Acklam were demolished by Blaydon on the 5th January but today they pushed the hosts all the way. Acklam led comfortably with only 10 minutes to go but they managed to forget what they were trying to achieve and their game folded into disarray. However, the hosts were more experienced and they kept playing for the full minutes of the game. Acklam's excuse is that we only had 14 players and the big 4G pitch took its toll on Acklam's fitness in the latter stages of the game. Acklam had better individual players than their hosts but Blaydon were far more composed when they had the ball. This proves the point that rugby is a team game where you play for one another and whatever happens you keep together as a team.

When have you seen Dylan Solberg and Charlie Watson closed down when they are charging for the line to score a try, today this happened, which shows what good opposition Blaydon are. On several other occasions Acklam made decisive breaks only to be pulled up short of the line.

The negative part of our game was the sloppy passing, we rushed things when it needed a steadier influence, remember rugby is primarly a passing game, ball to hand. Rucking raised its ugly head again.....we did not compete in the last 10 minutes which allowed Blaydon time to set their moves up.

We started the game really well and Alex Blaydon finished off a well executed team try. An interception try by Blaydon put them in the lead , 7-5. In the 18th minute Acklam won their line out 40 metres out and with some good inter play Callum Smith scored, 7-10. Just before half time Regan Shute scored after some good play by Acklam, H.T. 7-15.

Poor start by Acklam from the kick off allowed Blaydon to score, 12-15. Excellent run from Callum Smith saw him score his second try, 12 - 20. The game was anyones at this stage but Blaydon finished the stronger and scored four tries in the last 10 minutes. F.T 36-20

We had 18 players training on Tuesday but only having 14 players for match day was too much for the lads. We need more players!