NORTHALLERTON first team's poor run of form continued with a disappointing 17-19 defeat at home to Wheatley Hills.

The game started off in mild, bright conditions but finished in the dark, howling wind and driving rain.

North pressed Hills back straight from kick off and kept the pressure on for five minutes before they were rewarded with a try for Kris Morrison. The conversion from Jedd Bainbridge fell just short.

Hills came straight back at North and were level within 90 seconds with an unconverted try in the corner, which slightly took the wind out of North's sails.

On the half hour mark, Graham Currigan eventually broke through two covering defenders to dive over the try line and touch down before going into touch. Again the conversion from Bainbridge was just short.

Five minutes later, Phil Swall managed to carry two defending Hills players with him as he barged over the try line under the posts. Bainbridge added the conversion to give North a healthy looking 17-5 lead at half time.

The second half started in heavy rain as the weather began to take a turn for the worse. The visitors adapted better to the conditions and took control for long periods of the second half.

Hills were rewarded for their endeavours with a converted try after five minutes of the restart and another 20 minutes after that. In between the two tries Hills controlled the game and looked likely to score on numerous occasions as North made far too many handling mistakes.

North seemed to wake up ten minutes from time when they were trailing by two points and force Hills backwards.

Hills to their credit, put their bodies on the line, and defended stoically to keep North out.

Two minutes from time North were given a glimmer of hope when the Hills flanker was yellow carded for a professional foul. North however were unable to take advantage of the one man superiority as Hills held out for the win.

North's man of the match was awarded to Phil Swall who is slowly returning to full fitness and form.

North firsts have their final game of of 2021 at home to Baildon with a 2.15pm kick off this week.

Northallerton seconds' cup game at home to Knaresborough had to be cancelled, and instead North travelled away to play Acklam and came away with a splendid 67-19 victory. North's points came from Mark Popejoy (2), Ben Volavola (2), Peceli Yato, Rupeni Caucaunibuca (2), Dave Baker, Jack Cornforth, Adam Crichton and Doug Mulholland. Volavola added five conversions and one for Crichton.

Next week, Northallerton seconds are scheduled to play Middlesbrough thirds away.

On Saturday, Mulholland is organising a superstars select 17 for a home charity game against Bumble Bee Barbarians.

The Bumbles are unique in England as being the first team playing mixed ability contact Rugby Union.

Founded in 2009 and established at the home of Bradford and Bingley Rugby Club, the Bees are a stand alone club, having more than 40 registered players with and without disabilities and play regular fixtures against able-bodied teams.

Kick off will be at approximately 12pm.