QE B Football VS Tyne Met

Sorry for the late match report lads, I was taking full advantage of my orange Wednesdays 241 by seeing the late viewing of Bad Grandpa, a decent watch for anyone who wants to see it, anyway.

The weather over the days before our scheduled Wednesday afternoon fixture made the likeliness of the game to go ahead a little in doubt, but with the great work of the groundsman and a little help from the sunshine got the game on, even though the pitch wasn't perfect it was still a job well done following the torrential downpour of the annual monsoons that take place up north.

Our official for today's game was again Connor Smith and when they finally arrived we got the game under way!

After last week getting beaten when we didn't deserve too, I think the lads wanted to win even more and that was shown in our opening inter changes, great play and strong tackles, we were getting the ball down well and looking to create some openings,  the ball was very much in their half more of the time, with me and Nathan playing centre mid we were trying to use Kane's pace and Christians technical ability to try and create chances for Lewis and Fenny, Lewis was doing a brilliant job dropping off and getting involved, they tried to threaten but our new look defence of Hamish, Ross, Jake and Ian looked ever so strong and they couldn't really close us down even though their striker looked like he could bench both Ross and Jake. Our first goal was a gift really if i'm honest, but not to take anything away from Fenny his gambling and persistence paid off as the keeper came extremely far our to clear the ball and missed and Fenny ran on to slot in to an empty net, 1-0.

The rest of the half went on and we continued to push Kane having an effort go just wide, and also their defender nearly putting a cross in to the top corner, we threatened from corners, more or less everyone winning personal battles. We went in to the break 1-0 up with a brilliant first half performance from the lads.

Dave then congratulated us on our first half performance and then got us back out there, we then became a little sloppy as they pushed for an equaliser, and both teams seemed to have shared possesion of the ball, but our defence stayed strong and Ben in goal was commanding his box very well, and pulled out some vital saves that kept us in front.

The changing point came when Fenny went through and went to take it round the keeper and the keeper clattered him, as the last man, in the rule book he had to go, and Connor brandished the red card, Tyne Met were down to 10 men.

On came probably their smallest player on the pitch, and my resulting free kick from that foul was something we won't go in to, very very poor.

They seemed to be more fired up after a man got sent off and they pushed and we didn't take advantage of the extra man. Dave made some subs and on came, Doug, Joe and Davo, and they instantly got in to the game playing well, good interchanges and looked lively, Doug battling well in the centre, and excellent performance from the Gazelle.  We could have been 3-0 up as Bourney, Lewis and Joe all squandered brilliant chances to increase our gap in front but none were converted.

Our second goal came when some great strength from Davo as he laid it back and I heard a huge call of "Man on!" and a lad came clattering me from the side and gave away a free kick just on the edge of the box.

Now, I stepped up again, and after my first free kick I felt a bit nervous and the fact that the wall seemed to be stood on the touchline and the keeper on his opposite post it made such a gap I couldn't really miss, now I was nervous! So I steadied my self, stepped up and whipped it in to the top corner, it was a great finish if I do say so myself, and it was just when we needed it, a boost, there's my 3rd goal of the season or 2nd if people want to be all serious and not count my one against Gateshead.

They managed to get one back resulting from a free kick but it was a foul on Ben as he went to punch away and got barged in to goal and he some how get it in the back of the net.

But then we pushed for a 3rd and when Doug chased a ball down the keeper some how missed it and Doug chased it down well and put a fast ball across the box and at the back post Davo smashed it in to the top of the net, 3-1 and with 2 minutes left to play, we were comfortable.

Connor brought the game to a close, our first win in new colours and as a new formed B team, great performance from the lads carrying on the great team spirit and play from last week.

Man of the match has to be Chrisitan he was working none stop, he was putting in tackles in, using his strength, pulling out tricks, confident on the ball making runs, a quality performance.

Great performance from all the first years in fact, Hamish and Ian played very well as per, getting stuck in and very much involved in attacking play, trying to create things.

Fenny and Lewis working well upfront to create things putting them selves about.

