Depleted Sunderland defeated by Durham
UNDER-15S SUFFER NARROW 24-17 LOSS IN APPALLING CONDITIONS
Sunderland Under-15s and Durham slugged it out in appalling conditions, but it was the home side who claimed a hard-fought 2417 victory.
A depleted Sunderland squad, who were missing nine regulars, had to reshuffle their team, but started positively.
Sunderland established an early 12-10 lead - showing huge determination - with attacking play spearheaded by flanker Jai Swalwell.
Vincent Hessel crashed over from five metres and converted his try to establish the narrow lead against a powerful Durham side.
In the second half, Chris Rochelle was unlucky not to score after his mazy blindside run was stopped just short by City’s full-back metres from the line.
Great defensive play by Thomas Hales and Jose Saurith kept City at bay, until they extended their lead with a pick and go from a metre out.
Adam Williams kept Sunderland in the game with a trademark drive, but a crossfield kick from City saw their winger grab the decisive try.
Sunderland RFC Under10s came out unbeaten in three matches over the last week.
First up was Westoe, who stormed ahead into a 5-3 lead.
Sunderland raised their game thanks to star man Malachi Lowrie and eventually came out 16-7 winners.
In the second match against a good Bishop Auckland side, it was a very tight affair which ended up in a 6-6 draw.
The final game against Darlington Mowden Park saw Sunderland run out 11-6 victors, thanks to a storming display from Rebecca Davis.
Sunderland Under-14s entertained Hartlepool Old Boys at Ashbrooke and ran away winners 47-17, with Kyle Tyrens scoring a hattrick, including one length of the pitch straight from a kick off.
Charlie Harris also produced a sterling performance around the whole pitch.
Due to low numbers, they ended up with four Sunderland lads playing for Hartlepool and both Patrick Tobin and Jack Duffy scored two of their three tries.
Reuben Scott also got over the try line for his first try of the season.