The U11's entered two teams into the Land Rover Cup at Kingston Park today. The developed squad played in a group of four against Weatherby, Yarm and Houghton. The developing squad formed the majority of a Barbarians team together with Ponteland, and played against the old foes of Percy Park, Northern and Morpeth.

Barbarians v Percy Park
Lost 7 - 1
Try scorer: Ben Leadbitter

Barbarians v Northern
Lost 7 - 0

Barbarians v Morpeth
Lost 8 - 0

The scorelines certainly flatter the opposition as this mixed Alnwick-Ponteland squad gave a good account of themselves against some tough opposition. Well done Ben for scoring the only try - his Chris Ashton style dive over the goal line was a spectacular sight to see!

Man of the Match: Dan Osborne and Ben Leadbitter.

Alnwick v Weatherby
Lost 5 - 0

Alnwick v Yarm
Lost 1 - 0

Alnwick v Houghton
Won 7 - 3
Try scorers:
Ben Cooper x2
Ben Aitman
Mark Roberts x2
Drew Thompson
Josh Lowes

The first match was against a Weatherby side that are unbeaten in two seasons! Alnwick Lions simply needed to wake up a bit earlier to face opposition as good as these.
The game against Yarm saw a far more switched-on Alnwick team lose by a single try. A great effort considering that Alnwick were only able to field 11 players against 12.
In the last game Houghton scored first within a matter of seconds after kick off and initially it looked like Alnwick would be returning home without a win. Then Alnwick soon replied with their first try of the day scored by Ben Cooper, set up superbly by Ben Aitman. Their heads now up we finally saw the real Alnwick lions roar, and this became a game they dominated with excellent scrummaging and the backs playing a wider, more flowing game, running into space.
More tries followed...Sparky Roberts, scoring twice and setting up one for Josh Lowes...the big forwards Ben Aitman and Drew Thompson made the try line too...and Ben Cooper made the score sheet again after some great pressure from Joe Broughton.

Man of the Match: Mark Roberts.