And when Joe, Doug, Davo and Fully came on they worked incredibly hard to keep our lead intact.

Fully I think was this weeks yellow card winner, as his rather late challenge earned himself a booking.

Squad :

B.Edkins
H.Cambell

J.McAleer 

R. Mcguigan

I.Atherton 

K.Bourne (C)
A. Brown

N.Hurley

C. Aither (MOM)
L.Malcom

J.Fenny

Subs:

D.Birks

A.Davidson
J.Fullerton
Joe

QE C Team v Middlesbrough College

And we just keep marching ON ON ON! Cringey way to start the report, but don't think I was the only one buzzing after the win, or maybe I was! On the way there the bus seemed a bit quiet, maybes missing the so bad it's good banter that Owen provides, the journey mainly consisted of Ab buzzing about nights out, in particular the event at The Northern Echo Arena, not sure on the definite event name as it was changed for legal reasons, nevertheless the driver managed to get us there safely and soundly. Arrived at the fairly smart sports complex and were directed to our changing room, Gary named the starting 11 with Ben coming in for Tunner and Sam for the ill Callum Roe. After a solid 2 minute warm up the referee called for the game to begin and we were underway. We didn't exactly come firing out the blocks, yet they posed no real threat with Marvin Emnes up top looking like the only threat they had. Abel and Wayne were once again winning everything in the middle, Westy was running himself into the ground as normal and defence were solid. Our width was coming in very useful and we managed to get some joy from both wingers, one occasion Westy pulled the ball back to me and a shot destined for the top corner was kept out expertly by the opposition goalkeeper. Eventually after many chances Hal did excellent to beat a couple of men and get to the byline, before he cut the ball across and Westy was there to tap in, however the keeper saved it and it rebounded of Robs shin and went in, scruffy but didn't matter, 1-0. We went again and we were passing the ball very decently, ball retention was top notch except a couple of final balls letting us down. After having a goal ruled out for offside, I found myself on the end of an exquisite ball through from Sam Burchett to slot into the bottom corner and make it 2-0, we were cruising. Wayne, clearly playing for the camera, tried a rasping 30 yard effort with his weaker foot, which just evaded the bar. We were really asserting ourselves on the game, and playing with great confidence. Ref blew the whistle and in we went to Gary, 2-0 up and comfortable. Pleased with our performance, Gary gave us a few little bits of advice but merely it was just keep going as your going. I was guilty of the old kiss of death by saying we could get 5 or 6 goals, clearly slightly too confident. Middlesbrough made a few changes, and strangely enough it was the blond Augustus Gloop who seemed to be difference in their team second half. Hal soon felt the affect of him with a tackle which forced him to fall on top of poor Hal, painful to say the least. 10 minutes in the second half and we were under the kosh, the wind making it difficult to play. Gary opted to use his versatile captain to adopt a Cheik Tiote role and break up what they had to offer, which was message understood and received on my behalf. Once again we were on the wrong end of a poor refereeing decision to award them a penalty, in all fairness I was stood pretty close to the ref and the angle did look like handball, however Connors subsequent ball mark showed otherwise. It was hard to blame the ref and the penalty was tucked away, 2-1, game on. It was now going to be backs to the wall, and try and catch them on the break. Strangely, they never actually threatened Jake properly once after the goal, which was all good for us. After we recomposed after the goal we started knocking the ball about quite smoothly again, with our midfield 3 working well and communicating all the time. We had chances to kill the game off, I had 25 yard strike,  which was probably the best I have ever struck a ball, which went agonisingly close but went just over. Their keeper had to pick a couple loose shots and Hal had an opportunity to play the ball in, but like every great striker was selfish and went for goal, no harm in that at all by the way, unfortunately went just wide. You may think I'm missing our best chance to wrap it up if you were, but we will get to that. Without any genuine chances for them the game ended 2-1 and we had won again, we showed quality in the first half and resilience in the second to get the win, slightly like Newcastles performance against Cardiff earlier this season. The banter on the way home improved, with everyone appreciating the efforts of Ab, and Ben repeating a shocking video much to Tunners pleasure. 

