They came in waves — fourteen phases, three penalties declined, the whole Northgate pack lined up five metres out. And for six brutal minutes, the Kingsfold line did not move an inch.
When the final whistle confirmed a famous derby shutout, the first man mobbed wasn’t a try-scorer but Sam Okafor, whose three consecutive jackals turned the tide. Defence coach or not, this one was won by sheer refusal.
“You can coach systems all week. You can’t coach that kind of want. The lads emptied themselves.” — Alan Mercer, Head Coach
The stand that won it
Northgate had crossed in four of their previous five visits. This time Marcus Bell’s scrum held firm, Whitfield’s kicking kept them pinned back, and every visiting runner met two green shirts.
Derbies are remembered for moments, and this one will be remembered for six minutes of granite. Same again next time, please.