Match Reports 31st October – 1st November 2026

2nd TEAM

TUPTON 46 – SCUNTHORPE 5

Scunthorpe were always going to struggle as they pondered their visit to league leaders Tupton who were gunning for revenge after the Stags did the double on them last season, the two line ups were very different from last year with key Scunthorpe players either injured, playing 1st team or retired.

After some excellent defending and some inventive play by Scunthorpe they lost the ball in contact in the Tupton half on the 10-minute mark, Tupton took advantage with their strong running forwards and backs; who one could hardly tell apart. The home side broke out with scrum half Jake Cooper putting up a high kick, they got the luck of the bounce with number four, Blakey, straight off the buses, (one for the teenagers) strolled over to score a converted try, 7-0.

A penalty took the score to 10-0 after 17 minutes.

The Stags held their own to some extent, but it was only a matter of time before the gulf in physique and class would tell. It came with a try to Tupton, the Greens were not making their first up tackles so allowing Tupton to offload and with their pace and strength they scored a well-earned try which was converted, 17-0.

On the half hour the Scunthorpe scrum began to creak and was under extreme pressure, both on their own ball and on the oppositions, the Derbyshire side showed why they were top of the table and punished any weakness with a further converted try, 24-0.

There was some solace as on one of the rare occasions that Scunthorpe ventured into their opponent’s half, they scored a well-executed forwards try, it came a minute before half time following good defence and a clever foot rush from Henry Dawson, putting the ball into the Tupton 22. The ball bobbled and caused the home defence to panic and they just about scrambled the ball into touch.

The resulting line out went well with the standout player Cam Christer rising high, the drive was controlled superbly, and Charley Wilkinson kept his cool at the back crashing over for a well-deserved try, the conversion was missed, halftime 24-5.
The second half went well for Scunthorpe as they only conceded two tries right up to the 75th minute, mainly due to poor tackling and three head injuries to key players.

Scunthorpe had a great opportunity to get back in the points with a great run from George Favill, the ball just didn’t quite reach his wing man who had a clear run to the line.

The Stags had the benefit of a few penalties in good positions but could not get the ball into touch and utilise their strong line out. The last seven minutes were a complete wash out as the home side ran in three tries as the Scunthorpe players were literally down and out with a fourth head injury to influential Harkeran Sandhu.

The remaining players on the field did not let their mates down as they battled against the odds right to the end. This was typified by young prop Ben Dealtry who continued to drive forward even though the game was a forgone conclusion.

Final score Tupton 46 Scunthorpe 5

Thankfully, next week the Stags have a week off when they can assess all the head injuries, regroup and build the boys back up again to visit South Lincolnshire side Kesteven on November 14.

Mom – Harkeran Sandhu

Match Report written by Steve Williams

COLTS

SCUNTHORPE 27 – SHEFFIELD 22

The Colts welcomed Sheffield on Sunday in what proved to be another closely contested encounter between the two sides.

Sheffield made a strong start to the match, taking an early lead. However, the home side responded quickly through Leo Hull, who burst through the middle of the pitch with a powerful run before touching down close to the posts.

Scunthorpe soon grabbed another try through captain Reece Clark. After a superb break through the heart of the defence, the ball found Clark, who dived over the line to score. Sheffield hit back with another try of their own, ensuring they held a narrow advantage going into half-time.

The second half got underway with Scunthorpe struggling for consistency, as errors and discipline issues began to creep into their game. Sheffield capitalised and extended their lead, but the Colts showed great character to fight back. Jake Ireson finished well in the corner after a promising attacking move, although the missed conversion meant Sheffield remained in front.

With time running out, Scunthorpe needed one final score to maintain their unbeaten record. In the closing minutes, a flat pass found Josh Quibell, who beat the last defenders before diving over the line to score the decisive try and seal a dramatic victory for the Colts.

The win ensured Scunthorpe’s 100% record remained intact following another hard-fought battle with Sheffield.

FT Scunthorpe 27 – Sheffield 22

Mom – Dan James

Match report written by Charley Wilkinson

Photo credit to Paul Mcdonald