Man of the Match;

Goughy got it today for another quality performance. For a smoker the lad doesn't half love grafting in the game! His game typically improved once he had stopped being recorded yet I'm sure he'll find evidence he's happy with as he was class all game. To be honest a lot of players could of been given MOTM today, Gary was the one who chose Wayne out and not many could disagree. 

Cock up of the Week; 

As previously mentioned, we had one golden chance to finish the game off. If I remember correctly Wayne ran down to the byeline, crossed the ball in and it bounced about all over, it fell to Dan who from a good ruler length out put the ball over the bar! It happens to the best of us, it seemed to just hit him to be fair, yet there was no escaping getting C.U.O.T.W for it! Luckily we managed to hold out to spare the poor lads blushes, but it wasn't forgotten! 

Obviously no game next week, no scheduled game week we come back so I will let everyone know on what the crack is when we get back. Have a canny week off lads and see you all when we get back, providing I'm not arrested on Sunday at the derby! Well played again lads, let's keep the run going. 

Qe A team v East Durham College (Away)

I would like to start the match report with a quote from right back Sam Read. 'As the old saying goes you haven't been tested till you have played East Durham College away on a cold Wednesday afternoon.' This test was made even more difficult when the team bus didn't turn up which manager Mark Scott blamed on everyone else but himself. The bus eventually turned up and I was in charge of the music. Playing country and western songs from Scotty Mccreery's latest album which the crowd took to warmly except first year raver Nathan Wright.

The pitch was in good condition matching that of Wembley Stadium or Seaham Red Stars ground. However the game didn't start as planned for QE as the home team ran through the non existent midfield three who had parted like the Red Sea, the move was completed by an accomplished finish by the East Durham forward. However it wasn't long before Josh Clark in his words 'calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner with his supposedly weaker right foot.' QE were then behind again when goalkeeper Thompson attempted a James Dowson switch which was cut out by the East Durham attacker. Although 2-1 down QE continued to play the 'tiki taka' style. This was rewarded when striker James Beauchamp, who couldn't hit a barn door last week 'picked the ball up outside the box and shifted it onto his favoured right foot before rifling it into top corner.' Beauchamp got his second of the afternoon volleying into the bottom right hand corner from the edge of the box. The fourth and final goal of the afternoon was assisted by Beauchamp who had a good week on the player performance index, Alex Grocott finished with a well struck left foot volley. 4-2 the final score.

Starting Wednesday match reports will be completed by veteran Harry Spence so expect an increase in banter and detail.

James Marshall (Captain)

QE B Football Vs Macmillan Academy

Sorry for such a late match report boys, we had a bit of a technical difficulty.

The weather wasn't ideal, it was a bitter British afternoon up here in the North East, but the boys were still fired up, we weren't going to let the cold put us off putting our rather "heavy defeat" right, due to the fact those points didn't count due to the fact Gateshead moved up a league was a delight, but still we wanted to put our never ending list of mistakes right, we had something to prove.

