young forwards growing in confidence with each game they kept Carlisle at bay .The hard work of Megan Robinson who entertained the crowd with several barnstorming runs, was rewarded at the end of the game as her power took her through a ruck of players and over the line.
Tynedale Panthers 36 v Westoe 0
The Westoe side combined with Carlisle players to produce a useful outfit, which tested the Panthers throughout this game. They were a physically big side and showed that they were willing to spread the ball across the field and use their speedy wingers. The first half was a tense affair with the Tynedale pack being penalised on several occasions. This put the Panthers under pressure in their own half, but as always in this season, the well-organised team ethic and determination enabled the Panthers to survive. A debut try for another young player the increasingly confident Catherine Dixon was well received by the crowd.
Sarah Graham, who was having another powerful game was the next scorer and she converted her own try. All the Panthers continued to resist varied attacks throughout the remainder of the first half. The, Tynedale scrum was obviously very difficult to deal with, and a little over enthusiasm led to several more penalties been awarded for over pushing. However, the forwards, settled down and started to move the ball around and show what they could do. Tynedale gradually moved up the field and a nicely placed pass allowed Heather Hardy to power over the line for an unconverted try.
Juliet Short, who was having another excellent game, was on the end of a slick move, which was carried on by Rosie Dickinson and Sarah Graham, and scored the next Tynedale try. Some dynamic tackling in the centre of the field by all the Tynedale forwards and backs resisted powerful surges forward by the Westoe side. Tynedale moved back up the field and inch by inch manoeuvred themselves into a position from where Ruth Todd was able to cross the line for the next try. This obviously made her younger sister determined to get in on the act as acting number eight, Heather Hardy and the two flankers operated a perfect close range raid for Naomi to storm over the line for the final try and Heather Hardy to convert to complete the game.
Tynedale 12 Percy Park 10
Sometimes games are won by open flowing rugby and big scores but, to the true rugby enthusiast a hard fought encounter with a dramatic conclusion is the most satisfying win of all. In the latest tripartite tournament Tynedale faced Percy Park and Darlington Mowden Park at Percy Park.
The first game, with Tynedale facing a Park side strengthened by girls from Houghall College, was to be a bruising encounter as several Tynedale girls learned. The opening minutes featured a textbook tackle by full back Juliet Short as a pacy Percy Park player broke down the wing. The early moments being mostly dominated by Park pressure the Tynedale centres Rebekah Holiday and Ruth Todd had to stand their ground as the bigger Park side ground forward.
Stand in scrum half Grace Towler bravely put her self on the line as the half wore on and the young Tynedale forwards Heather Hardy and Anna Ferguson came through the test with flying colours. The forwards led by Charlotte Telfer were having to defend all over the field and this led to some torrid times for Tynedale at the ruck.
Then at the end of the half came a truly cracking try as Telfer sprinted into a gap and went over with the ever-reliable boot of Sarah Graham gaining the conversion. The turn round produced a change in the game as Park scored two tries in quick succession but failed to convert either.
Winger Janie Eccles had to work overtime as the Park side pressed on and slowly but surely the Panthers clawed their way back into it as the lineout throwing of Sarah Hogg and good jumping by Naomi Todd gained some valuable possession. The work of experienced forwards Lottie Gilhespy and Rosie Dickenson was needed as Tynedale repeatedly hurled themselves forward. Then right at the conclusion a moment of magic for the Tynedale following as a quick tap by Sarah Graham and a well-judged pass gave skipper Telfer a try and the games final result.
In the second game a equally combatitive Darlington side gave Tynedale another stiff test with Tynedale ringing the changes due to injury and fatigue young players Annie Leffan and Catherine Dixon had to step up and be counted, with Megan Robinson courageously battling her way through the opposition against the DMP forwards.
The game was not as close as the first contest but the Darlington side threw everything they had at Tynedale. A Sarah Graham try at the end of the first half opened the Tynedale account. The sides continued in the same vein throughout the contest till Telfer once again found a gap to score her third try of the tournament .Her change from prop to number eight seems to have been a stroke of genius.
The under fourteens played two games between the under 17 clashes and once again showed their potential with some barrelling runs by Erin Irving and great ball handling by Nicole and Georgina Lamb. This allowed flying winger Hattie Steel and long striding Jo Chompse With Rachel Robson to score seven tries in their first game against DMP and to gain another conclusive win in their second encounter.
Tynedale Panthers 92 Cockermouth Wasps 0
Percy Park Rugby Club was the setting for an enthralling match that was a great advert for girl's rugby.
