Sedgefield 17 - 41 North Shields

By Mark Hall

Shields make it five wins in a row...

Shields travelled in high confidence with a good squad and four wins behind their back. However once they got their prop Chris Allott fell down a stair (no joke) and put his back out. This meant late changes in Ben Dalton moving to hooker, Harry Watson onto the bench, The silver fox Tommy Rendles also on the bench and Aaron Willcocks starting in the centre.

The game kicked off and it was the hosts who had the lion share in possession in the opening phases. It was from this possession Sedgefield were able to capitalise and score under the sticks which their kicker converted 7-0. This proved a much needed wake up call for Shields who hit back with an excellent training park move from the line out which saw full back Gavin Duffy cross for his fourth try in 2 games, Jack Rendles converted 7-7. Shortly after a looping ball from Rendles hit Ben Dalton who dummied his winger and went over the white wash uncontested, Rendles converted 7-14. Then to finish off the half Dalton crashed over again, conversion unsuccessful 7-19.

Half time - Sedgefield 7-19 North Shields

36 photos

Match photos

Early on Shields we’re awarded a penalty which Rendles spotted from an angle, 7-22. Then steam train Anthony Jordan smashed over the try line, converted by Rendles, 7-29. Against the run of play Sedgefield used their expansive back line to score out towards the right, unconverted 12-29. This gave the hosts a new lease of life and were in no time back up the park scoring their third of the day 17-29. Shields showed great fight to come back and get a further two try’s by their now leading try scorer Lewis Boyle, one of which was converted by Rendles.

Full time - Sedgefield 17 - 41 North Shields

Overall a mixed performance from Shields who played well in parts however lacked in others. Hats off to our hosts who never gave up and possibly deserved a minimum of a 4 try bonus point.

Squad - Anthony Jordan, Harry Watson, Ben Lemmons, Mark Hall, Dave Anderson, Richard Carr, Dean Harrison, Andrew Leitch (c), Mark Walker, Jack Rendles, Sam Brooks, Ben Dalton, Scott Rendles, Matty Dockey, Gavin Duffy, Tommy Rendles, Aaron Willcocks and Lewis Boyle.

After the game Sedgefield were straight over giving us a pint. This was followed by their post match presentation where Gavin Duffy was nominated Man of the Match. Along with fine bait, a great bunch of lads and good facilities we thoroughly enjoyed our day away to Sedgefield, cheers lads!

This Wednesday 25/04 sees Shields take on Novos at Morpeth with a 19:30 KO, in the county cup final and then to finish off we face Richmondshire at home in the last match of the season this coming Saturday Saturday 29/04 with a 15:00 KO.

Coach Tom Rendles announced their will be one training session this week on Tuesday from 19:00, for some light run throughs before Wednesday’s huge game. Thursday will be used for a rest day before our final DN2 encounter. With Cup glory and 4th place up for grabs Shields look forward to an exciting final week of their season.

#NSRFC #UpTheShields