NORTHALLERTON RUFC firsts travelled away to Wheatley Hills for their penultimate game of the season on Saturday, but could only return with a losing bonus point defeat of 20-16.

North had six changes from when the team had been announced on the Tuesday due to last minute drop-outs and a Covid outbreak. The shortfall meant a call up for Doug Mulholland, who came into the second row for his experience. Also promoted was the promising young prop Connor Richmond.

Due to the shortfalls experienced prop Paul Dixon was forced to play the full 80 minutes.

North's first half points came from a try from Tom Peacock and a penalty from Oliver Watkins. This however wasn’t enough at the break as Hills had the lead 10-8.

North kept the game close in the second half with a try from Iain Swall and another penalty from Watkins. Again Hills just edged the second half scoring another ten points for the victory. North's man of the match was Tom Graham.

The first team have no fixture next week but have their final game of the season on April 23 away at North Ribblesdale, with a bus available for players and spectators.

North's seconds were short of players and decided cancel their fixture away at Middlesbrough. They are due to play Richmond away this week with a 3pm kick off.

Northallerton Ladies put in a very impressive display against Hornsea Ladies at Brompton Lodge and ran out 48-12 winners on Sunday.

North's tries came from Emily McCormack, Natalie Gardiner and six from Ali O’Brien, who added four conversions for her player of the match award. Special mention should also be given to Jamie Chapman and Natalie Gardiner who also had very good games.

This was the ladies' last game of a season which has seen them go from strength to strength. They started the season with only 11 players but ended with more than 25 for training on a Wednesday night and more than 20 for match days. Next season the ladies hope to increase their numbers even more as they may be joining a league structure to enable more fixtures.