Westoe 41 v Barnard Castle 5
Depleted Castle sign-off with a loss

Following the previous week’s superb win over Darlington in the cup semi-final it was a much-changed Barney who made the long trip to Westoe in the reverse of the opening day fixture, which had seen them run out comfortable winners, 35-17. A lengthy injury list was extended by one or two players with minor niggles being rested ahead of the forthcoming cup final. The changes enabled regular second teamers and players who haven’t had much game time this season to take to the field for the final league game of the season.

Westoe were out of the blocks quickly and pressured the Barney try-line from the off, but Barney’s defence held firm. After five minutes, however, Westoe opened the scoring catching Barney out with a quick tap penalty from 5 metres out. With the conversion successful Westoe had the early lead, 7-0.

Barney hit back and began to get into the game with James Peareth (Peareth Financial) and Harry Parker (The Fox and Hounds, Cotherstone) prominent with their strong carries. It was from a Peareth drive that Barney scored their first and only try of the day as scrum-half James Barber pounced on a loose ball close to the line to score the try. With the tricky conversion missed Castle trailed, 7-5.

Just as the half time whistle was about to sound Westoe extended their lead with a penalty to leave the score at 10-5 at the break. At this point Castle were very much in the game and still harboured hopes of victory.

However, the second half began badly for Barney as they lost a man to the sin-bin in the opening minutes of the half and then lost a succession of players to injury, a couple of whom were taken off as a precaution ahead of the cup final.

The ensuing disruption gave Westoe considerable confidence, and they began to exploit the gaps that were beginning to appear in the Barney defence. Westoe were able to run in 5 unanswered tries in an excellent second half performance that enabled them to sign-off the final league game of the season in style, running out winners 41-5.

A disappointing end to the league season therefore for Barney who ended the season 6th in the league table. Man of the match was young Harry Parker, who had a tremendous game in defence. The very young side have generally had a really good season, full of promise for the 2025/6 season ahead. They have put in some superb performances at times, most notably the recent victory over Darlington from the league above. In recent weeks, however, the lengthy injury list has had an impact, and they will be hoping that they have a better run of luck once the injured players return.

There are no games now until the cup final against Houghton on 26th April. Ordinarily the game would have been played at a neutral venue, but this year the Durham RFU decided that the venue would be determined by the toss of a coin, which went against Barney and therefore Houghton will have the benefit of home advantage. Details of the final will be posted on the club’s Facebook page, to enable spectators to travel and cheer the team on to hopefully pick up some well-deserved silverware.

Nick Raper