HERO GAVIN GRABS 22 POINTS IN TEAM’S DOGGED DISPLAY

under-pressure Morpeth defence were forced into a hasty kick which full-back Fletcher caught and returned with interest. After several phases of play the ball was worked out right for Chappell to send his centre partner over in the corner.

The first 10 minutes of the second half started like the first with the visitors’ pack dominating possession, but the resolute YM defence restricted them to a Hornby penalty.

Almost immediately Stead replied for the YM with two long-range penalties. On 60 minutes and with Morpeth threatening the home line, the rushing YM defence forced a dropped ball in midfield which Chappell hacked on into the visitors’ half.

With the Morpeth defence unable to scramble back, the ball was worked out left for supporting wing forward Harry Garside to run in from 20 meters out and with Stead adding the extras it gave the YM a 27-3 lead.

Stead further increased the YM lead with another penalty, but on 75 minutes the hard-working Morpeth forwards got their reward when, after they completely demolished a YM scrum, Elliot touched down and Hornby added the extras.

With time almost up the home team put the icing on the cake as wing Tetley touched down in the corner. A penalty took play deep into the Morpeth half. From the lineout the forwards took the ball on and when the backs were released, Chappell created space for his wing partner to touch down in the corner, with Stead adding the extras.