The Saracens took a much changed side to Northallerton but still came away with the spoils although it was not one of their most impressive performances . Under pressure at the start of the game from a physically big side, and pressured into producing some uncharacteristic sloppy play, they eventually clawed their way back into the encounter . Tries from full back Ben Costello, winger Joel Simpson , flanker Taffy and Skipper Lewy ,with two Taffy conversions made the score 29-12 to Saracens at the end . They know they will need to be on better form from the start at Acklam next week when they take on last season's champions.

Meanwhile at Station Road ,Whitby 2nds arrived with only ten players so many thanks to Anth Mulgrew, Kev Lowe, Julian Laverty, Del Chapman and Steve Tyrrell for starting for Whitby to make it an even contest. Whitby had some young strong legs who wanted to move the ball at every opportunity and were very competitive at the breakdown. Stocktonians had a rather more venerable line up and were stronger in the driving mauling game .

Playing his first game in a Stockton shirt for sixteen seasons , Number 8 Bryan Dixon was first on the scoresheet with a trademark pick up from a scrum and Andy Shepherd converted. Bryan then repeated the dose moments later and Shep obliged again and we were 14-0 up. Right winger Anth Jones then popped up outside Jamie Howell on the left wing to scorch over in the corner .Then scrum half Jeff Simpson scurried from the back of a driving maul to slip over and it was 24 -0 at half time .

Dicko then completed his hat trick ( and Yes, he did buy a jug afterwards !) and Shep slotted the conversion . Lock Martin Laing was next on the scoresheet galloping down the hill. Returning prop Ben Armstrong then came close with a strong driving run before Simon Brown finished off the try scoring by bashing his way over the line. With Andy Shepherd adding the conversion the score when referee Paul Mackings blew his whistle was 43-0.

Despite the score line this was a tough game as Whitby did not give up at all and only some good defence from Stocktonians kept them at bay. By the end with various injuries piling up ( Jamie's knee being the greatest concern) and with loaning the opposition five players, several of the Stocktonians squad had to play for somewhat longer than they anticipated. They featured the fearsome counterattacking force of Michael " Halfpenny" Conlon at full back and Peter "Lomu" Ewart on the left wing. Thank goodness the ball did not come their way? ! Next week is Darlington away.