A victory that boosts Billingham up to second in the table...

Two late changes prior to kick off saw Dom McAlorum replace Dan Burns and Tom Briggs replace Shaun McCartney. Not shabby replacements!

Prior to kick off there was an air of confidence from Billingham. Their recent form put them as favourites in this fixture against Kirkby Lonsdale who were sitting second bottom of the table.

It didnt take long for Billingham to take the lead. Billinghams forwards throughout the game were on top... they provided a great platform for the pace outwide to continue to captilise.

After 2 minutes , Billingham were firing when a strong scrum from the pack saw the ball fed back to flyhalf half Peter Evans, who drew his tacklers to fire a pass wide to Jobe Roxby who fed flier Alfie Lawson for Billinghams first try of the game, Jobe roxby adding the extras with the boot.

Moments later, Billingham would go on to extend their lead when some quick hands from the home sides backs put Alfie Lawson away on the wing as he found space to race away to dot down, his second o the day.

Billingham were up and running. Kirkby shell-shocked by the quick fire tries.

Next up was a chance for always in form Centre Luke Wilson to get in on the action; a line out from Ed Graham worked along the backs to allow Wilson to break through the line scoring his sides third try of the game. Jobe Roxby nudging the extras.

The bonus point was wrapped up and in the bag before the half an hour mark, when Peter Youll found Martin Hopley on the wing in space, his quick feet allowing him to cross the whitewash.

With Billingham running away with proceedings, Kirkby were once again penalised for a deliberate knock on, stand in scrum half Elliott Husband took a quick tap feeding his forward to charge forward. Speed of ball was crucial for the next score which saw Jobe Roxby hit the line at speed to cross over in the corner.

There was still time for more in the first half, and a tough Kirkby defence was once again this time by Mike Walton, who, after a wayward lineout throw, pounced and ran in from 10 metres to barrel over. Referee Gavin Jones called for half time.

Half time - Billingham 34 Kirkby Lonsdale 0

After a chance for a breather and a quick team talk, both teams returned to the field of play with Kirkby looking to stop the bleeding in a game in which the result looked to be beyond doubt.

The visitors came out fighting however another deliberate knock on by Kirkby winger Oates saw him seeing yellow. Kirkby managed to hold out for 13 minutes until the onslaught continued. Dom McAlorum, came on for Ben Walton and Tom Briggs replaced a hobbling Jobe Roxby. Billingham needed much needed impotence and both had an immediate impact.

Billingham scored once again, though when just 2 minutes later, a line break by Anth Jackson got the home side just metres from the line, the ball worked out wide to Martin Hopley to dot down for his second try. Peter Evans converted

In what was becoming an end to end the second period, Lawson was put in to score once again, his hat trick score. Peter Evans running a move off ten which in turn fed Lawson who was able to stretch his legs once again. Peter Evans kicked the extras.

As the game continued more and more gaps appeared from a weary looking Kirkby side. Anth Jackson, Peter Evans, Tom Briggs and lastly Dan Dixon all crossed the line, all converted by Peter Evans. Billingham dominated all facets of the game however we must give Kirkby Lonsdale credit. They were a young side, slightly naïve in some of their decisions but should not be disheartened by their performance. They remained courageous throughout and we wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season.

As for Billingham. It was more job done than Billingham were brilliant. There was some real good team play at times and some individual brilliance. What is more frightening is the question 'when will Billingham put in a complete 80 minute performance?'.

With Alnwick's fabulous win away at Preston Grasshopper sees Billingham move up to second in the table ahead of two difficult games ahead of the Christmas break. Next up is Rossendale away followed by the impressive Alnwick on the 18th.

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