The opening stages began with a hungry Tynedale side bearing on the Cockermouth back row, in fairness to the Cockermouth side; they did not shirk the task of their defensive duties and coped well with the early pressure.
However class told in a sweeping move from wing to another, then followed by a clever inside pass left Rebecca Holiday to step elegantly past an oncoming Cockermouth forward and have the chance to score her and the panthers first try of the season, which was converted by Sarah Graham
Tynedale gained momentum from this early and confidence booster, it was to be rewarded with a second try. This came about after superb rucking from panther forwards to regain possession, Grace Towler made a foray into the last third of the pitch to off-load superbly to the speedy Harriet Chapman who scored in clinical fashion. Graham once again hit the extras.
By now Tynedale were really in their stride with a great run by lightning fast Juliet Short, it was a devastating run that took out several of the Cockermouth team. Great running lines and quick hands resulted in a seemingly certain try in the corner, only for a terrific tackle by Cockermouth's winger. The tackle was symbolic of Cockermouth's devotion to the cause work ethic; their attitude to the situation should be adopted by any budding sporting participant.
Player of the match Ruth Todd showed she more than worthy of that title when she added to the scoring with great bravery. With players swarming around her, the ball came out and she lunged for the line, the conversion predictably followed.
The panthers then had to absorb a considerable amount of pressure from the Cockermouth back row. As a former player used to say it was definitely becoming a bloodbath. The dependable Tynedale forwards Sarah Hogg, Megan Robinson, Heather Hardy, Anna Ferguson Charlotte Gilhespy and Rosie Dickinson weren't missing any tackles and were giving everything for the cause. Naomi Todd made an impressive debut and didn't even let an injury deter her from having a fine game.
In a game that had everything it was now time for an individual moment of brilliance. Sarah Graham picked the ball out of the air, turned out the way of an oncoming forward and ran from her own half to score under the sticks, beating for four players along the way for a great try, polished off by kicking another conversion.
Straight of the back of that, there was a great team try, with graham passing to the talented Janie Eccles who glided past two and then off-loaded to the skilful Todd who showed great hands to pass to graham for an easy try that was well worked as a team. The extras were kicked over as well.
The Cockermouth backs were getting more and more into the game by the minute, their height advantage was a telling factor in some instances and they were producing some flowing rugby but weren't just weren't able to produce that final pass that would give them a much deserved score.
After a sustained period of possession, the panthers regained the ball with an inspirational charge by Charlotte Telfer who rampaged down the field brilliantly. The charge had made inroads into Cockermouth territory and had mounted a charge from the Panthers powerful pack, which lead to another great team try, which was converted.
There were two more tries before the break; the first of the two was a brilliantly timed run by Rosie Dickinson who accelerated past two to score for the line. Kicking duties this time fell to Heather Hardy who duly obliged with a wonderful kick in between the posts.
The last try of the first half was by Grace Towler who sped up the wing and was uncatchable after great hand from the backs spraying the ball across the line and another good run from Telfer.
After the break the Cockermouth side were still in high spirits and still very much up for the contest. They fought hard for everything and gave a truly valiant performance.
Tynedale used their pace in the backs to great effect when Eccles stepped excellently off the wing to go inside and exploit a gap that seemingly wasn't there for the first try of the half that was converted.
Another try followed from kick-off great hands and change of direction lead to a great pick up by Chapman to score under the posts.
Despite great resistance by the wasps, they could nothing about the next try with great support play by Todd to go over the line for her second try of the match.
The game's final try was scored by the powerful Juliet short who darted past three which left her one on one with her opposing number, of which there was only going to be one winner. The extra points were kicked to end the game on a high.
It was a game played a really competitive yet sporting way and was refreshing to watch how such enjoyment and emotion can be triggered off by sport.
Tynedale U14 versus Cockermouth Wasps U14
The half time break was enlivened by an under 14 seven a side contest between a combined wasps and Percy park side and Tynedale. The younger players were not at all inhibited by the senior display and ran riot against a spirited side which simply could not hold the speedy Tynedale outfit Twins Georgie and Nicole Lamb seemed eager to emulate their older sister Megan who starred for Tynedale last season and the powerful Erin Irving was in superb form, Hattie Steele repeatedly used her pace and agility to bemuse the wasps whilst Amanda Gray seemed to determined to find the biggest opposition player to scythe down at every opportunity . Jo Chompse looked to be a prospect for the future and Rachel Robson showed skill and determination as 14 tries were scored at a bewildering rate against a single score to wasps from Erin Irving who was drafted in to shore up the flagging Wasps It must be said that Cockermouth worked their socks off and full credit should be given to this young side who never dropped their heads..