So with the wind blowing, rain pouring and the temperature giving me a rather large nipple on, Connor Smith who was today's official got the game under way, the game seemed very tight in the opening minutes, Macmillan had the ball a lot more than I liked and they seemed to be passing it about, they had this clear image in their minds that they were Arsenal or something. But with great hassling from the boys we managed to force mistakes out of them, with a new Central Midfield Partnership of Ross and Nathan they were hassling, and Kane was putting pressure on the first touch a long with Hamish who was getting right in to the action. A few nervous opening minutes as they tried to keep threading the ball through, but Jake's new position at Centre Back seemed a prosperous one, lining up next to Jack who seemed as equally solid. Our two wing backs seemed to be enjoying their piece of the action as Ian and Hamish had a lot of the ball, the game was getting feisty as it always seems to do, and tackles were going in hard, and it was shown that the defeat, can I even use the word defeat? okay, the battering to Gateshead was wanted to be wiped clear from our minds, everyone seemed fired up and willing to get a little bit muddy. But when a shot from one of the Macmillan Academys seemed to skid nicely across the surface Ben could only manage to get his knees in the way and parry it out, and the follow up was netted to break the dead lock. That seemed to put some life in to us and wake us up, with good little interchanges down the flanks from Ian and Mackis and on the other side Hamish and Kane, linking up well with Nathan and Ross and trying to create chances for our new look strike force of Lewis or "curly" as Dave named him and Fenny, there were many chances and we got a few corners, none which we really profited from. Our best chance of the half was when a nice ball from Kane found fenny on the side of the box and his cross managed to find Lewis but wheeling backwards he was only able to send his header just wide of the post, agonisingly close! so we came in at half time, not deserving to be a goal down, they hadn't exactly passed us off the park, we were the better team. Dave gave us his words of wisdom and the lads got back out, this time with the aim to carry on their good end to the first period. Now, nothing seem to come and the start of the second half was rather slow and nothing was created as much, so Dave introduced two new faces, Myself and our newest signing Jake Timothy who signed on a free transfer just this week. I was in CM and Jake CB, we started to pass the ball around nicely with Doug now coming on me and him tried to create things by using our wide men of Kane and Mackis and they were creating clever runs that nearly created goals but resulted in corners. Then, as I got the ball flicked it over this lads head, he thought it would be a good idea to boot me, so in my anger I booted a random guy, bit harsh, but we were both shown a yellow, stupid decision, but there you go. The game from then was fired up and both teams pushed to get goals, our goal came from a corner, that wasn't our corner, a good ball in from Mackis and Timmo some how managed to fumble over the line, and his celebration was something else, screaming and jumping for joy as he tried to rip his new beautiful purple top off and slid on his belly in the mud, Ey, Timmo, love that son. But then we tried to push for a winner, I tried a long shot that wasn't brilliant, and we had some more chances that didn't trouble the keeper. Then when they managed to some how wriggle a ball through their striker who looked a cross of a British Bull-Dog and Thomas Rosicky slotted under Ben, then another poor ball was snapped up by them and a low cross found their striker who made it 3-1, we pushed for some kind of goal but nothing game, and in the end the best team lost, they had 3 chances, and scored them all, typical, but not a bad performance, did not deserve a loss.

Man of the Match : It has to go to Hamish, he played very well, getting stuck in, surging forward, passing when needed to.

Squad: Squad :

B.Edkins
H.Cambell

J.McAleer 

J.Fullerton

I.Atherton (MOM)

K.Bourne (C)
R.Mcguigan

N.Hurley

M.Vakhos
L.Malcom

J.Fenny

Subs:

K.Kirtley

A.Brown

R.Elliot

D.Birks

C.Aither
J.Timothy
A.Davidson 

QE Rugby Report - QE vs Yarm A

A hard game for us today, in very wet conditions and against a well drilled side.
From the kickoff the difficulty of the game was evident, showing that there is a big step between Yarm B and Yarm A. But it was a challenge we stepped up to.

For the majority of the first half no points were scored, both sides fought fiercely for possession. The Yarm offensive was a constant bombardment but we held them back with a strong defense, until a chip over the line brought about the first of Yarm's tries which was converted.

Yarm 7 - QE 0

At the kick off, the battle for possession resumed with both sides turning over the ball effectively in the slippery conditions. We then started to gain ground rapidly which led to big breaks in Yarm's defense by Ollie Pearse and John Payne narrowly missing out on tries. Then despite some brilliant tackling from all of the players Yarm were able to slip through the defense to score another converted try . Yarm were soon dropped to 14 men after a yellow card not long before the end of the half.

Half time Score:  Yarm 14 - QE 0


 The second half started with a bang as we applied pressure onto the Yarm offense pushing them back into their own 22. Kicking soon followed and the game was opened up again for another fast paced QE attack aided by the fresh substitutions. As the conditions took a turn for the worst knock on's became more frequent for both teams, but this didn't stop Sam Lorimer from chasing a kick to Yarm's try line to only just miss out on the try.  The defensive work by both forwards and backs was excellent with continuous tackling form Ollie Pearse, Josh Read, Fergus Chapman, Mark Moss, Olly Cooper and Costner Brown to name a few.

