August 21, 2021

Another great win for the Wakefield Trinity Academy!

Report by Alex Minards

Wakefield Trinity 18 Newcastle Thunder 10

Trinity took all the points at Belle Vue against an experienced Newcastle Thunder side in an entertaining U19 match.

The first ten minutes were rather uneventful, with both teams testing each other out and searching for weaknesses in the other’s defence. Newcastle were the first team to find a weakness, as Wakefield conceded a penalty in the 12th minute – from which the Thunder moved quickly and powered over the try-line. The conversion was successful, and the visitors led 6-0.

Seven minutes later, Wakefield responded with a try of their own. Jay Hartley made a great run forward, and a few passes later the ball was in the hands of Harry Bowes, who duly grounded the ball. Robbie Butterworth was successful with the conversion and the scores were level.

The 24th minute saw Trinity temporarily reduced to twelve men, as Joe Mitchell was sin-binned for a high tackle. This was during a period of some high tempers and fiery exchanges. The loss of a player motivated Wakefield, however, and they took the lead for the first time in the 27th minute, when Luke Mearns touched down following some excellent work by Sam Eseh. Butterworth successfully converted once again and Wakefield were 12-6 up.

Wakefield were not going to settle for a 6-point lead, and continued to push up the field and pile the pressure onto Newcastle. Carter Beevers made an outstanding run forward from Trinity’s 40-yard line, dodging three tackles. He then offloaded to Jay Hartley, who promptly fed Alfie Crawford to dive in beneath the posts and give Wakefield a ten-point lead. Another successful Butterworth conversion made that a twelve-point lead, and the teams went in for half-time with the score standing at Wakefield 18, Newcastle 6.

The second half was a much damper affair in more ways than one, as the rain began to fall early in the half and neither side was able to create many chances- due both to some solid tacking from both sides, and a very wet ball. There were chances for both Trinity and Newcastle, including some fine individual efforts from players of both sides. These largely came to nothing due to a series of knock-ons caused by the poor conditions.

The only score in the half came when Newcastle pulled back a try, following some sustained pressure, with just under 5 minutes to go. The conversion was unsuccessful, which meant that the score was now 18-10 to Wakefield. A late Wakefield attack was the action in the match, and the full-time whistle was soon blown to bring an end to an entertaining game in challenging conditions.

The full time score at The Mobile Rocket Stadium was Wakefield Trinity 18, Newcastle Thunder 10. Another great win from our talented Academy side.