Billingham travelled to Kirkby Lonsdale and came home with a bonus point win.

Travelling over the A66, as per, Billingham hit rain, sleet and sunshine. Previous games at Kirkby Lonsdale have seen a very heavy pitch in a forward dominated game.

Pulling up to Kirkby Lonsdale, the sun was glorious and showcased KL's picturesque setting. The groundmen had worked wonders as the pitch was firm, ready for running rugby.

With numerous changes, Billingham had a young exciting squad taking to the field. Without talisman Peter Evans pulling the strings it was Luke Armstrong who was in the 10 shirt for his first start.

On 4 minutes, Billingham lively forward pack had made impressive yards. Nathan Myers being at his destructive best, swatting would be tacklers away. Captain Elliott Husband fed a bulldozing Mike Whinn who took 3 defenders to take him down. KL were swiftly penalised for not rolling away. From the resulting lineout, quick ball found Luke Armstrong who fired a pass across the middle to Pete Youll on a lovely arc and scythed through to score under the posts. Roxby converted. 0-7

KL were clearly up for the game. On 9 minutes and their first bit of possession they cleverly crafted space which allowed KL to cut through the middle of the field to score under the posts. 7-7

It was clear that who ever could dominate possession were going to score next. It was Billingham who gained the advantage. Runs from Spoors and Foulds allowed Husband to have quick ball. Mike Whinn who was all over, carried possession up over half way. Once again KL were penalised. Roxby found the corner. From the resulting lineout. A Burns catch and drive turned into a quick backs move with Wilson finding Roxby on the outside. A clever step back inside and a basketball over the shoulder pass found Leon Turnbull out wide who used his big frame to muscle over for his first score. 7-12

For the next 15 minutes the game was a stalemate until the lively, hot stepping Luke WIlson who scored 2 tries in 4 minutes to give Billingham a commanding 7-26 scoreline.

It was however KL who had the last word before half time scoring one back to keep them within 2 scores.

Half time 14-26

From the kick off, Burns caught the kick off. The booming boot of Armstrong saw the clearance kick take Billingham towards KL's 22 metre line. KL managed to secure the lineout despite pressure put on from Padley. KL managed to clear their lines as they kick down field. An ominous kick however the bounce of the ball evaded Roxby which allowed KL's full back to kick on, regather and score. 19-26. Game on!

Despite KL's endeavours, everything favoured Billingham. Possession, pitch and penalties. Billingham used their finishers well. Winstanley on at 9, Graham on at prop which allowed for Dixon to roll back the years and play at 8. In doing so gave Billingham much go forward in attack.

It was captain fantastic, Elliott Husband who was on the score sheet after running a clever support line to canter over the whitewash. Roxby converted. 19-33

With Padley and Myers having more freedom around the pitch it allowed them both to carry and carry hard they did. Pete Youll was dictating things in the 13 channel which allowed a finely crafted pass to Elliott Husband who cut a nice line in from full back who in turn popped the pass to Turnbull to score outwide for his second of the day. Roxby converted. 19-38.

Straight from the resulting kick off, Billingham were on the attack. A short pop pass from Dixon to Spoors allowed the latter to gain much needed metres. A break from Wilson who in turn found Jackson on his shoulder for him to sprint over the line. Roxby converted. 19-45.

The clouds made way to allow the sun to shine down. KL looked flat out. It wasnt long before Billingham were on the attack. It was Leon Turnbull who this time had to do a bit more work to do. From 30 metres out he handed off his opposite number on the outside before running straight through the defending full back to score his third and final try before being replaced... Rumour has it, he is still yet to buy the jug!! Roxby converted. 19-52.

As the game wore on, Billingham took the foot of the gas which may have helped KL in scoring their final try, but a crucial try. It meant a bonus point for them. It brought the biggest cheer of the afternoon from both sets of supporters. They never gave up. KL were in no other terms but 'knackered'. They deserved their endeavours.

However it was Billingham who had the final say. A sweeping play found Armstrong who carried upfield and beat 2 defenders. Winstanley found Wilson who broke the line and passed inside to Spoors on a support line. With the try line only metres away he was not going to be stopped carrying 3 defenders with him to score. Roxby duly kicked the conversion. 24-59.

A comprehensive performance away from home. Thank you to the travelling support. Thank you to KL.

Rossendale up next..... We go again!!

#OSIOS