As the game drew to a close Yarm came back with fast offload play, which resulted in injuries for Sam L and Costner. This only inspired us however to push up to Yarm's 5m line, wit big runs from George Heron and Lewis Hogg and power over the try line. This was unfortunately held up.

Finally in the last play of the game Yarm scored again, leaving the final score at:

Yarm 19 - QE 0


It was a tough game in pretty bad conditions today but we pushed through it and showed some real skill out on the pitch.

Dan

QE C team v Hartlepool FE

Weather couldn't of been worse for us today, absolutely freezing and rain smashing down. Before the game Gary gave us the team with a couple changes from our previous game. Callum Roe came in on the left hand side and Gary was rewarded with a goal inside 10 seconds as Callum raced on to a through ball by myself to place it in to the corner. His celebration choice was too run back in Steven Gerrard style at Instanbul as he cleearly wanted to get the game put to bed before his fitness kicked in and he had to be replaced. We held on to the lead for the best part of 2 minutes as our keeper spilled the ball in awful conditions and their lad followed up quickest. Straight away we were straight up the other end and after a ball in from me yet again Hal dived in and scored a cracking header to put us 2-1 up. Then within another 2 or 3 minutes their lad beat a couple of men before be was tackled expertly just inside the area, however the referee made an awful call to give a penalty and award them a cheap equaliser. Yet again within the space of 2-3 minutes, Westy, who was absolutely class yet again, went on a darting run before being brought down unfairly inside the box. The referee pretty much had to give it after the previous call, and it was tooked away with ease into the corner I haven't changed in at least 10 years, 3-2. The game started to get slightly fiesty especially after Hals two footed lunge which whilst it wasn't too bad of a tackle, warranted some words from the opposing player who threatened to 'get him properly', typical Hartlepool Rarf. Throughout the rest of the first half we played well and defended solidly, with me and Hal both squandering a brilliant chance each to put us 4-2 up. At half time we came in and 2 subs were made, Ben and Sam came on for Tunner and Callum. As the second half started they clearly wanted to get a quick equaliser but we defended class again, after a very questionable decision to give a corner, their lad jumped highest to win the header which was destined for the top corner, before Bravey leapt like a salmon to make a fantastic goal line clearance. As they started to commit more we were able to catch them on the counter attack, after a scrappy little build up I was able to compose myself on the edge to cut in on my left foot and stroke it into the bottom corner, 4-2. As the game was slightly over Gary made some changes, I was replaced with Tom Raper and Wayne was replaced by Owen i think. Would like to point out I got 2 goals and 2 assists, good days work I must say. With the game opening up now and their main centre half starting to wander, we were able to expose the frail defence they had. Hal was on hand to get his second of the game, I never actually saw it so Hal can feel welcome to comment on his second goal, very sorry Hal. The scoring was then complete with Tom grabbing a goal with an excellent finish into the bottom corner and the game was well and truly over. Whistle blew and after a quick handshake due to conditions we rushed back to the changing rooms for warmth. Abel gets a special mention for providing the towel which helped all us pretty boys who have reputations and couldn't go back to college with our hair the way it was. Quality performance today with places to be played for, well done lads, deserved tomorrow's day off. 

Man of the Match; Westy put in an performance which showed why I was worried in the week when rumours of him leaving came about, yet today I will give MOTM to Wayne for winning the ball constantly, retaining the ball well, and being solid in his tackling. 

Cock up of the week;

This week goes to Sam Henderson who after a quality run from the heart of defence gave a Suarez style dive in an attempt to win a penalty. Absolute shocking dive, which was rightly heckled by the opposition players. Worth pointing out I had to think hard for this cause there wasn't any blatant ones so sorry mate you were quite unlucky this week! 

BCS 7's Tournament

This year has been the first time we have entered a QE Rugby team into the BCS competition. After several weeks of extra sevens training and a lot of hard work we were finally ready to put our mark on BCS.

