Blaydon end tough campaign on a high
UNDER normal circumstances, Blaydon would have been making the trip down to Loughborough with the prospect of relegation looming large.
However, a reshuffle in the league next season means Blaydon were able to escape the drop – and found a fitting way to celebrate!
Yet even though there was little at stake in this contest, this in no way changed the occasion, with both teams playing their hearts out and giving it everything.
A Loughborough kick-off began the day’s match, with their team having a strong defensive set-up and a promising-looking scrum.
However, Blaydon took an early lead with a Jonathan Ashman try in the 11th minute through break-away play.
Both teams then settled into the match, with the score remaining at 5-0 until the 33rd minute when Loughborough levelled through Joshua Lewis to make it 5-5 at the break.
Loughborough took the lead in the 43rd minute when space opened up on the wing for Nicholas Jennings to cross the line.
A failed conversion kept the score to 10-5 with the scrums and lineouts being vital for both teams, enabling them to advance down the field.
In the 55th minute Blaydon nudged ahead with a try from James Cooney, successfully converted by John Clarkson.
Their lead was extended 19-10 in the 70th minute through Liam Wright, with their scrum half successfully converting again to reward his team with the extra two.
Loughborough, not ones to give up easily, fought back hard with Will Sanders dotting down in between the posts in the 77th minute and Thomas Smith successfully converted the try to take the score to 1719. Game on!
A penalty kick by Loughborough’s Smith gave them the lead.
However, the visitors had the final say with a successful penalty from Clarkson to complete the scoring after what had been a tough battle for both teams.
Reflecting on the game and the season, Loughborough head coach Scott Sneddon said: “It was a frustrating afternoon, with far too many unforced errors from us which stopped us from gaining momentum in the game.
“We can’t fault the effort, but have to realise that we have to be a bit more accurate. We now have a long time to reflect upon the game and season and need to learn from it to come back stronger next year.”
Loughborough director of Rugby Rhys Edwards added that it was “Great to finish after Covid!
“We’re frustrated not to get this win. However, we lost games this season by one point, showing how competitive we are. And it’s good to see so many young players getting a start at senior rugby, and we look forward to a good season next season.”