A perfect day for rugby with only the typical Greenwood Road breeze to contend with. Alwnick kicked off the first half and for 30 minutes both teams continued to size up one another.

Both teams defences looked impressive and both sides looked as though they would not concede. Alnwick frustratingly lost 2 players early on which disrupted their proceedings with a back row moving onto the wing.

Its was Billingham that broke the deadlock. Billingham increased the intensity through the impressive John Padley who bust through the middle. Further carries by Joe Spoors and Ben Walton saw Billingham made their way up to the 15 metre line when the referee penalised Alwnick for not rolling away. Jobe Roxby stepped up and kicked the first points of the game. 3-0

With Billingham taking the lead, their confidence built. Peter Evans finding an impressive 50-22 allowed Billingham to have the ball again in the Alnwick red zone. Dan Burns collected the lineout. A fine rolling maul ensued. John Padley broke free only to be stopped short. Foley fizzed a pass to Wilson who made it within inches of the line. Alnwick defended for their lives however it was a clever switch of play from Conner Foley that allowed Martin Hopley to over the line. 8-0.

The second half started as the first half ended. Billingham were on top. Only this time, Alnwicks repeated infringement continued to catch the referees attention and subsequent yellow cards followed.

Billingham rung the changes with Peter Youll and Nathan Myers entering the fray.

Both had immediate impacts. Nathan Myers turning the ball over at a ruck in the Billingham half. The ball found itself to Peter Youll who bumped off 3 defenders before offloading to Joe Evans who carried up the pitch. Billingham marched Alnwick back. It was a nice inside ball to Luke Wilson who squeezed through 2 defenders to get a score. Conversion kicked by Jobe Roxby. 15-0

Despite Billingham being on top Alnwick showed their spirit and it was the impressive Hugh Todd who showed a quick pair of heals who found a gap on the edge of ruck to go over for Alnwick. 15-5

Time was coming to the end but Billingham were not finished. Billinghams forwards made huge dents with their carries. With Clark and Fould being held up close to the Alnwick line. A Roxby pass found John Padley who hit a tremendous line from 5 metres out to score. Peter Evans knowing a bonus point was near chose a drop kick at the posts which duly missed.

It turned out to be the right decision. Billingham caught the kick off. The ball found its way to Kirby who drew his man, found Peter Youll who with his physical presence drew 2 defenders and found the fleet footed Martin Hopley. His quick feet sent the Alnwick defenders flaying with one one to beat. Hopley cleverly found the supporting Peter Youll who crossed the line for the much needed bonus point.

25-5 winners.... and with a bonus point. It creates that gap between 4th and 5th place that was much needed.

Alnwick, a club to be admired. A never give in attitude, great values and a great club. We wish the injured players a speedy recovery.

Next up is York away....another tough game.

We go again!

#OSIOS