Alnwick to host Morpeth in County Cup Final

Alnwick RFC host Morpeth RFC in the final of the Senior Northumberland Cup tonight (Thursday) at Greensfield 7.15 KO.
Alnwick rugby.Alnwick rugby.
Alnwick rugby.

This is a repeat of last season’s Cup final in April at Berwick when Alnwick won comprehensively 35-3.

However, Morpeth, newly promoted, turned the tables on their local rivals with a thumping 5-32 victory in the league in September at Greensfield.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Red and Whites lie in tenth place in the Northern Premiership with 19 points from their 11 games, having won away to Ilkley last Saturday, whilst the Blue and Golds were beaten away to Sandal and lie two places lower than their rivals in 12th place, with 17 points from 11 matches.

However, this is a local cup final and anything could happen under the lights in late November, a change from the usual spring time final.

Senior Vice-President of Northumberland RFU, Albi Duhrin, will present the cup to the winning team and there will be a minute’s silence before the game in memory of County player Alistair Johnson.

Whilst Alnwick were going down 37-8 at Sandal on Saturday, Morpeth were winning 24-9 away at Ilkley.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This was a comfortable and well deserved victory played on a pitch that despite the atrocious weather was in superb condition.

It was also a day when fly half Ben Hornby played his 200th first XV game, a significant achievement from a player who has been totally dedicated to Morpeth RFC, having come through the ranks, as a mini, junior and then colt before progressing to first team honours.

Morpeth took the lead with almost their first attack. Alex Tait, going over near the posts for Hornby to add the extras. 0-7.

However Ilkley bounced back with two penalties in quick succession, reducing the deficit to 6-7 after 30 minutes, only for Hornby to kick a Morpeth penalty and make it 6-10 at half-time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The second half belonged to Morpeth who ultimately ran away with the game. Four or five Morpeth attacking scrums took place before the inevitable happened and a penalty try was awarded. 6-17.

The home side continued doggedly and reduced the deficit with a penalty making it 9-17, but the Morpeth front row had the final say, Dynan touching down for another push over score for, 200-man Hornby to convert.