W 22 - 14

Smyth bags brace as Scarborough go top!

Hooker Stuart Smyth ran in two tries as Scarborough beat Moortown 22-14 at Silver Royd.

It was the home-side who started the brighter of the two teams and managed to see more of the possession. After dangerous phases, Hooker Stuart Smyth crashed over to give Scarborough the lead, Ratcliffe converting to leave it at 7-0. The Silver Royd outfit continued their dominance. On the 14^th minute, they added another converted try. Jordi Wakeham quickly taking the penalty and superbly flicking the ball behind his back to Smyth who scored his second try of the game. The gap between the teams increasing to 14-0. 17 minutes in and Simon Smith’s side scored their third try of the game. Having won a penalty, Wakeham once again broke quickly and off-loaded to full-back Henry Hocking who scored, Ratcliffe failing to convert, 19-0.

The visitors finished the first-half having had a longer spell of possession but failed to score after some superb defending. Handling errors from both sides slowing the game down. Number Eight Chris Purdy was the first player to be given a yellow card. Despite being down to 14 men, the game shifted massively. It was end-to-end with both teams running the full length of the pitch before losing the ball. Jonty Holloway, Aaron Wilson and Angus Frend the main contributors in both defence and attack. An entertaining first-half then came to an end at 19-0.

The West-Yorkshire based outfit started the second-half stronger and managed to sneak over after Connor MB broke clear from the tackles. Daryl Gaunt adding the extras, 19-7. In the 63^rd minute Billy Parker, who played flanker in place of Euan Govier, was sent to the sin bin for an infringement. The visitors made use of the man advantage by crossing in the corner for a converted try. This reducing the arrears to 19-14. With the seasiders under pressure, Fly-half Tom Ratcliffe managed to put a stop to the fightback after kicking a penalty which was straight in-front of the posts. This leaving the score at 22-14. Scarborough managing to see the game out and pick up more valuable points.

The victory over Moortown leaves Scarborough top of North one East. Next up is a trip North to West Hartlepool. They were beaten 59-15 by Cleckheaton on Saturday!

Teams

Scarborough: 1 nino cutino, 2. stuart smyth, 3. matty jones, 4. luke brown, 5. phil watson, 6. billy parker, 7. chris purdy, 8. drew govier, 9. jordan wakeham, 10. tom ratcliffe, 11. jonty holloway, 12. aaron wilson, 13. angus frend, 14. joe marshall, 15. henry hocking.
Substitutes: 16. joe nellist, 17. will leah, 18. ryan fowler. (all used)

Scarborough News "Man of the Match": stuart smyth

The Ulsterman was instrumental in Scarborough’s performance registering two tries of his own and offering composition when in defence.