To advance to the national finals at Bath University we would have to clear three stages pool, semi-finals and the final. In pool B we played games against
Gateshead College
Prior Pursglove College
East Durham College

All of which we won confidently, both the Gateshead and East Durham games were especially important to us, after recent coaching transfers and trial game defeats.

Being so far undefeated we then progressed to the semi-finals we played the 2nd place of pool A
Middlesbrough College

After winning this game with relative ease we progressed to the finals against the champions.
Hartlepool Sixth Form College

The final was incredibly intense with dramatic play left right and center. However at the end of the first half we were losing by a few tries, and injuries were becoming increasingly common.
This only spurred us on though as we came back with a quick succession of expansive play and great tries. By near the end of the second half we were drawn with the experienced Hartlepool side.
In these final few minutes this spectacular game could have gone either way, however two lucky tries secured Hartlepool's final victory. May they have good luck in Bath.

Today has been a spectacular day for rugby at QE not only have we dominated on our first attempt of BCS 7's against much more experienced sides, but have also had a great time doing it, showing what teamwork is all about. The rest of the XV squad has performed brilliantly against Yarm B showing that every player in our rugby community puts 110% into our sport.

Keep it up lads!

Dan

QE rugby report - Yarm B VS QE

Game started well with a early try from Mark moss on crash ball over line to score, conversion puts QE 7-0 up

Shortly after Luke Biggins scores from a good centre move, sending it wide to set him up in the corner, conversion missed 12-0.

After a dominant half in the scrums, the balls was set up nicely for Josh read to run in another try for QE blasting through the centre and scoring under the posts, conversion puts QE 19-0 ahead.

With yet more good work from the forwards taking it round the sides of the breakdown, Josh Read ran the ball through, another try for QE getting the conversion - 26- 0.

Good work from George Herron, Gordon Thompson and Sam bell using fast hands to set winger Luke Biggins in for a try with Josh Read converting another - 33 - 0.

With Yarm's Forwards tiring, Gordon Thompson set up Sam Bell with a nice offload, running it over the line, Josh Read getting the conversion - 40-0.

With a lapse of the forwards attention the back row of Yarm ran it round dodging a tackle scoring a try. Yarm getting the conversion setting the score at 40 - 7 to QE.

Finally in the closing minutes George Herron scored with a good 8 pick up running it over the backs to score under the posts. Final Score QE - 45 - 7 Yarm.

Courtesy of Josh Read

QE Rugby vs Carmel 50-7

A great start of the season for us at QE Rugby with a comfortable victory in our first Nat-West Cup match against Darlington rivals Carmel RC College. 

The rivalry between QE and Carmel has always been fierce and today was no exception, with big hits from both sides, as both teams hit the ground running. We turned up at Carmel with high expectations and rearing to go after two well played trail games and brilliant training from the two Johns. 

From the off Carmel took the game to us with some strong forwards play, however our forwards were up to the challenge and responded well, resulting in us advancing up the pitch with some effective tactical kicking. Persistent pressure in Carmel's 22, good all round team play and a well placed kick by Elliot Wanless gave us a scrum on the Carmel 5m line which resulted in the first try by Mark Moss. 5-0

After this Carmel responded with another big hit from the kick off, but with quick, efficient backs play and some great runs from Costner Brown and Sam Lorimer we worked our way up the pitch. Carmel were reluctant to give in though and possession switched between sides until with some great off loading work Joss Mercer went over the line for the game's second try, which was converted by Costner. 

With the score now at 12-0 we were right into the game attacking and defending with real vigor. After a turnover from the forwards from a line-out this translated into another try under the posts by Sam Lorimer which was again converted by Costner. 19-0

More great play continued with entire team bonding together, performing brilliantly in attack and defense, giving Lewis Hogg to crash through the Carmel defense to score, with Costner converting again and ending the half. 

