Bishop Auckland U13s 7 – 4 Ryton U13s (tries)

What a difference a year makes!

Twelve months ago, Ryton proved a very difficult opponent for our U13’s. Today, in the Waterfall Cup at home, Bishop Auckland showed just how far this group has developed, producing an excellent team performance to claim a deserved seven-tries-to-four victory.

It was a fiercely competitive contest, with both sides bringing plenty of physicality, determination and attacking intent.

What was particularly pleasing from a Bishop perspective was the structure and discipline in our attacking play. Rather than immediately looking to move the ball wide, the boys worked hard through the middle, competed for possession and earned the right to create space for our outside players.

That approach brought real rewards.

Across the park, the boys were combative, competitive and prepared to do the hard work for one another. There was a clear understanding of what we were trying to achieve, and the team showed increasing confidence in putting those ideas into practice.

Our seven tries were shared among six players, demonstrating the attacking threat developing throughout the side:

- Leon – 2 tries
- Cameron – 1 try
- Sam – 1 try
- Eli – 1 try
- Elijah – 1 try
- Morgan – 1 try

Ryton responded with four tries of their own and continued to challenge us throughout, making this a proper contest and an excellent test of the boys’ progress.

There are still things to improve. We need to be quicker getting back into position rather than walking, particularly when transitioning between phases. We also need to keep developing our decision-making in possession, recognising when a teammate is in a better position and moving the ball at the right time.

Those are important learning points, but they shouldn’t take anything away from the progress on display.

After the match, coach Graeme Colman described it as the best he’d ever seen this group play. That reflects not simply the result, but the improvements in structure, effort, teamwork and attitude.

Most importantly, this was a performance the boys earned together. They stood up to a side that had comfortably beaten them last season, competed from start to finish and showed what can happen when they trust their teammates and play to their strengths.

Match awards

Back of the Match – Sam

Forward of the Match – Cameron

Player of the Match – Morgan, selected by last week’s winner, Harley.

Congratulations to all three, and well done to every player who contributed.

A big thank you to Ryton for a hard-fought Waterfall Cup fixture, to their coaches and supporters, and to all the Bishop Auckland parents who continue to back the boys every week.

Finally, we hope Jacob is okay and wish him well.

A fantastic result, but even more importantly, a fantastic example of how far this team is progressing.

Well done, boys. Plenty to build on!