A young and inexperienced Carlisle side was put to the sword by a Middlesbrough side that will surely be pushing for the top spot come the end of the season. They were a slick impressive side who played at a high pace took all their chances clinically.

The Carlisle side that travelled was significantly changed from the previous week as the injury list mounted and with a couple of unavailability’s. Messrs Greenhow and Holmes (Dan), were the casualties from the previous week and join Lewis Tingey on the long term injury list. Josh Holmes and Guy Graham were away so there a were a number of call ups including 3 of last seasons Colts Bobby Rawling, George Tunnicliff, and Matt Wasilkowski. Alongside Finn Kennedy that makes four of last season’s Colts squad who have now played senior 1st XV rugby already this campaign.

Before the match commenced a minute’s silence was held to celebrate the life of North East rugby legend and former Middlesbrough coach John Moore who sadly passed away earlier this week.

Boro were out of the blocks quickly. On their second move of the match a pick from the back of a scrum saw them attack the Carlisle midfield effectively to register a first try after only 2 minutes. The try was converted, and the Boro kicker had an excellent afternoon all round with a 100% conversion rate. The home side continued to dominate from the restart, but just as they were looking likely to score again Robbie James intercepted a pass, and he went ¾’s of the length for the equalising score. 7-7 after five minutes.

Boro continued to dominate, but another interception saw Jake Whittaker run clear and only heroic scrambling defence prevented Carlisle from taking the lead. But this was only a brief respite as the home side continued to press and eventually from a strong scrum their scrumhalf sniped through to score their second on the 20 minute mark. When a 3rd was added five minutes later things were looking ominous for the visitors. Carlisle were not just spectators and had moments of their own, but dropped passes and high ball errors gave Boro significant territory advantage, and they capitalised clinically. A bonus point try from the back of the scrum arrived on 30 minutes. In the final 10 minutes of the first half they doubled their tally and some of the home sides rugby was mightily impressive even if Carlisle were contributing to their own downfall. At half time it was 56-7.

The start of the second half saw Boro on the attack again, but this time the visitors defence held firm and a stolen ball at a maul saw them break up the field. They were first to the breakdown to recycle quickly and work the ball wide to Matt Wasilkowski to pass inside to Jake Whitaker for the score converted by Israel. Carlisle were having their best spell of the match and a scrum break from Lloyd Clark enabled them to camp in the Boro 22 for a good period, at the end of which skipper Vince Lung sniped over from close range after a lineout drive.

Amazingly despite the score Carlisle were looking at the possibility of a try bonus! However, it was not to be as the home side reasserted some dominance and pressed in the visitors 22. Eventually pressure told as Tom Graham ended up in the bin and Boro take advantage to score their first try of the second period 25 minutes in. Carlisle were now tiring significantly and Boro took advantage for further two scores in the final 10 minutes.

A very difficult afternoon for Carlisle and the players were suitably disappointed with their performance. However, they did in patches see they can compete with the best and nearly came away with a try bonus, but they need be more aggressive all round particularly in defence. Next week’s task is no easier as early league leaders Northern are the visitors to Warwick Road. Some significant improvement is required.