Back in November Brigade recorded a three point home victory over Seaham and the 'Friarage Faithful' were forced to wait until Saturday to witness a much deserved win over third placed Yarm. Key to success was a sustained forward effort and a total of thirty four points between the half-back pair of Arnell and Gorman. Brigade's inspirational skipper touched down four times with Phil Gorman clearing the posts six times.

Yarm also had two clever players at half-back who woulds test the Brigade defence throughout the game and initiate a dramatic late comeback when home victory seemed secure.

The game began in bright sunshine with Brigade facing a light chilly breeze from the sea and despite Yarm gaining most from the first exchanges, it was Gorman who opened the scoring with a penalty. Chris Corkin was forced to retire at this early stage with an ankle injury and Andy Egglestone made a welcome return after a period of absence due to work commitments. Yarm replied with an unconverted try before Brigade developed a series of forward offensives in the visitors half.

Good line-out work from Anthony Egglestone and keen support by Hilton, Evans and Groom took play close to the line and Davies was on hand to drive over for Gorman to convert. A second penalty extended Brigade's lead who were then forced to defend against a period of clever play by the Yarm backline. Two convererted tries gave the visitors a six point advantage before Brigade pushed play into the Yarm 22 and Arnell cut through a gap in the defence for the first of his four scores.

Half-time 18 – 19

Brigade took the first initiative with centre Dave Hetherington and winger Ryan Miles combining down the right flank with the latter held up just short. The forwards kept the momentum, giving Arnell the opportunity to drive through the tackle and over the line. Gorman converted as Brigade took a lead they would just hold on to.

Yarm's bonus point try brought them to within a single point but the concerted efforts of the Brigade pack and powerful runs by Gorman and Craggs kept play in the visitors 22. An incident of 'crossing' ruled out the score after Davies had driven over under the posts, but the period produced some of the best play of the afternoon. Arnell's two converted tries, taken in typical style, completed Brigade's score and earned a fifteen point advantage with six or seven minutes remaining.

Yarm, however, were to prove good reason why they held third place in the league and ran the ball at every opportunity. A tiring Brigade failed to cover the breaks and Yarm scored with minutes left. Brigade still held a ten point lead, but once again Yarm broke clear for the converted try under the posts which, to the great relief of a large crowd, marked the end of the game.

A competetive and entertaining game for both sets of players and supporters and a much needed boost for Brigade.

Next Saturday sees the visit of Northampton B.B.O.B. for the 21st Annual 'World Cup' now played since 2008 in memory of former player, captain and Club Chairman, Peter Kegans. It is hoped as many friends, former members and players will be able to join us at The Old Friarage and later at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.