Sunday 19th October 2025 – Report by Richard Stringer

Redcar RUFC U16s 41 v Billingham U16s 27

Sunday saw Redcar U16s take on their counterparts from Billingham with Redcar looking to build on their recent improving performances. With both teams struggling for numbers due to various injuries and availability, it was agreed that the game would be 14 v 14 with Redcar offering Billingham a player so the game could go ahead. The game started with Billingham scoring an early try and conversion before centre Callum Smith fired back by forcing his way over the line in typical bullish fashion. Both teams then exchanged another try each with full back Zak Huggins finishing off a nice move from Redcar in the corner. Conditions meant that conversions were proving tricky with both sides missing. In an end-to-end half, Billingham then scored again before Callum Smith scored two more for Redcar to complete a 1st half hat trick and with Daniel Bryce slotting over one of the conversions, it meant Redcar went into half time with a slender 22-17 lead.

The 2nd half began with both teams still well in the game, but it was Redcar who scored 1st with Callum Smith going over again for his 4th try of the day. Forward Will Parnaby then thought he’d extended Redcar’s lead only for the Referee to call the ball held up, not once but twice. Billingham were always dangerous on the break and had it not been for centre and captain Ethan Stringer, in an inspired performance, with 3 breathtaking chases and try saving cover tackles, Redcar would have found themselves behind. The next score would be crucial and fortunately Will Parnaby finally got his reward with a well worked try, converted by Daniel Bryce.

If Redcar thought Billingham would just roll over, they were proved wrong as they then scored 2 unanswered tries which would lead to a nail-biting finish. Billingham then worked there way towards Redcar’s try line again only for the back row pair of Harry Cassel and Jamie Courtney to deny what looked like a certain try by doubling up and actually picking Billingham’s forward up and driving him back 5 or 6 metres, much to the delight of the Redcar players and supporters. With Redcar’s lead a slender one, a breakaway from Redcar’s own 22 by winger Oliver Morris saw him one on one with Billingham’s full back who made a try saving tackle however, following 2 quick pops off the ground with good support from Harry Cassel, Oliver picked himself up quicker than Billingham’s full back to get on the end and score a wonderful counter attacking try. Daniel Bryce notched the conversion for a final score of Redcar 41 Billingham 27.
MOM: Coaches were unanimous in their decision, and the award went to captain Ethan Stringer who put in a massive effort with numerous line breaks and try saving cover tackles.

Top Tackler: Lots of contenders here but the award also went to Ethan Stringer for his impressive defensive effort.
Fantastic team effort against a very big Billingham side and with 9 or 10 Redcar players to come back in, this can only bode well for the rest of the season. Huge congratulations from all the coaches and parents for a well-deserved win.