A windy Sunday morning greeted us at Silver Royd, with a number of influential players unavailable. Nevertheless, we had an eager squad of 18 ready to take to the field following six brilliant weeks of pre-season.

The coaches have challenged the players to be much harder to beat this year as they begin their journey towards senior rugby. Playing into the wind and shipping a try inside the first three minutes arguably wasn’t the best start to that challenge. However, the score didn’t come through the middle, and Scarborough followed it with a great touchline conversion to make it 7–0.

The young men’s response, however, was incredible. The basics we’ve worked on throughout pre-season really put Scarborough under pressure. Quick ball from George caught them offside, and Josh put a perfect kick into the corner from the resulting penalty. Jayden then grabbed the loose lineout ball and dived over from five metres. The conversion was missed, making it 7–5 after eight minutes.

We continued to grow into the game, with everyone playing their part. Elliot, Bobby, Archie and Dexter punched holes in the Scarborough defence before Freddie took charge and bullocked over from three metres. Josh added the extras to make it 7–12.

Following a mistimed tackle and the resulting lineout, quick hands from Arran and Seth put Will through a gap, only for him to be dragged down a few metres short. Up popped Freddie again to take the short ball and crash over the line for his second try. Josh was on the money again with the conversion: 7–19.

Scarborough rang the changes, and their fresh legs started to add pressure. Again, though, we didn’t wilt. Harrison led the defence, tackle after tackle, while some excellent one-on-one tackles from our wingers Riley and Alex kept Scarborough at bay. Alex picked up a strain but produced a perfect passive front-on tackle to repel the attack.

Eventually, a high tackle and a kick to the corner resulted in a lineout move and a midfield overload. Scarborough scored, although they missed the conversion, bringing the score to 12–19.

Half-time: Scarborough Colts 12–19 Malton & Norton Colts

Not a bad first half into that strong wind!

A quick swap of personnel saw Bobby, Dexter and Alex make way for Zen, Ben and Ethan, all ready to make an impact. However, it was Scarborough who dominated the next 25 minutes, and we struggled to keep hold of the ball as our skills came under increasing pressure.

Scarborough scored and converted to tie the game ten minutes into the second half. Eight minutes later, they went in front, scoring out wide on the right following good counter-play from their 10 and 12.

Now in front, the whooping and hollering from the players and a crowded dugout was swiftly and rightly dealt with by the referee. Cheering or jeering knock-ons is quite frankly, laughable. Especially towards a 16 or 17 year old.

Those actions galvanised our attitude. The reintroduction of Jayden following a brief rest resulted in two turnover scrums, and momentum soon began to swing back our way.

A long kick from Josh set us up in the corner. Following the resulting lineout came a flurry of penalties, one of which Freddie forgot to take! Thankfully, he was able to take it again and dive over for his hat-trick. Josh added the extras with just four minutes remaining, moving us two points ahead.

With victory within reach, captain Isaac called for calm heads — and that was exactly what he got. A perfect response from a team who looked every inch a team today.

A clean catch, a few punches through the middle and then the ball spun wide when the Scarborough defensive line shortened. This took us within five metres of the line, but a loose knock-on while trying to place the ball gave Scarborough one final chance.

The tight five had other ideas.

A quick push and hook against the head saw the ball fired out, with Archie grabbing it and diving over from three metres to seal the win. Josh again sent the conversion through the posts to finish the day at an impressive 80% with the boot.

Final score: Scarborough Colts 24–33 Malton & Norton Colts

A well-earned victory from a squad looking determined to make this a successful year.

Freddie deservedly took Player of the Match after his hat-trick, but a special mention must go to Harrison, who tackled his heart out against his former team. The graft certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

Next week, the Colts are scheduled to play Pocklington at home. It would be fantastic to see plenty of support down at the club!