Half-Time QE 26  Carmel 0

In the second half Camel came back with a vengeance scoring a converted try in the first few minutes from a chipped kick. However we soon came back with great pace which lead Captain Jamie Richardson to score off a pick and drive which Costner converted bringing the score to 33-7. 

This didn't stay like this for long though Jamie soon scored again bringing the score to 38-7.

As the match progressed there was signs of fatigue on both sides but the teams were determined to play to their very best, showing great determination. The game now was centered near the half way line with the two teams contesting for the ball. Carmel began to gain a small upper hand with a held up try and as penalties were given including a shoulder charge from Sam Lorimer. The flanker made up for this however by bursting through the defensive line, aided by excellent passing and support from both the forwards and backs to score his second try of the day. 43-7

Substitutions were made as the game went on, with every man making a significant contribution to both the team and the game. Joss Mercer came off with a head injury which was quickly seen to by JZ, after a astounding game at center breaking through the defensive line with almost every run. His replacement Nick Foxton stepped up to the challenge brilliantly performing very capably in the backs. 

As the game entered its closing stages the we brought the intensity up, playing to our strengths and breaking the defensive line time and time again. Fergus Chapman made a huge contribution to this his great lines and offloading. This exciting and energetic momentum gave Jamie the chance to score his third try of the day which Ollie Cooper Converted to bring about the final score of 50-7 to QE Rugby.

final score:  QE Rugby 50- Carmel RC College 7 

Great game today full of exciting, energetic and well executed play. Couldn't be more proud of the entire squad for their determination and commitment to this team. 

Well done lads lets get some more big wins next week. 

Dan Wood    

QE Girls V Tyne Met

The girls had an interesting game this week with usual goal keeper Jaymie Leigh out, they had to recruit Dboy and Kate as stand in goalies.

We went on our way with the tunes blasting and Titch having a sing a long at the back of the bus. We jogged out not having a warm up because we were late getting there and went straight on with team spirit high and ready to give it our all. Within the first few minutes Tyne Met scored their first goal, however, this didn't dishearten us as we came back fighting for the ball. With our top notch cheerleaders on the side keeping the motivation high we pushed the ball up into their half and Amber just missed out on our first goal. The goals cam flying in by the other team of course, but the girls kept playing their own game and fighting on. Kate made some incredible saves and towards the end of the half ice packs were being brought out as she started having knee problems.

Half time came and we were a few goals down having to swap keepers due to ligament injuries. After a pep talk from captain Maddy Wood, the girls went back out with their heads high and Dboy stepping in as keeper. The half went quickly as the girls played a good half. Unfortunately a few more goals were scored, but this didn't stop them. With Helen Murray and Nicole Fenton in the centre  sprinting up and down the pitch and making some mean tackles. Maddy wood at centre back kept the defence in line taking on the oppositions attack and taking them out one by one. A well played match ladies and good luck for your next match.

Woman of the Match:
Amber Hemmings

QE B Football VS Gateshead

The B Team travelled away this week to Gateshead, the lads raring for this game, it proved to be one to remember, an 18 goal thriller, worthy of first spot on Match Of The Day. 

We all arrived on the bus and with the aid of Hamish's speakers we were on our way, Nath bouncing some tunes from the back of the bus, thinking he was like Like Mike or something. We were are all raring for this game, even though we were late we still arrived to the right place with out getting lost, think that was thanks to the fact the bus driver was a Geordie, always a help. When we arrived late, we didn't have an apparent changing room, we were offered a class room, but after a reckie from a member of staff, we were issued a changing room, in there we quickly put on our kit, and got out there, with not really enough time to warm up Skipper Kane told us to "Stretch out". The game got under way, and from then in it was goals galore, there was brilliant play on display, the ball was pinged about from side to side, this was mostly by them, their number 8 was in the middle of everything, pulling strings as if he was Jack Wilshere. Goals were flying in from everyone, many good solo efforts from them, their two pacey wingers causing problems. But can I just take a minute out to mention how I, now top scorer, hit a 25 yard screamer, after a brilliant interception I picked it up and fizzed it in to the bottom corner, wheeling away with my trademark one arm in the arm celebration celebrated to my adoring fans who lined up on the side line to congratulate me, shock.  I mean, I can score, in the box, outside the box, left, right, you name it! But anyway, both teams battled well, most of all Ross, putting some hefty tackles in thinking he was Kolo Toure or someone, also Kane running after their number 8 who had him inside out, so Kane switched his tactics and decided to play this kind of, Gattuso/Roy Keane role, neither really worked if I'm honest and Kane just ended up wiring him. When Dave brought us in he gave some heated words and we went back on, the game went on and we pressed with Mackis making some crazy runs as per, and Ross trying to play general in his new role as centre mid, they just edged out in front, with some brilliant finishes and well worked goals, and a pretty entertaining game came to and end!

