Billingham hosted Blaydon with several injuries and illnesses meaning we only had 14. Blaydon brought a strong squad of 20 players. In great spirit Blaydon lent us a player from the off. The game started with Billingham on the attack recycling from a number of phases before Daniel charging for the try line was injured putting our numbers to 13. Blaydon again stepped up in great spirit and lent us a second player and the game recommenced. Billingham continued to attack and Charlie charged towards the try line and scoring by the posts. Lewin adding the extras with the boot. Billingham were soon on the attack again with big carries from the forwards and the backs moving the ball with purpose. Blaydon repelled several attacks before countering a number of times through strong forward runners. Some excellent defence from Billingham keeping the score to nil. With time running out in the first half a loose pass by Blaydon allowed Charlie to hack through showing some good football skills allowing him to pick the ball and run in unopposed from 40 meters out. Blaydon got back on the attack but some strong defence saw Billingham hold out for a 12-0 lead at half time. Big credit to the two Blaydon lads for stepping up. The big second row connor that played for Billingham first half having an excellent game.
The second half started with Blaydon on the attack and after a number of strong carries and turning over several rucks Blaydon scored. They then had their tails up and it wasn't long before they scored again, an excellent run and finish from from half way beating a number of challenges.
Billingham needed to refocus and take the initiative back and after some excellent work at the breakdown Joe Syson flipped a great pass out the back of his hand to lewin who drew his man and gave it out wide for Will to run it in at the corner. Billingham kept the pressure up and after several attacks were repelled. Charlie bundled over from a yard to complete his hat-trick. Blaydon were not done and they came straight back into the game making space out wide and scoring another excellent try. Strong defence from billingham kept Blaydon at bay and an opportunistic try from Joe Syson from the base of a ruck holding off two would be tacklers to score. Freddie also got in on the action scoring a try to give the game a slightly flattering scoreline. An excellent game played in great spirit and great thanks to all at Blaydon for a great game played in great spirit! Man of theatch awards to Riley for his tireless defence and Charlie for some big hits and his 3 tries. Thanks again to Blaydon and we look forward to locking horns again next season!

Final score Billingham 36 Blaydon 22

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