We welcomed newly promoted Morpeth to Greenwood Road for the first time in some time. A big pack and an athletic backline threatened to spoil Billinghams winning streak.

With a number of changes made by Billingham they took just 7 minutes to get on the scoreboard when the forwards out Billingham on the front foot, Foley whipped the ball to Evan's who sent a cross field kick right in to the arms of the try machine Matt Kirby to get the ball rolling. Conversion missed.

On 14 mins the referee was brandishing his cards (not for the first time in the game) to Morpeth. In doing so, a spilt Morpeth lineout allowed a chase for the ball which rolled into the try area. A fleet footed Ryan Kirkbride beat the chasers to dot down. Conversion kicked.

With Morpeth in position they headed into Billinghams half. What seemingly seemed like a fair challenge from second row Michael Whinn was deemed as a straight red card. The surprise was clear across both sets of fans and players with both questioning the decision. It was what it was. The guys needed to regroup.

Morpeth kicked the points to get on the scoreboard.

The resulting kick off led to a Billingham penalty which was nudged into the corner. A Burns take, a maul set and the versatile Joe Evan's latched onto the back of the maul to drive over. This set of a big roar amongst the large Billingham crowd. Conversion kicked.

The red card seemingly spurred on Billingham who piled on more and more pressure. Good forward carries from Myers, Sunley and Foulds led to further infringements from Morpeth. Quick thinking from Foley saw a quick tap which seen quick hands and for a superb line by centre Luke Wilson to crash over from 15 out. Conversion kicked.

Again Billingham found there way into Morpeths half. A ruck set up in centre field on the 15 metre line, Morpeth came in from the side. Penalty was called but again questionably the referee branded a yellow card to a Morpeth player.

A long first half (close to 47mins) came to an end.

The second half resumed with the sun shining and it was Billingham that found themselves getting over the whitewash when Joe Evan's sent his opposite number to the bar with a dummy, broke free and went in under the posts untouched. Conversion kicked.

The second half lost momentum for both sides with the man in the middle seemingly wanting the spot light with continued blows of the whistle.

Morpeth with the man advantage gathered steam and made it to the 22. A ruck set both teams competing and it seemd as though Billingham won the contest only for the referee to hault to proceedings penalizing Billingham and sin binning Ryan Kirkbride.

Billingham were to be tested further with only 13 men on the pitch. Defence held well before a good phase by Morpeth led to them crossing them line. Conversion kicked.

Time was up, Foley kicked the ball of the pitch... another win.
FT 33-10

The game was very stop start for both sides and frustrated both teams however we must take positives.

We were able to adjust to playing with 14 men for most of the game. The guys were not phased by the game. We got another win with a bonus point.

We continue to grow as a team and club.

We go again next week.

#OSIOS