Team
1 – I Scott
2 – C Watson
3 – M Thornton
4 – J Kier
5 – C Corkin (c)
6 – J McGrath
7 – J Bates
8 – B Harrington
9 – A Reay
10 – L Johnson
11 – B Wright
12 – A Ainsley
13 – L Wolfe
14 – T Craggs
15 – G Williams

Subs
16 – H Craggs
17 - H Hay
18 – A Davies
19 – O Bulley
20 – J Bell
21 – L Collins

Brigade welcomed unbeaten league leaders Peterlee & Horden to the Old Friarage after P&Hs pitch was unplayable due to recent weather conditions. On a glorious winter afternoon both sides played their part in a superb game of rugby.
Brigade got out of the blocks the fastest with the forwards getting stuck into the P&H pack. Brad Harrington was first to cross the line on 13 minutes. Following great carries from forwards Bates, Watson and Thornton play was up to the P&H line. Scott had a go from 5 yards and was held up inches short. A quick ruck allowed returning scrum half Reay to pick out Harrington and he barrelled over in typical fashion. Corkin added the conversion and it was 7 – 0.
P&H hit back in the 24th minute showing how dangerous their back division is. Great hands stretched the Brigade defence to the left then right but some excellent tackles knocked the attacks back time and again. Eventually P&H did find a gap and the centre was able to go through. With the conversion added it was 7 all.
A minute later Brigade where down to 14 men with centre Ainsley shown a yellow card for a over forceful handoff.
With the man advantage P&H looked to take advantage and a score seemed inevitable when the full back broke away from inside his on half in the 38th minute but an incredible chase back and tackle by Luke Wolfe thwarted the break away and we went into half time at 7 all.
P&H took the lead in somewhat controversial circumstances in the 45th minute. Great hands by the Brigade backs seemed to put Wolfe through a gap and in the clear on halfway. But just as he seemed likely to race away, he was brought down by what looked more like leg than arm. From the resulting fall the ball was lost forward and P&H were quick to regather and score themselves in the corner. The conversion was added impressively from the touchline and it was 7 – 14.
The P&H backs were now flying and they stretched their lead 50th minute. Again, Brigades defence was being tested but great tackles kept P&H at bay. The ref awarded a penalty and the P&H scrum half went quick to break the line and score. The conversion was added and it was 7 – 21.
Brigade showed immense character to get themselves back into the game almost immediately. With the kick off knocked on Brigade had an attacking scrum on the P&H 22. A great drive saw Andrew Davies pick and go from 8 and he made hard yards before being hauled down. Quick rucking allowed Thomas Craggs to pick out Brad Wright who drew two defenders before popping it to Harrington on the loop. Harrington barrelled over the winger and into the corner for his second try. Corkin’s touchline conversion was perfectly judged going over via the crossbar and it was 14 – 21.
Brigade levelled the game just 3 minutes later. Again, a great attacking scrum gave Brigade options. This time the ball was moved to Olly Bulley at 10 who almost got through the defensive line after a show and go. Quick rucking allowed Craggs to feed Davies and Chocky rolled back the years bouncing of several defenders on his way under the posts. Corkin added the conversion and it was 21 all.
At this point the game could have gone either way with both sides showing a level of commitment that can only be commended. But it was P&H who showed why they sit top of the league by adding 2 more tries. The first came after some great play by the P&H 10 who collected his own grubber kick before passing inside to his winger on the switch. The final score came from a quick tap penalty after Harrington was harshly punished when it looked like his turnover was good.
Overall this was a superb game of rugby and credit goes to P&H who agreed to forfeit home advantage to ensure the game could go ahead.
Brigade’s Cosmopolitan Hotel man of the match went to Jaydn Bates. The young back rower caught the eye with several immense carries and incredible work rate around the pitch. Enjoy your Sunday roast Jaydn.
Next week Brigade are at home to Seghill. And on a positive ending this was the first game in living memory where they have been no shouts of “SHOVEL” to clean up dog mess on the pitch. Perhaps the new fence is finally encouraging dog walkers to look elsewhere (and hopefully pick up their mess!!!)