Bishop Auckland 10, Novocastrians 20 - Windy Away Win

We left Newcastle on a lovely Saturday afternoon and arrived at a wind swept Bishop Auckland as the wind howled around the ground. So strong that it was perhaps not a benefit to either side.

After winning the toss we chose to play with the wind at our backs and started on top. Bishop Auckland were heavier than us but the scrummage toiled and our lineout got creative. Dominating possession we were the first to score as we moved the ball to the blind side for Rhys Merlane to bundle over in the corner for 5-0.

Bishop Auckland then got in the front foot with their six a handful and some decent one out rugby - almost playing rugby league at times. We conceded three pens in our 22m and Matthew Russell was given a yellow card for offside at a ruck. A man short and under pressure Bishop Auckland went init under the posts to take the lead 7-5.

After 30 mins Michael Searle was thrown into the fray and made an immediate impact with some go forward and a steal at a breakdown. He then slotted a 40m penalty which despite the blustery wind never moved of centre. 8-7 Novos

Just before the end of our turn with the wind we took a quick tap and there defender was penalised for not being back 10. Pretty cynical and we were gutted that he didn't get a yellow given Russell's soft yellow in the first half. George Bambrickturned down the kick for three points and opted to go for a scrum. The boys made the decision the right one as we hammered away at their try line before Tom Taylor crashed over taking 2-3 defenders with him. 13-7 at half time, great captaincy.

Perhaps not a big enough lead given the nature of the wind however, it was so strong that it was probably easier to run the ball into the wind. On came Simeon Archibald for his debut after excelling in recent second team fixtures. We talked about getting to the middle of the pitch, making them defend both sides and see if we could make some line breaks around the edges.

The second half was all about us defending in our own half and trying to break out when we could. We kept Bish out again and again with some great defence from Dylan Gittins, Sam Busby and Morgan Scrace with heroics on our line. Then it was over to Harry Tankard, Rhys Merlane and Sam Ogilvie to make important breaks out of our half. In a period of 15 mins of pressure we only conceded three points from a penalty infant of the posts.

With our lead reduced to 13-10 it started to look like Bishop Auckland would roll passed us. However, after a line break there was another infringement and the ref yellow carded their six who had been very influential. Despite the man advantage we were not able to add to our score but did spend a fair amount of time on attack.

Harry Tankard was proving a handful, attacking their big lads with his footwork and managed to once again break the line. He raced in behind but was tackled by a cover defender and the ball spilled free. All the Bishop Auckland defenders stopped as Sam Busby picked it up and raced in from 40m out. The home side couldn't believe the refs decision that the ball did not go forward. Conversion added by Michael Searle for 20-10.

Bishop Auckland had one last crack at us - missing a penalty and getting turned over near our line on the final play as they missed out on a losing bonus point.

Thanks to the ref for taking charge of the game in difficult conditions - game was played in good spirits and he played a massive part in that.

Bishop Auckland lads perhaps looked like they were going to get at least a draw but can count themselves unlucky as the big moments went our way. Was nice to sit down together after the game and share a beer before we left.

Our lads - what a great half of the season. Gone are the thoughts of last seasons effort which was not good enough for our club. We started the season on minus 5 due to something that was beyond our control but the boys have put in a huge effort. The foundation being a strong playing pool with competition for places coming from Any Palmer's 2nd xv lads. Incredible turnaround by the club to sit in 4th place at the xmas break knowing that the extra 5 points would have us in 3rd.

Massive thanks to everyone who has helped out so far behind the scenes but special mentions to DOR - Nick Cotterill, our physio Ross Graham, coaches Michael Searle and Rob Ogilvie, Andy & Debs for all the work on a Thursday and Friday which can go unseen.

Only half way there though so training is on Thursday 21st and Thursday 28th before we take on RGS Old Boys on Saturday 30th. Hope to see all our uni lads back for xmas at both sessions.

Up the Vos !