BLYTH RFC 10 MORPETH 29
Blyth entertained Morpeth for the first time ever in the leagues with the visitors having been relegated last year from the North east leagues. Blyth start well and it was no suprise when the ball was whipped along the line for Blyths powerful winger Mckowen to barge over in the corner for an unconverted try. Morpeth hit back were awarded a penalty for offside at the ruck which was converted to bring the score back to 5 - 3. A period of intense pressure from the visitors resulted in Blyth defending no fewer than four 5m scrums before finally clearing their lines. Blyth then lost their powerful winger with a shoulder injury and Karl Rose to the sin bin for what the referee deemed to be a technical offence. More Morpeth pressure resulted in a drive from the lineout and an excellent move allowed their centre to score between the posts bringing the score to 5 - 10 at the interval.
Virtually from the restart Morpeth increase their lead with another converted try. Blyth then suffered a massive blow with injuries forcing Bostock and Raine to leave the field. In addition the home centre Bradwell was also injured but elected to stay on as there were no replacements left. This left Blyth with a mountain to climb being forced to utilise two forwards in the backs and a hooker at wingforward. Morpeth took advantage and their threequarters combined to break through the depleted home defence for their third try effectively sealing the points. Blyth fought back and captain Martin Stephenson was driven over for a try.The injury hit Blyth side created a period of pressure in the last few minutes but a break away try gave the opposition a 4 try bonus point the game ending 10 - 29 to Morpeth.
Next week game is away to Novos 3pm kick