CONSETT 17 DURHAM CITY 25

City attacked from the kick-off and within three minutes went ahead, full-back Paul Armstrong running a Consett clearance kick back and good handling ending with winger Tim Slinger breaking a tackle to score in the corner.

By the 17th minute they’d added another two tries in quick succession. First, they ran from a ruck following a catch and driven lineout and fine handling and support play by the backs saw winger Darren Witte diving over in the other corner. Armstrong converted, and then flanker Richard Knowles intercepted on half-way and found plenty of support for replacement winger Nick Howe to score.

But Consett came more and more into the game as the half progressed and after a period of pressure in the City 22, when City broke out with a promising attack, a kick ahead was gathered by Consett full-back Drew Niest on his own 22 and he set off on a 75 metre run through the middle of the City ranks to score a fine individual try. Stand-off Nick Cook converted and by half-time, they were back in the game.

Two minutes after the re-start, this was well and truly confirmed when they attacked the short side from pressure near the |City line and centre Steven Marshall stretched out to score their third try. Cook converted and suddenly the City lead was down to 3 points.

But they re-asserted themselves 10 minutes later, as they went through the phases in the Consett 22 before Witte made ground and an inside pass ended with centre Arnie Stevenson scoring.

A penalty by Cook brought Consett within striking distance again at 17 – 22 with 10 minutes left, but an Armstrong penalty settled the issue just before the end to give City a hard-fought but deserved win overall.

Tomorrow, City entertain Novos at Hollow Drift (KO. 2.00pm)

CITY: Paul Armstrong (c); Darren Witte, Arnie Stevenson, Will Kirtley, Tim Slinger; Tom Hodgson, Will Paxton; Kenny Reader, Mike Hay, Benny Parkinson Alex Whitfield, Matthew Sayer, Richard Knowles, Tom Baty, Jeff Roberts.

Replacements : Colin Hogg, Tim Mackay, Nick Howe