The only surprise of the day was the weather because Barney was cold, wet and wind swept, however the Acklam players produced some rugby to warm the inner parts in what was awful conditions.

Acklam were against the wind but had the advantage of the slope in the first half. Barnard Castle kicked off with a long kink which pinned Acklam near to their try line, but they confidently moved the ball from left to right which allowed Josh Abraham to run in a magnificent 80 metre try. The restart saw Acklam knock the ball on near to their line which the hosts took advantage, 5-7. In the 17th minute Acklam won their scrum at the half way line and the ball was moved along the back line for Abo to score his second try, 5-14. In the 26th minute Acklam won their put in on their 22 metre line and a decisive break by Abo was well supported as the ball was quickly switched to the opposite wing which full back Nathan Faint finished with a delightful try, 5-19. The bonus point try came in the 35th minute when Alex Faint scored after some volley ball style rugby, H.T. 5-24.

Acklam started poorly in the second half with the kick off not going 10 metres which put pressure on the defence near their try line which resulted in a yellow card and a try for the host team, 10-24. In the 55th minute Acklam took a quick penalty which BoBo scored his captain’s try, 10-31. Barnard Castle never give up and they were well rewarded with a late try, F.T. 15-31.

Acklam produced some skilful rugby but the conditions favoured the direct approach by the hosts, however Acklam’s defence was very strong throughout the game. Andrew Dunn and Tom Lanrick had very good games in the back row alongside Paddy O’Brien.