With Chester-le-Street in mid-table position and Brigade firmly at the foot of the Division, this game was not about league points but rather the opportunity to face Hartlepool T.D.S.O.B. in the final of the County Plate. Brigade opened the season with a 23-10 away victory over Saturday's visitors who have concluded their campaign with eight wins to Brigade's four.

A close contest was therefore anticipated and an exciting game ensued with each side taking the lead on three occasions.

Facing a cool wind from the sea Brigade began well, the forwards driving play down the centre of the field to just inside the visitors half. Anthony Egglestone quickly slipped the ball to Dave Frank who darted through a gap in the opposition pack and raced clear to touch down under the posts. Gorman gained the first of his fourteen match points with the conversion.

Brigade were forced largley to defend during the next twenty minutes with the Chester forwards strong in the set plays and the backs operating with pace and skill. Arnell and Gorman kept a well organised defence and several times the opposition was driven back from the line. Chester drew level after a free kick, intended for touch, bounced awkwardly in front of full back Taylor and the player following up was able to gather and cross for the converted try. At this stage Chester were reduced to fourteen with a red card shown to a forward following an incident in full view of the referee.

Despite the setback Chester took the lead on the half-hour with a second converted score before Brigade finally gained a measure of possession in visitors territory. Determined play by Arnell, Pete Robinson and Phil Robinson led to several penalties in the Chester 22, where Brigade finally opted for three points from the boot of Gorman to bring the half-time score to 10 – 14.

Encouraged by the defensive efforts of the first half, Brigade embarked on a period of sustained attack with forwards Davies, Hilton and the Egglestone brothers keen ball carriers. Dave Frank drove from five metres and the support took him over for Gorman to convert. With the lead regained, Brigade kept up their efforts and three-quarter move from mid-field saw Pete Robinson touch down in the corner.

Chester reduced the arrears with a try as strong running and quick handling once again tested the Brigade defence. Keeping up the offensive the visitors regained the lead, a converted try giving them a four point advantage as the game moved into the final stages.

Brigade looked to have gained the winning score when, after several forward offensives, Gorman drove over under the posts and added the extra points. A further burst from the 22 took him within five metres of the line with only a desperate tackle preventing Brigade from securing the result with minutes to play.

Instead, a scrum was awarded close to the left corner in favour of Chester..The visitors knew what they had to do and quick hands sent the ball sharply to the right flank and several passes later the try scorer was clear and on his way to snatching victory. The missed conversion signalled the end of the game and Brigade's cup hopes.

Brigade can console themselves by reflecting on the efforts of the past few weeks after difficult periods at various stages through the season and look forward to future development and consolidation. Congratulations to Chester-le-Street and good wishes for the final.

Tour - Southend (Friday-Sunday)

Parents of children (who should be at school) should be wary of allowing their offspring to be in the vicinity of the Cosmopolitan Hotel around 10.00 am this coming Friday.
Why? There might be a few frightening sights before Brigade set off for Southend... thanks to Walt Disney! We will not be responsible for causing any stress or nightmares!
Couple of places still vacant. Any Remnants of 1978 Southend Tour will be offerered substantial discount, especially someone still holding photographic evidence in confidence!

BBOB Tour Committee (Self -Appointed)