Round 2 saw Billingham travel up the A1 to Alnwick in what was pitched as a highly fierce contest.

Alnwick were on a high, following an away victory over Sandal. Billingham still missing some squad members travelled up with confidence following their own impressive win over Wirral.

The weather was perfect for a flowing game of rugby.... we were hopeful, however instead, we got a competitive, up front battle that saw neither side cross the white wash.

There was a clear tactic from Alnwick, which was to use their big pack and centres to hit it up through the middle and edge closer and closer to the opposition's line. Billinghams defence stood stern. John Padley showing his defensive capabilities which ultimately led to his man of the match.

A big blow in the first was lineout talisman Dan Burns taking a high shot and being taken off a precaution. Burns was a menace stealing 5+ of Alnwicks lineout in the irst 30 minutes of the game.. A quick reshuffle saw Lewis Roxby come in at 6.

Alnwick led at half time 3 nil following a penalty kick.

As Peter led the half time talk, Ben Walton remained grounded following a knock to the lower back. The inevitable happened. He needed to be replaced. Another reshuffle saw centre Pete Youll go to 6, Dixon into the second row and talented Alfie into the 13 channel.

The second half again was a fierce battle. Both teams going head to head. Jobe Roxby clawing back at the Alnwick lead only for Alnwick to go ahead again. This again was the the theme of the afternoon until they were on equal points.

Billingham thought they made a break through when giant Anth Rumis threw an outrageous dummy outside of the 22 and ran straight at the full back. As Anth took the tackle, a basketball esque pass to Jordan Foulds was knocked back by an Alnwick hand and reclaimed by the opposite 9. Travesty averted for Alnwick.

At this point subs were made by both sides. Ed Graham making his league debut, Alnwick bringing on 2 fresh forwards and a 9. Alwnick looked rejuvenated. Alnwicks own giant second swatted 2 Billingham players to one side, Peter Evans managed to haul him down with the aide of Padley and Hopley. A pick and go from Alnwick led to a quick scramble from Billingham to halt a promising attack. Alnwick pressed, 8+ phases and a dart over the line was halted by 4 Billingham defenders. Ref called held up.... Relief on the Billingham players faces. A change in rules meant a goal line drop...'thank god' cried the Billingham crowd. A 5 metre scrum would surely have meant a refreshed pack would have scored a 5 pointer.

Billingham cleared their lines. Alnwick tried to run the ball back but a tackle from a tiring Dan Dixon saw Alnwick knock on.... Time Up. Relief on the faces of both sides. It was a physical battle!

9 points a piece. On reflection. A fair result. Neither side backed down. Alnwick looked impressive. They will be dangerous to most sides in this league with their style of play.

We look forward to welcoming them to Greenwood Road in the new year.

#OSIOS