I think I forgot to tell you by the way, when I said 18 goal thriller, I actually meant we got beat 17-1 or did I miss that bit out? my bad! so yeah we got absolutely thrashed, but if you played football everyday for a 5 days I think you would expect to be winning, I mean we care more about academic than sport ey boys, we will see them when we are all lawyers and accountants! 

so yeah, that rounds that up, my man of the match goes to Ian Atherton, his bravery in the first half and determination was brilliant, not to mention his crazy little run.

Squad :

B.Edkins

J.McAleer

R.Mcguigan 

J.Fullerton

I.Atherton (MOM)

K.Bourne (C)

A.Davidson

N.Hurley

A.Brown

M.Vakhos

J.Fenny

Subs:

K.Kirtley

H.Cambell

R.Elliot

D.Birks

C.Aither 

C Team V Stockton Riverside

Bleak afternoon up in Billingham for the game against Stockton Riverside. In a game which we never started too fantastically we did slowly get a grip on things with our midfield starting to get the ball down and play very well. Even with Stocktons early pressure they never truly troubled our back 4 who had a solid game and left jake with little to do out collect a few scrap balls over the defences head. Once again I had a goal ruled out for offside(wrongly) but we didn't have to wait much longer to go ahead after Sam Henderson met a corner like a young John Terry to make it 1-0. The goal was thoroughly deserved and we carried that lead into half time. Gary ran a couple of changes at half time with me and Sam Burchett being replaced by two people who I can't actually remember so sorry lads. In all honesty the second half was a dull affair with Gary using all his squad so we ended up making 7 or 8 substitutions within 15 minutes which kind of disgruntled the side and we slowly started to lose our shape, once the lads coming on got into the game we started keeping hold of the ball without posing any real threat on the opposition goal. The main highlight of the second half was a coming together of the referee, one of their lads and Callum Roe. As the Stockton player was running with the ball the referee practically 2 footed him to the floor making him lose possession and the ball fell to Callum, as the game shouldn't of been stopped Callum went to run with the ball before the referee stopped play and went to talk with Callum before bizarrely showing him a yellow card, we can only assume it was down to the ref not being able to admit he fouled the lad so he decided that Callum was infact at fault. May I point out that the same referee, who resembled Herbet off Family Guy an awful lot, was involved in an incident with myself last year which resulted in me owing £60 to the FA and served what felt like about a 6 month ban so we clearly has something against QE. Their equaliser came from a hopeful cross that flew over the keeper and landed at some round shaped striker who let it cannon off his thunder thighs and trickle into the goal for an undeserved equaliser. The match faded out after that with no team threatening a winner before the referee brought things to aclose. 

Today's man of the match was Sam Henderson or Hendo as he apparently gets called. Absolutely solid at the back with some great tackles and even played out with the ball when possible, grabbing a goal was the icing on the cake for his performance. Also very strong today was Westy who is starting to become quite a driving force of the team, Wayne who must of stayed off the tabs as he looked an awful lot fitter until brutally winded and Bravey who kept there little annoyingly fast winger in his back pocket throughout. 

Cock up this week goes to Ab for numerous things but mainly for not knowing anyone's name and calling Goughy 'Owen' and calling Hal 'Abel' repeatedly. 

Decent performance lads, see you's in two weeks for home game against Hartlepool FE.