This could possibly be considered as the best defeat of the season as we managed to get 16 registered players across the white line for a 22-17 loss. Due to playing Saturday/Wednesday and unavailability for various other reasons, on Thursday the first team had 10 players picked. It was then decided that we would not disturb the 2/3's squads as they had important cup semi's. So out of early retirement came Jonny Smith, Andrew Maxwell and Matty Bradford. In addition, we included Sam Bird and Angus Duncan from the colts and Jonny Bird on debut to make us 16. Even within this 16, Ben Merrett and Alex Littlefair were playing without their parents/guardians/WAGS permission due to knocks they were carrying.

It was no surprise that Stockton started the stronger and went out to a 12-0 lead with the wind at their backs. However, the somewhat thrown together Novos side were giving it everything in a spirited effort. On a gusty day we finally managed to get the ball to Sam Bird's wing for his first touch in senior rugby - four broken tackles and a 50m sprint and he was in at the corner. Nice start for Sam. Stockton up 12-5.

Stockton kicked deep into our territory and came away with another score 17-5.

Our forwards were dominating the set piece battle and it was no surprise when we pushed their forwards over the line for a try to Ben Merrett, converted by Rich Dixon. 17-12 at half time to Stockton.

With the wind at our backs we were able to apply pressure to Stockton. Again, our forwards on the rampage and another push over try to Ben Merrett. 17-17, game on.

Unfortunately, due to only having a squad of 16 we perhaps tired a bit and Stockton managed to score into the wind and go on to win 22-17. However, there were so many positives - team spirit was amazing, we finished with a back three aged 17, 17 and 18 ! We murdered their scrum but perhaps didn't get the whistles we deserved from this dominance. We were over the line a couple of times but didn't get the try. The lads that came out of retirement and the colts were brilliant.

Even better news arrived for the makeshift 16 as we found that our efforts had allowed the 2's to book a cup double for the club's top two sides.

Thank you to Phil Walton for taking charge of the match. Nice to see a game stay 15 on 15 for a change.

A well deserved break for the first team this week before taking on Sunderland at home the following week. Let's keep going lads as we look to consolidate our league position before enjoying our cup final on Easter Saturday ! The week after that our 2's have their own cup final !! Historic scenes indeed !