Holder’s treble leads Colts home

Sunderland Colts got back to winning ways with a superb 50-17 victory over an under-strength Darlington Colts.

Colts started the game well with some excellent tackles, one of which prevented Sunderland opening the scoring when James Usher was stripped of the ball when over the line.

The game remained scoreless for the first quarter, but then a good steal by Fletcher Jackson saw him release Matthew Sanderson, who accelerated and scored under the posts, converted by Michael Holder.

Minutes later, an excellent burst from Holder saw him score and convert himself for 14-0 lead.

A weaving run from Jackson added another converted by Holder, quickly followed by a Brad Lindsay try for a 26-0 halftime lead.

Darlington came out firing for the second half and some crisp passing saw Shoomi Katerere go on a superb run, evading a number of tackles, but a last ditch tackle from Dean Edmundson stopped the attack in its tracks.

The visitors quickly recycled the ball well to get on the scoresheet with a brilliant conversion out wide 28-7.

The try seemed to kick Sunderland into action and straight away they added another score through Sanderson, converted by Ben Hutchinson.

Darlington showed great spirit to add another try, again converted.

Sunderland were straight back on the attack and a smart pass from Edmundson released Louie Groark, who took off to score a lovely try, converted by Hutchinson.

The visitors kept plugging away and a great kick into the corner from a penalty saw them move the ball across the field from the line out for Will Ibbotson to score.

Two late tries for Holder took the score out to 50-17 and completed his hat-trick.

Sunderland Under-9s came out on top against neighbours Westoe.

Leading the way in the victory were Daniel Cassap and Kian Dunn, Esther Redell, Evan Gatland and Luke Ashton.