Another Saturday, another close game for Upper Eden as they travelled to West Hartlepool for Regional 2 North action.
It was the first time they had met and the pitch was very wet and heavy which proved a test for both teams before the hosts emerged 12-6 winners.
The early exchanges were fairly even with both teams testing each other out in and around the middle of the field.
The hosts put several phases of play together but good work at the breakdown from Fin Rose and Josh Winder nullified the attacks.
When Ollie Rose took a ball deep in the Eden half and took the mark, from a good quick clearance he cleared the ball into Wests half. Sam Birkbeck was quick to the breakdown supported by Tom Mooney and Eden were awarded a penalty which was duly converted by Oliver Bennet to take the lead.
From the re-start West put several phases of play together and put pressure on Eden’s defence with Will Birkbeck effective at the breakdown earning some good turnover ball.
A quick tap penalty from Ollie Rose launched an attack up to the home teams 22 metre line from which they earned a further penalty and Bennett converted.
West had several forays into the Eden half, but the visitors defence was solid thwarting the attacks but Eden’s Sam Edgar was given a yellow card following a series of consecutive penalties conceded by the visitors. However, at half-time the visitors still led 6-0.
West started the second half which much enthusiasm putting the Eden defence under pressure and Issac Dent, Winder and Fin Rose had to work tirelessly at the breakdown.
Eventually the home team moved the ball wide to capitalise on the extra man, scoring a well worked converted try to take the lead.
The hosts were now playing with some confidence, but the Pennine Park men were determined to keep them at bay with solid defence from Will Birkbeck and Winder. Then Rob Dent was given a yellow card which was quickly followed by a red card to Mark Tyson for a high tackle on the opposition full back.
Eden were under significant pressure down to 13 players and West took advantage of the situation
This was a game played between two evenly matched teams. Eden had a firm footing in the game but their ill-discipline cost them dearly in a game that was there for the taking.
Man of the Match was Fin Rose.
A youthful Upper Eden Boars travelled with 12 players and West Stags lent them three players to even-up the numbers.
The home team proved too strong for the Boars on a heavy wet pitch and won 31-7. Try scorer for the Boars was George Edgar who was awarded Man of the match.
